Agrasen ki Baoli or Ugrasen ki Baoli is a historical monument located in the heart of the city. Close to Connaught Place, this monument draws many visitors who love exploring secrets from the bygone era. It is a stunning stairwell with intricate architectural details that adds to its beauty. It was constructed as a rainwater harvesting system which proves our ancestors were way ahead in those times and were so serious about saving rainwater to be used in dry months. This stepwell attracts locals and tourists alike who love spending some time at this baoli and admire its unique architecture and ideology.
This baoli is a mosaic of assorted rocks and stones and rises from the ground atop 108 stone steps. It is tough to believe that such a beautiful architectural marvel could have been hidden within towering residential complexes and business towers. The place exudes a unique charm and provides a serene experience to discerning visitors. As you start descending the old stone steps towards the reservoir, you will experience hair rising on your neck as the temperature starts dropping. It will give you an unspoken thrill, and you will be mesmerised by the intricate carvings on the monument. Click pictures and capture the magnificence of this monument in your camera to be cherished for a long time. Admire its brick walls that are still standing tall but give you a glimpse into the rich historical past of Delhi.
This monument is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The structure is 60 meters long and 15 meters wide, lending an impressive touch to the monument. There is a mosque with a heavy stone on the roof and standing on four pillars to its south-western side. There are a lot of stories associated with this monument, and many believe that it is a haunted place. Many visitors have experienced strange feelings when visiting this place. This hidden gem shot to popularity when the Aamir Khan starrer movie PK was shot here.
Best Time to Visit Agrasen ki Baoli
The Baoli remains open on all days of the week and opens from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm. The best time to visit the Baoli is in the morning, as one may explore it to the fullest in the pleasant climate.
History Of Agrasen Ki Baoli
Historians and history books don’t say much about the time and the architect of the Baoli, but the locals like to believe that the Baoli was built by King Agrasen, who ruled here during the time of the Mahabharata. Experts also claim that the Baoli was reconstructed in the 14th century during the Tughlaq dynasty period. Switching the focus to its dimensions, the Baoli is 60 meters long and 15 meters wide.
Built over three levels and comprising 108 steps, this Baoli has space for people to sit and rest on each level. Today, the monument is protected and preserved by ASI. The Baoli is one of the busiest monuments in Delhi on the weekends as students, college-goers, youngsters, and people from all walks of life arrive here to spend time with friends in the unusually appealing ambience of the Baoli.
Major Attractions In Agrasen Ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli has rich historical and archeological significance. The monument has a lot to offer. Here are a few major attractions of this amazing monument.
1. The Architecture of the Baoli
It stands unique in the design as its shape is quite different from any other traditional round-shaped reservoirs. Explore the series of 108 steps, constructed into three levels, each level allows you to stay and relax. The incredible symmetry of the Baoli will steal your heart while its splendid architecture will make you adore the sight of it for hours.
2. Mosque at Agrasen ki Baoli
A small mosque is present on the western side of the Baoli that is connected with stairs. The columns can still be seen, however, the roof has fallen now. Buddhist-chaitya carvings can also be explored here. Along these lines, sandstone pillars also make this mosque quite different from the general design of mosques.
3. Agrasen ki Baoli: A Haunted Monument
Falling in the list of haunted structures in Delhi, the water of the Baoli is believed to be under the spell of Black Magic. Alongside this, it is believed that black water of the Baoli attracted people to commit suicide by jumping from the top of the Baoli. Various haunted tales of this monument have scared people time and again and that is the reason people don’t prefer to get in its premises after dusk.
Stepwells have been a part of our civilization and the proofs of it are also found at Indus valley sights. Steps are constructed at the Baoli so that locals can go down conveniently till the level of water and get water to perform their daily chores during bad monsoon years. The stepwells are thousands of years old and were called water temples. All this makes stepwells at Agrasen ki Baoli a worth-exploring spot.
How To Reach Agrasen Ki Baoli
Delhi, the capital of the country is easily accessible through diverse modes of transport. Since it is the capital and an integral part of NCR, it attracts a lot of visitors who come here for diverse reasons. Choose any mode of transportation and visit Agrasen Ki Baoli, located on the Halley Road, Delhi.
- Nearest Major City. Delhi
- Nearest Airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Nearest Railway Station. New Delhi Railway Station
By Air
Indira Gandhi International airport is the nearest airport to reach Agrasen ki Baoli. The airport receives frequent flights from all the airports in India hence one does not need to make the booking months in advance. From the airport, one has to take a bus, book a taxi, metro or an auto-rickshaw to reach anywhere in Delhi. Talking specifically about Agrasen ki Baoli, one has to cover a distance of around 13 km to reach there.
- Distance from the Airport. 13.9 Km
Popular Domestic Flights to Delhi
By Train
New Delhi Railway Station is the nearest one to reach this historic stepwell. The distance between the station and the Baoli is approx. 3km and one may cover this by locally available DTC buses, auto-rickshaws or cabs. Delhi is well-connected to all major cities of India such as Jaipur, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, etc. via railways.
- Distance from New Delhi Railway Station. Approximately 3 Km
By Road
In case you are planning to travel to Delhi by road then you may opt for travelling by bus or your own personal vehicle. There are many government and private inter-state buses that arrive in Delhi with visitors from different states. Travelling by bus is also comfortable and cheaper as compared to other means of transportation.
- Distance From Jaipur. 272 Km
- Distance From Panipat. 107.3 Km
- Distance From Chandigarh. 256.8 Km
- Distance From Bhopal. 767.6 Km
- Distance From Kanpur. 475 Km
- Distance From Sirsa. 266.9 Km
- Distance From Mumbai. 1405.5 Km
- Distance From Kolkata. 1537.5 Km
- Distance From Bengaluru. 2154.5 Km
By Metro
In case you are travelling by Metro from Gurgaon or Noida, then, get down at either the Rajiv Chowk Metro station or the Barakhamba Metro station. From there one may take an auto to reach the Baoli in just a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Agrasen Ki Baoli
Ques 1. What makes Agrasen Ki Baoli famous?
Ans 1. Agrasen Ki Baoli is famous for its unique architectural style, evident in its single-flight staircase. Visitors need to climb down 108 stone stairs to reach the reservoir.
Ques 2. Who built Agrasen Ki Baoli?
Ans 2. Agrasen Ki Baoli was built by King Agrasen in the 14th Century. It is believed that it was built during the Mahabharata times.
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