Some memories from school, good or bad, are there to stay. I have one such memory, an encounter with my History teacher during an oral test.
Teacher: When was the First Battle of Panipat fought?
Me: 1526
Teacher: Fought between whom?
Me: ………..
Teacher: Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. Keep standing till the end of the class.
Me: <Embarrassed>
Thanks to the 45 minutes of standing and smirks from fellow classmates, I never could forget the answer!
My Delhi Day Out Backlog
When I came to Delhi, I prepared a backlog of the popular places to visit. The first thing to go on the list was Lodi Gardens, thanks to my ever vivid memory featuring Ibrahim Lodi and my history teacher. Here is my first “Delhi Day Out” post talking about my experience at the Lodi Gardens with tit-bits of history thrown now and then. Hope you enjoy!
The Lodi Gardens – An Introduction
Right at the confluence of Old and New Delhi, perched cozily is a popular greenscape, The Lodi Gardens. Spanning across a whopping 90 acres, The Lodi Garden Complex reeks of rich history. It was built during the British era around monuments from 3 different timelines and dynasties namely the Sayyid, Lodi and Mughal dynasties.
The Magnificent Monuments of Lodi Gardens
The ancient structures in The Lodi Garden complex, constructed during 14th – 16th century, are of national importance, and protected by Archaeological Survey of India. Here is a list of notable structures in the premises:
- Sheesh Gumbad
- Athpula
- Bada Gumbad complex
- Tomb of Sikander Lodi
- Tomb of Muhammed Shah Sayyid
Did you Know??!!
The British had initially named the Lodi Garden Complex as Lady Willingdon Park. Only in 1968, it was renamed to it’s current name.
Sheesh Gumbad – The Glass Dome
The Sheesh Gumbad or the “Glass Dome” is home to several graves from the Lodi Dynasty. It was once beautifully ornamented with blue color-glazed tiles. Over the years, the color-glazed tiles have lost their sheen. Now, one can only see the bare, peeling tiles.
Athpula – The Eight Piered Bridge
The Athpula or “Eight Piered” bridge is present just at the main entrance of Lodi gardens. This was built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar across a tributary of River Yamuna. Now, a man made lake stands below the bridge. The lake is home to wild ducks and geese. People can be seen feeding these birds.
Bada Gumbad Complex
The center of attraction in the Lodi Gardens is the Bada Gumbad complex constructed during the reign of Sikander Lodi. The Bada Gumbad complex comprises the below structures:
i. Bada Gumbad or The Big Dome (Center)
ii. Three Domed Mosque (Right)
iii. Arched pavilion known as Mehmaan Khana (Left)
Did you Know??!!
Nothing comes for free but the Lodi Gardens experience does. Yes, you read it right! There is no entry fee for something so valuable.
7 Things To Do at Lodi Gardens
The Lodi Garden complex is ginormous. People come over to enjoy, destress, explore and do myriads of other activities. Here is a list of 7 things to do at Lodi Gardens for you to plan your day out!
1# Monument hopping
The beautiful monuments are as magnificent as mesmerizing. The ancient structures give a good glimpse of India’s rich cultural heritage.
2# Bird Watching
3# Dog Walks.
4# Picnic
5# Photoshoots – pre-wedding, short films etc.
Owing to the multitude of scenic spots here, The Lodi Gardens is a favorite spot for short films, pre-wedding or maternity photoshoots.
6# Exercise
7# Team Building Activities
Sometime corporates also host team building activities here. I saw a group of people having the Secret Santa event here.
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