Agrasen ki Baoli
Descend to the water
Just a few minutes’ walk from Connaught Place, in the heart of New Delhi, a quiet lane leads to a surprise: a long stepwell sunk between office buildings. Agrasen ki Baoli is about 60 metres long and 15 metres wide, with 108 steps leading down towards the water.
Who built it?
Tradition says the stepwell was built by the legendary king Agrasen, and later rebuilt by the Aggarwal community who honour him as their ancestor. There are no historical records to prove this. Its present architecture suggests it was rebuilt around the 14th century, during the time of the Delhi Sultanate.
Arches and echoes
Three levels of arched niches line the walls on both sides. As you walk down, the noise of the city fades and the air grows cooler. The well is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and it has appeared in several Bollywood films. Local legends even say it is haunted, which only adds to its charm.
Visiting tips
- Go early in the morning for soft light and fewer people.
- Look back up from the bottom of the steps for the best view of the arches.
- Combine your visit with nearby Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory.
Key facts
| Location | Hailey Road, New Delhi |
| Size | About 60 m long, 15 m wide |
| Steps | 108 |
| Present form | Probably 14th century |
| Protected by | Archaeological Survey of India |