Agrasen ki Baoli

Agrasen ki Baoli is a revelation even to those who have stayed in Delhi for long. Few know that among the high-rise buildings of Connaught Place, there lies a historical step-well, 60m by 15m in size. A short walk from Jantar Mantar, it is located off Hailey Road, in a lane just before the Consulate General of Malta. Legend has it that it was built in the 14th century by Maharaja Agrasen, an ancestor of the mercantile Agrawal community.

A baoli is a step-well that stores natural water and is constructed in such a manner that it provides resting areas to travellers as well.

The shape of this well is very
interesting  as  it  is  quite
different	from		the
traditional	circular shape.
The northern end of the
baoli is a raised platform
with a roof. The side that
doesn’t have a roof is shaded
by a massive neem tree. It
has five levels, where each
level  has  an  arched  area
which was used as a resting
place. 103 steps used to lead
to the water at the base.
Today, the water has dried
up and the Baoli is home to
thousands of bats living in
its  cool,  dark  well  area.
Hundreds of pigeons can be
heard gurgling here.				Hailey Road, Near KG Marg,
Agrasen ki Baoli has been				Connaught Place
designated	a	protected		Nearest Metro Station:
monument		by	the	Barakhamba
				Entry: Free
Archaeological		Survey	of
				Days Closed: None
India  (ASI)		under	the	Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Ancient  Monuments			and	Photography Charges: Nil
Archaeological		Sites	and
Remains Act of 1958.