The lake at Hauz Khas, meaning ‘royal tank,’ was built by Sultan Allauddin Khilji in the 13th century to provide water for Siri Fort. Thronged by birds and fringed by parkland, it is fronted by the ruins of Firoz Shah’s 14th-century madrasa (religious school) and tomb , with a magnificent calligraphy-covered incised plaster ceiling.
To reach the lake shore, cut through the adjacent Deer Park (daylight hours), which has more ruined tombs, a well-stocked deer enclosure and a popular drumming circle. There are numerous Lodi-era tombs scattered along the access road to Hauz Khas Village, and in nearby Green Park.
