Delhi has always been the center of attraction for visitors and tourists due to its rich history and historical monuments. These historical monuments of Delhi have hidden many secrets inside them, which is beyond their beauty. Delhi is a very out-of-the-way city, but many places are still struck with awe the people due to its mysterious image. One of the few such places is Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi, also known as Agrasen Ki Bawdi. Today we will discuss every chapter of this beautiful and mysterious place in Delhi.
What is Baoli, and What is the meaning of this Word?
First, we should know what Baoli is and from where the word came. Generally, in India, Baoli means a water reservoir, and it is also pronounced as Baori and Bawdi. In other states, pronunciation becomes different, like in Rajasthan and Gujarat; it is pronounced as Baoli, Bavadi, vav, and Vavdi.
About Agrasen ki Baoli in Delhi (Agrasen ki Bawdi)
Agrasen Ki Baoli basically is a historical stepwell which we also can say is a water reservoir. It is located in Hailey Road, near Connaught Place, New Delhi. It is counted as one of the most visiting historical places in Delhi. Every day a number of visitors come to see this place with their families and loved ones. It has now become their favorite place to hang out and take a rest from their busy life schedule. This place is located in the shade of trees amidst the small street. In just a short time, this place has become so famous and is known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi.
There are still many doubts about this place, like who built it and when. It is believed that this reservoir was built during the Mahabharata period, and King Agrasen built it. But there is hardly any historical record that can prove who built this structure. Well, whoever built it, in today’s time, this is one of India’s historical heritage, which people from all over the world come to Delhi to see. The calm and amazing atmosphere here is the reason people come to spend their time here. This water reservoir was made to quench people’s thirst, but now it has become a part of history.
This place is famous as one of the top historical monuments in Delhi. Still, the main reason that attracts the people is not the history of this place nor the architecture, but Rather the haunted stories which are associated with it. Locals and many visitors have claimed that they have experienced some spooky and weird activities here. Before coming into the limelight, Agrasen ki Baoli was just a hidden structure in the untouched street of Delhi.
But after some Bollywood movie scenes shot here, people got to know about such a hidden gem in Delhi. Yes, it is true that some years ago most people didn’t know about Agrasen Ki Baoli, and this is the reason it is still in good condition. It is now a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.
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The Interesting History of Agrasen ki Baoli
A place associated with the history, but its history itself is a mystery, attracts people. The history of Agrasen Ki Baoli is vibrant and associated with many significant events and powerful dynasties. It is believed that the Agrasen Ki Baoli was built during the Mahabharata period, and King Agrasen built it. According to beliefs, it was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community, who considered themselves descendants of Maharaja Agrasen. However, there is hardly any historical record that can prove who built this structure and when.
If the history of this Baoli is really connected with the Mahabharata period, then this Baoli is one of the oldest one in India historic structures. Agrasen Ki Baoli was not built as a mere reservoir, but various other reasons were hidden behind its construction. This reservoir was considered an important community place where women came and spent time away from summer’s scorching heat. Baoli was also used to perform rituals and religious rituals. In ancient times, such reservoirs were constructed to solve the problem of water scarcity.
It is also said that this historic structure is not just a mere tourist site, but it also has a dark past through which it gained its popularity amongst the tourists and locals. According to locals, this place is haunted and possessed by ghosts and demons, but we can only say that it is the best place to spend some quality time and rest beneath the shades of trees and cool weather.
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The Amazing Architecture of Agrasen ki Baoli
The architecture of India has always been rich and unique. In this series, Agrasen Ki Baoli is one of the hidden architecture gems whose architecture is praised by every person who comes here. It is considered one of the oldest historical places whose history goes back to the Mahabharata era. Agrasen’s Baoli is located inside a structure, which is 60 meters long and 15 meters wide. Its shape is unique in itself as its shape is different from the traditional round shape stepwell of the time. Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi is one of its kinds of stepwell, which is still in a good condition and accessible to the people. Once, it was a great place for water storage but is now most popular as a historical site in Delhi.
The architecture of this Stepwell shows that Redstone and various other stones have been used to construct it. Built-in a series of 103 steps, the Baoli slowly leads downwards. These steps are built on three levels, which act as a landing where people can sit. These steps are built over three levels, and each level is decorated with intricate stone carvings. These levels resemble arched stone carvings that are situated in beautiful symmetry to each other.
Its history is associated with the Aggarwal community of the 14th century as we know it, But based on its architecture, it is associated with the Tughlaq dynasty. This place does not offer grand statues or huge architectural marvels, but with a small mosque and arched alcoves on the premises, you will love to sit here. If you really want to know about India’s history and see the great architecture of ancient times, then this place is worth visiting.
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Is Agrasen ki Baoli a Haunted Place?
Agrasen Ki Baoli is famous but has many mysterious secrets in it. Do you know that Agrasen ki Baoli is more popular for the haunted stories associated with it rather than its structure? Yes, many haunted stories can be heard from the locals about Agrasen Ki Baoli. It is claimed by the locals around this place that they have experienced various weird incidents and Paranormal activities.
According to the legends, it is believed that the lower level of this Baoli was filled with black water. It is said that this black water is used to hypnotize people and force them to commit suicide. People say that those who have died here due to drowning in black water their souls are haunting this place. However, the mysterious black water has dried up, but still, visitors are not allowed to go to the lower level of the stepwell.
Many visitors have claimed that they have experienced some force pulling their clothes and pushing them toward the water when they visit the lower part. Tourists also say that they have also felt being followed by an unseen identity at this place. People even say that ghosts and demons are possessed, and these negative forces bother people. It is counted as one of the most haunted places in Delhi.
Still, we didn’t find any concrete proof which can prove that Agrasen Ki Baoli is Haunted, But what we found is an amazing architecture and an amazingly designed monument that was hidden for a long time, and now it is all set to show the great ancient architecture skills. If you are an adventure seeker and these kinds of haunted places excite you then this place is worth visiting for you.
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Some Interesting Facts About Agrasen ki Baoli
- It is believed that the history of this stepwell is associated with the Mahabharata era. But who made it and when is still a mystery.
- It is believed that the Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi was constructed under the commission of King Agrasen. But we see ‘Ugrasen Ki Baoli’ written on the entrance nameplate, which is doubt full.
- There are approx 40 Stepwells only in Delhi, some of them are dried up or destroyed, but Agrasen ki Baoli is one such stepwell that is still in good condition.
- This historical stepwell was hidden inside a narrow street for a long time, and only some locals knew about it.
- There is a small Mosque in the complex which you will find interesting.
- Red sandstones were used in the construction of this stepwell.
- It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
- This place is used to shoot movie scenes in Bollywood, and Sultan was the last movie, in which scenes were shot here.
- This place has a mysterious image because it is believed to be haunted. It is said that this Baoli is a abide of ghosts and demons.
- If you want to spend some leisure time and want to rest then this place is best in terms of atmosphere and view.
How to Reach Agrasen ki Baoli in Delhi?
Delhi is rich in transport and well connected with every city by train, buses, and flights. It is very convenient to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi; even if you are coming from another state or country, you can easily find transport to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi as they are easily available.
By Train:- It is located almost 1 km far from the New Delhi railway station, and around 7 km away from Nizamuddin Railway station, you can take a bus, taxi, or auto to reach this place.
By Air:- Indra Gandhi international airport is the nearest airport in Delhi to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli. It is around 14 km away from this place. From here, you can hire a cab, taxi, and auto rickshaws.
By Road:- Delhi is well connected with locals transports and the metro. As per your convenience, you choose anyone either local transport or metro both are easily available from every part of the city. In my opinion, the Delhi metro is far better than local transport because it is much safer, easily available, and has comfort and air conditioning.
There are three nearby metro stations to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi.
- Barakhamba Road metro station:- 6 min (2.7 km) via KG Marg
- Connaught Place Metro station:- 4 min (1.3 km) via KG Marg
- Janpath Metro Station:- 3 min (1.5 km) via Janpath Rd and Firozeshah Rd
What is the Best Time to Visit Agrasen ki Baoli?
In the summer season, the temperature remains very hot, and because of the scorching heat, it is not possible to visit this kind of monument at this extreme temperature. So, the best time to visit Agrasen ki Baoli in Delhi is from October to February. During the winter season, the weather remains cold and pleasant. People also love to visit these kinds of wonderful places at this time.
The Winter season is enjoyable, and it is considered the best time to Visit Agrasen in Baoli in Delhi with family and friends. There are many amazing places to visit in Delhi, but it comes at the top of the list. If you plan to visit Delhi, mark this place on your list to experience both adventure and history.
Places to Visit Near Agrasen ki Baoli
Many interesting places surround Agrasen Ki Baoli, and there are plenty of things to do at Agrasen Ki Baoli. It would be best if you started from Connaught place, a vivacious place and one of the busiest places in Delhi. You will see the number of people hanging out here, and here you will find an endless number of restaurants, bazaars, and shops to visit.
Then you can go to Janpath, which is nearby to this place and one of the best places for shopping. It is also one of my favorite shopping spots in Delhi. Janpath is one of the best places to shop in Delhi. It is also a popular tourist spot in Delhi where you can easily see many foreigners who come to chill and shop. Janpath is also famous as it is a residence of many important people of India. It offers a wide range of branded shops, restaurants, cafes, clubs, and local shopping stalls.
On this journey, you must not miss visiting Chandni Chowk, which is just 4 km away from this Baoli. A place in Chandni Chowk Delhi, which no one knows about, cannot be so. It is world-famous for its street food, local shops, and old historical sites. From here, The famous Bungalow Sahib Gurudwara of Delhi is just 11 minutes away. You can spend some of your moments in this holy place and take the blessings of God.
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India Gate, the symbol of India’s honor, known as the War Memorial, is about 3 Km from Bangla Sahib. The night view here is very breathtaking and beautiful. Here, You can boating, take lots of photographs, and enjoy ice cream.
At the end of the day, I will suggest you visit Akshardham Temple as it is a marvelous piece of architecture and the great thing about this place is there is no ticket fee to the Akshardham Temple, But you have to pay for the amazing light and sound show. Once you enter this temple, you will feel as if you have come into the city of a king having big doors and finely carved pillars.
These are some of the places to visit near Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi. In this series, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Birla Mandir, Lodhi garden, Jama Masjid, etc., are the famous tourist destinations in Delhi.
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Things to do at Agrasen ki Baoli
If seen, Agrasen Ki Baoli is a very calm and pleasant place, but there are plenty of things to do at this place.
Take photographs:– Agrasen Ki Baoli is an ideal place for photography as it provides an amazing background for photographs. Tourists take hundreds of photographs here, and many wannabe photographers loved this place.
Visit the historical Mosque:- There is a small old Mosque on the southwestern side of the Agrasen Ki Baoli. The construction of the mosque is considered very old. Its roof has fallen, but the pillars here are still intact.
Enjoy your me-time:– Agrasen Ki Baoli is known as the place where you can enjoy your me-time by sitting on the steps under the shade. People love to visit here and spent their time here with their friends and loved ones.
Know more about the haunted stories:- As it is believed that this place is haunted and ghosts and demons live in this place is enough to make any person curious. The local people tell many ghost stories related to this place.
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Important Information About Agrasen Ki Baoli
- Location:- The Agrasen Ki Baoli is situated in Hailey Road, New Delhi.
- Visiting Hours:- It is open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is open every day.
- Entry Fees:- There is no entry fee for tourists visiting the Agrasen Ki Baoli.
- There is no charge for cameras, but drone cameras are strictly not allowed
Some Useful Tips for the Visitors
- India’s Archaeological Survey protects this monument, so do not try to write on walls; otherwise, you will be fined.
- Visitors are advised to visit this place at the time of daylight.
- Keep a bottle of water with you and sunscreen lotions to protect yourself from the heating sunlight.
- Visitors can walk freely to every part of this monument, but it is advised not to go beyond the last step.
- It is India’s historical heritage site, so throwing garbage inside the premises is a punishable offense.
- Be careful with your steps while climbing.
- Visitors are not allowed to enter Agrasen Ki Baoli after Dark.
- It is advised not to stay alone after dusk.
- Cameras are allowed as photography is fine at this place
- At day time, this place is busy with locals, college students, and youngsters, so you have to come early if you want to explore this place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. According to some legends, Agrasen Ki Baoli was initially built by Maharaja Agrasen during the Mahabharata period, and according to its architecture, it is believed that reconstructed during the Tuglaq dynasty in the 14th century. However, there is no solid proof of who built this monument.
Ans. The Agrasen Ki Baoli is designed with 108 steps, and it is one of the few step-wells which is still in good condition. These 108 stairs are divided into three levels which are leading downward. Each level is decorated with beautiful arched niches on both sides.
Ans. There is no entry fee to enter Agrasen Ki Baoli.
Ans. Agrasen ki Baoli is situated in a local street on Hailey Road, KG Marg, near Connaught Place, New Delhi. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations, so it is easy to reach this place in Delhi.
Ans. The present condition of Agrasen Ki Baoli is amazing. Every day hurds of tourists come to visit this place globally. At present, it is one of the most significant historical sites in Delhi. If we talk about places to visit in Delhi, then Agrasen ki Baoli comes at the top of the list. People easily get attracted to its architecture, history, and Haunted stories. People love to spend their precious time here to take a rest amidst the pleasant atmosphere.
Ans. It is very easy to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi. This historical site is easily accessible from every corner of the city through Local buses, Auto-Rickshaw, Taxis, Cabs, and the metro. However, for a safe and comfortable journey metro is the best option.
Ans. There are three nearest metro stations to reach Agrasen ki Baoli:-
1) Janpath Metro Station:- It is almost 3 min (1.5 km) away.
2) Connaught Place Metro station:- It is around 4 min (1.3 km) away.
3) Barakhamba Road metro station:- It is around 6 min (2.7 km) away.
Ans. The site is open 365 days but from October to February is the best time to visit this place as the weather remains pleasant during these months. Also, it is not possible to visit this place in summer so winter is the best time to hang out in Delhi.
Ans. The timing of Agarsen Ki Baoli is 9:00 AM To 5:30 PM, and after dark, the entry inside the monument is restricted.
Ans. The history of Agrasen Ki Baoli dated back to the Mahabharata period. King Agrasen was behind the construction of this stepwell, but in ancient times it was not just a water reservoir but also serve as a community hall. It is said that the women of ancient times used to come to this stepwell to relax from the scorching heat outside.
Ans. Yes, Agrasen Ki Baoli is fully safe to visit and it is protected by the archaeological survey of India (ASI) every day many tourists around the world visit this historical marvel. The cool ambiance of this stepwell will fascinate you and in a minute you will love this place. But it is advised to take care of your belongings.
Ans. No, there are no age criteria to visit this place.
Ans. No, you can’t bring food with you inside the monument, but after visiting Agrasen Ki Baoli you can have some of the best food in Delhi as there are many eateries and food stalls around the area.