Jahaz Mahal is a historic monument beside Hauz-i-Shamsi in Mehrauli, South Delhi. Its name means “Ship Palace,” a reference to the building’s reflection in the reservoir, and its roofline is marked by domed pavilions.
- Location: Beside Hauz-i-Shamsi, Mehrauli, South Delhi.
- Historical period: Associated with the Lodi dynasty; construction may date to 1451–1526 CE.
- Typical hours: Open daily
- Nearest metro: Chhatarpur or Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line.
Where is Jahaz Mahal in Mehrauli?
Jahaz Mahal stands beside Hauz-i-Shamsi in Mehrauli, in South Delhi. Its position by the reservoir helps explain the monument’s familiar name: Delhi Tourism says “Ship Palace” is believed to describe the building’s reflection on the water, which looked like a ship floating there.
The Archaeological Survey of India’s monument inventory gives the location as Talab Lane, Mehrauli, New Delhi. The setting connects the structure directly to the water tank rather than placing it in isolation from the surrounding heritage area.
What should you look for at Jahaz Mahal?
Look for the roof pavilions, the gateway’s domed pavilion and architectural clues that point to different possible uses of the building. Delhi Tourism describes six square chhatris, or domed pavilions, on the roof. The ASI inventory specifies a square chhatri at each of four corners and an octagonal one above the prayer chamber.
The ASI inventory also notes blue glazed tiles on the domed pavilion over the gateway. Inside the western wall, a mihrab—a prayer niche—has led some to suggest the building may have served as a mosque. Local tradition, by contrast, describes it as a merchant’s house for a saint.
Its original function remains uncertain. Some historians have considered it an inn for pilgrims travelling to Delhi from Iran, Iraq, Arabia, Afghanistan, Turkey and Morocco. The competing explanations offer context for the monument without settling what it was built to do.
How do you plan a visit?
Delhi Tourism gives Jahaz Mahal’s hours as 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, every day. Hours and access arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 10:00–17:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The nearest metro references point to Chhatarpur or Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line. Mehrauli Bus Terminal is approximately 5 kilometres from the protected monument.
Delhi Tourism says the annual Phool Walon Ki Sair festival is held at Jahaz Mahal in October, with cultural performances. If you are planning around the festival, check current details with the relevant official source before setting out.
What other Mehrauli heritage sites are listed nearby?
Jahaz Mahal is one of several heritage buildings identified in Mehrauli. A Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation list of heritage buildings under the ASI also names Moti Masjid, the Old Palace of Bahadur Shah II—also called Lal Mahal—and the Qutab archaeological area among its Mehrauli entries. Mehrauli’s heritage sites also include the Jamali Kamali Tomb.
The same list names Shamsid Tallab, including its platform entrance gates, separately from Jahaz Mahal.
The Tomb of Balban in Mehrauli offers another historic site to consider alongside Jahaz Mahal; each has its own setting and access arrangements.
How do you get from Park Boulevard Hotel to Jahaz Mahal?
Jahaz Mahal is about 7.3 km from Park Boulevard Hotel, a four-star hotel in New Delhi. If you are arranging your visit from a hotel in New Delhi, use the monument’s Mehrauli location to plan your onward journey and confirm transport details before you leave.
FAQs
What does Jahaz Mahal mean?
Jahaz Mahal means “Ship Palace.” The name is believed to refer to the building’s reflection in Hauz-i-Shamsi, which looked like a ship on the water.
When was Jahaz Mahal built?
It is associated with the Lodi dynasty. One inventory describes its construction as possibly dating to the Lodi period, 1451–1526 CE.
Which metro station is nearest to Jahaz Mahal?
Chhatarpur or Qutub Minar on the Yellow Line are identified as the nearest stations. Check current transit information when planning your route.
What was Jahaz Mahal used for?
Its original use is uncertain. Suggested explanations include an inn for pilgrims, a mosque or, in local tradition, a merchant’s house for a saint.