Places to visit in Delhi

Red Fort

Red Fort is also known as Lal Quila. In 1648 Mughal emporer Shah Jahan constructed the Red Fort. The fort lies along the Yamuna River, which fed the moats surrounding most of the walls. Red Fort has an area of over 254.67 acres (103.06 ha), and it stretches for 2.41 kilometres (1.50 miles). The most-important surviving structures are the walls and ramparts, the main gates, the audience halls and the imperial apartments on the eastern riverbank. However, it was later captured by the Sikhs and then the British.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is the 2nd tallest minar (73 metres) in India after Fateh Burj in Chappar Chiri at Mohali which is 100 meters. Construction was started in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and was carried on by his successor, Iltutmish. The minar is made of red sandstone and marbles, and is covered with carvings and verses from the Quran.

Jama Masjid

This mosque of Old Delhi, is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It is the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. Construction began in 1650 and was completed in 1656. From the southern tower one can almost view the whole of Delhi.

Chandni Chowk

It is one of old Delhi's busiest and old markets. It was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor of India Shah Jahan, and designed by his daughter Jahan Ara. It was once divided by canals to reflect moonlight. But now it's one of India's largest wholesale markets, where one can find anything from inexpensive jewelry, fabrics to electronics.

Humayun's Tomb

The tomb was built in 1570, and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. It was the first of this type of Mughal architecture to be built in India. Beautiful and scenic gardens are built around it.

Swaminarayan Akshardham

Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi showcases 10,000 years of Indian culture. It was opened in 2005 by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha spiritual organization. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. It has a marvelous architecture made of pink stone and white marble shine, gardens, sculptures and boat ride.

India Gate

India Gate stands at the centre of New Delhi. It is a war memorial built in the memory of Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919. During nightfall, India Gate is dramatically floodlit while the fountains nearby make a lovely display with coloured lights. The gardens surrounding it is a major picnic spot

Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple was built by Bahai House of Worship, and was completed in 1986. It is shaped liked a lotus flower. It is known as the mother temple of Indian Subcontinent. It is made up of white marble. Any person from any religion can visit the temple. The tranquil gardens and ponds surrounding the temple add to the beauty of the temple.

Lodi Gardens

The Lodi Gardens were built by the British in 1936 around the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. The gardens are situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb on Lodhi Road and is a hotspot for morning walks for the Delhiites.

Gandhi Smriti

Gandhi Smriti was formerly known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan. It is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on January 30, 1948. The room that he slept in is being kept exactly how he left it. In 2005, Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum was established.

Source: Portal Content team