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Agrasen Ki Baoli- In a Time Wrap, Smack in Middle of New Delhi

Posted on January 13, 2013April 18, 2022

I knew of Agrasen Ki Baoli for quite sometime now. Sometimes I made elaborate plans to go there. But I never succeeded till yesterday! And when I went, I was not even carrying my camera, I used my cell phone to take pictures!

Agrasen Ki Baoli, New Delhi

Agrasen Ki Baoli, New Delhi

About its history I am quoting from Wikipedia–

Although there are no known historical records to prove who built Agrasen ki Baoli, it is believed that it was originally built by the legendary king Agrasen during the Mahabharat epic era and rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community which traces its origin to Maharaja Agrasen.

This description corresponds with the ASI inscription stone outside the monument. I had actually gone to meet my old friend from school and while we were having coffee at CP, she asked if there was a historical monument around. And I (or rather the auto driver) took her to Agrasen Ki Baoli.

College Students at Agrasen Ki Baoli

College Students at Agrasen Ki Baoli

In the present times it seems to be a popular hangout with college students! I could spot only a few tourists but many SLRs. I could see a lot of chairs piled high in a corner but no operation cafe on this day.

Agrasen Ki Baoli

Agrasen Ki Baoli

We walked to the bottom of the step well but saw no water. There were stairs going further down but two people were sitting there and when we asked them what was there, they discouraged us to go any further. I am sure they didn’t want to move from there perch.

Ancient and Modern at Agrasen Ki Baoli

Ancient and Modern at Agrasen Ki Baoli, New Delhi

I was quite amazed at the view that the top of the steps presented. I could see the modern buildings of CP as well as this fascinating monument at the same time! I hope the next time I end there I would have my main camera as well.

PS. If you want to go, the nearest metro station is Barahkhamba Road. The auto guy will charge you 20-30 rupees from there.

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17 thoughts on “Agrasen Ki Baoli- In a Time Wrap, Smack in Middle of New Delhi”

  1. Anuradha Shankar says:
    January 13, 2013 at 9:56 pm

    lovely photos, Mridula! i too have heard of it, but have yet to go there…

    Reply
  2. Damyanti says:
    January 14, 2013 at 6:24 am

    Cool photos. One of my stories mentions this place.

    Reply
  3. R.Ramakrishnan says:
    January 14, 2013 at 8:40 am

    Is this in the vicinity of CP ? Amazing. Have lived in Delhi for so many years and was unaware of its existence.

    Reply
  4. Debopam Banerjee says:
    January 14, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    Wonderful capture of nice historic place…….

    Reply
  5. Sam@Cheap trips India says:
    January 14, 2013 at 1:49 pm

    This is looking nice place in between huge and modern buildings in capital of India.

    Reply
    1. Mridula says:
      January 14, 2013 at 8:21 pm

      Thank you Sam.

      Reply
  6. Indian Bazaars says:
    January 14, 2013 at 5:33 pm

    It’s interesting that the city has grown around this stepped well. As students of architecture, we drew plans and sections of stepped wells – the Adalaj vav in Ahmedabad and the Rani ni vav in Patan and learnt how they were used by travellers for resting, en route to another settlement. Thinking about how towns grow and wrap themselves around history is quite fascinating.

    Reply
  7. Niranjan says:
    January 14, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    Loved the photographs!

    http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

    Reply
  8. Mridula says:
    January 14, 2013 at 8:17 pm

    Thanks Anu, I also ended up there by chance.

    Damyanti is that story online to read? Please share the link.

    Yes Rama this is quite close to Barahkhamba Road 😀

    Thanks Debopam.

    Thank you so much for that insight Indian Bazaars.

    Thanks Niranjan.

    Reply
  9. Shilpi Dutta says:
    January 15, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    Even I long to see this baoli..have heard a lot about this place. Thanx for sharing..i guess this is my next weekend hangout 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mridula says:
      February 24, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      I hope you went there Shilpi.

      Reply
  10. indu chhibber says:
    January 15, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    This is news to me–you do hunt out interesting places in the heart of Delhi. I have to see this imposing structure on my next visit.Thnks a ton Mridula!

    Reply
    1. Mridula says:
      February 24, 2015 at 9:01 pm

      No Indu I usually try to put 200-300km between me and Delhi whenever possible. 😀

      Reply
  11. shooting star says:
    July 7, 2013 at 10:33 pm

    Its on my list too for a long time..lets see when I get to make a visit!

    http://www.myunfinishedlife.com

    Reply
    1. Mridula Dwivedi says:
      November 5, 2015 at 2:32 pm

      I hope you have been there by now 😀

      Reply
  12. sahil sharma says:
    November 5, 2015 at 6:05 am

    Thanks for this dude

    Reply
    1. Mridula Dwivedi says:
      November 5, 2015 at 2:33 pm

      It is dudess actually 😀 ma’am would be nicer 😀

      Reply

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About Me

I am Mridula Dwivedi and I started this blog in 2005. It has been an amazing ride. I have visited 33 countries till date! I have worked with many tourism boards and prominent travel companies. My blog was featured on the BBC and the Guardian.

I did my Ph.D. from IIT Kanpur. I worked full time in academics till 2015! I quit my job as a professor, thinking I will take a break for one year, which turned into five.

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