East to West or North to South, Delhi has the most tourist places and attractions to visit and none of them will disappoint you in any way. Old Delhi or New Delhi both are interesting and exciting to be explored. A few of the places are being maintained by UNESCO World Heritage sites now. Here are some of the tourist places and attractions in Delhi to visit while you are here :
1. The Red Fort
The Red Fort or Lal Quila was built by Shah Jahan when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638. It is known to be the main residence of Mughal emperors but mostly known to be a symbol of India’s struggle for freedom. The Lahore Gate is the main entrance of the Fort and entering through you will reach Chhatta Chowk. The Chhatta Chowk is a market where you can purchase silk, gems, silverware, religious material, food items, and various other things.
The Red Fort is a spectacular red sandstone monument and now is home to several museums and antiques like musical instruments such as kettledrums, cymbals, and gongs. The best attraction of this place is the sound and light evening show of the Fort’s history.
Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
Entry Fees: INR 35/- for Indians and INR 500/- for Foreigners
Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday Closed)
2. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s tomb is India’s major historical and famous place. Bega Begum’s (the first wife of Humayun) personal architect designed the structure of the tomb. It is made of red sandstone and white marbles and the interior crowded yet peaceful. The Humayun’s tomb is accompanied by the graves of Bega Begum, Hamida Begum, Dara Shikoh, his first grandson, and other Mughal members.
The tourist gets attracted to this place because there is not one spot not to explore in Humayun’s Tomb territory. You can explore Bu Halima’s tomb, Isa Khan’s tomb, Arab Serai gate, West Entrance gate, Char Bagh, and other tombs like Afsarwala Tomb & Mosque, Barber’s Tomb and Nila Gumbad.
Location: Nizamuddin, New Delhi
Entry Fees: INR 30/- for Indians and INR 500/- for Foreigners
Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (All Days)
3. Rashtrapati Bhawan
Rashtrapathi Bhavan formerly known as the Viceroy’s House is the official Presidential Residence in Delhi. It is made of 700 million bricks and has 4 floors and 340 rooms with beautiful decor and interior. The Bhawan is surrounded by huge gardens known as the Mughal Gardens. The design of the Rashtrapati Bhawan was made by Lutyens. There is a dome in the middle that reflects the fusion of both Indian and British styles.
The most visited tourist place and the spectacular piece of architectural work in Delhi.
Location: Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi
Entry Fees: INR 50/- for all
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Thursday to Sunday)
4. India Gate
India Gate was built by Sir Edwin Lutyens as a memorial to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves in World War I. The splendid wall was constructed using granite, yellow and red sandstone and its wall is inscribed with more than 80,000 soldiers’ names on it and beneath it, an eternal flame burns in the honorable memory of the fallen ones.
India Gate is surrounded by lush green land and ponds. The best attraction of this place is seeing the India Gate at night with the sound of the nearby fountains running and light reflecting from this magnificent place.
Location: Rajpath, New Delhi
Entry Fees: No Fee
Opening hours: 24*7 (Never Closed)
5. Swaminarayan Akshardham
Swaminarayan Akshardham temple was opened by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2005. This temple displays Indian culture, Hindu spirituality, and architecture. The Carrara marbles from Italy and the pink sandstone from Rajasthan was used to build this delightful architectural monument. The walls of the temple are carved with gods, animals, plants, musicians, and dancers and have 234 embellish pillars and nine domes.
Tourists from all over the world come to Delhi and won’t leave without visiting one of the most beautiful temples in Delhi. It looks more charming and beautiful in the evening. The best attraction of this place is the Musical Fountain that starts at 07:45 PM.
Location: Pandav Nagar, New Delhi
Entry Fees: No Fee
Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM (Monday Closed)
6. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is India’s tallest tower located in Delhi. A tower-like structure has five storeys and is made of red sandstone and marble with a combination of Afghani and Irani architectural culture. There are a few carvings and inscriptions of scripture text in Parso-Arabic and Nagari alongside the tower. The amalgamation of various cultures is what makes Qutub Minar one of the most historical places in the country.
The tower is surrounded by several historical monuments like the Qutub Complex with Quwwat ul Isla Mosque (the first mosque built in India) and the Iron Pillar of Delhi. The best attraction of this place is the Decorative Light Show every evening from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
Location: Seth Sarai, New Delhi
Entry Fees: INR 35/- for Indians and INR 550/- for Foreigners
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (All Days)
7. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is built of 27 white marble petals but not attached. The structure of those petals is so creative and impressive. The temple has nine doors through which you can enter and still end up in the central hall. It is also known as the magnificent Bahai House of Worship which is open to everyone, setting aside region and caste.
There are a few of the sacred writings of Baha’i Faith as well as of other religions. The best attraction of this place is the Lotus monument but in white color and the surrounding area gorged with beautiful gardens.
Location: Kalkaji, New Delhi
Entry Fees: No Fee
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Winter) and till 7:00 PM (Summer) (Monday Closed)
8. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi has a connection with Guru Har Kishan, the eighth Sikh Guru. It is one of the most religious places for Sikhs in Delhi. The Gurudwara has a beautiful pond named Sarovar. It is believed that the water from the pond has healing powers and the visitors sprinkle some water over their head and body. The Gurudwara is very cultural so before entering you have to cover your head with a cloth and remove your shoes.
After exploring the place, don’t forget to eat the langar (prasad). The best attraction of this place is the magnificent pond, a pure shimmering white architectural structure with a gilded gold dome and flagpole along with a small museum exhibits about the history of the Sikh religion.
Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi
Entry Fees: No Fee
Opening hours: 24*7 (Never Closed)
9. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and known to be the last magnificent monument to be built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. It is a beautiful structure covered by four-tower and two minarets with a small pond in front of the many arches and the main gateway. The architectural monument is built with red sandstone and white marble.
The best attraction of this place is the scenic view from the southern minaret which you have to climb after giving a specific amount of fee.
Location: Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Entry Fees: No Fee
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 12 Noon & 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM (All Days)
10. National Museum
The National Museum’s gallery is India’s largest museum gallery. It contains artworks of the Harappan times (like 5000 years ago). It displays our rich cultural heritage like sculptures, carvings, paintings, manuscripts, coins, antiquities, and other valuable objects. The Museum also has a separate section of the publication, Public Relations, Education, Library, Exhibition cell, Modelling, Photography, Security, and Administration.
All the masterpieces are well preserved and the best attraction of this place is the creative and surprising artifacts.
Location: Central Secretariat, New Delhi
Entry Fees: No Fee
Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Monday Closed)
11. Connaught Place
Connaught Place is named after Prince Arthur, the first Duke of Connaught and Strathearn. It is designed into one main circle with two concentric circles like the Inner Circle, Middle Circle, and the Outer Circle (Simple words- It is a maze at first). There are a few architectural places like the Hanuman temple, a Jain temple, and the Jantar Mantar.
This place is one of the most happening (from food to shopping, and historical spots) places in New Delhi. Must visit the underground market Palika Bazaar for modern or traditional things.
Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi
12. Purana Qila (The Old Fort)
Purana Qila or Old Fort is one of the oldest forts in Delhi and was built by Sher Shah Suri. The question asked by a few tourists is whether the Purana Qila is completed or not? Well, that’s a mystery because it always has been like this only. Purana Qila has substances of Northern Black Polished Ware (glossy surfaced earthen pottery, terracotta figures of animals and humans, and other things).
The best attraction of this place is the Talaqi Darwaza (the Forbidden Gate) in Purana Qila and the sound and light show after sunset at the fort unrevealing the history of the seven cities of Delhi.
Location: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
Entry Fees: INR 20/- for Indians and INR 200/- for Foreigners
Opening hours: 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM (All Days)
13. Agrasen ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli is an example of the architectural brilliance of ancient Indians. There are so many arches but only a few are open, others are for design. Sadly the construction of this place is done by whom is yet a mystery (some say it is built by the legendary King Agrasen).
It is an ancient and historical stepwell and the attraction for this place are the stories about it being haunted and the graffiti nearby the area.
Location: Connaught Place, New Delhi
Entry Fees: No Fee
Opening hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM (All Days)
A few more tourist places are Hauz Khas, Kingdom of Dreams, Raj Ghat, Paranthe Wali Gali, Sarojini Nagar Market, and many more. You can find my favorite list of things to see and do in Delhi here. As I said earlier, Delhi is a hub for ancient & historical places, food, spices, and shopping centers. Share your experience with us and let us know which place takes your breath away and makes you fall for it.
