1. Red Fort
Red Fort is Delhi’s most famous historical monument which is the first choice of travellers and the top visited place in Delhi .It stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. It was made in 1639 by Mughal emperor Shahjahan. It was here that the flag of India was hoisted when she gained independence from British rulers, a tradition which is still observed on each anniversary of Independence Day in India. The whole fort is made from red stones & marbles. Its walls stretch for over two kilometres (1.2 miles), they were built in 1638 to keep out trespassers. Still, they failed to stop the fort being captured by the Sikhs & the British. A one hour sound and light show of the fort’s history is organized each evening which takes your imagination back to the ancient era. You can see there group of travellers any day except Monday which is week off. It is very near to old Delhi & New Delhi railway stations both, which is why the tourist starts their journey from Red Fort. This beautiful uniqueness of Red Fort makes it under the top 10 best places to visit in Delhi, & even one of the best places to visit in India.
Location- Opposite to Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.
Entry Cost – Foreigners-250 rupees. Indians-10 rupees, totally free for children under 15 year’s age.
Opening Hours – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., & Closed on Mondays.
2. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is another amazing treasure of the Old City, & is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard is capable to hold 25,000 devotees. This mosque took 13 years to build & it was completed in 1650. You can have a stunning view of rooftops of Delhi from the top of its southern tower .Don’t forget to dress properly when visiting the mosque like covering your head, legs and shoulders or you won’t be allowed to come inside. Attire is available there if needed.
Location – Opposite to Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. Very near to the Red Fort.
Entry Cost- Free but applies camera fee of 200 rupees.
Opening Hours- Daily, except the prayer time from 12.15 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. & it closes just before sunset.
3. Lodi Gardens
Lodi Gardens was once known as the old Lady Wellington Park .This place provides a quiet retreat from city life and is the place to come if you’re feeling tired. These vast Gardens were built by the British in 1936 around the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. People feel the power of nature that releases their daily health stress so Joggers, yoga practitioners & young couples all enjoy this park. Lodi garden is the best calm place if you are tired and looking for relax in busy city life which is blended with top class green lush park & lawns. The garden is well manicured & also offers plentiful opportunity to photographers. The Tomb of Muhammad Shah and Sikandar Lodi are the main attraction in the park. There is a good restaurant located at the edge of park offering delicious cuisines in calm ambience.
Location -Lodi Road near Humayun’s Tomb.
Entry Cost- Free
Opening Hours- Daily from sunrise until 8 p.m., Sundays are particularly busy.
4. Qutab Minar
Qutab Minar is a marvellous example of early Indo–Islamic architecture which is also the tallest brick tower (73 m-high) minaret in the world. It was built in 1206, but the reason still remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made as the sign of victory & the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others say that it was used to call the faithful to prayer. The tower has five specific stories & it is covered with intricate carvings as well as verses from the holy Quran. A number of other historic monuments are also there on the sites.
Location – Mehrauli, in south New Delhi.
Entry Cost- Foreigners- 250 rupees. Indians – 10 rupees. Totally free for children under 15 years.
Opening Hours – Daily from Sunrise to sunset.
Note – You can also check out best places to stay in Delhi while visiting this historical city
5. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb looks a bit like the Taj Mahal of Agra as it was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal’s creation. This tomb is UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site and it was built in 1570 which houses the body of the 2nd Mughal emperor-Humayun. It was the first among this type of world class Mughal architecture to be built in India & the art of handmade designing on stones and marbles. This tomb is set amongst beautiful gardens. The Mughal rulers followed it up with a vast period of construction all over the India. So If you are visiting in Delhi, then Humayun’s Tomb is a must go place for awesome sightseeing.
Location – Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, Near Nizamuddin station.
Entry Cost – Foreigners- 250 rupees; Indians- 10 rupees; Free for children under 15 years.
Opening Hours – Daily from Sunrise until sunset & its best viewed in the warm glow of light in the late afternoon.
6. India Gate
It is a towering entrance war memorial at the centre of New Delhi .It was built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I to save the mighty Empire. This is very charming area with well surrounded by lush green lawns. There you will feel positive energy especially if you visit at night in colourful floodlights. The gardens that line its avenue is a popular place to enjoy a warm summer’s evening. It is also one of most visited picnic spot.
Location – near Connaught Place, Raj path, New Delhi.
Entry Cost – Free
Opening Hours -24 Hrs.
7. Baha’i / Lotus Temple
The Baha’i Temple is commonly referred as the Lotus Temple due to its shape of lotus flower which attracts numbers of visitors from all over the world. It’s particularly pretty at night when it’s attractively lit up. It is the great example of today’s structural design & is made out of white marble. This temple belongs to the Baha’i Faith which believes in the unity of all people and religions. Design of lotus was the decision of architect Fariborz Sahbaas lotus is an important symbol that is common to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism & Islam. So, believers of any faith could visit this temple to pray & meditate. The peaceful gardens and ponds surrounding the temple are also a great place for a relaxing picnic.
Location- Near Nehru Place, in south New Delhi.
Entry Cost- Free
Opening Hours-Daily from 9.00 a.m. to sunset.
8. Akshardham Temple
Akshardham temple is a place which is known for Indian culture, an ancient architecture & spiritual environment. According to Wikipedia, about 70% of tourist visit Akshardham when they come to Delhi. This temple it is the largest Hindu temple in the world. It was built in 2005 in the sprawling hundred acres land rests an intricately carved monument, a musical fountain, a food court, an IMAX theatre and gardens. The most popular attractions of Akshardham temples are Musical garden, large landscape garden, Cultural exhibition shows, Cultural Boat Ride etc.
9. Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is a chaotic, crumbling & congested, but completely captivating main street of old Delhi. It is known as one of the oldest & busiest markets in India, its narrow lanes are full of reasonable jewellery, fabrics, and electronics. It is a shocking contrast to the wide & orderly streets of New Delhi. Cycle rickshaws Cars, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians, and animals all are challenge for the space. The biggest adventure here is that Chandni Chowk is an excellent place to come to taste some of Delhi’s street food. Manny famous hotels and street food corners are located there.
Location- Old Delhi, near Jama Masjid and the Red Fort
10. Connaught Place
Delhi tourism can’t be completed without visiting this place. Connaught Place is located at the centre of Delhi which is also very near to railway station of New Delhi. This place has large collections of all the things that a tourist expects. It is the hub of world class five star hotels, various showrooms of almost all top brands, grand and grand restaurant, superb multiplexer/theatres, beautiful garden, exotic nightclub/pubs & the busy nightlife makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. In short, we can say that Connaught Place is the shopping centre of whole Delhi. But there are also some cheap and reasonable areas for shopping likes palika bazaar & Janpath market .Don’t forget to visit there whenever you are in Connaught place -Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Janpath, Agrasen Ki Baoli, Central Park, Hanuman Temple…etc.
