Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Delhi, Do you know?
Delhi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The historical places, museums, observatories, art and culture centres and culinary heritage of the city have attracted tourists from every nook and corner of the world to experience the chaos and serenity of this place.
Enchanting Delhi
The capital city of Delhi fascinates its visitors with its contemporary touch and age-old elegance. From majestic forts to observatory and tombs, Delhi is home to some of the most spectacular facades in the country.
Delhi’s tourist places list is incomplete without these iconic structures:
1. Red Fort
The splendid Red Fort at Chandni Chowk in Delhi is one of the most popular places to visit in Delhi. Since the massive structure of the fort was constructed using red sandstone, it is therefore named Lal Qilla, which translates into Red Fort in English.
Red Fort was constructed in the early 17th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. The imposing structure has two Gateways, apartments of the royal families and two magnificent halls; namely Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas.
If you are visiting the Red Fort in the evenings, do not miss the spectacular Light and Show which is organised in English and Hindi.
- Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Closed Mondays.
- Light and Sound show is held in the evenings.
- Entry fees: ₹ 35 for Indians and ₹ 500 for Foreigners.
2. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is one of the most famous tourist places in Delhi. The 72.5 meters lofty red stone tapering tower will amaze you with its intricate work and architecture. The intricate work on each of the balconies of this five-storeyed minaret, beautiful carvings and the tapering tower are some of the most attractive architectural features.
The construction of Qutub Minar was started under the reign of Qutub-ud-din Aibak, viceroy of Mohammed Ghori. The construction was completed almost three decades later during the reign of Iltutmish.
Qutub Minar along with other monuments of the Qutub Complex showcase the rich heritage of Delhi.
- Location: Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030
- Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM
- Entry fees: ₹40 for Indians and ₹600 for Foreigners.
3. India Gate
India Gate, located near Rajpath, was formerly known as the All India War Memorial. Delhi sightseeing is incomplete without visiting this iconic monument. It commemorates the sacrifice of about 70,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives between 1914–1921 during the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
The foundation stone of India Gate was laid on 10th February in the year 1921 and its construction was completed almost a decade later. This 42-meter high war memorial resembles the design of Arc de Triomphe, another significant war memorial in Paris.
Amar Jawan Jyoti constructed under India Gate was constructed to commemorate the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation of 1971.
At night, India Gate is illuminated with soft lights. This dramatic sight is one of the most beautiful places in Delhi to visit at night.
- Location: Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry fees: No entry fee
4. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. This red sandstone and white marble tomb were commissioned by Empress Bega Begum, Humayun’s first wife.
The high arches, detailed ornamentation and Charbagh Garden are some of the awe-inspiring architectural features of this edifice. The sprawling lawns around this magnificent structure add on to the serenity of the place.
Humayun’s Tomb is one of the most prominent historical places in Delhi to be declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1993.
- Location: Mathura Road Opposite, Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
- Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM
- Entry fees: ₹35 for Indians and ₹550 for Foreigners.
5. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of the largest and oldest mosques in India. The construction of this imposing mosque was initiated by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the year 1650 and after six years, the construction was completed.
The two 40 metres high minarets, three huge marble domes and extensive courtyard are some of the attractive features of Jama Masjid that will amaze every visitor. Your list of things to see in Delhi will remain incomplete if you do not visit this splendid mosque.
- Location: Jama Masjid Road, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
- Timings: 7 AM to 6: 30 PM. Entry is restricted to during prayer hours
- Entry fees: No entry fee
6. Lotus Temple
This charming lotus-shaped structure is one of the most popular places to see in Delhi during your visit to the city. Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship, which was constructed in 1986.
The 27 marble-clad petals, adjacent ponds and gardens add on to the soothing ambience of Lotus Temple. It is a perfect place in the city to enjoy some peaceful time to connect with the Supreme Power. This Baháʼí House of Worship attracts people from all faiths without any discrimination to reflect and worship.
- Location: Lotus Temple Road, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
- Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM during the summer and 9 AM to 5:30 PM during the winters.
- Entry fees: No entry fee
7. Rashtrapati Bhawan
Rashtrapati Bhawan, formerly known as Viceroy’s House, is another popular destination that occupies an important position on the list of Delhi sightseeing places. At present, this alluring facade is the official residence of the President of India.
Rashtrapati Bhawan beautifully amalgamates elements of Indian and European architecture. Splendid chattris, intricate jali work, marble lion statues and Mughal Gardens are some of the most notable architectural features of this imposing building.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum is a popular tourist attraction located within the alluring premise of Rashtrapati Bhawan.
- Location: Rashtrapati Bhawan, President’s Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110004
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM from Monday to Friday. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
- Entry fees: ₹50 per person
8. Jantar Mantar
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is another popular tourist destination in Delhi that attracts visitors to witness its spectacular design of this astronomical observatory. It was constructed to predict the movement of various celestial bodies and populate astronomical tables.
Jantar Mantar in Delhi was constructed in the early 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. In addition to the one in Delhi, there are four additional Jantar Mantars located in different parts of the country; namely in Jaipur, Mathura, Ujjain and Varanasi.
The awe-inspiring design of Jantar Manta has attracted the attention of mathematicians, astronomers, architects and historians from across the globe.
- Location: Connaught Place, Sansad Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Entry fees: ₹15 for Indians and ₹200 for Foreigners
9. Lodhi Gardens
This lush greenery of the 90-acre garden and the striking contrast of the surrounding monuments make Lodhi Gardens one of the most popular places for tourists and locals alike. Some of the monuments within its premises date back to the early 15th century.
Bara Gumbad, Shisha Gumbad, mosques, Athpula Bridge, Tomb of Mohammed Shah and Sikandar Lodhi are some of the prominent heritage buildings at Lodhi Gardens. Each of the monuments and the design of the garden artistically blends the elements of Indo-Islamic architecture.
- Location: Lodhi Road, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
- Timings: 6 AM to 7:30 PM
- Entry fees: No entry fee
10. Purana Qila
The word Purana Qila translates into Old Fort. This extensive fort is one of the oldest forts in India, built in the 16th century by Sher Shah Suri. However, the foundation of this citadel was laid by Mughal Emperor Humayun.
The excavations in this area have led to the discovery of archaeological remains dating back to the pre-Mauryan period. The Archaeological Museum at Purana Qila houses artefacts and other objects ranging from Mauryan to Gupta and Mughal empire.
- Location: Mathura Road, Near Delhi Zoo, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
- Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM
- Entry fees: ₹15 for Indians and ₹200 for Foreigners
Conclusion
During your visit to Delhi, you will be surprised to find several places spread across the city that will grab your attention and enlighten you about different topics according to your interest. These above-mentioned tourist places in Delhi are some of the popular spots in the city, which will enlighten your knowledge about the grand history of this ancient city.
What is your favourite tourist spot in Delhi? Let us know in the comment section below.
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