Top 6 Places to Visit Delhi is both a union territory within India, as well as a city, and features two very different worlds: New Delhi and Old Delhi. The former, inaugurated by the British in 1931 to serve as the imperial capital, is the nation’s modern capital and seat of government, while Old Delhi is considered by many as the symbolic heart of the greater metropolitan area.
One of the most populous regions in the world – it boasts a population of nearly 20 million people – Delhi is a heady mix of tradition and modernity, and is important as both a religious center and India’s busiest international gateway. Its history is as old as the ancient Yamuna River, one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism and a natural dividing line between New Delhi to the west and Old Delhi to the east Top 6 Places to Visit Delhi.
Things to see and do in Delhi and New Delhi are plentiful and include experiencing its diverse arts and crafts industry, its many magnificent monuments, and countless performing arts venues. The area is also well known for its excellent cuisine, which includes delicacies from every corner of India. Delhi is also a shopper’s paradise with numerous bazaars and markets, including Chandni Chowk, the country’s most famous commercial area Delhi Tour Packages.
Find the best places to visit in this bustling, vibrant city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Delhi, India.
Red Fort
Red Fort is a 17th century fort built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. It derives its name from the red sandstone used extensively in its construction. Being one of the celebrated tourist destinations in India.
Red Fort is one of the spectacular masterpieces of Mughal architecture. Diwan-i-Aam, Nahr-i-Behisht, Zenana, Moti Masjid, and an exhilarating garden named Hayat Bakhsh Bagh are some of the prime attractions of Red Fort.
The other attractions enclosed within this monument are the Rang mahal and the Mumtaz mahal. Hammams or the Royal Baths, the Shahi Burj which used to be Shahjahan’s private working area, and the Mumtaz Mahal have now been transformed into a museum.
Declared as a World Heritage site by the UNESCO, Red Fort remains an impressive testimony to India’s grandeur and power. Every year on India’s Independence Day (15 August), the prime minister hoists the Indian tricolor flag at the fort’s main gate and addresses the nation Top 6 Places to Visit Delhi.
- Distance from Delhi Airport to Red Fort: 19.9km
- Address: Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.
- Entry Fees: For Foreigners – 500 rupees and For Indians- 35 rupees.
- Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., plus light shows in the evenings. Closed Mondays.
Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is a red sandstone tower of 73-meter height with five stories, reducing 14.3 meters from base to 2.7 m at the top of the peak. The tower consists of a spiral staircase of 379 steps and has a magnificent Alai-Darawaza gate for the entrance. The Minar is designed in Indo-Islamic Architecture style and if you want to see it from close then you have to buy tickets for the entry. It is open every day and costs 40 Rs. to Indians and 600 Rs. to foreigners for the entry.
Unfortunately, it is no longer permitted to go inside the Qutub Minar, but one can still look at the structure and get an idea of its uniqueness Top 6 Places to Visit Delhi.
- Address: Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030
- Timings: 07:00 am – 5: 00 pm (Everyday)
- Distance from Delhi airport to Qutub Minar: 13.8 kilometers
- Entry Fees: For Foreigners – 500 rupees and For Indians – 30 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.
Humayun’s Tomb
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humanyun’s Tomb is one of the favored places to visit in Delhi with family and kids. An epitome of beauty, the tomb was one of its kind in terms of garden-style built by the first wife of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun. It was made on the order of Haji Begum nine years after the emperor passed away. The beautiful complex has tombs of Isa Khan Niyazi, Dara Shikoh, Alamgir II, and other members of the Mughal royalty.
Apart from this, the tomb has been a tourist favorite also and is visited by thousands of tourists from all over the world. So, tag your kids and family along and plan a day out in Delhi at this amazing picnic spot.
- Distance from Delhi Airport to Humayun’s Tomb: 17.7km
- Location: Nizamuddin East, New Delhi. Near the Nizamuddin train station, off Mathura Road.
- Entry Fees: For Foreigners – $5 U.S. and For Indians – 10 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.
- Timings: Sunrise until sunset, daily. It’s best viewed in the golden light of the late afternoon.
India Gate Delhi
Among the other historical monuments in Delhi, India Gate strikes a different chord. Standing at 42 meters, and bearing a striking resemblance to the Arch de Triomphe in France, it is the largest war memorial in India. It is also the site where the parade is organised on Republic Day every year.
Designed by Sir Edward Lutyems, it is dedicated to 82,000 Indian and British soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the First World War and Third Anglo-Afghan War. Just beneath the archway stands the Amar Jawan Jyoti, constructed in December 1971 to commemorate the soldiers of the Indian Army who attained martrydom. You can enjoy a picnic near India Gate and enjoy an early morning walk towards it.
You can enjoy a picnic near India Gate with your family, as it’s also a famous picnic spot, and also enjoy an early morning walk towards it.
The Lotus Temple
The magnificent Bahá’í House of Worship, also known as the Lotus Temple due to its nine sides and stunning central dome, is an architectural masterpiece. Constructed of white concrete and marble, the entire structure looks as delicate as the flower it resembles. Rising from the surrounding nine pools of water, it almost appears as if it might burst into bloom at any moment.
Built in 1986, the temple has since attracted more than 70 million visitors, making it one of the world’s most visited attractions. Interestingly, this remarkable place of worship has no idols, religious pictures, or outward symbols of religion.
Another modern day temple worthy of a visit is the ISKCON Temple, one of the country’s biggest Krishna temple complexes.
Akshardham Temple
Although only recently completed (it opened in 2007), the splendid Hindu Akshardham temple looks like it could be centuries old. Festooned with intricate and elaborate carvings, this magnificent building attracts countless visitors for its majestic beauty.
Highlights include the stunning 43-meter-high main monument with its rich carvings of animals, plants, gods, dancers, and musicians, all made from pink sandstone and marble. Of particular note are the 234 ornate pillars supporting its nine domes, as well as a stunning stone tribute to elephants, the centerpiece of which is a massive 3,000-ton statue of one of these beasts.
Other features of interest include a theater showing a movie tracing the building’s construction, a fun 15-minute boat ride depicting India’s rich history and diverse culture, and the spectacular Yagnapurush Kund, a large musical fountain that is a particular treat when lit up at night.