Sultan Garhi Fortress - The Hidden Gem of Delhi

TusharSuradkar · February 18, 2024, 4:41pm

The Sultan Garhi monument in Delhi is truly a hidden gem since it is secluded and difficult to reach as well.
As a result, very few people visit here, and it remains a calm and secluded place.

The architecture of the monument is popularly called Indo-Islamic wherein invading Turks grabbed Hindu structures and remodeled them to change the exterior looks. This monument was the first of such type in India.

The entrance is unfortunately not accessible since there is no ramp or railing.

The entrance opens up in a huge yard in the center of which are ruins of a Hindu temple.

The deity is preserved in the basement of the structure and Hindu residents of Delhi continue to worship here routinely.

Here’s the Mihrab or worship place for the Muslims in Delhi.

According to the local tour guide this place is believed to be the place of the Hindu deity originally before it was encroached by the invading Turks.

The entire work is done in interlocking reddish-yellow sandstone and no mortar is used in the construction of the walls.

Here’s one of the corners of the Garhi Mansion where pigeons and parrots are found chirping and soaking in the warm sunshine of a winter morning.

Here’s the view of the Sultan Garhi Mansion from backside.

Here’s the view from the South-west corner.

Here’s a closeup view of the beautiful stonework that glitters like gold in the morning sun.

How to Reach

This place is accessible via a narrow road off the busy Chhatarpur-Mahipalpur road.
The approach road is a bit rough but manageable.

• The nearest bus stop is Vasant Enclave C-8 or the ISIC Hospital bus stop.
• The nearest metro stations are Chhatarpur and Delhi Aero City.

Entry Ticket

The entry ticket is INR 25 and can be purchased by scanning the QR code near the entrance from a mobile phone UPI app.

Also, note to remove shoes before entering the monument.

Where to Eat

There are not any eateries within 1 km of the place but plenty of food joints on the main road in Vasant Kunj and also in Mahipalpur. I will recommend Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters.

Other Tourist Attraction Nearby

While you are in Delhi, these are the top-recommended places:

Praniketmore · February 18, 2024, 5:24pm

@TusharSuradkar I’ve heard it’s one of the earliest archaeological sites. Iltutmish’s son mausoleum is frequented by both Hindus and Muslims.Nicely taken photographs. I’d want to visit this place.

TusharSuradkar · February 18, 2024, 5:42pm

Yes, this is the tomb of the son of Iltutmish, the Terrible.

Iltutmish’s tomb is on the same campus as Qutub Minar and is richly decorated:

https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t5/General-Discussion/The-Lavishly-Decorated-Iltutmish-Tomb-The-First-Tomb-of-Delhi/m-p/2856216

Hope you get a chance to visit here too @Praniketmore since these are close by:

Annaelisa · February 18, 2024, 10:16pm

@TusharSuradkar ein durch die Bilder gut dargestelltes Gebäude, im Grunde sieht es sehr Wehrhaft aus.

Auf jeden Fall sehr gut erklärt

TusharSuradkar · February 19, 2024, 3:00am

Your observation is correct

@Annaelisa The word “Garhi” means a small fort, meant for defending the dwellers.

And “Sultan Garhi” means “A Small Fort for the Ruler”

Kumaarsantosh · February 19, 2024, 4:52am

‘Sultan Garhi’ is really a hidden Gem of Delhi. Very less explored and talked about place.

Thanks @TusharSuradkar for highlighting this place with the beautiful pictures. This will surely create awareness and eagerness to visit this place especially for the Delhites.

Annaelisa · February 19, 2024, 7:33am

@TusharSuradkar danke für die weitere Erklärung

TusharSuradkar · February 19, 2024, 8:22am

Thank you, dear @Kumaarsantosh

A simple thing that puzzles me is why they do not create a small park and neat access road around this magnificent historic monument.

Like they have done for all small and big tombs in Delhi including

Najaf Khan Tomb https://maps.app.goo.gl/LwHWrvogqAj73XHJA

Bade Khan Tomb https://maps.app.goo.gl/nRo2wKdGsVgDrYhU9

Darya Khan Tomb https://maps.app.goo.gl/PjDZCce6Gds9sJbi9

and so on…

Kumaarsantosh · February 19, 2024, 10:56am

Absolutely in agreement @TusharSuradkar .

KashifMisidia · February 21, 2024, 2:40pm

Maybe some people thinks that “key in patharoon mai aur purani Imaratoon mai kiya rakha hey?”

But reality is, that these amazing places are witness of many eras, key jub Bharat ney khud ko bantey aur totttey dekha, aur tott ker phir sey bantey aur phir oonchai Tak jatey dekha.

Thanks for sharing another beautiful post @TusharSuradkar