Delhi is one city where history breathes not just through the plethora of monuments and landmarks, but also along the thoroughfares. It is one city that deserves a visit in your lifetime. Making a trip to Delhi is incomplete without checking out these ten places.
However, they are only the tip of the iceberg and there are several other attractions worth exploring as well. It is impossible to discover everything that is wonderful about the National Capital in a single trip.
Here are Must-Visits Tourist Attractions in Delhi that you should not miss:
1. Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is the tallest minaret in the country and the entire complex has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This staggering structure was finished back in the 12th century and is a five-storied tower going up 70 meters with its intricate designs, motifs, and carvings. It is famous for being built out of various types of stone including sandstone, marble, and red sandstone. You will also find the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid in the complex along with the gateway that came up in 1310. The tombs of Imam Zamin, Alauddin Khalji, and Iltutmish are also present here. You will love seeing the Alai Minar and the Iron Pillar which dates back 2,000 years!
2. Red Fort
The Lal Qila or Red Fort was built in 1648 by Shah Jahan and the Mughals ruled here till the year 1857 as per historical records. The structure itself is spellbinding with its red sandstone design and imposing walls. The main entrance is named the Lahore Gate while the Delhi Gate was used by emperors for their processions. Visitors will have a blast discovering Chhatta Chowk, the 17th-century bazaar that sells souvenirs, jewelry, apparel, silverware, gems, food, and more. The Red Fort still has its Naubat Khana which was once home to musicians and the galleries have instruments such as cymbals, gongs, and kettledrums. The Diwan-i-Am is another marble wonder worth seeing.
3. Gandhi Smriti and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
Your trip to Delhi is incomplete without a stop at Gandhi Smriti and Raj Ghat. The former is a beautiful museum within the property where the Father of the Nation was assassinated in the year 1948. This contains various memorabilia and displays on Mahatma Gandhi’s life, work, and death. View the room where he resided along with the Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum with its treasure trove of historical details. People also love taking walks in the gardens where Gandhiji used to spend a lot of time in the past. Raj Ghat is a soothing memorial on the spot where his cremation took place. It is just a short walk away from Gandhi Smriti.
4. India Gate
India Gate is a splendid arch that is a tribute to those Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. It has an eternal flame that burns below while the walls have inscriptions detailing names of 90,000+ soldiers who were killed. It has a red stone base with a domed bowl on the top. India Gate is particularly impressive at night when it is lit up!
5. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is nestled in a sprawling garden and the mausoleum will awe you with its architectural excellence and combination of red sandstone and white marble. The design is similar to the Taj Mahal in many ways and Mughal architecture splendidly comes to the forefront here. It was built as a memorial and tribute to Humayun in the 16th century by his widow Haji Begum. There are beautiful gardens surrounding the main tomb along with other tombs like that of Humayun’s own barber and also the tomb of the architect of the Taj Mahal, Isa Khan. Viewing this marvelous structure in the evening is a treat for sure when it is resplendently illuminated!
6. Jama Masjid
One of Delhi’s biggest attractions, the Jama Masjid is one of the biggest such mosques in the entire country and was built by Shah Jahan. Finished back in 1658, the elegantly designed mosque has four towers, three entrances, and two minarets going up to 40 meters. They are all built with white marble and red sandstone. Visitors can venture to the southern minaret’s topmost portion for panoramic Old Delhi vistas and then explore the central pool where people wash before praying. You should remove your shoes before entering while being suitably dressed. You can then get a dekko of the bustling and famous Chandni Chowk area and market that surrounds the Jama Masjid. Do not miss the Gadodial and Naya Bazaar spice markets.
7. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple or Bahá’í Worship Spot is an architectural beauty, built of marble and white concrete. It looks just as fragile and elegant as a lotus and the whole effect is striking, to say the least. The temple was developed in 1986 and has drawn 70 million visitors and counting ever since! It is one of the highest visited tourist landmarks in the whole world and this amazing house of worship does not have any religious symbols, pictures, or idols. It is open to everyone from all faiths and beliefs. A trip to the Lotus Temple is a must if you wish to embrace the underlying belief of inclusivity and harmony. It is a peaceful and tranquil spot for reconnecting with your spiritual side.
8. Lodi Gardens
A trip to Delhi is incomplete without visiting the Lodi Gardens as well. It is one of the most famous parks in the whole country, sprawling over a whopping 90 acres in all. You will have a ball exploring the pristine gardens and also checking out several historical landmarks, ruins, and tombs from the pre-1600 era as well. Architectural wonders here include the 15th-century tombs and mausoleums where the Lodi emperors were buried. The Glazed Dome is a beautiful mosque here with its triple dome and lovely blue tiles. A massive dome lies in ruins and may have dated to 1490. You will also find the Athpula, the bridge with eight piers that goes all the way back to the 16th century. The lake of the park is beautiful and so are the arches and columns of this bridge. Lodi Gardens is a fabulous place to check out innumerable native trees, various butterfly species, and birds galore. It also houses the National Bonsai Park which is a treat for enthusiasts. You can also reach the nearby Khan Market in only five minutes. A short walk will take you to this popular market which is one of the world’s most coveted shopping districts, offering street delights, top brands, and more.
9. Purana Qila
Purana Qila or the Old Fort is often neglected by tourists who prefer to visit the popular Red Fort instead. However, your Delhi itinerary should definitely contain this magnificent landmark with a history going back by a whopping 2,500 years or more. A majority of the present structure goes back to even the 1500s though evidence has been discovered of the earliest components which date till the 3rd century. The current structure played a vital role in the entire region for many centuries, influenced by Islamic philosophies. This is evident through several structures like the single-dome mosque called the Qila-i-Kuna which was constructed in 1541. The site covers two square kilometers in total and you will have a blast, visiting the massive gates and ramparts of the Fort. You can also check out the nearby Mehrauli Archaeological Park which sprawls over 200 acres and has several structures dating back by 1,000 years or more. Find the Lal Kot ruins which are a major attraction here.
10. Rajpath & Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rajpath or the King’s Way is the ceremonial thoroughfare in Delhi, spanning the stretch between the official residence of the President, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and going past attractions like India Gate and Vijay Chowk and right till the National Stadium. The avenue is dotted with several water bodies, trees, and greenery. It is where people gather to witness the chequered Republic Day Parade held on 26th January every year. The Rashtrapati Bhavan or the President’s Estate lies at the western point of Rajpath. It is one of the most stunning buildings in the whole country, fusing European and Mughal architectural and design motifs and containing 340 elegant rooms in total. The Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum is a key attraction, offering a glimpse within the stately building and estate while offering various intriguing displays linked to presidents over the years. If you are visiting sometime around February to March, do take a closer look at the Mughal Gardens as well.
These are the top-10 attractions in Delhi that you should not miss Delhi on your visit. Plan your trip in advance and book serviced apartments in Delhi for a comfortable and memorable stay. While exploring Delhi’s monuments and landmarks, do not forget to feast on lip-smacking street food and other delicacies of the city as well! Here’s to a memorable, culturally enriching, and fun trip to the National Capital!
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