Top 12 Places to Visit Delhi is a destination of every traveller’s dream. Its mystical presence makes it a favourite destination for both domestic as well as international tourists. Delhi has witnessed rise and fall of many great empires, glimpse of which is still present in its monuments and streets that have been walked and inhabited by great warriors since decades.
Dotted with many mesmerising architectures, Delhi is a dream destination of history and architecture lovers. Its historical splendour is accompanied by modern facilities and comfort of latest facilities, transportation and commutation facilities. This makes Delhi a destination worth visiting by all, irrespective of age and interest.
Attractive sightseeing places, grand monuments, museums, ancient religious shrines, entertainment parks, popular shopping streets, mouth-watering cuisines and eatery choices keep every tourist engaged in a pleasing way. Its’ well connectivity to the rest of country and world also makes Delhi one of the most visited tourist destinations. No matter when you are visiting or what is the purpose of your visit, a Delhi tour is sure to leave you hypnotized with its charm that is beyond any match.
Humayun’s Tomb
The Humayun’s Tomb is the tomb of the great Mughal Emperor Humayun. Humayun’s Tomb stands as a majestic memorial of the Moghul Emperor Humayun.
It displays the architectural magnificence of the Mughal dynasties.Commissioned by Humayun‘s widow, Hamida Banu Begum, it was built unde the suervision of Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyath.
After his untimely demise the responsibility was taken up by his son, Sayyed Muhammad Ibn Mirak Ghiyathuddin who finally finished off the construction in 1571. The building’s architectural form is distinctively Persian.
The tomb is constructed principally of red sandstone with black and white marble elements. Located very close to the Purana Qila, it was was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
The tomb is one of the finest tombs to be available in India and qualifies among the best places to visit in Delhi. The tomb is situated at Lodi Road, opposite Dargah Nizamuddin, New Delhi.
Open – All days
Timings – From Sunrise to sunset
How to Reach -The closest metro station is the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium from where one can hire an auto rickshaw. One can also board a local bus towards Nizamuddin Railway Station. The distance is around 2 kms.
Entry Fee – Rs. 35 per person (for citizens of India and members of SAARC and BIMESTIC Countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand, Mauritius, etc.)
Rs. 550 (per persons for foreigners)
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.
Metro station – Chandni Chowk (Red Line)
Closed on – Monday
Entry Fees – Rs.35 for Indians and Rs.500 Foreign nationals
Photography– Free but Rs.80 for video filming
Light & Sound Show– 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of the most important mosques of Delhi built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It took the efforts of 6,000 works over a period of 6 years to complete the cosntruction.
Designed by the Ustad Khalil, the architectural brilliance of the mosque is the outstanding symbol of India.
This priceless historic architecture said to be worth a million rupees during the period of Shah Jahan.
One of Delhi’s most iconic sites, it is surrounded by various commercial centres, such as Meena Bazaar and the historic Chandni Chowk. The tomb of Abul Kalam Azad, Indian independence activist, is located adjacent to the mosque. Jama Masjid is something you can not miss during your visit to New Delhi
Metro Station – Chandani Chowk
Open to all except during prayer hours
Entry Fee –50
Photography– Rs.300
Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Rashtrapati Bhavan or the the President’s House is an architectural marvel. It was earlier the residence of the British Viceroy. The chief architect of Rashtrapati Bhavan was Edwin Landseer Lutyens.
The structure was built with great artistry keeping in mind all the needs and comforts of a King. The construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan reflects a pure blend of Mughal and classical European architecture.
Durbar Hall, Ashoka Hall are among the prime attraction of this building.
Metro Station – Khan Market (Violet Line)
Distance from the metro station – 7 to 10 minutes walk
It is prohibited to enter the premises without permission but the garden is open to the public for four months a year where one can see the most exotic and rare species of plants and herbs. China orange happens to be the favorite.
Qutub Minar
The tallest Minar in Delhi is the Qutub Minar. It is one of the best examples of architecture during the Sutanate era. Qutub Minar is a must-visit structure for every visitor to Delhi. Built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1193, it is a fine example of the Indo-Arab architecture during that period.
The tower is a part of Qutub Minar complex, which also hosts other architectural marvels such as iron pillar, the Alai Darwaza, and Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. There are also tombs of important personalities belonging to Sultanate Period.
Qutub-Minar is made of red and buff sandstone and has a diameter of 14.32m at the base and about 2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m. There are 379 steps in the minaret. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Metro Station – Qutub Minar (Yellow Line)
Distance from the Metro Station – 2 Min. walk
Closed on Sundays
Timings – 7am–5pm
Entry fee – Rs.35 (Indians) Rs. 550 (foreigners)
India Gate
Designed by Edward Lutyens, India Gate lies at the heart of Delhi. After India’s independence, India Gate became the site of Indian Army’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Previously known as All India War Memorial, India Gate is now a major tourist spot in the capital and a common picnic site for residents and tourists.
An additional memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was introduced in 1971 after the Indo-Pak war in the remembrance of several deceased Indian soldiers.
Evey year the Prime Minister visits the gate to pay their tributes to the Amar Jawan Jyoti, following which the Republic Day parade starts. This gate is counted amongst the largest war memorials in not only India but also in the world.
Metro Station – Pragati Maidan
Distance from the metro station – 10 minutes’ walk
Open on all days
Photography is free
National Museum
Established in 1949, the National Museum showcases various articles from pre-historic to modern times. It is one of the largest museums in India.
The museum displays objects from the early daves of civilizations. Here you can find miniature clay sculptures of bull, ant eater, pig and monkey of the Harappan civilization. Bronze, Silver objects of the Indus Valley Civilization/Chalcolithic period.
The figures of Lord Buddha in black-grey display the unique Gandharan Style. A lot of sculptures and decorative Budhhist figures belonging to Gupta period (3rd to 6th century). Most of the Hindu & Buddhist sculptures are made by use of a “cire perdue/ lost wax process”.
Metro Station – Barakhamba Metro Station
Distance from the metro station – 5 minutes’ walk
Timings – 10 AM to 6PM
Closed Monday and National Holidays
Entry Fee– Adults: Rupee Icon 20
Foreign Nationals: Rupee Icon 350
Students up to class 12th: Free entry (with I-cards).
Jantar Mantar
Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, built the Jantar Mantar in Delhi. It includes thirteen architectural astronomy instruments.
Jantar Mantar comprises of 13 architectural astronomy instruments that were built by the Maharaja of Jaipur, Jai Singh II.
History reports and evaluations suggest that the Jantar Mantar got constructed way back in 1724 and has been there at its position standing tall throughout these centuries.
It is simply outstanding in craftsmanship and grandeur. In 2010, the Jantar Mantar was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Jantar Mantar.
Location – Parliament Street, Connaught Place
Closest Metro Station – Patel Chowk
Open – All days
Timings – 6am–6pm
Entry Fee – 50 (Indians), 200 (foreigners)
Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple in Delhi is also known as the Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham. It reflects traditional Hindu culture and ethos. Its architecture is also noteworthy.
Located on the outskirts of Delhi, Akshardham temple complex has been built on the banks of Yamuna river. It is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan.
Rajasthani pink sandstone has been used to build the structures of Swaminarayan Aksharadham Temple. Considered the largest Hindu temple in world, Akshardham temple is spread over an area of approximately 8,021.4 sq m.
Hall of Values, Yagnapurush Kund, Giant Screen Film, Garden of India are some of the attractions of Akshardham temple complex. This temple depicts the cultural beauty at its best Top 12 Places to Visit Delhi.
Metro station – Akshardham (Blue Line)
Closed on – Monday
Distance from the metro station – 5 minutes’ walk
Timings – 9.30 AM to 6.30 PMs
Entry fee– ₹220 for adults (12 years and above); ₹170 for senior citizens (60 years and above); ₹120 for children (4 to 11 years); free for children below 4 years
Musical fountain – Starts at 6.30 PM
Lotus Temple
While in New Delhi, make sure to visit the Lotus temple which is a peerless amalgam of ethnic traditions of the past and the innovative architecture of the present.
Bahai Temple commonly referred to as ‘Lotus Temple’ designed by architect Furiburz Sabha is one of the most important Top 12 Places to Visit Delhi.
Lotus Temple resembles a partially open lotus flower surrounded by its leaves and appears as though floating on water. The Bahai House of worship, popularly known as the Lotus Temple draws visitors from all faiths and country.
Metro Station – Kalkaji Mandir (Violet Like – Badarpur Track)
Distance from the Metro Station – 1Km, rickshaw charge – Rs. 25
Closed on – Monday
Entry fee– Free for all
Photography – Prohibited
Rajghat
Rajghat is one of the most popular memorials, of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is situated close to Old Delhi on the banks off Yamuna River.
The memorial has the words ‘Hey Ram’ which translates to “Oh God” inscribed the marble surface. It is believed that these were Gandhi ji’s last words.
There are two museums dedicated to Gandhi ji that are also located near Rajgaht. Mahatma Gandhi Samadhi is one such place in Delhi that attracts foreign and international tourists alike. An immortal flame burns eternally at one end of the structure Top 12 Places to Visit Delhi.
Location – Mahatma Gandhi Marg, on the banks of Yamuna river, Delhi
How to Reach – Auto rickshaw can be hired from Pragati Maidan Metro station (Blue Line).
Open – All days
Timings – 6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Entry Fee – None
Photography Charges – Nil
Important Information – Before entering the premises all visitors must remove their shoes.
Lodhi Garden
Lodhi Garden is one of the best places to visit in Delhi and the best part is that it is absolutely free. It is more than just a garden; it has 15th century architecture too from the Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties. There’s history, nature, peace, locals and a lot of beauty. This is where I bring most of my friends when they visit Delhi and they love it.
Lodhi garden is massive and has multiple entry points, so if you’re going to get lost inside if you’re like me. You don’t really need to carry your own food or water because you will see vendors selling snacks, chai, ice cream and water inside Top 12 Places to Visit Delhi.
Make sure you’re wearing comfortable walking shoes because you’re going to have to walk a lot inside. Check out Bada Gumband (big dome), Shisha Gumband, three domed mosque, and Tomb Of Mohammad Shah Sayyid – they are mostly next to each other in the middle of the park. The tomb of Sikandar Lodi is on the other end of the park.
On one end of the Lodi garden, there is also a pond with swans and a bridge that goes over it. If you walk further over the bridge and then into the garden, you will also see flowerbeds for seasonal flowers
If you’re visiting Delhi for a very short time, then I highly recommend you visit the Lodhi Garden for a quick glimpse of Delhi. So many visitors just head to Qutub Minar / Red fort, etc, and miss out this peaceful garden where they can see so much history and Delhi’s locals.
