The capital of India, Delhi is the political hub of the country. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is not only known for its magnificent monuments, but also for its rich and diverse culture. Delhi bridges two different worlds—Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India with it’s old havelis and mosques, and New Delhi, which was created by the British Raj with it’s impressive government buildings. You can divide your sightseeing into `British Delhi` and ` places of religious and historical importance`.
While you may not be able to see and do everything in one trip, here`s a few sites you cannot miss...
Image by Clyde Mendes
Qutab Minar
Built in 1193 by the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the five-storeyed tower stands at a height of 73 m. It tapers from a 15-meter-diameter base to a 2.5-meter top. Qutab-ud-din Aibak could only finish the construction of the basement of the tower. The next three storeys were added by his successor Iltutmush and in 1368 the last and fifth storey was added by Firoz Shah Tughlak. The first three storeys were built using red sandstone, but the fourth and fifth were are made of marble and sandstone. The origins of the Qutab Minar are controversial; some believe it was erected to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India, while according to others it served as a minaret to the muezzins when they called Muslims to prayer. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, said to be the first mosque built in India.
Jama Masjid
Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Jama Masjid is the main mosque of Old Delhi. Located at the beginning of Chawri Bazaar Road, it is the largest mosque in India with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. Construction of this great mosque began in 1644 and has three gates, four towers and two 40-meter high minarets.
Image by Clyde Mendes
India Gate
Commemorating the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British army during World War I, the 42-mete-high India Gate stands like the ‘Arc-de-Triomphe, at the centre of New Delhi. While the Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone of India Gate in 1921, it was designed by Edwin Lutyens and was dedicated to India 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. The eternal flame burns under the arch to remind us of the soldiers who died in the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Also known as Birla Mandir, the Laxmi Narayan Temple built by Sh. J.K. Birla in 1939, is a major tourist attraction. Located near Gole Market in the west of Connaught Place, the temple is dedicated to Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity and Narayana, the preserver and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. With many shrines, gardens and fountains, it attracts thousands of Hindu devotees.
Red Fort
An iconic symbol of India, it is the place from where the Prime Minister of India delivers his speech and hoists the national flag, on Independence Day. The construction of the Red Fort or Lal Quila was commissioned by Shah Jahan. Located in the centre of Delhi, it was the residence of the Mughal emperors until 1857. As you enter, you will walk through a bazaar selling jewellery, carpets, wood items and more; in the days of the kings, it used to sell silk, jewellery and other requirements of the nobility. Some of the interesting things to see at the Red Fort are the hammams (royal baths), which used to have a fountain in the centre; the diwan-i-khas, where the king would hold meetings. It held the peacock throne, which was later taken away by the British.
Humayun's Tomb
Built in 1565 by Humayun’s senior widow Bega Begam, Humayun’s tomb is located near the crossing of Mathura and Lodhi roads. There are several graves of Mughal rulers and it is believed to be the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent. As history goes, Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor was captured by Lieutenant Hudson in 1857 from here.
Image by Clyde Mendes
Bahai Temple
Built in the shape of a lotus flower with nine pools of water surrounding the blooming petals, the Bahai Temple is the last of seven major Bahai temples built around the world. Made of pure white marble, construction of the structure was completed in 1986. Set amongst lush gardens, the architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as it is a symbol common to Hinduism, Jainism, Islam and Buddhism.
Food
The Old City has some of the best places to eat, including Al Jawahar and Karim’s, which is known for Raan and Mughlai non-veg. For street food, make your way to Chandni Chowk and the Bengali market should be your stop for sweets and street food. At GK (Greater Kailash), Raju Chaat opposite Moti Mahal is a local favourite, but there are several other restaurants and street joints that will serve you regular chaat like kachoris, pani puri, ragda pattice etc., but the aloo chaat is really popular and the crispy spinach is something different that you should try. Hauz Khas village has some of the best bars, pubs and gourmet restaurants like Rassta, Café Amour, Café Zero, OTB and Gunpowder. If you’re a party hopper, you should be at Cyberhub in Gurgaon.
Filled with resto-bars, you can relax with a few friends or dance the night away. Soi7 is a favourite amongst youngsters. With two sections, you can either order your drink and enjoy live retro, jazz, blues and country music inside or you and relax outdoors or dance to EDM. It also has a boxing ring outside.
Shopping
Whether its trendy office or party wear, Kolhapuri chappals, accessories or household items, Sarojini Nagar is your stop. With good stuff at reasonable rates and a chance to bargain, no wonder it's a shopaholics heaven. You can also swing by Connaught Place, which has the State Emporium, a foreign-tourist paradise with beautiful handicrafts, textiles, etc., representing all the states of India. Janpath, again in the CP area, is the flea market, but you can also find touristy knick knacks. Connaught Place also has branded shops. If you prefer hitting the malls, there are tons–Select City Walk complex in Saket and the Ambience complex in Vasant Kunj are a few you could check out.
Other places that you can visit include Hazrat Gunj Darga, Purana Qila or Old Fort, Safdarjung's Tomb, Lodhi Garden and Tomb, Mehrauli ruins, Jamali Kamali, the President's Palace or Rashtrapati Bhawan, Rajpath, Nizamuddin Dargah, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara and Seesh Ganj Gurudwara.
With inputs from Amrit Bhalla and Pooja Bhula