Jahaz Mahal

Every year after the monsoons, this ravaged monument whose name means “ship palace” hosts music, dance and acting. It becomes the focal point of cultural activities marking Phoolwalon ki Sair, a festival in which floral tributes are paid to two premier Hindu and Muslim shrines in Mehrauli, a south Delhi region filled with monuments of almost every signifiant historical timeline. Some historians say Jahaz Mahal, built during the Lodhi period (1452-1526), was a mosque. Some think it was the residence of a holy man. Others believe it to be a serai (inn) that took in visiting pilgrims. Adjacent to Hauz-e-Shamsi, a water tank built by Sultan Iltumish, it could also have been a pleasure palace, a harem, or a summer refuge for the Delhi royalty. In any case, Jahaz Mahal got its name because its reflection in the rippling waters of the tank looked like a moving ship. Over the years the lake was reduced to a filthy pond and the mahal lost its reflection. It also lost its southern wall. Most of the blue ceramic tiles on the domed pavilion over the central gateway were lost. Yet there is beauty in this dilapidation. The chhatris show delicate carvings. The mihrab, or recess, on the western wall indicates a mosque. The arched chambers promise serenity.

It's of historical relevance. Though the upkeep of the monument is not up to the mark, but it still draws people. The "phool walon ki sair " is held every year at this place. Behind the Mahal is Hauz e Shamshi....a pond, now in very bad condition due to neglect by authorities.

If u have thought about coming here then better search for another place, not downgrading the significance of it's place and the rich history and the culture it presents but, i would reccomend u going to see Hauz Kaus Park instead, the structure is a bit similar to it, so instead of taking all the trouble coming here and spending time here, better got to another place and spend more time at another place Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait

One reason for building the Jahaj Mahal retreat was to provide transit accommodation as a Sarai or (inn) to the large number of pilgrims from Afghanistan, Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Morocco and Turkey who came to Delhi to visit the many Muslim shrines. Another version is that it was built as a retreat for the emperors, Akbar Shah II and Bahadur Shah II and their families, during the summer months, away from the heat and dust of Delhi. Its construction is dated between 1451 AD and 1526 AD, before Babar's invasion and the beginning of Mughal rule in Delhi.

Jahaz Mahal, is located next to Hauz-i-Shamsi in Mehrauli, Delhi on its northeastern corner. It was so named, since its reflection in the surrounding reservoir looked like a ship floating on a lake. It is inferred to have been built during the Lodi dynasty period as a pleasure resort, Sarai or an inn. Nice place for hangouts with family.

Historic place but not in a good condition

Place is good, but the community and the maintenance is pathetic

Nothing is here just small mahal and we are allowed in lower potion Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No

This place is 10 min walking distance from chattarpur metro station within mehrauli market. You can hire a auto or can easily go by walking through a very rush market. Also you can enjoy the mahal visit as well as market of mehrauli too.

Zafar mahal is situated in Mehrauli, it's condition is not so well, I wish ASI will work on it soon and make it alive again. The structure is made by stones and Mughal Era's cement, it's designed in the shape of a ship, that's why this place is called jahaz Mahal. There also a Lake Named hauz e Shamsi behind the Mahal.