Not many can declare to be living in a 600 years old heritage house, but that was in the case with the Bara Lao Ka Gumbad. Earlier Archaeological Survey of India undertook the monumental site under its care, a family had been living in the monument for more than 3 generations. Situated in the DDA Park in Vasant Vihar, the Lodi Era monument was abandoned by the powers for a very long period of time, Prime to illegal encroachments. One of the unremembered monuments in Delhi, Bara Lao Ka Gumbad once revealed the royal architecture of Lodi dynasty. But after the encroachers began living there, the monument was shifted into makeshift living place. The walls were painted and damaged which led to powers regaining the ownership of the place. Since , the walls have been altered, the main tomb’s damages have been repaired and most of the monuments have been restricted to the common public in order to save the heritage site and ward of the encroachers.

HISTORY OF THE ATTRACTION

Not much is known of the past of the Bara Lao Ka Gumbad except for the era in which it was constructed. The architectural style give clue that the monument to be from the Lodi era. The monument is trusted to be of the time before Mughals ever entered India. But as time passed, the monument was then left unattended. After-independence, large encroachers made the monument as there home. They also set up electricity and running water facilities inside the monument. Prior to Commonwealth Games in Delhi in the year 2010, The Archaeological Survey of India and DDA both joined together to remove the illegal encroachment and preserve the monument. The move also got support from the local resident welfare association, who were in the favour of restoring the monument to its former glory. The people those who are residing inside the monument fought the battle of legal ownership, citing that the lands belong to Wakf board and they are the residents since from time of their ancestors. The ownership was then granted to DDA who under the assistance of Archaeological Survey of India restored the monument. In the year 2018, the monument was rose for adoption under the “Adopt a Heritage”, which was basically started by the Government of India. The monument was then got adopted by a private body; the step would ensure that the monument is kept preserved for a longer period of time.

GETTING THERE

The nearest metro station to get in is Vasant Vihar on Magenta Line of Delhi Metro. From the there, you can either take an auto or you can walk to the monument.

THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND

Vasant Vihar is a luxurious residential area in South Delhi. You can befall the markets of Vasant Vihar and malls in the Vasant Vihar market. There are also various cafe and restaurants in the neighbourhood which offer lip-smacking food.

OPENING AND CLOSING TIMING

The monument is not open for the public visit. Located in the DDA Park, people can just watch the exterior walls, rest is restricted for public entry. The timings for the DDA Park is from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm between tuesday to sunday as it is closed on monday.

ENTRY FEES

There is no entry fee charged.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The monument inside the park can be befall throughout the year, but the winters are the best time to befall. Sightseeing tour in Delhi is best during the time summers because of its colder temperature of winters is ideal for exploring Delhi.