Rajon ki Baoli: Delhi's Hidden Stepwell
Rajon ki Baoli is a Lodi-period stepwell tucked into the forested folds of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, descending in tiers of arched colonnades toward a still green pool. Built in the early 1500s, it stays remarkably cool even at midday, and despite sitting only minutes from the Qutub Minar you may have its quiet galleries entirely to yourself.
Rupeshsarkar · CC BY-SA 4.0In Hidden Gems in New Delhi · Mehrauli · Last updated 2 June 2026
- A multi-level stepwell with tiers of arched galleries dropping to the water
- Commissioned in 1506 during the Lodi era, with a mosque and a tomb in the enclosure
- Cool, shaded and calm even at midday, deep inside Mehrauli Archaeological Park
- Free to enter and only minutes from the Qutub Minar, yet usually almost empty
- One of Delhi's most photogenic medieval survivals, largely overlooked by visitors
What is Rajon ki Baoli
Rajon ki Baoli, also written Rajon ki Bain, is a stepwell in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi. It was commissioned in 1506 by Daulat Khan Lodi, an administrator of the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, and it once drew water from a natural spring. The name comes from the masons, the 'Rajbirs' or 'Mistris', who are said to have settled in the area in the early 20th century.
The well descends in several levels of arched galleries, with steps leading down from the north to the water and high walls enclosing it on the east and west. Along those walls run narrow ledges and rows of twelve pillars on each side, framing arched niches. The enclosure also holds a small mosque and a tomb, so the baoli sits within a compact cluster of Lodi-era architecture.
Why Rajon ki Baoli stays a hidden gem
Almost everyone who comes to this corner of Delhi is heading for the Qutub Minar, and the Mehrauli Archaeological Park that surrounds Rajon ki Baoli is far quieter than the famous tower a short distance away. The stepwell lies down a shaded path among trees and ruins, so it never draws the crowds, and you can often stand alone in its galleries listening to nothing but birdsong.
The descending tiers of arches make it strikingly photogenic, and the deep, shaded well stays cool even when the city above is baking. Treat a visit as a slow wander through the wider park, pairing the baoli with the other Lodi and Mughal tombs scattered nearby for a calm half-day away from Delhi's busier sights.
Visiting and finding your way
Rajon ki Baoli sits inside the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, close to the Qutub Minar complex in south Delhi. The park is open during daylight hours and entry is free, so you can walk in and follow the paths to the stepwell without a ticket. Signage inside the park is limited, so it helps to have a rough map or to ask, as the baoli is set back from the main track.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is uneven and the steps down into the well can be worn. Bring water and go earlier in the day to beat the heat, then combine the baoli with the surrounding tombs and the nearby Qutub Minar to make the most of the trip.
Know before you go
- Go early to enjoy the cool galleries before the day heats up.
- Signage is limited, so carry a map or ask for directions inside the park.
- Combine it with the nearby tombs and the Qutub Minar for a fuller visit.
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Rajon ki Baoli: frequently asked questions
What is Rajon ki Baoli in Delhi?
Rajon ki Baoli is a Lodi-period stepwell in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, built in 1506 by Daulat Khan Lodi. It descends in tiers of arched galleries to a pool and sits within an enclosure that also holds a mosque and a tomb.
Is Rajon ki Baoli free to visit?
Yes. Rajon ki Baoli lies inside the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which is free to enter, so there is no ticket and no entry fee for the stepwell.
What are the Rajon ki Baoli hours?
The stepwell follows the Mehrauli Archaeological Park hours, which are roughly 9am to 6pm daily. It is best to visit during daylight, and earlier in the day is cooler and quieter.
How do I get to Rajon ki Baoli?
Rajon ki Baoli is inside the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in south Delhi, a short walk from the Qutub Minar complex. Follow the park paths from the entrance, as the baoli is set back from the main track.
Is Rajon ki Baoli worth visiting?
Yes. It is a free, serene and beautifully preserved medieval stepwell, cool and shaded even at midday, and almost always quiet despite being minutes from the crowded Qutub Minar.
Who built Rajon ki Baoli?
It was commissioned in 1506 by Daulat Khan Lodi, an administrator of the Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. Its name comes from the masons who are said to have settled in the area in the early 20th century.
More hidden gems in New Delhi
Sources and further reading: Wikipedia: Rajon Ki Baoli.