Lodhi Gardens

The Basics

Lodhi Gardens (also spelled Lodi Gardens) is one of the best-maintained parks in Delhi, with lots of benches and plenty of green space for spreading out picnic blankets. For many visitors, the biggest draw is the park’s four beautifully maintained domed tombs, including the mausoleums of Mohammed Shah (which dates to 1444) and Sikander Lodhi, and the 15th-century Bara Gumbad tomb. The gardens are also popular with runners, as the grounds are laced with meandering trails.

While the Archaeological Society of India has provided signboards with details about the tombs, the park is best explored with a guide. Many Delhi sightseeing and heritage tours visit the park, walking tours offer in-depth details about the gardens’ history, and yoga and meditation tours give an energetic boost to your morning.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lodhi Gardens is ideal for picnickers, joggers, and anyone seeking a green oasis within the crowded city.

• Bring comfortable footwear for exploring the tombs, as the stairs leading up to them can be uneven.

• There are usually plenty of vendors selling chips, ice cream, and bottled water in the park. Other services include well-maintained public toilets.

• Lodhi Gardens is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers, though some tombs are not due to stairs.

How to Get There

The gardens’ main entrance is on Lodhi Road, about a 15-minute walk from Khan Market, and a 5- to 10-minute walk east of Sri Aurobindo Marg and Safdarjung’s Tomb (which is often visited on tours in conjunction with the garden). The nearest metro station is Jorbagh, a 12-minute walk away, which connects to Central Delhi’s Rajiv Chowk (Connaught Place) on the Yellow Line. Parking is limited here, so it’s best to ride public transport, take a taxi, or visit with a tour.

When to Get There

Like all outdoor attractions in New Delhi, it’s best to visit Lodhi Gardens during winter and avoid the hottest months of the year (May and June). It can get muggy and muddy here during the rainy season (July and August). If you come to jog, come at sunrise or sunset when the temperatures are more manageable; just note that you’ll likely be sharing the paths with plenty of local runners.

The Birds of Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens is home to a huge variety of avian species. A signboard at the park’s southern entrance details the birds you might see, including green parakeets, woodpeckers, swifts, common hawks, pigeons, and bulbuls. If you're lucky, you may also spot species such as the white-breasted kingfisher or even the Indian grey hornbill, named for their strikingly bulbous beaks.