Also Known As · Jahaz Mahal, Mehrauli
New Delhi, Delhi · monument
A Lodi-era pavilion that seems to float on the old Hauz-i-Shamsi tank — corner chhatris, blue-tile traces and Mehrauli's flower-fan festival.
Jahaz Mahal is a graceful Lodi-era pavilion (late 15th–early 16th century) standing on the north-eastern bank of the Hauz-i-Shamsi, a 13th-century reservoir commissioned by Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish at the eastern edge of Mehrauli. Its name — 'Jahaz' means ship — comes from the lovely illusion of the building appearing to float when mirrored in the tank's waters. Though the exact builder is unrecorded, it is attributed to the Lodi dynasty (1452–1526) and is thought to have served as a pleasure retreat and a sarai (inn) offering transit lodging to pilgrims and travellers, as well as a monsoon-season respite for Delhi's royalty.
Pure-veg regional Indian cuisine
Pure-veg South Indian dosas and thalis
Budget pure-veg North Indian dhaba fare
Jahaz Mahal is a graceful Lodi-era pavilion (late 15th–early 16th century) standing on the north-eastern bank of the Hauz-i-Shamsi, a 13th-century reservoir commissioned by Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish at the eastern edge of Mehrauli.
it is a free, open-air heritage monument within the Mehrauli park precinct, best visited sunrise to sunset; reported hours and any nominal fee vary by source, so confirm locally before a special trip. The nearest metro is Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line, about 1.5–2 km away, then a short auto ride or 15-minute walk. Carry water, watch your footing on old stone, and come at golden hour for the finest reflections.
Visiting Hours
Entry Fee: Free / no dedicated ticket — an open monument within the Mehrauli park precinct; a nominal fee is cited by some sources but unconfirmed.
Verified: July 2026
Address
Near Hauz-i-Shamsi, eastern edge of Mehrauli bazaar, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi, 110030
At the north-eastern corner of the Hauz-i-Shamsi tank, Mehrauli
🚇 Nearest Metro: Qutub Minar (Yellow Line) — about 1.5–2 km, then auto or a 15-minute walk
🚶 Walking from Metro: About 1.5–2 km from Qutub Minar metro — a short auto ride or a 15-minute walk through Mehrauli bazaar.
Distance from
Parking
street · Free / nominal
Street parking near Mehrauli bazaar / bus terminal; the lanes are narrow.
🚕 Ride Hailing Tip: Autos and cabs reach Mehrauli bazaar; the last stretch to the tank is a short walk.
How to Reach: Jahaz Mahal sits at the north-eastern corner of the Hauz-i-Shamsi tank, at the end of Mehrauli bazaar. Take the Yellow Line to Qutub Minar station (about 1.5–2 km) and continue by auto-rickshaw or a 15-minute walk; Mehrauli Bus Terminal is within walking distance.
History
Jahaz Mahal is a Lodi-era pavilion (late 15th–early 16th century) built on the north-eastern bank of the Hauz-i-Shamsi, a 13th-century reservoir commissioned by Sultan Shamsuddin Iltutmish.
🏛️ Architect: A single-storey Indo-Islamic Lodi-era pavilion set around a central courtyard, with domed chhatris at the corners, arched cells, squinch-supported roofs, surviving traces of blue-glazed tilework and a mihrab niche — among the best-preserved Lodi pleasure pavilions in Delhi.
Significance
Jahaz Mahal is one of the best-preserved Lodi-period pleasure pavilions in Delhi and a signature landmark of Mehrauli's layered heritage.
A 200-acre heritage park of Lodi and Mughal-era monuments.
One of Delhi's ancient living temples, to Krishna's sister Yogmaya.
The 12th–13th-century victory tower and India's tallest brick minaret.
Family Highlights
💰 Equipment Fees: Free for personal photography.
📍 The Golden Spot: The pavilion mirrored in the Hauz-i-Shamsi tank at golden hour — the "floating ship" view.
🌅 Best Light Time: Early morning or late afternoon over the water.
🌅 Secret View: Look for surviving patches of blue-glazed tilework and the mihrab niche among the arched cells — quiet detail beyond the famous reflection.
🎯 Crowd Hack: Early morning is calm and gives the best reflections; the site fills only during the October festival.
💎 Secret Fact: It is a key ceremonial venue of the Phoolwalon Ki Sair, a Delhi flower-sellers' festival begun in 1812 under Akbar Shah II and revived in 1961, when decorated pankhas are carried through Mehrauli.
⚡ Express Tour
20 minutes — the pavilion and its reflection over the tank.
🔭 Deep Dive Tour
Half day — Jahaz Mahal, Yogmaya Temple and the Mehrauli Archaeological Park.
👕 Dress Code: Comfortable walking clothes, sun protection and water for the open site.
📷 Photography Rules: Personal photography is welcome; the reflection over the tank is the signature shot.
🏧 Nearest ATM: ATMs in Mehrauli bazaar and toward Saket (within 2 km).
It is a free, open-air heritage monument within the Mehrauli park precinct, best visited sunrise to sunset (roughly 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM cited). Reported hours and any nominal fee vary by source, so confirm locally before a special trip.
Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line is nearest, about 1.5–2 km; continue by auto-rickshaw or a 15-minute walk through Mehrauli bazaar.
'Jahaz' means ship — the pavilion appears to float like a ship when reflected in the waters of the adjacent Hauz-i-Shamsi tank.
It is one of the best-preserved Lodi-era pleasure pavilions in Delhi and the ceremonial venue of the annual Phoolwalon Ki Sair flower-fan festival in Mehrauli.
It stands at the eastern edge of Mehrauli by the Hauz-i-Shamsi tank, close to the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, and is best combined with a wider Mehrauli heritage walk.
Pure-veg options cluster around Saket and Select Citywalk — Sattvik and Saravana Bhavan — with a budget pure-veg dhaba (Malik Vegetarian Rasoi) opposite the Mehrauli bus terminal.
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