Bhool Bhulaiya: A Historical Labyrinth in Delhi
Explore the intriguing maze of Bhool Bhulaiya in Delhi, a historical site with a labyrinthine structure and rich Mughal history.
Bhool Bhulaiya, situated in Mehrauli, New Delhi, presents a captivating blend of history and mystery. This structure, initially built as the tomb of Adam Khan in 1562, a general of the Mughal emperor Akbar, has evolved into a labyrinthine complex that intrigues visitors with its confusing architecture. Adam Khan was executed for murdering a colleague, Ataga Khan. The name 'Bhool Bhulaiya,' which translates to 'the labyrinth of illusions,' aptly describes the experience of navigating its interconnected passages, staircases, and doorways. The monument's design is such that it can be disorienting, adding to the allure for tourists. Some claim there are over 1,000 passages and 489 identical doorways. Though stories suggest wedding guests once got lost within the structure, the Archaeological Survey of India now protects the site, which is open to the public. While exploring Bhool Bhulaiya, visitors can appreciate the architectural design and imagine the history it holds. The structure is made of Lakhori bricks with a mortar mix of jaggery, black gram, rice husk and lime. Though the original tomb of Adam Khan was destroyed, a reinstated tomb can still be visited. The maze-like architecture and historical significance make it a unique destination.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the maze involves a lot of walking and navigating uneven surfaces.
- Visit during the cooler months (October to March) for a more comfortable experience, as Delhi summers can be extremely hot.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Qutub Minar to make the most of your trip to Mehrauli.
A brief summary to Bhool Bhulaiya
- New Delhi, Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, Delhi, 110030, IN
- +911123365358
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Public Transport
From New Delhi, take the Delhi Metro to Qutab Minar station. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a local bus to Mehrauli. The auto-rickshaw ride will cost approximately ₹50-₹80. Alternatively, DTC buses are available from Qutab Minar to Mehrauli Terminal for ₹10-₹60.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From anywhere in Delhi, you can hire a taxi or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Ola to reach Bhool Bhulaiya in Mehrauli. A taxi ride from Delhi Cantt Station to Mehrauli costs around ₹369 and takes approximately 47 minutes. Uber X has an initial fare of ₹68.25, with ₹9.45 per km and ₹1.58 per minute, with a minimum fare of ₹72.45. Keep in mind that prices may vary based on the time of day and traffic conditions.
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Driving
If you are driving, use Google Maps or a similar navigation app to reach Bhool Bhulaiya, Mehrauli, New Delhi. Parking is available near Qutub Minar, which is a short distance from Bhool Bhulaiya. Parking fees may vary, so be prepared to pay an hourly or daily rate. Consider using a parking app like Park+ to reserve a spot in advance.
