A Walking tour of Mehrauli : The 7 treasures I found in this old town in Delhi

Mehrauli is a small town situated at approximately 12 Km from Delhi. A quaint town in comparison to other bustling towns in the capital, Mehrauli's specialty lies in its hidden marvels. It has been interspersed with a number of historically significant buildings that seemed to have blended beautifully with the present day. Read along for a virtual journey through this beautiful town which is also the place I would like to call my home in Delhi.

Qutub complex

     Comprising of several epic structures, the qutub complex is an ultimate treat to eyes. The main attraction though, is the Qutub Minar which is the tallest brick minaret in the world. The adjoining Alai Darwaza is breathtaking in terms of its architecture. Built in Turkish architectural style, the intricate detailing and the scriptures along with the overall design is quite impressive. Apart from these, the famous Iron pillar of 402 CE also leaves you surprised at the sheer skill of our artists at time of little technological development. The fact that it has been facing the alternating cycle of extreme cold and heat for the last couple of millennia makes you question the so-called advancement.

Alai Darwaza beside Qutub Minar

Quwwat-ul-Islam (or Might of Islam) mosque from 1193 CE

There is art everywhere near Qutub

The ornate carvings of Qutub Minar

Tomb of Iltutmish

     Sanjay vann

      A place I'd like to call the lungs of South Delhi, this was the most surprising yet beautiful treasure I found in Mehrauli. This protected reserve forest will take you to wilderness vibes and you'll be amazed at how such a peaceful place could exist amidst all the chaos. This place has it all -wild animals, birds, thick overgrowth, wild flowers, and ghosts too. You can find the remains of the lost episodes of time in the form of dilapidated resting places, tombs, derelict wells, and fort walls entirely taken over by shrubs. Overall, it is my favorite place in the whole of Delhi and a must-visit on your tour of Delhi.

Mornings don't get better than this!

First light peeking in to the forest floor of Sanjay Vann

Solitary benches, sunshine, and wilderness.

The perfect getaway in the capital city

Dew drops...

    Rajaon ki baoli

Yet another place that has been engulfed in a different timeline, this is also a medieval architectural marvel. It is a  pond that has four or five levels within it. They built this reservoir to maintain a healthy water supply throughout the year, taking into account the acute water scarcity of the Delhi summers. There are other monuments like a small mosque beside it and an adjoining construction for people to rest. Overall, a place that truly takes you on a journey to the glorious past.

Illusions...

From inside the Baoli

Old Mosque beside the Baoli

A tomb near Rajon Ki Baoli

The Mehrauli market and Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki dargah

A temple in the middle of Mehrauli market

The Mehrauli market is a chaotic fusion of the old and the new. The place is an explosion of colors, textures, and delicacies. Traders and buyers from all generations compete for their share of sales in the narrow streets of the market. Small scale sellers occupy every inch of the street. Textile shops adorn the flanks while age old spice shops excite all your senses. You will have to navigate through a sea of all kinds of vehicles - from tractors and trucks to the hand-pulled carriers. It is as chaotic as it gets but its a visual treat. Make sure you stop at the sweet shops to taste the Ras Malai and gulab jamuns. 

The market is lined by buildings from a forgotten time

The usual business

You can also find the Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki Dargah amidst the chaotic streets of Mehrauli. 

A scene from a souvenir shop inside the Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki Dargah

Some streets near the Dargah will make you feel like you are in some Islamic country

Bhool bhulaiyya

This is the Tomb of Adam Khan who was a general in Akbar's army. The place is occupied by the new generation, using it for all kinds of activities. The old gather around in circles and play cards. The youngsters come to sit in peace and have a smoke. Over the years, it has become the home for the homeless and  animals.

Bhool Bhulaiyya( it means maze)

 

Interior of Bhool Bhulaiyya

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Qutub Minar seen in the distance from Bhool Bhulaiyya

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Jamali kamali

Th Jamai Kamali Mosque

Located in Lado Sarai, this medeival mosque is a delightful place to visit. It is perched amidst beautifully maintained lawns dotted by medieval structures. The place also has a story that it is haunted by jinns. The structure of the mosque is indeed spooky, with the engravings and adornments consumed by fungal growth over the years. It has a small pond in the courtyard in front with a couple of beautiful trees for shade. Walking inside the mosque will definitely walk you back in time..

    Baba banda singh shaheedi asthan

One of the most sacred locations in the Mehrauli region is the Gurudwara known as Baba Banda Singh Shaheedi Asthan. This place has a crucial place in the Sikh history. Baba Banda singh, one of the most courageous warriors of the sikh fraternity was hung to death by the cruel Mughals. The Gurudwara stands as a symbol of respect for the countless battles and sacrifices that he made for the common people. The 300-year old gateway, where he was hung, still stands tall. The gurudwara and its serene atmosphere is not to be missed on your tour of Mehrauli.

Baba Banda Singh Shaheedi Asthan Gurudwara can be seen on the left. The old gateway on which Baba Banda Singh was hung till death in 1716 could be seen standing to the right.