One of the oldest inhabited places in the subcontinent, Mehrauli is rich in historical ruins, tombs and other monuments from many eras of Delhi’s past —from the pre-Islamic to the late Mughal and colonial period. This trail will take you through a thrilling journey accompanied by an exciting session of storytelling around the history and myths of one of Delhi’s oldest cities.
This walking tour explores parts of Mehrauli hidden from the crowds at Qutub Minar, walking through the history of almost a thousand years. Your guide is an exceptional storyteller and historian and has been covered in respected international publications and news channels.
Details
- ● Starting Point: Rose Garden
- The walk begins with a scenic view of Qutub Minar in the background and an expansive field of blooming roses from the Archaeological Park’s Rose Garden in the foreground. A short ice-breaking session is followed up with an overview by the walk leader to the tour audience and introduces them to the basic historical context of the area.
- ● Dilkusha/Quli Khan’s tomb: A perfect example of transitional functionalities of historical structures across centuries, this 16th-century Mughal tomb of Quli Khan, the son of Akbar’s foster mother Maham Anga was used as a summer residence by Thomas Metcalfe.
- ● Metcalfe Pool house: Located a short walk from the Dilkusha, the park consists of one of the oldest swimming pools in the city. Overlooking the Qutub Minar, the pool house was a spot to hang out and relax for Metcalfe and his friends. This pool house also consists of an outline of an old fireplace, and the rooftop of this structure is accessible and serves as a good vantage point overlooking the old city of Mehrauli.
- ● Metcalfe’s Boathouse and Dovecote: Located right in front of the Dilkusha, Metcalfe’s Boathouse and Dovecote is the earliest example of English officers adapting and learning the lifestyle and customs of the subcontinent, including the practice of rearing pigeons and learning the sport of kabootarbaazi. This structure was also used as the boathouse, and remnants of a small lake can be seen even today.
- ● Jamali Kamali: Popularly known for the hauntings that have been reported, the Jamali Kamali complex consists of the earliest Mughal tomb in Delhi.
- ● Rajon Ki Baoli: The oldest and one of the finest step wells of Delhi, Rajon ki Baoli was made in 1506 during the Lodi era. It is also called the ‘Rajon-ki-bain'. It is not clear who built it, but it is believed that Daulat Khan made it.
- ● Zafar Mahal: This summer palace is one of the last surviving Mughal structures in the city, currently lying in a debilitating condition due to neglect and encroachment. The palace was built here in the honour and presence of Hazrat Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki's Dargah. B
- ● Qutbuddin Kaki Dargah: The oldest dargah in Delhi of, Qutubuddin Kaki is the epicentre of early Sufism and spiritual reverence in Delhi.
Good to know
- Min.3 , Max.12
- Transport is not included in the price.
- Price does not include the tickets for the ticketed monuments.
- Kids above the age of 10 can accompany at 50% of the full price.
- 48 hours prior notice required.
- Instructions by the expert to be followed at all times.
- Meeting point - Rose Garden
What's included
What it's worth
Where it is
Phone : 9709249795Address : Mehrauli Archaeological Park Jamali Kamali, Christian Colony, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi, India