Yogmaya Temple is one of the oldest and most revered shrines in the capital. It sits in the historic neighbourhood of Mehrauli, a short distance from the Qutub Minar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya, who is believed to be Lord Krishna’s sister, and it is counted among the few surviving ancient temples of Delhi. Devotees come throughout the year, and the crowds grow during Navratri, Janmashtami and the colourful Phool Walon Ki Sair festival.
If you are planning your first visit, this guide covers every practical way to get there, from the metro to your own car.
A Quick Look at the Location
The temple is in the Mehrauli area of South Delhi, close to the Qutub Minar complex and the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Mehrauli is an old, densely built locality, so the lanes near the temple are narrow and busy. That makes the final stretch of the journey as important as the main route, and it is worth planning with this in mind.
Reaching Yogmaya Temple by Metro
For most visitors, the Delhi Metro is the easiest and most economical option.
Nearest station: Qutub Minar Metro Station (Yellow Line). The station is roughly 2 to 3 km from the temple. Once you exit, you have three choices:
- E-rickshaw: These wait outside the station and are the most popular choice for the short ride into Mehrauli. Agree on the fare before you sit.
- Auto-rickshaw: A good option if you are travelling in a small group or carrying bags.
- Cab: Ride-hailing apps work well here, though pickups can take a few minutes because of narrow lanes.
Other useful stations: Saket and Chhatarpur on the Yellow Line are also workable. Chhatarpur is a good choice if you are coming from the southern side of the city, but you will need a short cab or auto ride from either station.
Tip: If you are coming from Central Delhi, board the Yellow Line towards Huda City Centre at Rajiv Chowk or Central Secretariat and get off at Qutub Minar. From Gurugram, take the same line in the opposite direction towards Samaypur Badli.
Reaching Yogmaya Temple by Bus
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses connect Mehrauli with most parts of the city. The Mehrauli bus terminal and the stops near the Qutub Minar are the most convenient places to alight. From there, the temple is a short walk or a quick e-rickshaw ride away.
Bus routes are revised from time to time, so check the current route numbers on the One Delhi app or Google Maps before you leave. Buses are very affordable, but they can be crowded during peak hours, so they suit light travellers better than families with elderly members.
Reaching Yogmaya Temple by Car or Taxi
Driving gives you the most comfort, particularly for families and senior citizens, but parking needs a little planning.
- From Central Delhi: Take the Ring Road or Aurobindo Marg towards Hauz Khas and Saket, then continue to Mehrauli via Mehrauli-Badarpur Road or the road leading to the Qutub Minar.
- From Gurugram: Take the Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road (MG Road), which brings you straight into Mehrauli.
- From Noida and East Delhi: Use the DND Flyway or Ring Road, then connect to Aurobindo Marg, and continue south to Mehrauli.
Parking space near the temple is limited. Many visitors park near the Qutub Minar complex or in the nearby public parking areas and walk the remaining distance. On festival days, expect heavy traffic and think about parking farther away or using a cab.
If you prefer not to drive, app-based cabs and prepaid taxis are easy to find in all parts of Delhi. A one-way cab from most central locations is usually comfortable and saves you the parking stress.
Reaching from the Airport
Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) is about 14 to 16 km from Mehrauli. You have two sensible options:
- Cab or taxi: The most direct choice. Depending on traffic, the journey usually takes between 35 and 60 minutes.
- Airport Express Line plus Yellow Line: Take the Airport Express to New Delhi, change to the Yellow Line at the interchange, and continue to Qutub Minar. This is cheaper, but it involves a change and a final e-rickshaw ride.
Reaching from Railway Stations
- New Delhi Railway Station: Around 16 to 18 km away. Walk to the adjoining metro station, take the Yellow Line towards Huda City Centre, and get off at Qutub Minar.
- Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station: Roughly 13 to 15 km away. A cab is the simplest option, or you can travel by metro with one interchange.
- Old Delhi Railway Station: Take the metro from Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line directly to Qutub Minar, which is convenient and avoids road traffic.
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings are calm and pleasant, and they let you attend the aarti without a rush. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. If you want to experience the temple’s cultural side, visit during Navratri, Janmashtami, or the Phool Walon Ki Sair festival, which is usually held after the monsoon. Just remember that roads and entry points get very crowded on those days, so start early and use public transport if possible.
Temple timings can change with seasons and festivals, so it is wise to confirm the current opening hours locally before you go.
Things to Keep in Mind Before You Go
- Dress modestly and wear comfortable footwear that is easy to remove.
- Carry cash, since small vendors and e-rickshaws may not accept digital payments.
- Leave valuables behind, and keep your phone and wallet secure in crowded areas.
- Photography rules can vary inside the sanctum, so ask before clicking pictures.
- Buy offerings from reputable stalls, and check prices before purchase.
- Account for walking: The last stretch can involve uneven lanes, so seniors may prefer a vehicle that gets as close as possible.
Places to Visit Nearby
Since you will already be in Mehrauli, make the most of the trip. The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only a short distance away. The Mehrauli Archaeological Park offers peaceful walks among centuries-old tombs, stepwells and mosques, including Jamali Kamali and Jahaz Mahal. The Dargah of Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki is also close by and forms the other half of the Phool Walon Ki Sair tradition. Mehrauli’s cafés and small eateries are good for a relaxed meal afterwards.
Final Thoughts
Reaching Yogmaya Temple is simple once you know your options. The metro to Qutub Minar station followed by an e-rickshaw is the fastest and cheapest route for most people, while a cab suits families who want comfort. Whichever way you travel, start early, keep a little patience for the narrow lanes, and give yourself extra time to take in the quiet history of this ancient shrine and its surroundings.