Attractions of Delhi

Travel to Delhi, a city that defies a one-line description like - the capital of India or capital of the world's largest democracy. This is the city of destiny. A city of contrasts with a unique blend of ancient and modern, Delhi offers a multitude of interesting places and attractions to the visitor, so much so that it becomes difficult to decide from where to begin exploring the city. Delhi travel surely rewards tourist with an everlasting portrait of magical hues.

Qutab Minar: The highest stone tower in India as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised, the Qutab Minar is located at a small village called Mehrauli in South Delhi. It was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. This red sandstone marvel covered with beautiful and striking carvings, is inscribed with verses from the Holy Quran. It is not only an important tourist spot and landmark of Delhi, it is also an excellent example of early Islamic architecture in India. The area around Qutab Minar has a number of important monuments and together they constitute the Qutab complex. more…

Lal Quila (Red Fort): A grand symbol of Mughal architectural excellence, the Red Fort or Lal Quila is a majestic and magnificent structure built by one of the greatest emperors of the Mughal dynasty, Shahjahan. The decision for constructing the fort was taken in 1639, when Shahjahan decided to shift his capital to Delhi. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad (present Old Delhi area) was completed with the Red Fort - Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel) - Delhi's seventh fort.

The Red Fort still retains some of its lost glory. It is the only fort with some well-preserved royal structures to give an idea of the glory of the Mughal Empire. An important landmark of Delhi today, India's history is also closely linked with the Red Fort, the last fort to be built in Delhi. It has also witnessed the vicissitudes of fortune, the splendor and the fall of the Mughals, British rule, and finally the dawn of Indian Independence. more…

Purana Quila (Old Fort): The Purana Quila or Old Fort is a good example of medieval military architecture. Built by the Mughal Emperor Humayun, with later-day modifications by Sher Shah Suri, the Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward and every inch a fortress. The Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher Mandal are two important monuments inside the fort. The Delhi Zoo is also located inside the fort. more…

Chandni Chowk: Once the eyes and the ears of the Mughal's commercial instincts, Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest shopping avenues in Delhi. Located opposite the majestic Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, which literally means the street of the silversmiths, was created by the builder of the Taj Mahal, Shahjahan. Chandni Chowk remains Asia's largest wholesale market. Crafts once patronized by the Mughals continue to flourish in the small lanes of the city. Tradition and modernity meet at unexpected places in Shahjahanabad. more…

Humayun's Tomb: Humayun's Tomb was built nine years after Humayun's death by his wife Haji Begum. Designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, and completed in 1565, the edifice was a trendsetter of the time. It is said that all later Mughal monuments, including the Taj Mahal, followed its design. more…

Rashtrapati Bhawan: Rashtrapati Bhawan was once the imperial residence of the British viceroys. Built on the Raisina Hills of Delhi ridge, this 340-roomed structure has an imposing character overlooking India Gate and Rajpath. It is now the official residence of the President of India. For lovers of flowers and beauty, the annual spring opening of the glorious, meticulously tended Mughal Gardens at the stately Rashtrapati Bhawan is a bonanza topped by an amazing assembly of roses in perfect bloom-perhaps the best in the whole of India. more…

India Gate: India Gate is a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war. The green, velvety lawns at India Gate, particularly, are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. Ice-cream carts, balloon wallahs, popcorn and peanut vendors, carts selling cold water and cold drinks, panwallahs, men and women selling sweet-scented jasmine garlands to decorate a bride, wife, daughter or girlfriend's hair, do brisk business at the fringe of the lawns. more…

Laxminarayan Temple: Also called the Birla Mandir, the Laxminarayan Temple was built by the Birla family in 1938. It is a temple with a large garden and fountains behind it. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Janmashtami day, the birthday of Lord Krishna. The father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was assassinated in this temple complex in 1948. more……

Baha'i Temple (Lotus Temple): The Baha'i Temple, situated in South Delhi, is shaped like a lotus. It is an eye-catching edifice worth exploring. Built by the Baha'i community, it offers the visitor a serenity that pervades the temple and its artistic design. more…

Raj Ghat: On the bank of the legendary Yamuna, which flows past Delhi, there is Raj Ghat - the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It has become an essential point of call for all visiting dignitaries. Two museums dedicated to Gandhi are situated nearby. more…

Shanti Vana: Lying close to the Raj Ghat, the Shanti Vana (literally, the forest of peace) is the place where India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated. The area is now a beautiful park adorned by trees planted by visiting dignitaries and heads of state.

Tughlaqabad: When Ghazi Malik founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1321, he built the strongest fort in Delhi at Tughlaqabad, completed with great speed within four years of his rule. Tughlaqabad is Delhi's most colossal and awesome fort, even in its ruined state. Within its sky-touching walls, double-storied bastions, and gigantic towers were housed grand palaces, splendid mosques, and audience halls. Adjacent to the Tughlaqabad Fort are two small fortresses Nai-ka-Kot and Adilabad (the fourth fort of Delhi which contained a grand palace of thousand pillars and splendid halls). more…