Places of Interest within Delhi
Alai Minar
The unfulfilled dream of Ala-ud-din as the victory tower, “Alai Minar” stands 27 meters high built of red sandstone, uncompleted, originally planned to be built along similar lines of Qutab Minar. “Alai Darwaza” is the main gateway to the entire complex housing the tomb of Imam Zamin, the tomb of Altamish and the mosque.
Birla Temple
Build in 1983 and also known as Lakshmi Naryan Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Structurally similar to old Orissian temples, the chief temple houses the marble idol Vishnu or Narayan (the preserver) and Laxmi (goddess of wealth). On either side are installed the idols of goddess Durga and Lord Shiva in separate temples.
Botanical Gardens
20 km. Founded in 1787 by the East India Company, the main attraction of the 273-acre gardens being the banyan tree, largest in the world. Also rows of mahogany trees, an avenue of Royal Cuban palms and an Orchid House. Visitors may drive across the bridge and through Howrah, the industrial extension of Calcutta or take ferry from Chandpal or Tekta Ghats to the gardens.
Chhatarpur Temple
Shri Adhya Katyani Shakti Peeth Mandir is popularly known as Chhatarpur Temple since it is located in a down town area in south of Delhi – Chattarpur. This is the second largest temple complex in India, and is dedicated to Goddess, Katyayani. It is located at Chhatarpur, on the southwestern outskirts of the city of Delhi and is just 4km from Qutub Minar, off Mehrauli-Gurgaon road. The temple was established in 1974, by Baba Sant Nagpal ji, who died in 1998. His samadhi shrine lies in the premises of the Shiv-Gauri Nageshwar Mandir within the temple complex.
This temple was considered as the biggest temple in India and second largest in the world, before the Akshardham Temple was created in 2005 in Delhi. This temple is totally constructed from marble and on all the facets there is jaali (perforated stone or latticed screen) work. The Shaktipeeth was established to pay homage to the omnipotent and omniscient Bhagwati Maa Katyayani (Goddess Katyayani is the sixth avtaar of Goddess Durga) and its architectural splendour blends harmoniously with the religious activity on its premises. It is not the grandeur of its architecture which makes the Shaktipeeth different from the other temples, but the moving spirit of its founder, Shree Durga-chranan-anuragi Baba Sant Nagpal, who dedicated his entire life for the service of the down trodden and the needy people. The Shaktipeeth is unique in that it is founded on the eternal truth in our ancient tradition and their relevance to our own times.
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk, a main marketplace in Delhi, keeps alive the city”s living legacy of Shahjahanabad. Created by Shah Jahan the builder of Taj Mahal, the old city, with the Red Fort as its focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying centre, has a fascinating market called Chandni Chowk. Legend has it that Shah Jahan planned Chandni Chowk so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted. The market was divided by canals. The canals are now closed, but Chandni Chowk remains Asia”s largest wholesale market. Crafts once patronized by the Mughals continue to flourish there. Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in central north Delhi, the Laal Quila (The Red Fort) and Fateh Puri Masjid. With the most famous mosque of Delhi Jama Masjid in the vicinity, along with Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Jain Mandir and a lot of small temples, the place witnesses a genuine cultural harmony.
Coronation Durbar Site
Incurable Raj fans should head to the “Coronation Durbar site”, marked by a lone obelisk in a desolate field located in open country north of “Old” Delhi. Pride of place goes to a 15m (50ft) high statue of George V that rises ghost-like above the acacia trees. It was placed here after being removed from the canopy midway along Rajpath soon after Independence. It was on this site that, in 1877 and 1903, the durbars were enacted and, in 1911,”King George V” was declared Emperor of India. Close by there”s a walled garden complete with a rogues” gallery of marble statues of former imperial dignitaries, languishing like disgraced schoolboys out of the public eye.
Crafts Museum
This museum is situated at Pragati Maidan, Mathura Road near the Purana Qila. It contains over 20,000 pieces of traditional Indian crafts from all over the country. The 18th to 20th century objects including terracotta sculptures from Tamil Nadu, bronzes, enamel work, wood paintings and carvings are placed here. The folk and tribal gallery has the objects constructed from the materials locally available. It highlights the mythology, ingenuity and whimsy that exists in so much of India”s folk art. The upper floor exhibits the best saris and textiles and its embroideries, mirror work and appliqués Visit : Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 5, Rs. 5/-.
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat stands for the variety in Indian foods and customs in a single roomy enclosed space of six acres. A permanent and improvised adaptation of a traditional village haat, it is actually a mixture of a food plaza and craft marketplace, located in the leading locality of South Delhi. Dilli Haat is a pergola with food and handicraft stalls that represent the different states of India.
Firoz Shah Kotla
The ruins of “Ferozabad”, the 5th city of Delhi, erected by “Feroz Shah Tughlaq” in 1354 can be found at Feroz Shah Kotla, just off Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg between the Old and New Delhi. The remains of a mosque and a well can also be seen, but most of the ruins were used for the construction of later cities. Feroz Shah was a great builder and so, this fifth city of Delhi was full of splendid palaces, mosques and gardens.Kotla was the inner citadel of Firozabad, built like Windsor, with great palaces and a magnificent mosque inspiring Timur”s envy. Destroyed by the Mughals, Kotla palaces were reduced to mere ruins, exposing to view the subterranean passages and covered cloisters. One can still see the pyramidal structure topped by the Ashokan Pillar brought from Topra, and a three-tiered baoli. The Saiyyads and Lodis used Kotla as their citadel. Now more famous for the cricket ground, where many important matches were held.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
One of the most prominent and largest Gurdwaras in Delhi, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most visited one in the Delhi. Millions visit this Gurdwara from all over the world and of all religions to offer their prayers at this elegant yet historical Gurdwara in Delhi. The Gurdwara marks the place where the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Harkrishan lived his last breath serving the helpless population ravaged by smallpox and cholera epidemic. The Gurdwara offers free food (langar) to all visitors and devotees throughout the day.
Hauz Khas
Hauz Khas is the historical battleground where Taimur defeated Mohammed Shah Tughlaq in 1398. One can find the remnants of an ancient college and Feroz Shah”s tomb here and on the east to a short distance the Moth ki Masjid built in the finest Lodi style. Once an archetypal North Indian Village in the heart of Delhi”s urban sprawl, Hauz Khas is now a shopper”s paradise successfully marketing the concept of ethnicity in every possible way. Hauz Khas was a large reservoir built by Allauddin Khilji that was once the water catchments for the city. This village is remarkable for both the ancient and charming ruins in the nearby compound looking down on a still, green tank, as well as for the modern and posh shopping complex, which has sprung up around here. The madarsa, tombs and mosque around it built by Feroz Shah Tuglaq still make for an exclusive and exciting experience. Hauz Khas is also the site of India”s first Night Bazaar being built by the Ministry of Tourism.
Humayun”s Tomb
Humayun”s Tomb is an excellent example of early Mughal architecture with a bulbous dome, geometric patterns, high arches, spire, lattice stone windows, geometric proportions, etc. This quiet but splendid edifice was the last resting place of the second Mughal emperor, who strived all his life to be in Delhi, the city he loved. This building is set in the center of a charbagh or four-garden plan, which is further divided into smaller geometric sections by a network of water channels and fountains-a reflection of Persian influence, which had been adopted by the Mughals. Entry is free on Friday. On other days, there is a small entry fee. There is an excellent view of the surrounding country from the terraces of the tomb.
Iron Pillar
This seven-metre-high pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque and has been there since long before the mosque”s construction. A six – line Sanskrit inscription indicates that it was initially erected outside a Vishnu temple, possibly in Bihar, and was raised in memory of the Gupta king, Chandragupta Vikramaditya, who ruled from 375 to 413. What the inscription does not tell is how it was made. Scientists have never discovered how this iron, which is of such purity that it has not rusted after 2000 years, could be cast with the technology of the time. It is said that if you can encircle the pillar with your hands whilst standing with your back to it, your wish will be fulfilled.
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum was the residence of the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. It is where her own bodyguards assassinated her on 31st October 1984. It was later converted into a museum, after her assassination. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum preserves her personal belongings very well, and in such a manner, that they are rendered alive by merely their presentation.The museum also contains the personal exhibits of her son Rajeev Gandhi including the burnt clothes and shoes that he wore when he was assassinated in a bomb blast in May 1991.
ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Temple also popularly called as the Hare Krishna temple is a famous Vaishnava temple with deities of Sri Radha Krishna. Located in South Delhi, the construction of the temple began in 1991 and was completed in 1998 under the planning of internationally renowned architect Achyut Kanvinde.
The temple primarily built with red stone is recognized for its unique architecture which blends the traditional Vedic with contemporary style. The complex also houses a one of a kind in the country Robtic show which explains the message of Bhagavad Gita. Another highlight of the temple is beautifully drawn paintings of the Lord done by the foreign devotees. Apart from these, the temple acts as study base for those wish to study the Vedic scriptures, Yoga and provides facility for practicing Bhakti Yoga as given by Srila Prabhupada. The temple also serves the devotees pure vegetarian food at its “Govindas” restaurant. The temple is easy to approach as it well connected by buses and Metro trains.
International Doll’s Museum
The International Doll’s museum was built in 1957 in order to display some of the best and unusual dolls from all over the world. Today, the museum proudly puts on display 6500 dolls from over 85 countries. The museum is divided into two major segments; one having dolls from Greece, Yugoslavia, Mexico, Poland, Thailand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, USSR, etc. In the second section, dolls from Asian and Indian places have been put on exhibit.
India Gate and Rajpath
Situated along the ceremonial Rajpath avenue (meaning King”s Way) in New Delhi, India Gate is a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan wars and World War I. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. The cenotaph (or shrine) in the middle is constructed with black marble and depicts a rifle placed on its barrel, crested by a soldier”s helmet. Each face of the cenotaph has inscribed in gold the words Amar Jawan (in Hindi, meaning Immortal Warrior). The green lawns at India Gate are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. Every year the Republic day celebrations are made in Delhi. The army men and other citizens of India who are awarded or who participate in the celebration walk through the Rajpath.
Jama Masjid
The great mosque of “Old” Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was built in 1644 and was the last in the series of architectural indulgences of “Shah Jahan”, the Mughal emperor who also built the “Taj Mahal” and the “Red Fort”. The highly decorative mosque has three great gateways, four towers and two 40m (135ft) high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. Travellers arriving bare-legged can hire robes at the northern gate. This may be the only time you get to dress like a local without feeling like a prat, so make the most of the hallowed atmosphere.
Jantar Mantar
At first sight, the “Jantar Mantar” appears like a gallery of modern art. It is, however, an observatory. Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), a keen astronomer and a noble in the Mughal court, was dissatisfied by the errors of brass and metal astronomical instruments. Under patronage from the emperor, he set on himself the task of correcting the existing astronomical tables and updating the almanac with more reliable instruments. Delhi”s Jantar Mantar is the first of the five observatories that he built with large masonry instruments. The observatory has the Samrat Yantra, a simple equal hour sun dial, the Ram yantra for reading altitudinal angles; Jai Prakash for ascertaining the position of the sun and other celestial bodies, and the Misra Yantra which is a combination of four scientific gadgets.
Kabuli or Khuni Darwaza
To the left of Chandni Chowk; there was once a gate across the road that was called Khuni Darwaza or the Bloody Gate. The British reoccupied Delhi on 20 September 1857 after fierce resistance by rebels. On 21 September 1857 Bahadur Shah surrendered to Hudson at Humayun”s tomb. On 22 September three Mughal princes, Mirza Moghul, Mirza Khizr Sultan and Mirza Abu Bakr were brought by Captain Hudson in a bullock-cart and shot dead at Khuni Darwaza near Delhi Gate. He ordered the princes to take off their upper garments and killed them one by one. The three bodies were carried to the Kotwali and stripped off all the clothes except a rag around their loins, and laid on stone slabs outside the building before they were buried. The reoccupation of Delhi was followed by massacre and plunder and it was even suggested that whole city be razed to the ground. Mirza Ghalib, the great Urdu Poet, who was a witness to the killings and plunder wrote in his Dastambu: “GOD ALONE knows the the number of persons who were hanged. The victorious army entered the city along the main road. Whomsoever they met on the way was killed.” The “Khuni Darwaza” still stands in its solitary grandeur exactly opposite the main gate of the Maulana Azad Medical College.
Lahore Gate
The Lahore Gate-so named because it faces in the direction of Lahore, Pakistan-is significant not only in ancient history as the main gate of this ancient Moghal fort, but also in present day as an important symbol of the modern Indian nation. During India”s long struggle for independence from British colonial rule, nationalists often dreamed of the day that the Indian flag would fly over the Red Fort. Since Independence, leaders like Nehru and Indira Gandhi have used the gate as a backdrop for political speeches, knowing the symbolic and emotional power it holds for the people of India. Every year on Independence Day (August 15) people gather in the big open area in front of Lahore Gate for a speech from the Prime Minister.
Lotus Temple
In the heart of New Delhi,the bustling capital of India,a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city”s inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity,and revolutionising the concept of worship.This is the Bahá”í Mashriqu”l-Adhkar, better known as the “Lotus Temple”.With the dawning of every new day,an ever-rising tide of visitors surges to its doorsteps to savour its beauty and bask in its serenely spiritual atmosphere. Rising up pure and unsullied from stagnant water, the lotus represents the manifestation of God. The architect used this ancient Indian symbol to create a design of ethereal beauty and apparent simplicity, belying the complex geometry underlying its execution in concrete form. The Lotus Temple provides one of the rare exceptions with its remarkable fusion of ancient concept, modem engineering skill, and architectural inspiration, making it the focus of attention amongst engineers and architects the world over.
Lodhi Gardens
Lodhi Garden Once called Lady Willingdon Park, laid out in 1930, this beautiful park contains 15th and 16th century monuments that are scattered among its well-kept lawns, flowers, shady trees and ponds. During the early morning and evening hours, the sprawling garden is a favourite spot for fitness freaks and those in search of solitude.
National Zoological Park
Delhi National Zoological Park lies near the famous Old Fort. One of the best zoos in the entire Asian continent, its uniqueness is that it tries to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and birds houses here. It proves to be an ideal picnic spots, especially in winters, and is spread over an area of 214 acres. National Zoological Gardens of New Delhi houses more than 2,000 species of animals and birds.
National Railway Museum
The National Rail Museum is located at Chanakyapuri in New Delhi. It is a huge attraction because of its compilation of trains, locomotives and carriages.There are beautiful models dating back to the olden days on display. The trains and coaches mark the development typical to each era of progress.
Nizam-ud-din- Shrine
The shrine of the Muslim Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Chishti, who died in 1325 aged 92, is across the road from Humayun”s tomb. With its large tank, it is one of several interesting tombs here. Other tombs include the later grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shan Jahan, who stayed with her father during his imprisonment by Aurangzeb in Agra”s Red Fort. Amir Khusru, a renowned Urdu poet, also has his tomb here as does Atgah Khan, a favourite of Humayun and his son Akbar. It”s worth visiting the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as it is a popular time for worship, and qawwali singers start performing after the evening prayers.
Purana Quila
Located south-east of India Gate, the ruins of this majestic fort rise on a small hill in the green parkland of the Delhi Zoo. In 1533 A.D., the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, laid the foundation. Archaeological excavations in this area suggest that the site beneath Purana Qila may well have been the city of Indraprastha, the legendary site of the Hindu epic, The Mahabharatha. These findings are displayed at the Field Museum. Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation Ltd. (DTTDC) organises a 62 minute Sound and Light Show every evening, which depicts events related to the fort from the times of Indraprastha to the Independence. The show is held both in Hindi and in English.
Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is located in Mehrauli in South Delhi. It was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up to a height of 72.5 meters and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur”an. Qutub-ud-din Aibak began constructing this victory tower as a sign of Muslim domination of Delhi and as a minaret for the muezzin to call the faithful to prayer. However, only the first story was completed by Qutub-ud-din. The other stories were built by his successor Iltutmish. The two circular stories in white marble were built by Ferozshah Tughlaq in 1368, replacing the original fourth story.
The balconies in the tower are supported by exquisite stalactite designs. The tapering tower has pointed and circular flutings on the first storey and star-shaped ones on the second and third stories. The Qutub Minar is also significant for what it represents in the history of Indian culture. In many ways, the Qutub Minar, the first monument built by a Muslim ruler in India, heralded the beginning of a new style of art and architecture that came to be known as the Indo-Islamic style. Other monuments around the Qutub complex, are Jamaali Kamaali mosque and tombs, Balban”s tomb and Adham Khan”s Tomb.
Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat, not far from the banks of the Yamuna River, has a simple black marble memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. A commemorative ceremony takes place every Friday. Nearby there are two museums dedicated to Gandhi. Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated just to the north at Shanti Vana (Forest of Peace). The area is now a beautiful park with labelled trees planted by a mixed bag of notables, including Elizabeth II, Dwight Eisenhower and Ho Chi Minh. The rarely-visited but quite beautiful Zinat-ul Masjid (Most Beautiful of Mosques) towers over Raj Ghat.
Red Fort or Lal Quila
Mughal emperor, “Shah Jahan”, after ruling from Agra for 11 years, decided to shift to Delhi and laid the foundation stone of the Red Fort in 1618. It is called so because of the red stone with which it is built, the Red Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India”s history is also closely linked with this fort. It was from here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the first Prime Minister of India, pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free form colonial rule.
Rashtrapati Bhawan
Built with a mix of Western and Indian styles, Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally built for the Governor General of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the Viceregal Lodge, the name was changed in 1959 after India became a republic. Now it is the Presidential Palace of India.
Sansad Bhavan
Sansad Bhavan or the Parliament of India is a circular building designed by the British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in 1912–1913. Construction began in 1921, and in 1927 the building was opened as the home of the Council of State, the Central Legislative Assembly, and the Chamber of Princes.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, also referred to as the Swaminarayan Akshardham or Delhi Akshardham. It displays 10,000 years of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The building was inspired and moderated by Pramukh Swami Maharaj.The monument features a large central monument crafted entirely of stone, exhibitions on incidents from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the history of India, an IMAX feature, a musical fountain, and large landscaped gardens.
Salimgarh Fort
Salimgarh Fort, which is now part of the Red Fort complex, was constructed on an island of the Yamuna River in 1546. But a gate called the Bahadur Shahi Gate for entry into the Fort from the northern side was constructed only in 1854-55 by Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mogul ruler of India. The gate was built in brick masonry with moderate use of red sandstone. The fort was used during the Uprising in 1857 and also as a prison which housed Zebunnisa daughter of Aurangzeb and the British imprisoned the freedom fighters of the INA. The layout of the Red Fort was organized to retain and integrate this site with the Salimgarh Fort through the Bahadur Shah Gate. The fort has been renamed as Swatantrata Senani Smarak and a plaque at the entrance to the fort attests to this.
Swatantra Sangrama Sangrahalaya
The Swatantra Sangrama Sanghralaya is also known as the Museum of the Independence Movement. This museum is located to the left of the Chatta Chowk. The museum is possibly well-presented and gives an insight into the history of independence of India. It has a collection of records dating as far as the revolution of 1857.
Safdar Jung Tomb
The “Safdarjung Tomb” was built in 1753-54 by the Nawab of Avadh for his father, “Safdarjung”, and is one of the last examples of Mughal architecture before the final remnants of the great empire collapsed. The tomb, like that of Humayun, has a nine-part, square plan, built upon an arcaded plinth. Each facade is finished in pink and white stone, and contains several highly decorated cusped arches representative of the ornate style of the later Mughal style. A large bulbous dome rises from a constricted drum. The interior is decorated with stucco carvings. Entry is free on Friday. On other days a small entry fee is charged. This tomb is adjacent to the small Safdarjung airport
Shalimar Bagh
The Shalimar Garden, which lies on the fringes of the city about 10km (33ft) north-west of “Old” Delhi, is one of the most important Moghul gardens in the city. This was once the first-night staging post for the Moghuls on their way to Kashmir and Lahore. Aurangzeb was crowned emperor here in 1658. The beautiful central pavilion, the Shish Mahal, was built by Shah Jahan. Although it is in a fairly advanced state of decay, some of the original painted flower decoration has survived and the place has lots of atmosphere.
Spice Market
Khari Baoli, the street that runs from the Fatehpuri Mosque to the western edge of the old city, is Delhi”s bustling wholesale spice market. It”s well worth a wander simply to take in the sights and smells because things have changed little here for centuries. Huge sacks of herbs and spices are still brought to the wholesalers on long, narrow barrows pushed by labourers, and there are eye-catching displays of everything from lentils and rice to giant jars of chutneys, pickles, nuts and tea.
The National Museum
The National Museum was formally inaugurated in 1949 by Governor-General R.C. Rajagopalachari and initially housed in the Rashtrapati Bhavan with selected artifacts from various museums of India. In 1955, the foundation stone of the present majestic building on the corner of Janpath and Maulana Azad Road was laid by Jawaharlal Nehru and the museum was shifted here and opened to visitors in 1960. Now it is the largest museum in Delhi with around 2,00,000 exhibits of exquisite art both foreign and Indian, giving a detailed insight into Indian history and its cultural heritage.
Tughlaqabad Fort
The “Tughlaqabad Fort” is not only symbolic of the might of the “Tughlaq dynasty”, but it is a piece of architectural marvel. The crumbling ruins of the “Tughlaqabad Fort” convey a sense of lost grandeur. The massive ramparts, battlements, and the mammoth stonework of this fort speak highly of the engineering skills of the workers who constructed it.There are number of monuments within the precincts of this massive fort. On the southern side of the fort is a causeway that takes one across the (now) dry bed of a lake to the tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. The style of the tomb conforms to the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, which was in vogue at that time and was the hallmark of the buildings belonging to the period of the Delhi Sultanate. Tourists looking forward to understand the intricacies that the Tughlaqabad Fort is founded on should surely visit the place on their travel to New Delhi.
