Taking a Gander Through The 600-Year-Old Bara Lao Ka Gumbad & Bara Dari - Read On

Bara Lao ka Gumbad and Bara Dari are two massive structures found inside the Delhi Development Authority Park of Vasant Vihar in South Delhi. Learn all about them right here!

Charity Begins at Home

The 600 year old Lodi-era structures were all over the news in 2009. A family had been living inside the majestic tomb for over three generations, since 1948. They had repainted the walls white and pink, added electricity and water supply and other amenities, destroying the graves in the process.

Preparations for the 2010 Commonwealth Games brought about firm action from the DDA and the state Department of Archaeology. They got rid of the encroachers and repaired the structure. Today, the structures are strictly guarded and entry is not allowed at all. Viewing it from outside, one can make out that they are truly majestic and beautiful.

The Tomb

Bara Lao ka Gumbad is a tomb built inside the Bara Dari, described by the ASI as a rectangular building with a nine-bayed central hall. The tomb has a massive dome with pretty, leaf-like protrusions atop the dome.  The signage outside is barely legible. From the outside, one can see high walls surrounding the gumbad, probably the walls of the Baradari. There is one opening through a locked gate. A peek inside, and one can see a massive courtyard, with a flight of steps leading to another open space. 

Lush Surroundings

The surrounding park has nice, neatly trimmed grassy expanse, and a number of trees can be found in the dense park. People can be seen enjoying their lunch on benches or busy chatting away, soaking up the winter sun. There is also an area with a raised platform for kids to play. It's a pretty great, well-maintained park acting as a great recreational spot in Delhi.

How to Get There

The closest metro station is Hauz Khas on the yellow line from Jahangir towards HUDA City Centre. Take an auto rickshaw and within 10 minutes you'll reach your destination.
We hope you're intrigued enough to catch an eyeful of these huge, beautiful structures - head on over, picnic lunches in tow!