Besides being one of the largest cities, New Delhi, the capital city of India, boasts of many historical edifices and structures through which one can hear and feel the past.
One noteworthy historical landmark is The Agrasen Ki Baoli, which is close to Connaught Place. This historical monument, also referred to as Ugrasen Ki Baoli, is a classic example of the great architecture that India had in the past. In this blog, let’s explore the history, architectural grandeur, and mystery behind this masterpiece, Agrasen Ki Baoli, along with the how, where, when and what to visit after reaching there.
About Agrasen Ki Baoli And Its History
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Agrasen Ki Baoli is one of the most sensational historical edifices located in New Delhi. This historical structure is a stepped well with an overall dimensions of 60m in length and 15m in breadth. Baolis or Bawdis in Hindi are the stepwells which were common in the old days in India. Apart from acting as conservation and storage centres for water, these structures also acted as social places for people to congregate, interact and even participate in other ceremonies.
Agrasen Ki Baoli is associated with the historical background of King Agrasen, who is said to have built the Baoli for the people of the Agrawal community of Mathura. Based on the structures and construction style of the Baoli, there might have been a reconstruction in the fourteenth century during either the Tughlaq or Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. However, there aren’t many records to support this fact. The style of the structure can be described as resembling the architectural styles of those eras with a finesse of both utility and art.
The Baoli comprises three floors with semi-circular-shaped cavities along the sides, a stairway leading down to the lower floor, and finally, the tank facility at the bottommost point. The high level of workmanship is evident by the stonework details and the orderly distribution of steps, which highlight the beautiful architectural design of that era. The Baoli has steep walls on both sides, and the view looks magical, especially from a bird’s eye.
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Entry Timings And Entry Fee
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Reaching this historic structure is quite easy, and it’s open to the public throughout the week. The stepwell is operational from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission to this historic site is free of charge, therefore attracting history, architecture, and adventure lovers.
Ideally, it is recommended to go as early as possible in the morning or late in the afternoon to escape the most severe heat and to capture stunning photos in soft light.
Things To Do At Agrasen Ki Baoli
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Explore the Architecture: Spend some time wandering through the beautiful architecture of Agrasen Ki Baoli. Its special features include symmetrical steps leading up to the arched niches. The stunning effects of light and shadows in the narrow pathways give it a magical look that brings history to life.
Photography: Agrasen Ki Baoli is a recommended place for photographers, and it is truly beautiful. The design of the building, along with the variation of light conditions at different times of the day, provides photographers with a vast potential for taking eye-opening photographs. In summary, the Baoli is a perfect enclosure for photography, regardless of whether the user is a beginner or a professional.
Relax and Meditate: The Baoli’s natural outlook makes it ideal for people to relax and meditate. The structure’s location is natural and calm, thereby offering a relaxing holiday that will leave you feeling fresh and energized.
Historical Insights: Talk to the locals or read about the local customs and practices concerning the use of Baoli to learn more about the construction’s historical and architectural value. Narratives about the context and the creation of the structure make the tour all the more engaging and interesting.
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Places To Visit Nearby The Agrasen Ki Baoli
Admission to this historic site is free of charge, therefore attracting history, architecture, and adventure lovers. Ideally, it is recommended to go as early as possible in the morning or late in the afternoon to escape the most severe heat and also to capture stunning photos in the soft light during those hours.
1. Connaught Place
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Connaught Place, also called CP, is a major commercial hub and one of the significant structures in Delhi. It was constructed during the British Raj in the early part of the twentieth century and is characterized broadly by Georgian architectural features and circular layouts. Comprehensive and divided into an inner and outer circle, Connaught Place presents both the everyday trade and business, as well as culture and history. The inner circle has many Luxury shops, fashion outlets, and cafes, whereas the outer circle has markets like Janpath and Palika bazaar containing various items, including handicrafts, electronics, etc. Tourists can also enjoy leisurely sightseeing around areas like Central Park, which has greenery and the famous Rajiv Chowk fountain area. During the day, Connaught Place becomes a shopper’s delight, and at night, it is packed with theatres, restaurants, and other entertainment joints and, thus, becomes one of the major attractions in Delhi.
Location: G-Block, Central Delhi, Delhi 110001
Distance from Agrasen ki Baoli: Approx 2.5 KMs
2. Jantar Mantar
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A walking distance from The Agrasen Ki Baoli is Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observation site of the early 18th century which Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur built. Originally intended to observe celestial movements and determine local time, the building contains several examples of architectural astronomical instruments. The major ones include the Samrat Yantra, which is a colossal sundial; the Jayaprakash Yantra, used to pinpoint the positions of stars and planets; and the Misra Yantra, which determines the difference between the shortest and longest day of the year. All instruments were crafted with tremendous care and scientific intelligence in India centuries ago, which reflects the geometrical accuracy and precision. Apart from the scientific purpose that is built into the design of Jantar Mantar, the tourists get to catch a feel for India’s various astronomical pursuits and find evidence of India’s intellect in the medieval era.
Location: J6G8+RMC, Connaught Place, Sansad Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Distance from Agrasen ki Baoli: Approx 1.5 KMs
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3. India Gate
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India Gate is a war memorial only a short drive from Agrasen Ki Baoli. This war memorial is dedicated to those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their nation. Constructed in memory of the Indian soldiers who died during the First World War, it has an enormous arch established by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Its base is covered by large lawns that provide a quiet and serene environment suitable for picnicking and evening strolls. Tourists can offer their respect at Amar Jawan Jyoti, which symbolizes the eternal flame commemorating the Unknown Soldier. The vicinity also contains the National War Memorial, which was built to commemorate the gallant armed forces of India who laid down their lives for the country.
Location: Kartavya Path, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Distance from Agrasen ki Baoli: Approx 1.7 KMs
4. Rashtrapati Bhavan
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Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, is an architectural grandeur near Agrasen Ki Baoli. Proposed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens it is one of the most prominent landmarks comprising over 300 acres of land that include Mughal, British, and Indian architectural styles. Tourists can walk around this fantastic structure and view the beautiful Mughal Gardens, which visitors can occasionally access. Educational tours allow one to discover the stories, creative accomplishments, and heritage of one of the most extensive head residences globally. Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the largest residences of the Head of the State and represents India’s democratic tradition. Thus, it is recommended that everyone eager to learn about the history and architecture of India learn about it.
Location: Rashtrapati Bhawan, President’s Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110004
Distance from Agrasen ki Baoli: Approx 2.9 KMs
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5. National Museum
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The National Museum of India, located in very close proximity to Agrasen Ki Baoli, is the place where treasures of Indian culture and history are preserved and exhibited. Founded in 1949, the museum displays several items, including structures, paintings, and relics representing more than five thousand years of Indian civilization. Among the collections are sculptures, miniatures, costumes, manuscripts, and other artefacts from different dynasties and epochs of India’s history. Some of the prominent sections of the museum are the Harappan Gallery, which displays artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilization, and the Gallery of Buddhist Art, which displays a variety of sculptures and other artefacts related to the history and art of Buddhism in India. Thus, the National Museum will provide an exhaustive view of Indian history; therefore, lovers of history and culture should not miss this chance to explore the area.
Location: Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
Distance from Agrasen ki Baoli: Approx 2.2 KMs
How To Reach Agrasen Ki Baoli
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By Rail: The closest railway station to Agrasen Ki Baoli is New Delhi Railway Station, which is about 2.5 kilometres away. Depending on the traffic, tourists can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to the Baoli in approximately fifteen minutes.
By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is 16 km from Agrasen Ki Baoli. Once travellers have reached the airport, they can take a pre-ordered auto rickshaw or use Uber or any other cab service to travel towards the Baoli, which usually takes an hour or so, depending on the traffic.
By Road: Agrasen ki Baoli can be easily reached by road. The Baoli is located in central Delhi near Hailey Road, Connaught Place, and therefore, buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws from different parts of Delhi can be taken to reach it.
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Agrasen Ki Baoli is not just a step well; it is a gateway to experiencing the history and architecture of India. This fine example of architecture that lies nestled in the heart of New Delhi provides both natural beauty and historical intrigue. Whether someone is interested in history or architecture or just looking for a place to relax, Agrasen Ki Baoli is one place that cannot be overlooked when in Delhi. It is also centrally located and well situated in relation to other important points of interest in the city, making it ideal for anyone with a Delhi tour itinerary. Therefore, when you are on your next trip to Delhi, the capital city, you should take your time and feel this beautiful old structure.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Agrasen Ki Baoli
Are there any charges for entering the Agrasen Ki Baoli?
Contrary to what one might expect, the visitors are free to visit Agrasen Ki Baoli without any hindrance, and there is no entry fee charged.
What time does Agrasen Ki Baoli Open?
Agrasen Ki Baoli is a monument that can be visited any time of the year and is open from 9:00 AM in the morning to 5:30 PM in the evening.
Who built Agrasen Ki Baoli?
Although many people believe that king Agrasen built it, the exact builder is however unknown but the structure is believed to have been reconstructed during the Delhi Sultanate period.
What are the restrictions on using cameras while exploring Agrasen Ki Baoli?
Yes, photography for personal use is allowed inside Agrasen Ki Baoli.
Is there any possibility to take a guided tour at Agrasen Ki Baoli.
Onsite you can consult local guides who will provide more specific information regarding the Baoli and the specific architecture of the structure.
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