Mehrauli Archaeological Park: Entry, Timings & What to See
Mehrauli Archaeological Park is free and open sunrise to sunset next to Qutub Minar. How to get there, what to see in 90 minutes and tips for an early walk.
Yes, Mehrauli Archaeological Park is worth visiting if you are already at Qutub Minar or want a quieter side of historic Delhi. Entry is free, it is open from sunrise to sunset, and it covers about 200 acres of ruins spanning more than a thousand years, from early sultanate tombs to a British official's garden follies. Give it 60–90 minutes, ideally early in the morning.
The park sits right next to the Qutub complex in Mehrauli, one of the oldest continuously inhabited parts of Delhi. Unlike the ticketed monuments, it feels like a wooded park scattered with ruins, and on weekday mornings you may have whole tombs to yourself.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Open days | Every day |
| Area | About 200 acres |
| Nearest metro | Qutab Minar (Yellow Line), then a short auto ride |
| Ask a driver for | "Jamali Kamali" or "Mehrauli Archaeological Park, near Lado Sarai" |
| Time needed | 60–90 minutes |
Some individual monuments, such as the Jamali Kamali tomb chamber, may follow separate opening arrangements; if a gate is locked, ask the guard on site.
What to see in 90 minutes
- Jamali Kamali mosque and tomb – a 16th-century mosque with a fine red-sandstone facade, and next to it the small tomb of the Sufi poet Jamali, known for its painted and tiled ceiling.
- Rajon ki Baoli – a Lodi-era stepwell with arched galleries on several levels, one of the most photogenic stepwells in Delhi.
- Balban's tomb – the ruined tomb of the 13th-century sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, often cited as one of the earliest true arches in Indian Islamic architecture.
- Metcalfe's follies – a domed pavilion (chhatri) and other garden features added in the 19th century by Thomas Metcalfe, a British official who turned an old tomb into a country retreat.
- Quli Khan's tomb and the paths between – the walking trails link the ruins through scrub woodland; follow the main paths and signboards.
How to get there
Take the Yellow Line to Qutab Minar station. From Anuvrat Marg outside the station, an auto or e-rickshaw to the park entrance takes about 10 minutes. If you are visiting Qutub Minar first, the park is next door: ask for the way to the park gate, or take a short auto ride round to the Lado Sarai side.
Tips for visiting
- Footwear: paths are uneven and dusty; wear proper shoes.
- Go with company: the park is well used by walkers in the morning, but some corners are isolated. Avoid wandering into empty areas alone, and leave before dusk.
- Respect the sites: Jamali Kamali and some tombs are still visited by worshippers; keep noise down.
- Heat: from April to June, go at opening time and leave by 10 AM; see the summer heat guide.
Is it worth it?
| You… | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Are visiting Qutub Minar anyway | Yes. Add an hour for the park |
| Like ruins, photography and quiet walks | Yes. One of Delhi's best free sights |
| Have one day in Delhi | Skip it. Prioritise Old Delhi and Humayun's Tomb; see the 1-day itinerary |
| Want more free sights | See the best free things to do in Delhi |
“Is Mehrauli Archaeological Park worth adding after Qutub Minar tomorrow morning, and how long should I allow?”
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
No. The park is free to enter.
What are the timings of Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
It is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Which metro station is nearest to Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
Qutab Minar on the Yellow Line. Take an auto for the last stretch, or ask for Jamali Kamali.
How much time do you need at Mehrauli Archaeological Park?
60–90 minutes covers Jamali Kamali, Rajon ki Baoli, Balban's tomb and Metcalfe's follies.
Is Mehrauli Archaeological Park safe?
It is busy with walkers in the morning and generally fine in daylight. Stick to the main paths, go with company if you can, and leave before dark.
Sources and verification
Checked on 26 October 2026.
- LBB: Mehrauli Archaeological Park guide – free entry and highlights
- Holidify: Mehrauli Archaeological Park timings and nearest metro
- Wikipedia: Mehrauli Archaeological Park – monuments, Balban's tomb and Metcalfe's follies
- Indiago: Mehrauli Archaeological Park timings and what to see