Agrasen ki Baoli: Delhi's Stepwell Hidden in Plain Sight
Agrasen ki Baoli is a deep, atmospheric stepwell just off the bustle of Connaught Place in central Delhi, where 108 stone stairs descend between tall arched walls into cool shadow. About 60 metres long and 15 metres wide, it is dramatic, free to enter and surprisingly calm on weekday mornings, yet thousands of people work and shop nearby without realising it is there.
Vi.vipin · CC BY-SA 4.0In Hidden Gems in New Delhi · Connaught Place · Last updated 2 June 2026
- A large historic stepwell, about 60 metres long and 15 metres wide, near Connaught Place
- 108 stone stairs descending between tiers of arched niches into cool shadow
- A faint air of mystery, as its precise origins are uncertain
- A favourite photo and film location, loved for its symmetry
- Free to enter and open through the day, yet often quiet on weekday mornings
What is Agrasen ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli is a historic stepwell on Hailey Road, near Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. It measures about 60 metres long and 15 metres wide, with long flights of stone stairs dropping between tall walls lined with tiers of arched niches. As you descend, the temperature falls and the city noise fades, and the well opens up as a striking piece of medieval water architecture in the middle of a modern district.
The baoli is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. There are no firm historical records of who built it, which lends it a faint air of mystery that locals rather enjoy. It is widely believed to have been raised by the Aggarwal community in the name of their ancestor Agrasen, while the surviving architecture suggests it was rebuilt in the 14th century, during the Tughlaq or Lodi period of the Delhi Sultanate.
Why visit Agrasen ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli is hidden in plain sight. It sits only a short walk from Connaught Place, one of the busiest hubs in Delhi, yet the tall walls seal off the crowds the moment you step down. Photographers and film crews adore the strong symmetry of the descending arches, and the well has appeared in many productions, which has quietly built its reputation.
Despite that, it stays surprisingly peaceful on weekday mornings, before groups and photographers arrive. Give yourself time to walk down the full flight of stairs, look back up at the receding arches and enjoy the sudden cool. It is one of the easiest atmospheric detours in the city centre, and it costs nothing.
Finding it, hours and tickets
The stepwell stands on Hailey Road, a short connecting street near Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar. Because it is tucked between buildings, many first-time visitors miss the entrance, so it helps to look for the lane rather than a grand facade. The nearest metro stations at Barakhamba Road and Rajiv Chowk are both within easy walking distance.
Entry to Agrasen ki Baoli is free, so there are no tickets to buy, and it is open through the day into the early evening. Watch your footing on the worn steps, as there are no handrails, and pair the visit with Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place for a compact central Delhi loop that mixes the historic with the everyday.
Know before you go
- Come on a weekday morning for the calmest atmosphere and the best light on the arches.
- Watch your footing on the worn steps, as there are no handrails on the descent.
- Combine it with Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place, both a short walk away.
Where Agrasen ki Baoli is
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Agrasen ki Baoli: frequently asked questions
What is Agrasen ki Baoli in Delhi?
Agrasen ki Baoli is a large historic stepwell near Connaught Place, about 60 metres long and 15 metres wide, with 108 stone stairs descending between tiers of arched niches. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Do you need tickets for Agrasen ki Baoli?
No. Entry to Agrasen ki Baoli is free, so there are no tickets to buy. You simply walk in during opening hours and descend the steps at your own pace.
What are the Agrasen ki Baoli hours?
The stepwell is generally open daily through the day into the early evening. A weekday morning is the most reliable and peaceful time to visit.
Where is Agrasen ki Baoli located?
It sits on Hailey Road, near Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. The nearest metro stations are Barakhamba Road and Rajiv Chowk, both within walking distance.
Who built Agrasen ki Baoli?
There are no firm records of who built it, which adds to its mystery. It is believed to have been raised by the Aggarwal community in the name of their ancestor Agrasen and later rebuilt in the 14th century.
Is Agrasen ki Baoli worth visiting?
Yes, especially as it is free and so close to Connaught Place. The dramatic arches and sudden cool make it one of the most atmospheric and photogenic detours in central Delhi.
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Sources and further reading: Wikipedia: Agrasen Ki Baoli.