Discover the beautiful heritages of Delhi on the best walking tour of Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Walking Through Time in Delhi: Explore Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Mehrauli with tour packages from Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, and anywhere else in the world

Jamali Kamali Mosque

If you’re someone who enjoys the charm of heritage walks, Mehrauli Archaeological Park is a destination you cannot afford to miss. Exploring it is a journey into Delhi’s soul. From ancient stepwells and Mughal tombs to vibrant village life, this area offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. In the heart of Delhi, this sprawling 200-acre expanse offers a glimpse into over a thousand years of history.

Pair this with a visit to the nearby Mehrauli area, and you’ll find yourself embarking on a journey through time.

Here’s your ultimate guide to a walking tour of Mehrauli Archaeological Park.

Why a walking tour of Mehrauli Archaeological Park?

Mehrauli Archaeological Park is one of Delhi’s most significant historical sites, boasting monuments and relics from the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, and British colonial era. With over 100 monuments scattered across its verdant landscape, the park promises a treasure trove of architectural wonders, historical tales, and serene landscapes. For visitors keen on unearthing Delhi’s history, a walking tour here is the perfect way to connect with the city’s past.

The Perfect Walking Tour Itinerary

Begin your journey at the park’s main entrance. It is always best to have a knowledgeable guide to enrich your experience on this walking tour. The guide will narrate intricate stories behind the monuments, and will put the history of India in right perspective.

Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb

Tomb of Balban (behind) and of his son Prince Muhammad, who died fighting against the Mongols

Your first stop should be the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb. The name “Jamali” refers to Sheikh Fazlullah, a Sufi saint and poet during the reign of the Lodhi dynasty and later the Mughal emperor Babur. Jamali was a prominent figure in Delhi’s Sufi culture and is remembered for his spiritual teachings and poetry. Babar ordered its construction in 1528, but Humayun completed it. The mosque’s intricate plasterwork and tile patterns are a testament to Indo-Islamic architecture.

Tomb of Jamali and Kamali are adjacent to the mosque and is an exquisite example of Mughal tomb architecture. The interiors of the tomb has vibrant tile work, painted ceilings, and verses of Jamali’s poetry inscribed on the walls.

Balban’s Tomb

A short walk away from this mosque lies the ruins of Balban’s Tomb, which dates back to the 13th century. Ghiyas ud din Balban was a Slave Dynasty ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He introduced Persian culture to India. This site is historically significant as it is probably the first true arch constructed in India. Close to the tomb of Balban is the tomb of his son Prince Muhammad, who had died fighting the Mongols.

Metcalfe Boat House

A short walk from Balban’s Tomb lies Metcalfe Boat House. Sir Thomas Metcalfe, the British Resident at the Mughal court during the mid-19th century, built this. Speculations are that this was originally an insignificant tomb from Lodi era. Metcalfe modified it to develop this charming structure. It offered picturesque views and reflected Metcalfe’s passion for creating retreats inspired by Mughal architecture.

The structure stands as an example of 19th-century British adaptations in India. It was part of Metcalfe’s larger estate known as “Dilkhusha,” or “Heart’s Delight.”

Quli Khan’s Tomb

Metcalfe Boat House with Quli Khan Tomb in the background

Quli Khan’s Tomb, another striking monument, offers panoramic views of the park and the nearby Qutub Minar. The tomb belongs to Quli Khan, a Mughal noble, and brother of Adham Khan. It is a beautiful, lesser-known Mughal structure with intricate carvings and designs typical of the period.

Connection with Metcalfe: Metcalfe converted Quli Khan’s tomb into a summer retreat, making it part of his grand estate. He made alterations to the structure, including adding gardens and pathways around it. Local legacies believe that Metcalfe placed a billiards table in the main tomb area.

Metcalfe’s Folly

Metcalfe Folly

Continue your walk to Metcalfe’s Folly, a charming structure built by Thomas Metcalfe, a British civil servant. Metcalfe Folly was created as decorative building to serve as a recreational structure. It mimicked the ruins of medieval Delhi, adding charm to the landscape and offering a romanticized view of India’s past.

Purpose: The folly was used mainly for leisure. It was an elevated vantage point to enjoy views of the Qutub Complex and surrounding gardens.

Metcalfe Guest House

Nearby is Metcalfe Guest House. Metcalfe built it for visitors to enjoy the serene surroundings of his estate. It provided a glimpse into the lifestyle of colonial administrators and their attempts to harmonize British living with local influences. This structure, along with the other buildings in the estate, showcases the colonial fascination with Indian heritage and the Mughal legacy.

Rajaon Ki Baoli

Rajaon ki Baoli – a Stepwell from Lodi era

Next, head to Rajaon Ki Baoli, a stepwell that once provided water to the area. Its symmetrical design, with niche arches, is a marvel of engineering. This serene spot is ideal for photography or simply taking a break amidst history.

Daulat Khan, a noble in the court of the Lodi dynasty during the 1506–1516 CE period, built it. The name “Rajaon” comes from the word “Raj,” meaning “masons” in Hindi, as they used this primarily during the Lodi period. The baoli is a three-tier rectangular stepwell, designed to collect and conserve water in arid conditions. Tiers have symmetrical arches, domed pavilions, and carved walls. The structure has a mix of red sandstone and rubble masonry, showcasing both strength and elegance.

Steps lead down to the water tank, which would fill during the monsoon season.

Exploring the Mehrauli Neighborhood

After traversing the park, head into the bustling Mehrauli village. This is one of Delhi’s oldest continuously inhabited areas. Mehrauli offers a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity, where ancient structures coexist with a lively urban village atmosphere.

Places to see in Mehrauli:

Dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki: The dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, a revered Sufi saint, is a spiritual hub attracting devotees from all walks of life. The serene ambiance and rhythmic qawwalis (Sufi devotional songs) create a deeply moving experience.

Zafar Mahal: Adjacent to the dargah is Zafar Mahal, the last monumental structure built by the Mughals. Its crumbling beauty tells stories of the empire’s fading glory and the British takeover of India.

Mehrauli Market: Before concluding your tour, explore the Mehrauli Market, where you can shop for handicrafts, traditional garments, and local delicacies. The market also houses hidden gems like old havelis and temples.

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