Agrasen Ki Baoli – A Complete Guide. Delhi has always been in the spotlight because of its political importance right from the Mughal era. Since this day, this city remains the centre stage of Indian politics and powerplay. Connaught Place is certainly the most bustling commercial area of this town.
It is a subterranean architecture wonder that hides right behind the shadow of towering high-rises in the buzzing commercial blocks in Connaught Place. This ancient elaborated step-well is now a monument protected and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Agrasen Ki Baoli is a fascinating site to visit when you are in Delhi.
Overview of Agrasen Ki Baoli
The word ‘Baoli’ is a very common word used in Rajasthan and Gujarat. This word usually refers to water temples or stair-wells. As the name suggests, Agrasen Ki Baoli is similarly a step-well sitting right at the heart of New Delhi.
This step-well remained unnoticed for quite a long-time, but this heritage site caught everyone’s attention after a few scenes of blockbuster Bollywood movie, PK, were shot here. Now every movie buff makes it a point to visit this architectural marvel when they land in Delhi.
It is located on Hailey Road near Connaught Place in New Delhi. This site is within a stone’s throw of Barakhamba Road, another raucous commercial hub in New Delhi. It is at a walkable distance from both the Barakhambha Road and Janpath metro stations.
Although this place remains full of visitors during day time, many describe this as one of the deadly haunted places in the city. Dark water, flapping birds, echoing sounds and deep shadows after sunset surely make this step-well look terribly creepy.
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History of Agrasen Ki Baoli
In spite of being an architectural masterpiece of archaeological importance, it is not certain who built this wonderful stair-well. It is believed that King Agrasen of the Mahabharat fame originally built this well and that’s how it earned its name.
As per available historical documents, the step-well was rebuilt in the 14th century by a wealthy and influential prince from the Agarwal Community. During the Tughlaq and Mughal period, this baoli has undergone several phases of restoration evident from its architectural styles.
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The Architecture of Agrasen Ki Baoli
Agrasen Ki Baoli is a marvellous historical site that hides its beauty within its architecture. The well measures about 60 meters in length and 15 meters in width. There are a total of four levels in which the well is broadly divided. All these four levels feature as many as 108 steps.
One has to cover all these stairs to reach the bottom of the well. Each level is designed with arched walls along with alcoves on both the sides to give the whole place an enticing symmetry.
Western part of the baoli features remains of a small mosque standing on arched roof backed by four red sandstone made pillars. Until a few decades ago, the baoli used to remain filled with water, but now it has dried up completely without any trace of water.
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Agrasen Ki Baoli Timings
Agrasen Ki Baoli remains open for visitors all through the year. There is no restriction to enter this stunning ancient premises. The baoli opens its gate at 9 o’clock in the morning and closes sharp at 6 o’clock in the evening.
Agrasen Ki Baoli Entry Fees
In order to take a stroll inside this fascinating historical place, you don’t have to pay an entry fee at all. Agrasen Ki Baoli offers unrestricted entry to everyone, and till this date, no entry fee has been imposed on visitors.
The Time Required to Explore Agrasen Ki Baoli
Agrasen Ki Baoli is not a very expanded stretch of land which will require a whole day for exploration. It is best to visit the step-well during the afternoon and stay there for 2-3 hours.
You can take some fabulous shots inside the premises against such an awe-inspiring backdrop.
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How to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli
Agrasen Ki Baoli is located on the Hailey Road of Connaught Place. This site is a short walk from the busy streets of Barakhamba Road in New Delhi. It is best to avail metro to reach this baoli.
You can get down either at Barakhambha Road or at Janpath metro station to reach this place by foot. If you are not willing to avail public transportation, you can just book an auto or cab to reach this amazing heritage site.
Places to visit near Agrasen Ki Baoli
India Gate
Located at a distance of 2.1 Kms from Agrasen Ki Baoli, India Gate is surely the most iconic and prestigious monument in Delhi.
This All India War Memorial is positioned along the Rajpath offers a breathtaking sight which is quite similar to the Arch de Triomphe in France or Arch of Constantine in Rome.
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This 42-meter high monument was inaugurated by Indian Viceroy Lord Irwin in the year 1931 and dedicated to 82 thousand Indian and British soldiers who died in World War I and Anglo-Afghan War III.
Jantar Mantar
Located near south Connaught Circle of New Delhi, Jantar Mantar is an exemplary observatory built with an aim to study the time and space. It is just 1.4 Km far from Agrasen Ki Baoli.
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Jantar Mantar was constructed by Maharaj Jai Singh back in the year 1724, and it features 13 architectural astronomy instruments to construct astronomical tables and predict the movement of sun, moon and planets.
Humayun’s Tomb
As the name says it all, Humayun’s Tomb is the final resting site of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. From Agrasen Ki Baoli, it will take a 4.7- km ride to reach this site.
This spectacular garden tomb was erected by Humayun’s chief empress Bega Begum in 1569 or 1570 to commemorate the Mughal Emperor.
This stunning structure flaunts a typical Mughal architecture infused with a strong Persian influence. Located on the banks of Yamuna River, Humayun’s Tomb is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi.
Red Fort
Red Fort is another celebrated heritage site from Delhi. This fort was completed in the year 1648, and it was built under the supervision of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
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This used to be the main residential complex for Mughal Kings and royal families for ages. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the same place where Prime Minister of India hoists national flag on Independence Day every year.
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