Top 8 Places to Visit in 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.
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.
Find the best places to visit in this bustling, vibrant city with our list of the top tourist attractions in Delhi, India.
Lotus Temple – Experience The God
Famously known as the Lotus temple in the list of famous tourist places in Delhi, Lotus in the Bahai Temple symbolizes four religions namely Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Islam. This temple belongs to the Bahai faith which proclaims that all people and religions are united. Worshippers of every religion are welcome here. You will find nine doors of this temple which allows 2500 visitors at the same time. Top 8 Places to Visit in Delhi For mesmerizing architecture, this building has achieved several awards and rewards Delhi Tour Packages.
Few Essential Tips You Need to Follow:
- While you are here, stroll around the beautiful gardens inside the temple.
- Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple. So, keep your mobile and camera inside your bag.
- If you want to know the history of the place, go for a guided tour.
- Always keep your shoes at the deposit counter, outside the temple, before entering.
Built By: Fariborz Sahba
Built In: 1986
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30 am – 5 pm (winters) & 9:30 am – 7 pm (summers)
Must visit: Kalkaji and ISKCON Temple nearby
Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Metro Station and Nehru Place
Distance from Delhi airport: 35 min (16.4 km)
India Gate – India’s Largest War Memorial
India Gate is one monument that defines Delhi or India for that matter. It was built in 1931 as a memorial for martyrs of World War I and war in Afghanistan. At Rajpath, the structure looks amazing in evening lights. The gardens that line the structure are a must visit among the sightseeing places in Delhi. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit in Delhi at night Top 8 Places to Visit in Delhi.
If you are in Delhi on the Republic Day, you must visit India Gate Parade which is really a prestigious and the most ceremonious event of India. Lots of international guests and national leaders are present on the occasion and pay tribute to the freedom fighters and great leaders of the country.
Few Essential Tips:
- For the sightseeing tour at India Gate, the best time is from October to March. The weather is soothing this time to roam around.
- If you are having a family trip, go for a picnic near India Gate. Bring packaged or cooked food and have fun.
- Bus service is readily available to reach India Gate. Else, you can take rickshaw or shuttle rickshaw.
Built By: Edwin Lutyens
Built In: 1931
Entry fee: Free
Opening hours: Always open
Must visit: National Gallery of Modern Art
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat
Distance from Delhi airport: 14 Km
Jama Masjid – India’s Largest Mosques
Among the other tourist attractions in Delhi is the largest mosque in India–Jama Masjid. It can hold 25000 devotees at a time. It was Shah Jahan’s first architectural marvel. The mosque has four towers and the southern tower gives a stunning view of the city. You’ve to be dressed appropriately to enter the mosque. If not, rent an attire provided by the mosque authority, Top 8 Places to Visit in Delhi.
Few Essential Tips:
- The best time to visit the mosque is during the morning hours as there is no crowd at that moment.
- Remember, you should always wear moderate clothes while visiting this mosque and women should always cover their heads with scarves.
- You have to be careful about the harassment about fees and all.
- You don’t need any fake guides who say they can make you enter at fewer amounts. Remember, the admission fee is zero.
- You can click pictures, but you have to pay Rs. 200 for taking your camera inside.
Built By: Shah Jahan
Built In: 1650
Entry fee: Free, but videography fee is INR 300
Opening hours: Daily, 7 am-12 pm: 1:30 pm-6:30 pm. It is closed during prayers and the timing depends upon the direction of the moon
Must visit: Try Changezi chicken at Karim’s Hotel nearby
Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazar.
Distance from Delhi airport: 55 min (18.0 km)
Qutub Minar – Majestic Stone Structure
Among the other places to visit in Delhi, Qutub Minar stands tall with its 73 meter tall brick minaret. Built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the structure has five stories abundant with chiseled carvings and scriptures. Qutub Minar is the part of the Qutub Complex and it has been declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This red stone tower is a heritage site of India is an amazing example of the beautiful Iranian architecture along with Parso-Arabic and Nagari details. It is one of the most popular Top 8 Places to Visit in Delhi.
Built By: Qutab-ud-din Aibak
Built In: 1193
Entry fee: Free for children under 15, INR 10 for Indians INR 250 for foreigners
Opening hours: Sunrise until sunset, Closed on Mondays
Must visit: Chhatarpur Temple
Tip: This place remains a popular tourist sight despite the damage caused a few years ago.
Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar
Distance from Delhi airport: 36 min (13.8 km)
Red Fort – Pride Of Mughal Dynasty
The Red Fort is an epitome of the Mughal era in India and is the face of tourist attractions in Delhi. Built in 1638, it is an outstanding marvel of Mughal architecture made of red sandstone and is one of the famous tourist places in Delhi. Within its magnanimous walls, the chhata bazaar and every evening sound and light show are special attractions. If you are interested in the history of Red Fort, you will be thrilled to know that the Fort was built when Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan shifted his capital to Delhi. In 2007, this Fort has declared a UNESCO World Heritage. It is one of the most Top 8 Places to Visit in Delhi.
Built By: Shah Jahan
Built In: 1648
Entry fee: Free for children under 15, INR 10 for Indians, and INR 250 for foreigners
Opening hours: 9 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Mondays
Must visit: Digambar Jain Mandir, Sis Ganj Gurudwara and Paranthe Wali Gali nearby
Tip: This place has many tourists visiting during the peak season and there might be a long queue for the tickets.
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk
Distance from Delhi airport: 20 km
Jantar Mantar – World’s Largest Sundial
Constructed in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory and one of the fascinating tourist places to visit in Delhi. Fascinating for their ingenuity, the instruments at Jantar Mantar can no longer be used accurately because of the tall buildings around. However, a visit to admire the science of Indian astronomy makes it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Delhi. The principal instruments of the observatory are the Samrat Yantra, Jai Prakash, the Ram Yantra, and the Misra Yantra. There is also a temple of Bhairava, located near the building. It was also built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, Top 8 Places to Visit in Delhi.
Built By: Maharaja Jai Singh II
Built In: 1724
Entry fee: INR 5
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset
Must visit: Central Park in Connaught Place and get a selfie with the largest Tiranga
Tip: This place often witnesses several cultural events.
Nearest Metro Station: Janpath Metro Station on violet line
Distance from Delhi airport: 29 min (13.6 km)
Humayun’s Tomb – The Garden Of Tombs
Among the best places to visit in Delhi, and a world heritage site under UNESCO, Humayun’s Tomb was built in 1570 by Humayun’s wife Haji Begum. It is unarguably one of the most amazing works of Mughal Architecture to which Taj Mahal owes its design. Not only the grave of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun, but this tomb also secures the graves of Bega Begum, Dara Shikoh, Hamida Begum, along with other significant members of the Mughals. The tomb is made of red sandstone and white marbles and it looks serene and beautiful even after so many years, Top 8 Places to Visit in Delhi.
Built By: Empress Bega Begum
Built In: 1560
Entry fee: INR 10 for domestic and SAARC Visitors, INR 250 for others
Opening hours: Daily, up till sunset. Best viewed in the morning or a full moon evening.
Must visit: If on Thursday, walk to the Dargah of Nizam-ud-din Auliya for a spiritual qawwali evening
Tip: This place is often included in the Delhi guided tours with a blue bus.
Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh metro station on the yellow line
Distance from Delhi airport: 44 min (17.0 km)
Akshardham Temple – Experience A Holy Visit
Swaminarayan Akshardham – one of the largest Hindu temples in the world. Built by the BAPS spiritual organization, it’s a stunning architectural work made of the pink stone and white marble. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, this Delhi tourist place has lots of exhibits for the visitors. There is an Abhishekh Mandap, Sanskruti Darshan, Sahajanand Darshan and Neelkanth Darshan where you can enjoy a cultural boat ride.
The theme-based garden is really an exciting place to visit here. And while you are here, don’t forget to visit the Sahaj Anand Water Show. It is one of the beautiful tourist places in Delhi at night for those who wish to witness the light show. it is one of the many temples in Delhi which is flocked in large numbers, Top 8 Places to Visit in Delhi.
Tip: This temple is famous for having a splendid view from far off. It is also visible from the Delhi Metro line.
Built By: Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
Built In: 6 November 2005
Entry fee: Free, separate fee to view exhibitions
Opening hours: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, Closed on Mondays
Nearest Metro Station: Take the Blue Line which is going towards Noida City Center from Rajiv Chowk metro station and get down at Akshardham Metro Station.
Distance from Delhi airport: 54 min (22.2 km)
