Lodhi Garden - A Historic Oasis in the Heart of Delhi

The site contains tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers from the 15th century. Key structures like the Tomb of Mohammed Shah were built in 1444, and the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi in 1517. The surrounding area, however, was developed into a landscaped park in 1936 by the British. It was inaugurated as 'Lady Willingdon Park'. After India's independence in 1947, it was renamed Lodhi Garden. The garden was redesigned in 1968 by American landscape architect Joseph Allen Stein, who added the glasshouse and integrated the natural contours with the monuments. Today, it is a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Lodhi Garden's significance comes from its unique combination of historical architecture and its function as a public green space in central Delhi. It preserves some of the finest examples of Lodi-era tomb architecture, which predates the more elaborate Mughal style. The octagonal design of Mohammed Shah's tomb, for instance, was influential for later Mughal tombs. For Delhi's residents, it is an essential space for fitness, recreation, and community gathering. The garden serves as a vital green lung for the city, supporting local biodiversity, including many species of birds.