A walk to Mehrauli and Zafar Mahal

Itinerary
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Stop At: Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Mehrauli on Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, New Delhi 110002 India

Delhi is a rich blend of the past and present, in the magnificent monuments and the vast modernization from being the capital city of India. Tours and vacations to this city, with random visits to different fortifications and walks to markets, may leave the tourists feeling a tad bit dissatisfied. But some right guidance and a storyline might do the job and make you fall in love with the city. What better way to do so, than with one of Delhi’s best historians?

This experience takes you through the Southwest district of Delhi - Mehrauli. Hauz-e-Shamsi, Jahaz Mahal, Jharna and Zafar Mahal are some of the sites that you will get acquainted with during this 3-hour trail.

The trail starts early at 8 am in the morning at the Hauz-e-Shamsi, a water tank reservoir built by Iltutmish, the ruler of the Slave Dynasty following the instructions of Islamic Prophet Mohammed who is said to have appeared in his dream. It is rumoured that the hoofprint of Mohammed's horse was found in the location, on the spot which a pavilion honours the story today.

Towards the eastern side of the tank lies a magnificent palace, whose reflection in the surrounding reservoir resembles a ship that led to it being named as the 'Ship Palace' or Jahaz Mahal. The Jharna or water structure that guides the water's flow from Hauz-e-Shamsi near the Jahaz Mahal to Jamuna, was once a popular Mughal retreat and the highlight of the three-day festival - the Phoolon Walon ki Sair or the procession of florists. This structure was consistently renovated by different rulers like Muhammed Bin Tughlaq and Akbar Shah the Second over from the 14th century to the 19th century.

The tour comes to an end at the last piece of monument built during the fading years of the Mughal era, the summer retreat of Zafar Mahal. This was the site of the Phoolon Walon ki Sair and it lies right next to the shrine of Qutub-ud-din Bhakteyaar Kaaki - the patron saint of Delhi and the namesake of Qutub Minar. It holds a piece of forlorn history that will touch your heart as you walk around the premises. The stories and myths that seem to follow the monuments are a part of the city's charisma. Knowing more about it connects you to the city better.

Duration: 3 minutes