The Lodhi’s were an Afghan dynasty that ruled parts of northern and western India along with some parts of Pakistan from 1451 to 1526. They constructed the Lodi Gardens in Delhi during the 15th century as the burial ground for the rulers. Thus the garden which spreads over 90 acres contains Sikander Lodi and Mohammed Shah's tombs, the Bura and the Sheesh Gumbad apart from other architectural works of the period. The site is now under the surveillance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The following write up contains the gist of all the information regarding The Lodi Gardens, Delhi.

History

Although built by the Lodi's, the garden has undergone many renovations under the Mughals and the British and the Government of India.

During Akbar's rule it was used as an observatory and a library. During British Raj, it was landscaped in 1936 by the wife of the then Governor General of India, Marquess of Willingdon. The garden was then known as the 'Lady Willingdon Park'. In 1947, post Independence, it was given its current name, the Lodi Gardens.

In 1986 it was once more redesigned by J. A. Stein, who also made a glasshouse within the park.
From 2005, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the INTACH has taken up the curatorship of the garden on collaboration.

Architecture

Mohammed Shah was the last ruler of the Sayyid dynasty. His tomb is the first one to be built in the garden. It is believed to be around 1444 and is supposedly constructed under the decree of the then ruler Ala-ud-din Alam Shah as a symbol of reverence to the late emperor. This tomb bear witness to the scanty reminiscences of the architecture of the period under concern and hence is of supreme value. Accordingly it is being preserved with best possible measures.

The prominent lineaments of the architecture are the octagonal chamber, the guldastas at the corners and the stone chhajjas on the roof

The other tomb that of Sikander Lodi is similar to Mohammed Shah's. It was built in 1517 by his son Ibrahim Lodi much before he was defeated by Babur in the First battle of Panipat in 1526. The tomb was renovated by the British in 1866.
Its main features include Plain rectangular construction on an elevated platform, flight of steps approaching the entrance to the elevated structure and the fact that it is devoid of any chhatris unlike that of Mohammad Shah's tomb.

Best Time to Visit

The garden remains open all the seven days of the week from 6:00 AM in the morning to 7:00 PM in the evening.
 The best time to visit this garden is during the morning and you can also visit during the evenings if you are planning to visit in summers or springs.

You can visit this garden at any time if you are planning a trip in winter.

How to Reach?

By Delhi Metro

Khan Market (violet line) and Jor Bagh (yellow lines) are the nearest metro stations located near this south Delhi garden.

By DTC bus

Ample numbers of DTC buses are available those connect Lodhi Gardens and rest of the city.

Nearest Railway station from Lodhi Gardens

The New Delhi Train Station Junction is the nearest one located only 5 km away.

Nearest Airport from Lodhi Gardens

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport located 11 km away.