Walk through History
>> Mehrauli
No, Mehrauli is not just about visiting Qutab Minar. Next time you plan to spend a day at the minaret, make sure you take along your exploring spirit, walking shoes and a camera, for there are plenty of hidden gems peppered across Mehrauli. Dotted with ruins dating back to thousands of years, the Mehrauli Archaeological Park is spread across a vast area of the walled city of Delhi. The only known area in the city that has seen constant occupation for over 1,000 years, the park holds in its porous boundaries 100 architecturally and historically significant monuments. Though the insensitive encroachment by modern- day Delhi has shrunken the area and grandeur that these monuments once enjoyed, they are still unique reminders of the many dynasties that ruled this ancient city. Apart from notable structures like Balban’s Tomb, Rajaon Ki Baoli and Jamali Kamali Mosque, a walk down ( and sometimes uphill) in the narrow lanes of Mehrauli reveals many more hidden but neglected gems. The audacity of the inhabitants of this city is such that many structures lie right in the middle of the residential complex, many have turned into garbage dumps, and it has become a favourite haunt of pigs and cows. Some of these structures include Gandhak Ki Baoli, a stepwell, Jahaz Mahal, whose reflection looks like a ship when it falls on the reservoir Hauz- i- Shamsi, and the tomb of Adham Khan, popularly known as Bhulbhulaiyan because it is said a whole group of people could get lost inside its corridors, which sounds like a fictitious tale now. Women should avoid going alone as most of these structures remain deserted even in broad daylight. AT Adjacent to the Qutb complex
ENTRY Mehrauli Archaeological Park Rs 10 (Indians), Rs 350 (foreigners); no entry fee for Gandhak Ki Baoli, Jahaz Mahal and Bhulbhulaiyan