Top Rated Tourist Attractions in New Delhi
The city has a line of spellbinding mosques, historic monuments, old and majestic forts left behind by the legacy of Mughal rulers that once ruled the city. The interesting thing about this city is the blend between crumbling Old Delhi wearing the weight of time on its sleeves and the urbanised well-planned New Delhi. You get the taste of both modernity and history in the air of India’s capital.
Do you know where the word ‘Delhi’ comes from? It comes from the Urdu word ‘dehleez’ which means the entry point to some place. The capital of India is no ordinary place, in fact, it carries a rich history in its bosom and has a multicultural vibe to preserve.
If you are a true travel maniac, you will visit all corners of this city and enjoy not just the forts but also the vibrant markets and the thrilling chowks. Carry a suitcase of time along with your suitcase of clothes. If you get tired of visiting monuments and need some relaxation, you can lay on the soft flourishing landscaped gardens of Delhi. Delhi must be a top-priority for tourists from and outside India. The city never fails to surprise its visitors.
If you happen to visit India or already live in India, you must visit the following places mentioned below. Here's a list of places that are most-visited attractions to visit in Delhi. The best thing about these places is that most of them are free for public visits. Yes, you heard that right!
You require India e-Tourist Visa or Indian Visa Online to witness the amazing places and experiences as a foreign tourist in India. Alternatively, you could be visiting India on an India e-Business Visa and want to do some recreation and sightseeing in India. The Indian Immigration Authority encourages visitors to India to apply for Indian Visa Online rather than visiting Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.
Jama Masjid
One of many marvellous gems to visit in Delhi is the Jama Masjid. Besides being a place of worship, the Jama Masjid represents the iconic Mughal architecture. It is almost like a lost-and-found treasure of the city. It is also one of the largest mosques in the country. The courtyard of the mosque is spacious enough to comfortably accommodate as many as 25,000 devotees. To build a mosque of this stature, it took 12 years for artisans, labourers, engineers and planners to execute this impeccable beauty. It was finally completed in the year 1656.
A laborious climb to the pinnacle of the monument’s southern tower will offer you a breathtaking view (however, the area is enclosed by metal safety grills) of the glittering city of Delhi. Make sure you cover yourself properly (not showing much of your skin) to get easy entry to the mosque as it is a holy place of worship for the Muslims. skin. However, if you still forget to wear required attire for the place, various attire is provided on-spot to change and enter the mosque.
The place is located close to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, near the Red Fort.
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Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is the living and breathing heart of Delhi. For its 24/7 hustle and bustle, the place has been featured in many famous Indian movies such as ‘Chandni Chowk to China’, ‘Delhi 6’ and more. Chandni Chowk, contrary to the sorted and regulated roads of Old Delhi, is a charismatic mess you will love to explore. The place is a hub of mouth-watering food, fashionable clothes, junk jewelleries, and more. It is perhaps the only place in Delhi where cycles, auto rickshaws, hand-drawn rickshaws, carts, cars, and animals all strive to fit in the space.
Even though the place is utterly chaotic, noisy, congested and crumbling, it has a charm which is impossible to beat. You may wonder why is the place chaotic and why isn’t it mended? It is because this place is officially India’s oldest and busiest market. No change is entertained in Chandni Chowk. People love and are accustomed to the ancient chaos it has always offered. What makes the place all the more interesting is the very famous Karim’s Hotel. Karim falls under Delhi dining institution, and it would be a bad miss to not visit this place.
Red Fort
Red Fort is one of the most celebrated Mughal architecture of Delhi. The Red Fort is not merely a symbol of Mughal architectural excellence, it is also a standing reminder of India's fight for freedom. The Red Fort was built by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. This happened when he decided to establish Delhi as the capital of India and shifted from Agra to Delhi in 1638. You must visit the fort to witness the beautiful courtyards, minarets and history it encompasses within itself. To further take care of its guests’ entertainment, the fort orchestrates a one hour special light and sound show on the fort's history every evening. It is a must-watch and must not be missed at any cost.
The fort is located opposite Chandni Chowk in old Delhi. It has an entry fee of Rs 500 for foreign tourists and Rs 35 for Indians. Entry to the fort is allowed from 9:30 a.m in the morning to 4:30 p.m. in the evenings, and the light shows. The fort remains closed on Mondays.
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Foreign nationals keen to visit India for sightseeing or recreation, casual visits to meet friends and family or short term Yoga programme are eligible to apply for a 5 year India e-Tourist Visa. Learn more at 5 Year e-Tourist Visa
Swaminarayan Akshardham
A fast-growing attraction, this giant temple foundation was laid down by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha spiritual organisation and was made open to the public in the year 2005. The temple is an emblem of Indian culture and practices. Besides being a holy place for the Hindus, the temple is an exemplary piece of art, a beautiful blend of architecture (the pink stone and white marble), and the natural bloom of a sprawling garden. You will see various intricate sculptures here and can also enjoy a smooth boat ride within the temple complex. You must not miss out on this splendid visit and carve out at least half a day to fully explore the temple campus.
Please note that no cameras or cell phones are permitted within the temple complex. Ensure you are not carrying one on your visit or fines may be levied upon carrying one. The temple is located on National Highway 24 near Noida, New Delhi. The entry is free to all, however, you need tickets if you wish to see the exhibitions. The temple gate opens at 9:30 a.m. for visitors and closes at 6:30 p.m. The temple remains closed on Mondays.
Lodhi Garden
If you wish to retreat to the woods to collect your lost peace, Lodhi Gardens offers a serene escape from the madness of city life. The best you can do is retire in the lap of this garden after roaming about the city of Delhi. You can sit and admire the sunset from here or watch how other tired wanderers nestle into the comforts of the garden. The Lodhi Gardens was built by the British in 1936, encircling the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. Common visitors to this age-old garden are yoga practitioners, joggers, pet strollers, young couples, old-age people; all enjoy a smooth walk in this park. The Lodhi Gardens are located very near to Humayun's Tomb. The entry to this garden is free to all. The garden opens at sunrise and closes at 8 p.m. However, Sundays are especially busy. Do visit the Lodhi Gardens for a nice stroll.
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Humayun’s Tomb
If you ever wonder, does the Humayun Tomb look like the Taj Mahal? You are right, it does. This is so because the inspiration behind building Humayun's Tomb was the Taj Mahal. Humayun’s tomb was built in 1570, and is the resting place of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. The tomb is known as the first of this genre of Mughal architectural excellence to be constructed in India. Later, the Mughal kings followed the ritual and built similar structures and tombs for an extensive period of time, all across the country.
The tomb is marvellous to look at and is a part of a bigger complex that is surrounded by beautiful gardens. If you happen to be in Delhi, do not forget to drop a hello to the resting Mughal ruler Humayun. The tomb is located towards Nizamuddin East, New Delhi. The entry fees for foreign visitors is $5 and Rs 10 for natives of the country. Free entry for children under the age of 15. The tomb remains open to the public from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit the tomb will be the golden hour - late afternoon.
Gandhi Smriti and Raj Ghat
If you wish to see the exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi (or the Father of the Nation’ as lovingly referred to by Indians) was assassinated on January 30, 1948, you must pay a visit to Gandhi Smriti. His full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and was affectionately called ‘bapu’ by his followers. He was assassinated by Nathuram Vinyak Godse in the Birla Compound now known as the ‘Gandhi Smriti’. Gandhi ji stayed in the house till 144 days until he got assassinated at the hands of Nathuram Godse.
The house has been maintained since then by the government and the room that he stayed in has been preserved since he left it. There is a large prayer ground where mass meetings/gatherings are held every evening. After his death, the ground was made open to the public. It si not just the smriti and an empty ground, you will also find a ton of important photos of the Gandhi era, various sculptures, a good collection of paintings, and several notable inscriptions on display. If you have time and energy left, you can also visit Gandhi’s memorial at Raj Ghat. The Smriti is located at 5 Tees January Maarg in central New Delhi. The entry to the place is free to all. The Smriti opens at 10 a.m. every day and closes at 5 p.m. The place remains closed on Mondays.
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Qutub Minar
Qutab Minar is another brilliant example of Mughal architectural excellence. The Qutub Minar is one of the tallest brick minarets built in this world. It is a spectacular example of Indo–Islamic architecture. The minaret was constructed in 1193, but the reason for its construction remains a mystery. However,a common belief is that the minaret was built to celebrate the beginning of the Mughal rule in India. Some also opine that the tall minaret was built to deliver ‘azaan’ and summon people for prayer.
The tower encompasses several verses from the holy Quran inscribed on its walls and is built in five stories. If you visit the place, you will notice there are several other historic structures present on-site. The minaret is in Mehrauli in South Delhi. The entry fee for the natives is Rs 30, for international visitors it is Rs 500 and for children under 15, it is free. The place remains open on all days from sunrise to sunset.
Bahai Temple
The Bahai Temple also known as the Lotus Temple of India is a common tourist attraction for visitors who visit Delhi. The temple is called the ‘Lotus Temple’ because it is built in the shape of a lotus flower. The temple is marvellous to look at and looks even more attractive when it is lit up at night. The temple is primarily made of concrete and covered in pristine white marble. It belongs to the people of Bahai faith which signifies unity of all faiths and religion. People from all faiths are welcome to the Bahai Temple.
The temple is located near Nehru place in New Delhi and the entry cost is free. The temple gates open at 9 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. The temple remains closed on Mondays. If you are in Delhi, do not miss out on visiting this beauty.
India Gate
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You cannot afford to miss out on the towering archway of India Gate standing tall at the center of New Delhi. This majestic archway was built as a war memorial in the memory of the brave Indian soldiers who perished fighting the British Army during World War I. The structure is a proud representation of the country’s warcry for independence. It looks mesmerising when the floodlights warm the gate at night, making it stand in the darkness of the night. The gardens that surround the epic structure serve as a common place for visitors who wish to enjoy a warm summer’s evening.
If you have children with you, there is also a fun Children’s Park in the area to let your kids have a good time around. The place is located near Connaught place in New Delhi and the entry cost is free. The place is always open and on all days.
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