Qissa-e-Hauz Khas: Of Khiljis, Tughlaqs, Boho-Chic & Cafes!

Hauz-i-Alai or Hauz Khas... or HKV, as it’s known today, is Delhi’s OG hub of ‘Glamour’ —home to chic boutiques, quirky cafes, and contemporary art spaces, many of which boast a stunning view over a 14th Century man-made lake and the ruins of a world-famous educational institution, mistaken today by most to be a fort!!

But 700 years ago the Hauz-e-Alai, was a marvel of medieval urban planning and water management, deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the Indian monsoon. Commissioned by Sultan Alauddin Khilji in the early 1300s, the lake was a rain-fed reservoir, built to harvest monsoon water for his fort-city of Siri, and to sustain surrounding agrarian communities year-round. One can't talk of Hauz Khas and not talk of Alauddin Khilji—a Sultan remembered in popular culture as the antagonist of Padmaavat, the so-called ‘most notorious' Sultan to have ever ascended the throne of Dilli!!

But our walk will delve into and dispel these myths as we share how history sees him as one of the most efficient yet strict administrator who introduced major economic reforms and was surprisingly popular and well-regarded by his 'Awaam' (Citizens). A classic case of Hype v/s Reality!

The walk will also trace the transformation of this lake from a vital lifeline during Alauddin’s era, to its eventual neglect, and then its revival under Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq, who restored the lake, crowned its banks with a majestic madrassa and his own tomb—turning it into a bustling centre of learning, theological studies and artistic inspiration. 

From being the water supply of the 2nd fort-city of Delhi, Siri, to accommodating artists & researchers of the fallen city of Baghdad to crowning the glory of a pious, orthodox Sultan... to succumbing to the devastating plunder of the Turko-Mongol Amir Timur 'The Lame', this lake & ruined complex around it, the Hauz Khas complex has seen epochs rise and collapse.

The green spaces that hug the lake today—now popular as a jogger's park, Insta reel venue or a good old dating spot—are silent storytellers of a landscape shaped by water, and the geography of survival in a semi-arid region like Delhi.

Come explore these romantic ruins in the heart of our City of Djinns, experience the genial climes of the lake and enjoy the same timeless breeze that some of the most brilliant minds did back in the 14th century!

Limited spots available so book now. 

DAY | DATE | TIME: Sunday | 12th July 2026 | 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

CHARGES: Rs 700/- per person

Rs 350/- for Senior citizens and students.*

*Children below 12 yrs come free.

*ASI Monuments Tickets are to be bought directly.

FOR QUERIES CALL: 9871181775