Best 9 Places to Visit In Delhi

Delhi, the capital of India, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity. The city is home to iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, vibrant markets such as Dilli Haat, and serene spots like the Garden of Five Senses. With its rich history, Delhi features many significant monuments from various empires, making it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. The city also boasts a lively street food scene, colourful bazaars, revered temples, and modern attractions that cater to every traveller. Whether exploring its historical sites or enjoying its diverse culinary offerings, Delhi promises an unforgettable experience.

1. India Gate

India Gate, originally known as the All India War Memorial, is a prominent landmark in Delhi built to honour the 82,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this 42-metre tall monument features the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a flame commemorating soldiers who lost their lives in the Indo-Pak War. Located along Rajpath, India Gate is surrounded by lush lawns, making it a popular spot for picnics. It is also renowned for hosting the Republic Day Parade each year and is one of the most iconic places to visit in Delhi, especially when lit up at night.

Location: Rajpath Marg, New Delhi

Timings: Open 24*7

2. Rashtrapati Bhawan

Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, is a grand architectural marvel located at the western end of Rajpath in Delhi. Spread over 200,000 sq. ft. with 340 rooms, it includes the Mughal Gardens, staff quarters, stables, and vast open spaces. Originally designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens, the structure blends classical and Indian architectural styles. Though not fully accessible to the public, the mansion and its gardens are a popular Delhi attraction, with the Mughal Gardens open from August to March.

Location:  Rashtrapati Bhawan, President's Estate, New Delhi

Timings: Open 24*7

3. Akshardham Temple

The Akshardham Temple, dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, is a grand cultural and spiritual complex in Delhi, showcasing traditional Hindu and Indian architecture. Opened in 2005, the temple is renowned for its intricately carved sandstone and marble structure, lush gardens, and bronze statues of Indian heroes. Registered as the world's largest comprehensive Hindu temple, it also features exhibitions on Swaminarayan's teachings, a musical fountain, and light shows. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, it is a popular destination for family visits and an iconic landmark in Delhi.

Location:  NH 24, Pramukh Swami Maharaj Marg, Pandav Nagar, New Delhi

Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; closed on Mondays

Entry closes at 6:30 pm

Aarti Timings 10:30 am to 6:30 pm

4. Red Fort

The Red Fort, built in 1638 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is a prominent historical monument in Delhi made entirely of red sandstone. It served as the main residence of Mughal emperors for over 200 years and played a central role in the political and cultural life of the empire. Located in Old Delhi, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its impressive architecture, which blends Mughal, Persian, Hindu, and Timurid styles. The fort houses several museums displaying Mughal-era artifacts and is a key site for India's Independence Day celebrations, where the Prime Minister unfurls the national flag each year.

Location:  Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi

Timings: 09:30 AM to 04:30 PM

5. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar, a 73-meter tall minaret located in Delhi's Mehrauli area, is a remarkable example of Mughal architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the minaret features five distinct stories adorned with red sandstone, marble, and intricate Quranic inscriptions. The tower, which is the second tallest monument in Delhi, has 379 spiral steps and is part of the Qutub Complex, which includes other historical structures like the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar of Delhi. Renowned for its architectural brilliance and historical significance, Qutub Minar is one of the most recommended tourist attractions in Delhi.

Location: Delhi

Timings: 7 am–8 pm

6. Bahai (Lotus) Temple

The Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahá'í House of Worship, is a stunning example of secularism and architectural brilliance in Delhi. Completed in 1986, this temple is designed in the shape of a white lotus flower, featuring 27 free-standing marble petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. It welcomes people of all religions, symbolizing the unity and harmony promoted by the Bahá'í Faith. The temple, which can accommodate around 2,500 people, offers a tranquil atmosphere ideal for reflection and rejuvenation. Its unique design and inclusive philosophy make it one of the top tourist attractions in Delhi.

Location: Lotus Temple Rd Bahapur, Kalkaji, New Delhi

Timings: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with Mondays closed.

7. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid, located in Old Delhi, is India's largest mosque and an architectural masterpiece commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656. Built from red sandstone and marble, the mosque features three gates, four towers, and two 40-metre-high minarets. Up to 25,000 worshippers can be accommodated in its large courtyard.Known as Masjid-I Jahan Numa, the mosque was constructed by over 5,000 labourers and designed by Ustad Khalil. Despite attempts by the British to destroy it, the mosque remains a significant and revered monument in Delhi, protected by the Delhi Waqf Board. Visitors must adhere to a dress code, with outfits available for rent on-site.

Location: Old Delhi

Timings: before 12 o'clock at noon and between 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

8. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb, located in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant historical monument in India. Commissioned by Empress Bega Begum, the first wife of Mughal Emperor Humayun, the tomb was constructed between 1565 and 1572. Designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the tomb showcases a blend of Persian and Central Asian architectural styles and is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal.

The tomb is known as the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent, featuring a Charbagh (four-part) garden with water channels and a walled enclosure. The complex also includes several smaller monuments, including the tomb of Isa Khan Niyazi, an Afghan noble. Built from red sandstone and white marble, Humayun’s Tomb stands 47 metres high and 91 metres wide. Its design elements, such as the double dome and arched alcoves, reflect the Persian influence on Mughal architecture.

Location: Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, Mathura Rd, Nizamuddin, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi

Timings:  Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

9. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar in Delhi is an astronomical observatory built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. It is one of five such observatories constructed by the Maharaja, with others located in Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura. The Delhi observatory features 13 masonry-built astronomical instruments, including the Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash Yantra, Misra Yantra, and Ram Yantra, which were designed to measure time, track celestial bodies, and predict astronomical events.

The Samrat Yantra, a giant sundial, is particularly notable for its precision in measuring time to within half a second. The Jayaprakash Yantra uses concave surfaces for star alignment, while the Misra Yantra can determine the shortest and longest days of the year and indicate noon at various locations. Despite being surrounded by tall buildings that now hinder its accuracy, Jantar Mantar remains a fascinating scientific marvel and a popular tourist destination in Delhi.

Location: J6G8+RMC, Connaught Place, Sansad Marg, New Delhi

Timings: 9 am–4:30 pm