Delhi is both a union territory within India and a city, boasting two very different worlds: New Delhi and Old Delhi. Consecrated by the British in 1931 to serve as the Imperial Capital, the former is the country’s modern capital and seat of government, while Old Delhi is considered by many to be the symbolic heart of the greater metropolitan area. One of the most populous regions in the world, Delhi is a heady blend of tradition and modernity, important as both a religious center and India’s busiest international gateway.
Its history is as old as the ancient Yamuna River, one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism and a natural dividing line between New Delhi to the west and Old Delhi to the east. Highlights for visitors to this bustling, vibrant city are the diverse handicraft industry, the many beautiful monuments, numerous performing arts venues and the excellent cuisine, including delicacies from all parts of India. Delhi is also a shopper’s paradise with many bazaars and markets, including Chandni Chowk, the most famous commercial area in the country.
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1 The Red Fort
The magnificent Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and served as the seat of Mughal power until 1857. This stunning structure, with its long, red sandstone walls, covers an area of more than two kilometers, the whole of which is crescent-shaped and surrounded by a canal. The impressive main entrance, the Lahore Gate, is so named because it faces Lahore in Pakistan, while the even larger Delhi Gate was used by the emperor for ceremonial processions. Through the Lahore Gate, visitors reach Chhatta Chowk, a 17th-century covered bazaar where items such as silks, jewellery, precious stones and silverware can be purchased, along with souvenirs and food items. The Naubat Khana in the Red Fort once housed the musicians who played for the Emperor, and the fine galleries still contain many interesting musical instruments such as timpani, gongs and cymbals. Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audiences where the emperor would receive his subjects, is also worth seeing for its stunning white marble.
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
2 Qutub Minar
The magnificent Qutub Minar, India’s tallest minaret, was completed in the 12th century and attracts many international visitors eager to climb to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Rising over 70 meters, this graceful five-storey tower is covered in intricate carvings depicting the history of Qutub along with inscriptions from the Quran. It is also notable for being constructed of a number of different types of stone (the first three stories are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth stories were built with marble and sandstone). The complex also includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, a mosque at the base of the tower; a gateway built in 1310; the tombs of Altamish, Alauddin Khalji and Imam Zamin; and a 2,000-year-old iron pillar, the Alai Minar.
3 Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Delhi’s main Sikh place of worship, the 18th century Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is near Connaught Place and well worth a visit. Highlights include the beautiful pool, the Sarovar, at the heart of this large complex, as well as the famous golden dome and flagpole. Also to note is the grand temple building itself, along with its art gallery. Visitors are always welcome here and an excellent meal is available free of charge in the large Gurdwara kitchen. In return, your hair will be covered and shoes removed (free headscarves and shoes are provided).
Adres: Ashoka Road, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
4 The Lotus Temple
The magnificent Bahá’í House of Worship, also known as the Lotus Temple for its nine sides and magnificent central dome, is an architectural masterpiece. Made of white concrete and marble, the entire structure looks as delicate as the flower it resembles. Rising from the surrounding nine pools of water, it almost looks like it might bloom at any moment. Built in 1986, the temple has since attracted more than 70 million visitors, making it one of the world’s most visited attractions (interestingly, this remarkable place of worship has no idols, religious images, or outward symbols of religion). Another modern temple worth visiting is ISKCON Temple , one of the largest Krishna temple complexes in the country.
Address: Lotus Temple Road, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Bahapur, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
5 India Gate
Resembling the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the equally impressive India Gate is a beautiful stone arch built as a memorial to Indian soldiers killed in WWI. An eternal flame burns beneath the massive structure, and the walls are inscribed with the names of more than 90,000 soldiers who died in the conflict. Standing on a redstone base and with a shallow arched bowl on top that is occasionally filled with burning oil (usually only on major anniversaries), the structure dominates the parkland surrounding it, an ever-bustling area with throngs of tourists and locals enjoying a picnic or just relax. Hot Tip: For a real treat, try to see the India Gate at night when it and the nearby fountains are lit up.
6 Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and was Shah Jahan’s last architectural achievement. Completed in 1658, this beautiful mosque has three gateways, four slanting towers and two 40-meter minarets built with red sandstone and white marble and attractively interspersed in vertical stripes. Visitors can climb to the top of the southern minaret for a spectacular view of Old Delhi, then visit the large central pool which is used for washing before prayer (visitors must take off their shoes and be appropriately dressed before entering, and non-Muslims are not) allowed during prayers). Afterwards, be sure to visit Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s huge main street and a market area dedicated to shopping and eating. Of particular interest are Naya Bazaar and Gadodial, famous spice markets where you can see hundreds of items such as anise, ginger, pomegranate, saffron, lotus seeds, pickles and chutneys.
Adres: Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi
7 Humayun’s Tomb
Set in a beautiful, large square garden, Humayun’s Tomb is a towering mausoleum built of white marble and red sandstone. Designed as a prototype of the Taj Mahal in Agra, it is an excellent example of Mughal architecture. Built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum as a memorial to Humayun’s eldest widow, the tomb is surrounded by formal gardens and other tombs including Humayun’s barber and the tomb of Isa Khan, the architect of the Taj Mahal, a beautiful example of Lodi architecture and octagonal in shape. If possible, try to catch a glimpse of this spectacular structure after dark.
Adres: Mathura Road, Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
8 Akshardham
Although only recently completed (it opened in 2007), the beautiful temple of the Hindu Akshardham looks like it could be centuries old. Festooned with intricate and detailed carvings, this magnificent building attracts countless visitors for its majestic beauty. Highlights include the magnificent 43-meter-high main monument with its rich carvings of animals, plants, gods, dancers and musicians, all made of pink sandstone and marble. Of particular note are the 234 ornate pillars that support the nine domes, as well as a beautiful stone tribute to elephants, the centerpiece of which is a giant 3,000-ton statue of one of these beasts. Other interesting features include a theater showing a movie that follows the construction of the building,
Adres: Noida Mor, New Delhi, Delhi 110092
9 Rajpath en Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rajpath, also known as the King’s Way, is the traditional ceremonial boulevard of New Delhi. Walking from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official presidential residence, past major city landmarks like Vijay Chowk and India Gate all the way to the National stadiumthis wide avenue — flanked by trees, grass, and ponds — comes alive on January 26 during the Republic Day Parade when untold thousands gather to celebrate the anniversary of the country’s independence. At the western end of Rajpath, the President’s Residence (once the residence of the British Viceroy) is undoubtedly one of the finest buildings in Delhi, an eclectic mix of Mughal and European architectural styles with some 340 lavishly decorated rooms. Of particular note is the new Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum , which offers a glimpse into the building along with interesting displays related to past presidents. Hot Tip: If you visit in February or March, check out the adjacent Mughal Gardens, a beautiful display of plantings surrounding the president’s residence.
Adres: Gates 30 & 35, President’s Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110004
10 Gandhi Smriti in the Mahatma Gandhi-monument
Numerous references can be found in Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi, a testament to the man’s legacy. Of the many attractions related to the famous leader of the Indian independence movement, perhaps the best is Gandhi Smriti (Gandhi Remembrance), a museum housed in the premises where he was assassinated in 1948. Highlights include displays and memorabilia related to both his life and death, including the room he stayed in, left exactly as it was at the time, as well as the new Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museumwith historical records detailing his many accomplishments. A particular highlight is the chance to stroll through the same gardens where Gandhi once spent so much time (the site of the shooting is marked by the martyr’s column). Also of interest is the Raj Ghat memorial to Gandhi just a few minutes walk away on the spot where he was cremated.
Adres: 5 Tees januari Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
11 Het Jantar Mantar-observatory
Jantar Mantar , one of New Delhi’s largest and most famous business districts, is one of five astronomical observatories built in 1725 by Maharajah Jai Singh I. Designed to allow occupants to observe the movements of the sun, moon and planets. The preserved historic site also has a number of other ancient instruments once used to track the course of celestial bodies and predict eclipses. Highlights of this remarkable and architecturally pleasing building include a huge sundial known as the Prince of the Dials .
Adres: Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
12 Het Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
Another major politician-related attraction is the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, housed in the former residence of this acclaimed woman (Indira was the daughter of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and although a friend of Mahatma Gandhi was unrelated). Highlights include photographs documenting her life and time as prime minister, personal effects such as the sari she was wearing at the time of her assassination, along with news clippings and letters. An enclosed garden with mature trees and flowering plants surrounds the building, and the path is now a monument, with the spot where she was murdered clearly marked. Several rooms are dedicated to her son, Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated in 1991. Indira Gandhi’s father, Nehru, is the subject of equally interestingNehru Museum and Planetarium (Teen Murti Bhavan) is set in his former residence. The museum presents the life and works of the leader, including interesting items related to the struggle for freedom, with highlights such as his bedroom, drawing room and the study residence displays depicting highlights of his career.
Address: 1 Safdarjung Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
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13 The National Museum, New Delhi
The galleries of the National Museum, New Delhi – one of the largest museums in India – follow a historical sequence, with all major periods represented. Highlights include archaeological finds, displays of terracotta toys, pictures and pots, jewelry, seals, bronze and copper tools, sculptures, musical instruments, tapestries, tribal masks, swords and murals. The main gallery is the Central Asian Exhibition featuring silk banners and murals, sculptures and artifacts related to life along the ancient Silk Road that stretched between Europe and China. Other museums worth visiting include the National Science Center , one of the world’s largest science centers, and the impressiveNational Museum of Natural History with its focus on the country’s rich flora and fauna.
Address: Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
14 National Zoological Park
Known as one of the best zoos in Asia, the National Zoological Park was established in 1959 and provides a habitat for some 1,500 animal and bird species. The abundant animals on display are representative of all continents, including numerous examples from Africa, Australia and Asia. Of particular note are the zoo’s numerous chimpanzees, hippos, spiders, zebras, hyenas, deer, jaguars, and tigers. A particular highlight for kids is the subterranean reptile complex, which is home to a variety of snakes, including the deadly king cobra.
Adres: Mathura Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110 003
15 The National Crafts Museum
The Crafts Museum – officially named the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, New Delhi – showcases a wide variety of traditional crafts from all over India. Among its many fascinating features is the chance to show highly skilled craftsmen their age-old skills and see large collections of textiles, woodwork and ceramics. Also of interest are the architectural displays of several regional villages, including authentic mud huts and a large wooden haveli (a type of mansion) from Gujarat decorated with traditional folk art and featuring beautiful carvings, paintings, papier-mache and embroidery.
Address: Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
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16 The National Rail Museum
Spread over 10 acres, the National Rail Museum is home to over 30 locomotives and several old carriages, most of which are quite rare. All told, over 140 years of Indian Railway history has been preserved at this fascinating site, including an engine built in 1885 and the 1855 Fairy Queen steam engine. maharajas of the country, including the teak roof of the Maharaja of Mysore, covered with ivory; the 1876 Prince of Wales’s cabin; and the carriage in which Gandhi’s ashes were carried after his assassination in 1948. The skull of an elephant struck by a mail train in 1894 is also shown.
Address: Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021
17 The Hauz Khas Complex
The Hauz Khas complex is a fascinating urban village just south of New Delhi. In addition to the many ancient stone monuments, the whole village is dotted with domes of small Muslims, who were laid here to rest from the 14th to the 16th century. Other highlights include the remains of an old college and the tomb of Firoz Shah, who ruled Delhi in the 14th century, as well as Ki Masjid, a fine mosque built in Lodi style. The site also contains a number of art galleries, trendy restaurants and boutiques.
Address: Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi
Where to stay in New Delhi for sightseeing
We recommend these great hotels in New Delhi with easy access to top attractions like Qutub Minar and the beautiful Red Fort:
- The Leela Palace New Delhi: 5-star luxury, diplomatic enclave, lavish interior, pillow menu, lavish floral arrangements.
- Le Meridien New Delhi: mid-range prices, modern decor, rooftop dining, outdoor pool and full-service spa.
- Maidens Hotel: affordable heritage hotel, beautiful gardens, outdoor pool, fitness center.
- Hotel Amax Inn: budget hotel, friendly staff, modern decor, rooftop restaurant.
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