Best Places to Visit in Delhi
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN DELHI
Delhi, the capital city of India, is a perfect combination where history, culture, and modernity come together to reflect its rich heritage and modern lifestyle. There are best places to visit in Delhi from flavorful street food to flea markets, throbbing night life, posh colonies to old quarters, chic clubs to places to worship. Delhi has something for everyone.Delhi is adorned with three UNESCO world heritage sites. The iconic red fort or Lal Qila, built in 17 th century, this red sandstone fortress is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Qutub Minar built in 12 th century, is a red and buff sandstone and marble tower symbolising Delhi’s early Islamic heritage. Then, there is Humayun’s tomb built in 16 th century is a harmonious blend of Islamic architectural brilliance with central Asian and Persian elements.
Explore in detail because Delhi is so much fun and has the best places one should visit to make lasting memories in one of the most exciting cities in India.
RED FORT (LAL QILA)
Best places to visit in Delhi is, Red Fort (also known as Lal Qila), built in 1648 by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. It was the main residence of the Mughal empire for around 200 years, until the British colonial era. With its grand halls, lush gardens and intricate carvings, the red fort is a journey back in time. It is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Timurid and Indian architectural styles. Built over an area of approx. 254 acres with walls up to 2.4 km high with towering turrets and bastions guarding the fort. Made with red sandstones, this octagonal marvel boasts intricate marble work, dazzling mirror mosaics with vast courtyards and beautiful gardens which is a true feast for the eyes.
The fort includes many iconic structures such as the
i) Lahori Gate – it is the grand main entrance of the fort and is still used during the Independence Day celebrations.
ii) Diwan-i-Aam – also known as the hall of public audience, it is the place where emperor used to address the public. It features a beautiful marble throne platform.
iii) Diwan-i-Khas – also known as hall of private audience, it is a luxurious chamber for VIP meetings. Once held the famed Peacock throne.
iv) Rang mahal – also known as palace of colours, is a stunning royal residence for the women of the palace, decorated with mirrors, paintings and flowing water channels.
v) Moti masjid – also known as pearl mosque, is a serene white marble mosque built for the emperor’s private prayers
vi) Hayat Bakhsh Bagh – was a lush Mughal Garden with water channels and fountains and is a perfect place for photos and a quiet stroll. It is a living symbol of India’s independence, as on every 15 th August, the Prime Minister of India, hosts the national flag at the Red Fort and addresses the nation.
INDIA GATE
India gate is one of the most iconic monuments in India, located in the heart of New Delhi. India gate has its original name as All India War Memorial was built in the year
1931 to commemorate the 82,000 soldiers of the British India army who died in the First World War and the third Anglo-Afghan war. With a height of 42 meters and 9.1 meters wide, it was constructed using yellow and red sandstones along with granite. The monument resembles a triumphal arch and is often compared to Arc de Triomphe (Paris). It has massive arc and lush green lawns making it a perfect picnic spot. It is one of the best places to visit in Delhi because it is beautifully illuminated at night and surrounded by fountains, making it a popular evening spot.
The area around it, known as Rajpath, now known as Kartavya Path, is often visited by families, joggers and photographers. It is the main route for the Republic Day Parade, a major national event held on 26 th January every year with esteemed presence of many national as well as dignified guests from many countries. Amar Jawan Jyoti added after the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971, it is black marble plinth with a reversed rifle, capped by a war helmet and bound by four eternal flames. India gate is a symbol of Delhi and modern India, representing both colonial history and post-independence pride. It also features prominently in films, literature and art.
QUTUB MINAR
Qutub Minar is one of the most iconic monuments of India. Its construction was started in 1192 CE by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, founder of Delhi Sultanate, and was later
completed by Iltutmish in 1220. It was declared as the UNESCO world heritage site in the year 1993 for its historical and architectural significance. One of the best places
to visit in Delhi, Qutub Minar is 73 meters tall and has 5 distinct storeys, first three storeys is made of red sandstones and the fourth and fifth storey is made of marble
and sandstones. It is 14.3 meters at the base and tapers to 2.7 meters at the top. Another main feature is its spiral staircase of 379 steps. The structure of the tower has a cylindrical shaft fluted with alternating angular and circular flutings, balconies supported by intricately decorated brackets. The surface is adorned with Arabic scriptures and floral motifs, which reflect a fusion of Hindi and Islamic artistic traditions. One can see the inscriptions of Kufic and Nagari scripts that document the history of its construction and renovations. Also, verses from the Quran are inscribed throughout.
There are some key attractions in the Qutub complex –
i) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque – the first mosque built in India in 1193 CE and it was constructed using the materials of 27 demolished Hindu and Jain temples.
ii) Iron Pillar – 4 th century CE pillar hasn’t rusted in 1600+ years and is believed to be dedicated to Lord Shiva.
iii) Alai Darwaza – it is magnificent gateway with intricate carvings, built by Alauddin Khilji
iv) Alai Minar – also known as Unfinished Tower, was planned to be twice as tall as Qutub Minar by Alauddin Khilji but only 24 meters was completed. It is the best places to visit in Delhi as it is the tallest brick minaret in the world with Indo-Islamic architecture.
CHANDNI CHOWK
Chandni chowk is one of the oldest and most iconic markets in the Old Delhi. Steeped in history, culture and commerce, it is vibrant area that offers a deep glimpse into the past and the present of Delhi. It was established in the 17 th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and was designed by his daughter Jahanara Begum. It is also known as Moonlight Square, as there was a reflecting pool at the center of the market that used to shimmer under moonlight. It you like shopping sarees, suits, ornaments, silver jewellery, decoration materials and what not, then this market is the best places to visit in Delhi. Each lane specializes in different type of product like Dariba Kalan is famous for silver and gold jewellery, Khari Baoli is Asia’s largest spice market, Chawri Bazar is famous for brass and copper goods, Nai Sarak is famous for books and stationary and Kinari Bazar is famous for wedding clothes. If you are a street food lover it is the best places to visit in Delhi as there is the famous Paranthe Wali Gali, Karim’s, Old Jalebi Wala and many more.
There are also many famous places to visit in Chandni Chowk like:
i) Jama Masjid
ii) Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
iii) Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
iv) Central Baptist Church
v) Gauri Shankar Mandir
It is the best places to visit in Delhi, as the area is especially lively during festivals like Eid, Diwali, Holi with decorations, lights and festive food.
BIRLA MANDIR
Also known as Laxminarayan Temple, this temple is a major religious, cultural and architectural landmark in the capital. It was built by the Birla family and inaugurated
by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939. The temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. It is spread across an area of 7.5 acres with lush green gardens and fountains, it was made in Nagara style using red sandstones and white marble sourced from Jaipur.
With special features such as tall shikharas, the tallest being about 49 meters high, beautifully sculpted idols, shrines dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesha and Buddha,
decorative Jali work and frescoes showing scenes from Hindu mythology and a Geeta Bhawan for discourses and sermons makes it one of the best places to visit in Delhi.
CONNAUGHT PLACE
Commonly known as CP, is one of the most iconic commercial and business hubs in New Delhi. It was constructed between 1929 and 1933 and was named after Prince
Arthur, 1 st Duke of Connaught. It was designed by Robert Tor Russell, modelled after the Royal Crescent in Bath, England. Known for its Georgian-style architecture, white
colonnades, and circular layout, Connaught Place is not only a shopping and entertainment destination but also a historically significant area with cultural, political, and economic importance. It is designed in two eccentric circles namely, Inner circle (Rajiv Chowk) and Outer circle (Indira Chowk). It is one of the most expensive real estate areas in India and among the top commercial real estate locations in the world. Its key features include retail stores, popular restaurants and cafes, financial institutions, movie theatres and bookstores.
It has some of the best places to visit in Delhi which includes:
i) Hanuman Temple – one of the oldest temples of India
ii) Jantar Mantar – an astronomical observatory built in the 18 th century
iii) Palika Bazaar
iv) Janpath
v) Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
LOTUS TEMPLE
Lotus temple is also known as Bahai Temple. Its constructed was completed in 1989 and was done by architect Fariborz Sahba (Iranian-Canadian architect). It was made
using white marble (from Penteli mountain, Greece) and is about 34.27 meters tall. Its design is inspired by lotus flower, which is a symbol of purity and peace in Indian
culture. The building is composed of 27 free standing marble petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides, which is symbolic of the unity of all religions.
The design allows sunlight to illuminate the hall during the day, contributing to its serene atmosphere. The tranquil gardens and reflective pools surrounding the temple
enhance its peaceful ambience making it best places to visit in Delhi. The Bahai faith emphasizes the oneness of all religions and humanity. Lotus temple embodies this by welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to meditate and pray. It is one of the most visited buildings in the world, attracting over 10 million visitors annually.
AGRASEN KI BAOLI
Agrasen ki baoli is a historical stepwell located in the heart of New Delhi. Its one of the most intriguing and lesser-known monuments in the capital city, blending
ancient architecture with urban myth. It is attributed to Maharaja Agrasen, a legendary king of the Agarwal community. Its exact date of construction is unknown,
it is believed to be built in the 14 th century. It was built in Indo-Islamic style using red sandstones. It is 60m long and 15m wide, it descends about 103 steps to reach water
at the bottom.
There is three levels of arched niches and chambers which line the sides, possibly once used for social and religious gatherings.
The architecture is symmetrical and geometrically striking and becomes progressively narrower as one goes down. Its secluded location and the echo of the
footsteps in the arched corridors add to its mystique and makes it the best places to visit in Delhi.
AKSHARDHAM TEMPLE
Swaminarayan Akshardham, commonly known as Akshardham Temple, is one of the most magnificent Hindu temple complexes in the world. It is located on the banks of
Yamuna River. It was inaugurated in 2005 and was built by BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha). It was built in just 5 years by over 8000
volunteers from across the world. Temple was made using pink sandstone (from Rajasthan) and Italian Carrara Marble in traditional Hindu style or Nagara style.
It is 141 ft in height, 316 ft in width and 356 ft in length with 234 ornately carved pillars, 9 domes and 20,000 sculptures of deities, sages and motifs. There are
beautifully landscaped gardens featuring bronze statues of great Indian personalities like Chanakya, Aryabatta, Swami Vivekanand and many more. Yagnapurush Kund, is
the largest stepwell in the world, combining a traditional stepwell with a musical fountain.
There are also many cultural and educational exhibitions like Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values), Neelkanth Darshan (Giant Film Screen) and Sanskruti Vihar (Cultural Boat Ride). Its beauty, stunning architecture and spiritual significance makes it the best places to visit in Delhi.
HUMAYUN'S TOMB
Humayun’s Tomb is one of the most iconic monuments of Mughal architecture in India. Located in Delhi, it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It
was commissioned by Humayun’s widow, Empress Bega Begum, in 1565 AD and was completed in 1572 AD. The tomb was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect brought from Herat, it combined Persian, Turkish and Indian influences. It was built using red sandstone with white and black marble detailing.
The tomb is octagonal in shape from inside and stands on a large, elevated platform of 47 m high and 91m wide.
It was the first Indian building to use Persian double dome structure. First time the Charbagh garden layout was used in India, inspired by Persian gardens and was divided in four main quadrants with walkways and water channels. The Central Chamber houses the cenotaph of Humayun. It was declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The Mughal gateway leads to beautiful gardens and water channels which makes it one of the best places to visit in Delhi.
LODHI GARDEN
Lodhi Garden, nestled in the heart of New Delhi, is a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Spanning over 90 acres, this urban oasis offers a
serene escape from the city’s hustle, making it a favoured spot for morning walkers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. Established in the 15 th century, it served as the burial ground for the rulers of the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. The garden houses several significant monuments like Tomb of Mohammed Shah, Tomb of Sikander Lodi, Bara Gumbad and Shisha Gumbad. Beyond its historical significance, it is one of the best places to visit in Delhi as it is a heaven for nature enthusiasts. The garden boasts a diverse range of flora, a variety of bird species. It has well maintained pathways, water bodies and open spaces ideal for picnics.
RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN
Rashtrapati Bhawan located in Rajpath, New Delhi, is the official residence of the President of India. It is one of the largest and most iconic buildings in India and a
symbol of the country’s democratic and architectural heritage. It was formerly known as Viceroy’s House (during British rule), constructed between 1912-1929, it
was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It is spread across an area of 330 acres and consists of 4 floors and 340 rooms. It was made using white and red sandstones, with a fusion of western, classical and Indian elements. The structure combines Doric columns, Indian chhatris, jalis, Mughal style gardens and Buddhist motifs. The main building consists of Ashoka Hall, Durbar Hall which is used for state function, swearing-in ceremonies and other official events, Mughal Garden which was designed by Lutyens in Mughal-Persian style and it is spread across 15 acres with canals, fountains and beautiful lawns, and Rashtrapati Bhawan Museum. It is not just a residence but a symbol of Indian sovereignty and democracy.
Visit https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en for more information and explore https://www.bagpackerpedia.com/ for more attractions