The capital of India, Delhi, also has historical and modern importance. It is an excellent tourist destination for tourists from all over India as well as foreign countries to spend their holidays. There are many attractions in Delhi that are a must see. So on a visit to Delhi make sure you don’t miss out on the important places to see in Delhi and you will surely fall in love with the place. Here, the article lists the important historical monuments, gardens, museums and religious places that the area treats for you.
Monuments and Forts
Red Fort Lal Quila
This colossal citadel built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, is the pride of Delhi. The mighty fort, which stretches for 2.4 km, is built of red stone and thus received the name Red Fort or Lal Quila. A wide moat surrounds the octagonal fort. The fort has two entrances: Delhi Gate and Lahori Gate, but the second one is the main entrance to Quila. The fort is divided into various venues such as Diwan-i-Am is the hall for the public, Diwan-i-Khas is the hall for special audiences, Rang Mahal is the water-cooled place for the royal ladies, Hamam, Moti Masjid, Mumtaz Mahal and Naubat Khana i.e. the house of music.
The Prime Minister displays the Indian Tricolor every year on the anniversary of India’s independence from British rule on 15 August. The glorious past and magnificence attracts tourists. Every night there is a light and sound show.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb was built from red sandstone by Hamida Banu Begum. The tomb is adorned with black and white marble borders. Well-developed gardens surround this tomb which has numerous crisscrossing water channels. It is the best preserved example of Mughal architecture, characterized by high arches and a double dome.
Qutab Minar
Qutub Minaris the world heritage site located in Mehrauli. This tall red sandstone brick tower built in 1193 AD was erected by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlak. The conical tower is 72.5 meters high and has 399 steps; its base is 14.3 meters wide while the upper deck is 2.75 meters wide.
Iron Pillar Ashoka Pillar Jacent to this Minar is also not to be missed. It is believed that if you make a wish and stand with your back to the column, and if you can hold it with your hands, then your wish will surely come true.
india gate
India Gateis the famous landmark of New Delhi. It is the war memorial that remembers the martyrs of the British Indian Army who sacrificed their lives for the Indian Empire in the First World War and the Afghan wars. The Gateway of India was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. After India gained independence, it became the tomb of the unknown soldier of the Indian Army, known as Amar Jawan Jyoti. The arch is 42 meters high and made of red stone with “INDIA” written on both sides. Thousands of soldiers’ names are inscribed on the arch. The nearby lawn, children’s playground and a yacht club provide time to relax from the bustle of everyday life.
religious places
Akshardham Temple
This sacred Hindu temple sprawling across 100 acres has an 11-foot-tall statute of Bhagwan Swaminarayan below the central dome. Statues of gurus from other sects are also installed around it. This is a very popular tourist spot and is visited by thousands of devotees every day. The temple has an IMAX theater and a musical fountain in this complex.
Birla or Laxmi Narain Temple
This beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Laxmi was built by the industrialist GD Birla in 1938.
Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple
People of all religions and beliefs visit the Bahai temple. The atmosphere is great. The complex has swimming pools and gardens. Devotees pray and meditate silently in the huge calm and serene hall. The temple is shaped like a lotus, making it popular as the lotus temple.
jama mosque
Jama Masjidis the largest mosque in India. This five-storied mosque was built by Shah Jahanin in 1658. The first three floors of the Jama Masjid are made of red sandstone, the fourth is made of marble, and the fifth is made of sandstone. The entire mosque has intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran are inscribed on the walls.
ISKCON temple
ISKCON Templeis built by the followers of the Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult on a hill. Thus the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The graceful complex is one of the largest temple complexes in India.
Monuments in Delhi
Monuments of the dynamic leaders who played an important role in the development of India are erected in Delhi to keep their memory alive. These monuments are made along the Yamuna River. The green lawns and serene atmosphere of the monuments provide a contemplative space for visitors to reflect on the life and work of modern India’s leaders.
Rajghatis was formed where the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was cremated. The Samadhi is a simple square platform of black marble stone, accessed by a stone path through the beautiful gardens. Mahatma Gandhi’s last words ‘Hey Ram’ are inscribed on the memorial platform.
Shanti Van is the memorial of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru. The Sanjay Gandhi memorial is located next to Shanti Van.
The memorial of the first and only lady Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, is called the Shakti Sthal, which symbolizes the determination and vigor of Indira Gandhi. The Samadhi is in the form of a reddish gray solid stone.
Vir Bhumiis the memorial of India’s youngest Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi.
Vijay Ghatnear the small artificial lake is a monument to the second Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri.
Other attractions
Apart from the above, Delhi has many other attractions like Parliament House, Jantar Mantar, Old Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Nizam-ud-Din Shrine, Garden of Five Senses or Said-ul-Ajaib garden, LodhiGarden, Mughal Gardens, Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, National Museum, and many more gardens, museums, and monuments.
