Top 10 Delhi Attractions and Places to Visit
Delhi,
the capital of India, has a rich history. The city is dotted with
spellbinding mosques, forts, and monuments left over from the Mughal
rulers that once occupied the city. The contrast between rambling Old
Delhi and well planned New Delhi is immense, and it's interesting to
spend time exploring both. If you feel in need of some relaxation, just
head to one of Delhi's flourishing landscaped gardens.
Here's a list of the top 10 Delhi attractions and places to visit. The great thing is that many of them are free! (And can easily be reached by Delhi's Hop On Hop Off bus). Or, take one or more of these popular Delhi Tours.
Got children? Also have a look a these 5 Fun Things To Do in Delhi with Kids.
Like walking? Check out this Guide to Top Walking Tours in Delhi.
And, once you've seen enough monuments, try some of these 10 Unique Things to Do in Delhi.
Here's a list of the top 10 Delhi attractions and places to visit. The great thing is that many of them are free! (And can easily be reached by Delhi's Hop On Hop Off bus). Or, take one or more of these popular Delhi Tours.
Got children? Also have a look a these 5 Fun Things To Do in Delhi with Kids.
Like walking? Check out this Guide to Top Walking Tours in Delhi.
And, once you've seen enough monuments, try some of these 10 Unique Things to Do in Delhi.
1. Red Fort
Delhi's most famous monument, the Red Fort,
stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India.
Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometers (1.2 miles), were built
in 1638 to keep out invaders. However, they failed to stop the fort
being captured by the Sikhs and the British. To take your imagination
back to the ancient era, a one hour sound and light show of the fort's history is held each evening.
- Location: Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.
- Entry Cost: Foreigners, 250 rupees. Indians, 10 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.
- Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Mondays.
- Private Sound & Light Show with Dinner Tour (Book Online with Viator).
2. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is another marvelous treasure of the Old City, and
is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can hold an incredible
25,000 devotees. The mosque took 13 years to build, and was completed in
1650. A strenuous climb to the top of its southern tower will reward
you with a stunning view across the rooftops of Delhi. Be sure to dress
appropriately when visiting the mosque or you won't be allowed in. This means covering your head, legs and shoulders. Attire is available there.
- Location: Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. Near the Red Fort.
- Entry Cost: Free, but a camera fee of 300 rupees applies.
- Opening Hours: Daily, except when prayers are being held from 12.15 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. It closes just before sunset.
- Small Group Walking Tour of Old Delhi (Book Online with Viator)
3. Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk, the main street of old Delhi, is a shocking
contrast to the wide, orderly streets of New Delhi. Cars, cycle
rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians, and animals all compete for
space. It's chaotic, crumbling and congested, but completely captivating
as well. As one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, its narrow
winding lanes are full of inexpensive jewelry, fabrics, and electronics.
For the more adventurous, Chandni Chowk is an excellent place to come
to sample some of Delhi's street food. The renowned Karim Hotel, a Delhi dining institution, is also located there.
- Location: Old Delhi, near the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.
4. Swaminarayan Akshardham
A relatively new attraction, this massive temple complex was
built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha spiritual organization and opened
in 2005. It's dedicated to showcasing Indian culture. As well as the
astonishing architecture of the pink stone and white marble shrine, the
complex includes sprawling garden, sculptures, and boat ride. Allow
plenty of time to explore it thoroughly -- at least half a day. Do note
that cell phones and cameras are not permitted inside.
- Location: N. H. 24 | Near Noida Mor, New Delhi.
- Entry Cost: Free. However, tickets are required to view the exhibitions.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30 a.m. until 6.30 p.m. (last entry). Closed Mondays.
5. Humayun's Tomb
If you think Humayun's Tomb looks a bit like the Taj Mahal in Agra, that's because it was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal's
creation. The tomb was built in 1570, and houses the body of the second
Mughal emperor, Humayun. It was the first of this type of Mughal
architecture to be built in India, and the Mughal rulers followed it up
with an extensive period of construction all over the country. The tomb
is part of a greater complex that's set amongst beautiful gardens.
- Location: Nizamuddin East, New Delhi. Near the Nizamuddin train station, off Mathura Road.
- Entry Cost: Foreigners, 250 rupees. Indians, 10 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.
- Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset, daily. It's best viewed in the golden light of the late afternoon.
6. Lodi Gardens
Lodi Gardens provides a serene retreat from city life, and is
the place to come if you're feeling tired and worn out. The vast Gardens
were built by the British in 1936 around the tombs of 15th and 16th
century rulers. Joggers, yoga practitioners, and young couples all enjoy
this park.
- Location: Lodi Road, not far from Humayun's Tomb.
- Entry Cost: Free.
- Opening Hours: Daily from sunrise until 8 p.m., but Sundays are particularly busy.
7. Qutab Minar
Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, is an
incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture. It was built in
1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to
signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others
say it was used to call the faithful to prayer. The tower has five
distinct stories, and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from
the holy Quran. There are also a number of other historic monuments on
the site.
- Location: Mehrauli, south New Delhi.
- Entry Cost: Foreigners, 250 rupees. Indians, 10 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.
- Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset, daily.
- Private Walking Tour of South Delhi Heritage (Book Online with Viator)
8. Gandhi Smriti
A visit to Gandhi Smriti will show you the exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi,
affectionately referred to as the Father of the Nation, was
assassinated on January 30, 1948. He lived in the house for 144 days up
until the time of his death. The room that he slept in, kept exactly how
he left it, and the prayer ground where he held a mass congregation
every evening are both open to the public. Plenty of photos, sculptures,
paintings, and inscriptions are also on display.
- Location: 5 Tees January Marg, central New Delhi.
- Entry Cost: Free.
- Opening Hours: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
- Small Group Tour of Gandhi's Delhi (Book Online with Viator)
9. India Gate
The towering archway of India Gate at the center of New Delhi
is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their
lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. At night it glows
warmly under floodlights, and the gardens that line its boulevard are a
popular place to enjoy a warm summer's evening.
- Location: Rajpath, near Connaught Place, New Delhi.
- Entry Cost: Free.
- Opening Hours: Always open.
10. Bahai (Lotus) Temple
The Bahai Temple is commonly referred to as the Lotus Temple, as it's shaped like a lotus flower. It's particularly pretty at night, when it's attractively lit up. Made out of white marble, the temple belongs to the Bahai Faith, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions. Everybody is welcome to worship there. The tranquil gardens and ponds surrounding the temple are also a great place for a relaxing picnic.- Location: Near Nehru Place, south New Delhi.
- Entry Cost: Free.
- Opening Hours: Daily, from 9.00 a.m. until sunset.
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