History of Lodhi Garden
The landscape of Lodhi Garden first came to be when the tomb of Sayyid Dynasty's second ruler Mohammad Shah was built here in 1414 by Ala - ud - din Alam. Similar to this construction., the tomb of Sikander Lodhi was built here by his son Ibrahim Lodhi in the year 1517. Ibrahim Lodhi was, in fact, the last ruler of the Lodhi dynasty and was overthrown by the Mughal ruler Babur in the Battle of Panipat. Under the Mughal, the garden area went under major renovations in accordance with the purpose deemed fit by the rulers. Akbar, the third Mughal emperor, used the garden as an observatory and to keep records as well.
Britishers too grasped the importance of this heritage site, and renovations were regularly carried out here under the British Raj. The wife of Governor-General of India, Marquess of Willingdon, landscaped these gardens and the garden was eventually named 'Lady Willingdon Park' upon its inauguration on 9 April 1936. Later on after India's independence, it came to be known as Lodhi Garden.
Architecture of Lodhi Garden
The architecture of Lodhi Garden is a sublime amalgam of natural and manmade beauty. In the gardens' midst lies the Bara Gumbad, which is a large rubble dome. Incidentally, the Bara Gumbad is not a tomb but a passage to an adjoining three domed mosque, both of which were built in 1494 during the rule of Sikander Lodi. Opposite the Bara Gumbad is the Glass Dome, which is called so owing to the glazed tiles used in its construction. The ceiling here contains plaster work with inscriptions from Quran and is a humble representation of both Hindu and Islamic architecture. Interestingly, the Glass Dome contains the remains of an unknown family. This was also constructed at the time of Sikander Lodi.
Once inside the Gardens, one may see remains of a watercourse which connects the Yamuna River to the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi. This tomb houses the remains of the battlements within it even today. An Eight Pier Bridge close to Sikander's tomb, one of the last Delhi constructions resides here as well. Built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, this construction has seven mighty arches amongst which the central one is the largest.
One of the oldest tomb here is that of Mohammad Shah who was the last ruler of the Sayyid Dynasty. This cenotaph here was built in the year 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah as a tribute to the leader. The construction of his tomb is a combination of Hindu - style symbolism and Islamic ornamentation. The main complex of the tomb is octagonal and has a central dome embellished with arches, verandahs and ancient fortification structures. Sikander Lodhi's tomb is made in the image of Shah's tomb and is an important example of its kind of architecture.
Things to do at Lodhi Garden
Lodhi garden is a famous picnic spot in Delhi. Students from colleges visit the place to spend their leisure hours, families visit when the weather is pleasant and also people come to get themselves fit by way of exercising. It is also a part of Heritage Walk for school students. Teachers bring the students to add on some great things to their historical knowledge.
Best time to visit Lodhi Garden
Evening hours and the months of October - March are the best time to visit this destination.
How to Reach Lodhi Garden
Jor Bagh Metro StationandJLN Metro Stationon Violet Lineare the nearest to Lodhi Garden. Alternatively, you can also travel by buses or taxis to reach this destination.
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Where to Stay
Hotels near this destination include The Lodhi, Vivanta by Taj, On The Waterfront, The Claridges and Taj Mahal Hotel among the others.
Best Restaurants Nearby
The ara surrounding Lodhi Garden has some amazing places to eat. Some of these include Karim's, Garden Chef, Lodi - The Garden Restaurant, Tikka Town and Granma's Homemade.
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