Athpula: The Mughal-Era Stone Bridge in Lodhi Garden

Lodhi Garden is usually remembered for its tombs, domes and old gateways. But near the northeastern side of the garden is a very different kind of monument. No dome. No burial chamber. No elaborate façade.

It is simply an old stone bridge.

Known as Athpula, this 16th-century structure is one of the few surviving Mughal-era bridges in Delhi. Visitors regularly walk across it while exploring the garden, often without realizing that the bridge beneath their feet is several centuries old.

Why the Name Athpula?

The name gives away an important feature of its construction.

Athpula literally means Eight Piers. The bridge rests on eight stone piers, creating seven arched openings beneath it. The central arch is the largest, while the arches gradually become smaller towards either end.

Stand in front of the bridge and this symmetry becomes quite clear.

Unlike a tomb or mosque, Athpula was built primarily for use. It had to carry people across a watercourse while allowing water to pass beneath it. Yet the builders did not ignore proportion. The sequence of arches gives an otherwise functional structure a pleasing appearance.

The bridge is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar, possibly under a noble named Nawab Bahadur. There is no inscription on the monument to provide a definite account of its construction.

Look at the Stonework

Athpula is built largely of Delhi quartzite, the hard local stone seen in several historic structures across the city.

The bridge is solid and comparatively plain. Its attraction lies mainly in the row of arches and the strength of its masonry rather than in decoration. Low stone walls run along both sides of the bridge, adding to its sturdy appearance.

Today, the setting adds considerably to its appearance.

The bridge crosses a shallow pond inside Lodhi Garden. Lotus plants spread across the water during the right season, while ducks move between the arches. When the water is still, the curves of the bridge are reflected below, making this one of the pleasant photographic spots in the garden.

It is also interesting to watch modern life continue around it. Morning walkers, joggers and families casually cross a bridge that was built for a very different Delhi.

What Did Athpula Originally Cross?

The landscape around Lodhi Garden has changed considerably over the centuries.

Athpula probably crossed a stream or water channel that once passed through this area. It may also have formed part of an older route through the Nizamuddin region.

Some accounts connect it with the wider water system around the Barahpullah Nallah, suggesting that the bridge belonged to a landscape where roads, gardens, agricultural land and channels were closely linked.

Whatever its exact original setting, Athpula reminds us of something easy to forget while exploring Delhi. Heritage is not limited to palaces, tombs and places of worship. Bridges, wells, tanks, gateways and old roads can tell us just as much about how a city once functioned.

Finding Athpula in Lodhi Garden

Athpula is located towards the northeastern corner of Lodhi Garden.

If you are coming from the Bara Gumbad area, follow the pathways towards the pond and the boundary near Max Mueller Marg. The row of stone arches is difficult to miss once you reach the water.

Location: Lodhi Garden, New Delhi
Entry: Free
Timings: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm daily
Nearest Metro: JLN Stadium or Khan Market
Best time for photography: Early morning, when the light is softer and reflections on the water are clearer

Athpula may take only a few minutes to see. Still, do not merely cross it and continue walking.

Move to the side of the pond and look at the complete structure. Count the eight piers. Notice how the seven arches change in size. Then look at the people walking across the top.

For them, it is a convenient bridge inside a popular Delhi park. Centuries ago, someone probably crossed the same structure because it was simply part of the road ahead.

That everyday continuity is what makes Athpula interesting.

Happy travelling.