Neeru D.
Google
The Mehrauli Archaeological Park, next to Qutab Minar, Mehrauli area, South Delhi, has been uncovered by the DDA slowly but surely, from the depth of brush, bristles and wildly kept undergrowth, finally.
It is now layed out in an esthetically wonderful pattern, with well maintained joggers paths, fantastically inviting pruned trees, colorful blooms of the nodding flowers and plants, bathed in calls and whispers of happy singing birds and with all kinds of facilities a visitor, walker, jogger may require.
The park consists of almost 100 plus historically significant monuments, some still being cleared and restored. This significant park, is perhaps the only area in Delhi known for 1,000 years of continuous occupation, which includes the ruins of Lal Kot, the oldest fort of Delhi, built by the Tomar Rajputs in 1060 AD, and architectural relics of the following subsequent periods of the Khalji dynasty rule, the Tughlaq dynasty, the Lodhi dynasty, the Mughal Empire, and ofcourse the British Raj itself.
The Cafe Stone, perfectly blends in with the inspiring ancient walls and brilliant shades of greens, offering visitors refreshing drinks, quick bites, regular veg / non veg meals, on quiet down-to-earth-prices, having outdoor seating arrangements under the wonderful shades of spread out trees. Worth a casual and chilled sit-in for relaxation.
The park has two portions at the moment. One portion, which has Metcaffes boat house, Balbans tomb, Azim khans tomb, tomb of Mauhammad Quli Khan, Circular monument etc. requires a ticket which can be collected from the ticket shack, next to the a warded off nursery area (close to the rose garden).
The other portion, where the ancient well is, and within another extention beyond that, (approachable through a short walk through Demarcated paths, through brush infested but clear & cleaned area) leading to Rajaon ki Baoli, Jamali Kamali, some still-being dug up ruins etc. DO NOT require a ticket, as of yet.
There are some 2 to 3 entry's of which one of them is locked up due to further constructions and revamping of buildings. A map is given near all the entry points & elsewhere too, to guide one.
It is wonderful to note, that a guard is present at each and every site, (paid for or not through tickets), to guide one and answer any queries that visitors may have.
Gender based toilets, (and signs to approach them, are strategically located), are a relief to find, in this well Kempt premises, by the DDA of Delhi, who seem to be in complete charge at the moment.
