Rajon ki Baoli, in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in South Delhi district, Delhi, is a Lodi-era stepwell that reopened to the public in May 2025 after a multi-year conservation project. It is one of three well-known Delhi baolis (stepwells) and the easiest to pair with a Qutub Minar visit, so this guide covers how to reach it, what to see, and how to plan a half-day around it.
Rajon ki Baoli is a 16th-century stepwell set in Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park, commissioned in 1506 CE during the Lodi dynasty. It descends 13.4 metres through tiered, arched galleries and reopened to visitors in May 2025 after conservation by the Archaeological Survey of India and the World Monuments Fund India.
Key takeaways
- Rajon ki Baoli sits inside Mehrauli Archaeological Park, South Delhi, near the Qutub Minar; the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) lists it as a Monument of National Importance (ref. N-DL-152).
- According to ASI records, it was commissioned in 1506 CE by Daulat Khan Lodi, an administrator under the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate.
- A Ministry of Culture statement cited in May 2025 press says the baoli covers 1,610 square metres and descends to 13.4 metres, with a main tank measuring about 23 by 10 metres at its base.
- It reopened to the public in May 2025 after conservation by the ASI with the World Monuments Fund India, funded by the TCS Foundation.
- The nearest Metro is Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line, roughly 1 km away; the park and the baoli are reported as free to enter.
- October to March is the comfortable season to walk the park; avoid the harsh Delhi summer afternoons from April to June.
About Rajon ki Baoli and quick facts
Rajon ki Baoli is a stepwell in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, in the Jamali Kamali area of South Delhi district. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects it as a Monument of National Importance, listing it formally as “Rajon-ki-Bain with Mosque and Chhatri” (reference N-DL-152).
A baoli, or stepwell, is a well reached by a long flight of steps, built so people could walk down to the water as the level rose and fell through the year. Rajon ki Baoli was designed to store water and to give travellers shade and rest, not as a palace or tomb.
According to ASI records, Daulat Khan Lodi, an administrator of the Lodi dynasty, commissioned the stepwell in 1506 CE. A Ministry of Culture statement reported by the Press Trust of India in May 2025 describes it as covering 1,610 square metres and descending 13.4 metres, with the main tank about 23 by 10 metres at its base. The enclosure also holds a small mosque and a chhatri (a domed, pillared pavilion typical of the period).
| Location | Mehrauli Archaeological Park, South Delhi district, Delhi |
|---|---|
| ASI listing | Rajon-ki-Bain with Mosque and Chhatri, ref. N-DL-152 |
| Commissioned | 1506 CE, Lodi dynasty (by Daulat Khan Lodi, per ASI) |
| Depth / area | 13.4 m deep; 1,610 sq m (Ministry of Culture, 2025) |
| Reopened | May 2025, after ASI and World Monuments Fund India conservation |
| Nearest Metro | Qutub Minar (Yellow Line), about 1 km |
| Entry | Reported free; reconfirm with the ASI |
What the name means and how it differs from other Delhi baolis
The name “Rajon ki Baoli” means the baoli of the masons, not of royalty. According to ASI-cited accounts, it comes from the “rajbirs” or “mistris” (masons), because masons settled in the area and used the stepwell in the early 20th century. The word is not connected to “raja” (king).
Delhi has several stepwells, and it helps to tell them apart on a map before you go:
- Rajon ki Baoli sits inside Mehrauli Archaeological Park, near the Qutub Minar in South Delhi. It is the Lodi-era well with the mosque and chhatri.
- Gandhak ki Baoli is also in Mehrauli, a short walk away near Adham Khan’s tomb. It is older, generally dated to the 13th century, and takes its name from “gandhak” (sulphur) in its water.
- Agrasen ki Baoli is a different monument altogether, on Hailey Road near Connaught Place in central Delhi, roughly 15 km north. Do not confuse it with the Mehrauli wells.
If you only have time for one in Mehrauli, Rajon ki Baoli is the restored, most presentable of the two, and it lies within easy walking reach of Gandhak ki Baoli and the Qutub complex.
Best time to visit Rajon ki Baoli
The best months to visit Rajon ki Baoli are October to March, when Delhi’s weather is cool enough to walk the open park comfortably. The baoli is largely unshaded at ground level, so summer afternoons are harsh and the monsoon can leave paths slippery.
These are general Delhi seasonal patterns rather than site-specific data; check a live forecast before you set out.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Nov–Feb | Cool, pleasant days; occasional morning fog. Best for walking the park. Carry a layer for mornings. |
| Spring | Mar | Warm and comfortable; good light for photography before midday heat builds. |
| Summer | Apr–Jun | Very hot and dry. Visit early morning only; carry water and sun protection. |
| Monsoon | Jul–Sep | Humid with spells of rain; greenery returns but steps and stone can be slippery. |
Early morning on a weekday is the quietest time, with softer light falling into the galleries and fewer visitors on the narrow steps.
How to reach Rajon ki Baoli
The easiest way to reach Rajon ki Baoli is by Delhi Metro to Qutub Minar station on the Yellow Line, then a short auto-rickshaw ride or walk to the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. The park adjoins the Qutub complex, so most Qutub Minar directions apply.
By air, Indira Gandhi International Airport is the city’s gateway; Terminal 3 connects to the Metro’s Airport Express (Orange Line), from which you change for the Yellow Line. By rail, New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin are the main long-distance stations, both linked to the Metro network. Within the city, the Metro is the simplest option for most visitors.
| From | Approx. distance | How |
|---|---|---|
| Qutub Minar Metro (Yellow Line) | About 1 km | Short auto-rickshaw ride or walk to the park gate |
| Saket Metro (Yellow Line) | About 3–4 km | Auto or app-cab; alternative station |
| Connaught Place (central Delhi) | About 15 km | Metro (Yellow Line) or app-cab |
| IGI Airport Terminal 3 | About 14–16 km | App-cab, or Metro with a change |
Distances are indicative planning estimates; actual road distance and time vary with traffic and the entrance you use. The last stretch to the park is usually covered by auto-rickshaw or app-cab.
Things to see in and around the baoli
At Rajon ki Baoli itself, the draw is the architecture: a stepped descent to the water tank, flanked by arched colonnades and verandahs, with twelve-pillared arcades along the sides. May 2025 press reports describe stucco medallions with floral and geometric patterns and finely carved stone, repaired using traditional lime plaster and mortar during the recent conservation.
The stepwell stands within a compact heritage zone, so it is worth combining with the neighbouring monuments. Most lie within a short walk inside or beside Mehrauli Archaeological Park.
| Spot | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Rajon ki Baoli | The Lodi-era stepwell with mosque and chhatri | 30–45 min |
| Jamali Kamali mosque and tomb | Early-16th-century mosque and adjoining tomb in the park | 30 min |
| Gandhak ki Baoli | Older Mehrauli stepwell named for its sulphur water | 20 min |
| Balban’s tomb | Ruined tomb associated with the 13th-century Delhi Sultanate | 20 min |
| Qutub Minar complex | UNESCO World Heritage Site adjoining the park (separate ticket) | 1.5–2 hr |
Times are rough planning estimates for an unhurried visit. The Qutub Minar complex is a separately ticketed ASI site next door, not part of the free park.
A suggested half-day Mehrauli walk
A single morning is enough to see Rajon ki Baoli and the main Mehrauli monuments. A full multi-day itinerary does not apply to one stepwell, so treat this as a half-day plan you can fold into a wider Delhi trip.
- Early morning: Reach Qutub Minar Metro, take an auto to the park gate, and walk first to Rajon ki Baoli while the light is soft and crowds are thin.
- Mid-morning: Walk on to Jamali Kamali and Balban’s tomb, then detour to Gandhak ki Baoli near Adham Khan’s tomb.
- Late morning: If you have energy and time, buy a separate ticket for the Qutub Minar complex next door.
- Midday: Break for lunch in Mehrauli village or at a café near Saket before the afternoon heat.
Where to stay
There is no accommodation inside the park, so stay elsewhere in South or central Delhi and travel in. Saket and the wider South Delhi area are the most convenient bases for Mehrauli, with Connaught Place suiting those who want a central location.
The ranges below are indicative planning estimates for a double room per night and should be reconfirmed when you book; rates swing sharply with season and demand.
| Type | Indicative rate / night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / hostel | ₹900–₹2,000 | Guesthouses and hostels in Saket, Hauz Khas and South Delhi |
| Mid-range | ₹3,000–₹6,500 | Business and boutique hotels around Saket and South Delhi |
| Luxury | ₹9,000 and up | Upscale hotels in South and central Delhi |
Book ahead in the October–March peak season, when Delhi fills with winter visitors and weddings. Homestays and serviced apartments are also widely available across South Delhi.
Food to try nearby
The park has no restaurant, so eat in Mehrauli village or around Saket and Hauz Khas, a short ride away. Mehrauli’s lanes are known for North Indian and Mughlai fare, and the wider area covers everything from street food to cafés.
- Butter chicken (chicken in a tomato-and-cream gravy) and other North Indian curries, a Delhi staple.
- Kebabs (spiced grilled or minced meat) from Mughlai-style kitchens in and around Mehrauli.
- Chaat (savoury snacks such as gol gappe and aloo tikki) from street stalls.
- Kulfi (dense Indian frozen dessert) or a lassi (sweet yoghurt drink) to end a hot-weather visit.
Specific outlets change often, so this is a guide to dishes rather than an endorsement of particular restaurants.
Budget breakdown
A visit to Rajon ki Baoli can cost very little, because the park and the baoli are reported to be free to enter. The main spending is local transport, optional guiding, the neighbouring Qutub ticket, and food.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rajon ki Baoli / park entry | Free (reported) | Reconfirm with the ASI |
| Metro fare (return, within city) | ₹40–₹120 | Depends on distance and line |
| Auto-rickshaw / last stretch | ₹60–₹200 | Short hops to and from the gate |
| Qutub Minar ticket (optional) | Separate ASI fee | Check the ASI online ticketing rate before you go |
| Lunch | ₹200–₹600 | Street food to a sit-down meal |
Assumptions: one person, half a day, local Metro and auto travel, excluding hotel and the optional Qutub ticket. Fares could not be verified live and are planning estimates only.
Permits, photography and rules
No special permit is needed to visit Rajon ki Baoli; it is an open ASI-protected monument inside a public park. Inner Line or protected-area permits do not apply here, so that blueprint section is not relevant to this site.
Standard ASI monument etiquette applies: keep to the paths, do not climb or sit on the carved stonework, and carry out your litter. The galleries and steps can be uneven and wet near the water, so watch your footing, especially with children. For commercial filming or drone use, check current ASI rules in advance, as these usually require separate permission.
Practical tips
Treat Rajon ki Baoli as a short, self-guided stop rather than a full-day outing, and plan around Delhi’s heat and the site’s open layout.
- Timing: Go early in the day for cooler air and better light; the baoli is largely unshaded.
- Water and sun: Carry water, a hat and sunscreen in warmer months.
- Cash and UPI: Autos and small eateries may prefer cash; UPI is widely accepted in Delhi, but keep some small notes.
- Connectivity: Mobile network coverage is generally good across South Delhi.
- Safety: The steps are steep and can be slippery near the water; supervise children closely and avoid the lowest levels if the stone is wet.
- Solo women travellers: The park is a public space; stick to daylight hours, stay on the main paths, and keep to populated areas as you would elsewhere in the city.
- Nearest hospital: Several large hospitals serve South Delhi; save a local emergency contact before you set out.
Nearby places
Rajon ki Baoli sits among some of Delhi’s densest heritage, so it is easy to build a longer day around it.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Qutub Minar complex | Adjoining | UNESCO World Heritage Site with the famous minaret and Iron Pillar |
| Gandhak ki Baoli | Short walk in Mehrauli | Older Mehrauli stepwell for contrast |
| Mehrauli village and Jahaz Mahal | About 1–2 km | Old village lanes and a Lodi-era pavilion |
| Hauz Khas | About 6–7 km | Medieval tank, ruins and a lively café and shopping area |
No TII internal links are available for Delhi yet, so none are included here.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Rajon ki Baoli and how old is it?
Rajon ki Baoli is a stepwell in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, South Delhi district, Delhi. According to ASI records, it was commissioned in 1506 CE during the Lodi dynasty, which makes it a little over 500 years old. It descends about 13.4 metres through tiered, arched galleries.
Is there an entry fee for Rajon ki Baoli?
Rajon ki Baoli and the surrounding Mehrauli Archaeological Park are reported to be free to enter, with no ticket required for the stepwell itself. The adjoining Qutub Minar complex is a separate, ticketed ASI site. Fees can change, so reconfirm with the ASI before you visit.
How do I reach Rajon ki Baoli by Metro?
Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line to Qutub Minar station, the nearest stop at roughly 1 km, then an auto-rickshaw or short walk to the Mehrauli Archaeological Park gate. Saket, also on the Yellow Line, is an alternative station a little further away.
What is the difference between Rajon ki Baoli and Agrasen ki Baoli?
They are two separate Delhi stepwells. Rajon ki Baoli is a Lodi-era well inside Mehrauli Archaeological Park in South Delhi, near the Qutub Minar. Agrasen ki Baoli is a different monument on Hailey Road near Connaught Place in central Delhi, about 15 km away.
When did Rajon ki Baoli reopen to the public?
Rajon ki Baoli reopened to the public in May 2025, after a multi-year conservation project. Press reports in mid-May 2025 said the Archaeological Survey of India carried out the work with the World Monuments Fund India, funded by the TCS Foundation, using traditional materials such as lime plaster.
What is the best time of day and year to visit?
Visit on an October-to-March morning for the most comfortable conditions. Delhi summers from April to June are very hot, and the baoli is largely unshaded at ground level. Early morning on a weekday brings softer light into the galleries and fewer visitors on the narrow steps.
Last updated and sources
Rajon ki Baoli suits anyone curious about Delhi’s medieval water architecture and history, especially visitors already heading to the Qutub Minar. Go on a cool-season morning and pair it with the neighbouring Mehrauli monuments.
Last updated: 30 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Archaeological Survey of India (asi.nic.in), monument records for Rajon-ki-Bain (N-DL-152); Ministry of Culture statement on the conservation, via the Press Trust of India; “Delhi’s 16th-century Rajon ki Baoli open to public after conservation work,” ThePrint / PTI, 16 May 2025; The Week / PTI, 16 May 2025; World Monuments Fund India, Historic Water Systems of India initiative. Accessed September 2026.
