Travel India: 10 Best Places to Visit in Delhi

Image Courtesy: Tim Gage

Delhi, the capital city of India, has a lot to offer to its visitors. Apart from a history that dates back several centuries, the city offers mesmerizing sites that have beautiful architectural base. These places are ideal spots for a jovial family picnic.

1. Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is sort of like Delhi’s Times Square. This narrow street of Delhi is best visited on foot as there is a competition for space. The street is busy at any time of the day with customers, vendors, rickshaws, and other locals. Chandni Chowk is one stretch that has stores and markets that offer good quality products at shockingly low prices.

INFORMATION

• Shopping in Chandni Chowk
  
• Karim Hotel: Chandni Chowk’s historic restaurant

2. Red Fort

The monument that Delhi is famous for is the Red Fort. The fort was built when the Mughal Empire ruled over India, around the 16th century. The fort has an Indian flag that is hoisted on August 15 each year marking India’s independence. The fort stretches for around 1.2 miles (1.9 kms) and has been standing strong ever since.

INFORMATION

• Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m on weekdays and weekends. Closed on Mondays.
• Lal Quila Delhi

3. Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is a treat of the old city. It has been one of the many famous monuments that have been etched in history. It is the largest mosque in India with a capacity of over 25000 devotees. The mosque’s towers offer a beautiful view of the city of Delhi.

INFORMATION

• The mosque to nearly 13 years to build, and was completed in 1650
• Jama Masjid

4. Qutub Minar

Another prime example of Mughal architecture in Delhi is the Qutub Minar. The minar currently stands as the tallest brick minaret in the world. As an example of durability the minar has been standing for over 800 years. With an unclear historical background, the minar is said to signify the beginning of Mughal rule in India.

INFORMATION

• Location: Mehrauli, south New Delhi
• Indo-Islamic architechture: What you need to know

5. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb was built for Humayun’s accommodation in the 15th century. The architecture of the Tomb is surreal and fits the definition of the word scenic in every way. It also inspired the design of a wonderful of the world, Taj Mahal in Agra. It was the first of many monuments built for Mughal emperors.

INFORMATION

• Humayun’s Story
• Humayun’s Tomb: All you need to know

6. India Gate

When you think of Delhi, India Gate, the war memorial monument comes to mind. The significance of the place as a way to pay respects to the people who sacrificed their lives for the greater good of the nation. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike.

INFORMATION

• Location: Rajpath, near Connaught Place, New Delhi.
• India Gate: History

7. Bahai temple

One of the finest evidences of brilliant architecture is the Bahai Temple. Popularly known as the Lotus temple, the temple building is shaped, you guessed it right, in the form of a lotus. Made entirely out of White marble, the temple is just as attractive on the inside as it is on the outside.

INFORMATION

• The temple of Bahai supports a noble faith of unity among all religions and beliefs.
• Bahai Faith in India

8. Gandhi Smriti

It was on January 30, 1948 that Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was assassinated. He is also referred to as the father of the nation for driving India to peace using non-violence. The Gandhi Smriti is the spot where he was shot and collapsed. The place was turned into a prayer house open to the public to pay their respects to the peacemaker.

INFORMATION

• MK Gandhi lived in the house for 144 days up until the time of his death
• Raj Ghat: Gandhi Memorial

9. Lodi Gardens

If you’re looking for a relaxed day away from work and the stress of a fast-paced city life, Lodi Gardens is the place to be. It is one destination to enjoy nature at its finest with the gardens offering a tranquil ambience. On a regular day, you’ll find people jogging, exercising, practicing yoga togethers, and a few young couples that are here to spend time together.

INFORMATION

• Location: Lodi Road, not far from Humayun’s Tomb
• Lodi Gardens: Delhi Tourism

10. Swaminarayan Akshardham

A fairly new symbol of modern architecture is the temple of Swaminarayan Akshardham. Conceptually designed to offer prayers, the temple completed construction and was open to the public in 2005. The pink stone and white marble stone used signify its importance.

INFORMATION

• Built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
• Swaminarayan Akshardham: All you need to know

The contrast between Old Delhi and the more urban New Delhi is immense, as tourists it is important that you spend time exploring both sides. Right from the Indo-Islamic architecture to the nightclubs, Delhi has a lot to offer.

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