Famous Tourist Places in Delhi

Delhi, the capital city of India, is a melting pot of cultures, religions and history. The city is home to a number of tourist places that showcase the rich heritage of the country. From ancient monuments and temples to modern museums and shopping destinations, Delhi has something to offer for everyone. Visitors can explore the monuments of the Mughal era such as the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Jama Masjid, or pay their respects at the Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. The India Gate and Connaught Place are also must-see destinations for any tourist visiting Delhi. The city also boasts of several museums, including the National Museum and the Gandhi Museum, which offer a glimpse into India's rich cultural and historical past. Delhi's bazaars, such as Chandni Chowk, are also popular among tourists for their unique and vibrant atmosphere, as well as their wide range of shopping options.

India Gate

The India Gate is a war memorial located in New Delhi, India. It was designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens and was built in the early 1920s to honor Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The India Gate is a 42-meter-high stone arch that is located at the end of Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi. The names of over 13,516 British and Indian soldiers who died in the wars are inscribed on the walls of the monument. The India Gate is a popular tourist spot and a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The gardens around the India Gate are particularly popular in the evening, when the monument is beautifully illuminated.

It's also a famous spot for picnickers and for people who want to relax and unwind, enjoying the beauty of the monument, and lush greenery around it.

Qutub Minar Delhi

The Qutub Minar is a 73-meter tall tower located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, India. It was built in the 13th century by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, and later completed by his successors. The tower is made of red sandstone and marble and is decorated with intricate carvings and Islamic inscriptions. The Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. The tower has five distinct stories, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three stories are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth stories are of marble and sandstone.

It's also the tallest brick minaret in the world, the tower is an excellent example of the Afghan style of architecture, which is characterized by the use of red sandstone and intricate carvings. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The Qutub Minar complex also includes other monuments such as the Alai Darwaza, the Iron Pillar, and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque.

Akshardham Temple Delhi

Akshardham Temple, also known as the Swaminarayan Akshardham, is a Hindu temple located in East Delhi, India. It is a stunning architectural marvel built in the traditional style of ancient Indian temples and is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The temple was built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and opened to the public in 2005. The Akshardham temple is known for its intricate carvings, statues, and architectural details, as well as its large central dome. The temple stands at a height of 141 feet (43 m) and spans an area of 32 acres (13 ha).

Inside the temple, there are several exhibition halls that display the life and teachings of Lord Swaminarayan through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. The main attraction of the temple is the "Abhisheka Mandap", a hall where the murti (idol) of Lord Swaminarayan is placed and daily rituals and prayers take place. Visitors can also take a boat ride inside the temple complex, which takes them on a journey through the history, culture, and spiritual heritage of India.

The Akshardham temple is open for visitors daily, except on Mondays. It's a peaceful place and a very well maintained monument.

Humayun's tomb

Humayun's Tomb is a Mughal mausoleum located in Delhi, India. It was built in the mid-16th century as the final resting place of the Mughal emperor Humayun, and is considered to be one of the first examples of the Mughal style of architecture in India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's wife, the Empress Bega Begum, and was designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas.

The tomb is built of red sandstone and is surrounded by formal gardens, known as the Charbagh, which were also a typical feature of Mughal architecture. The mausoleum itself is a large, double-storeyed structure with a bulbous dome, surrounded by several smaller chhatris (dome-shaped pavilions). The interior of the tomb is decorated with intricate carvings, inlay work and calligraphy. The tomb also features a large central chamber, with a cenotaph or false tomb of the emperor Humayun, and several other smaller chambers that contain cenotaphs of other members of the Mughal royal family.

Humayun's tomb is also a UNESCO world Heritage site, it's a fine example of Mughal architecture, is a prototype of the famous Taj Mahal, and also it's a good site to visit to get an idea of the Mughal era tombs and architecture.

It's also an ideal place to visit for history enthusiasts, photographers and architecture lovers.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai House of Worship, is a modern architectural wonder located in New Delhi, India. It was completed in 1986 and is considered to be one of the most visited buildings in the world. The temple is designed in the shape of a lotus flower, with 27 petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The petals are made of white marble and are illuminated at night, creating a stunning sight.

The temple is open to people of all religions and serves as a place of worship, meditation, and reflection. Inside the temple, there is no idol or image and it is meant to be a spot for people to connect with the divine. The focal point of the temple is the central hall where congregational prayer is held. The hall is also used for devotional music, lectures, and other events.

The Lotus temple is a modern architectural marvel and famous for its unique design, it's a good spot to visit and enjoy some peaceful time. It's also a great place to take photographs from the outside, with the park and lake in the background. Visitors are often captivated by the beauty and serenity of the temple, and it's an ideal spot for those who are looking for some peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Red Fort Delhi

The Red Fort, also known as the 'Lal Qila' in Hindi, is a historic fort located in Old Delhi, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century and served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. The fort is made of red sandstone and is an example of Mughal architecture, which is known for its use of red sandstone and intricate decorations.

The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's an important symbol of India's rich cultural and historical heritage. The fort is surrounded by high walls, with several gates leading into the complex. The main entrance is the Lahori Gate, which is also used for the Independence Day parade. Inside the fort, there are several palaces, halls, and mosques, such as the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khas, the Rang Mahal, and the Moti Masjid. The walls of the Red Fort are also decorated with intricate carvings, inlay work and calligraphy.

It's a must-visit tourist spot in Delhi and it's open all days except Mondays, it's an ideal spot to visit to understand the Mughal era and their architecture and it's also a good spot to take photographs with the beautiful backdrop of the fort and the water channel, the Yamuna river. The Sound and Light Show which happens in the evening is also a popular attraction, where the history and stories of the fort are depicted through audio-visual effects.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a prominent Sikh gurudwara, or place of worship, located in the heart of New Delhi, India. It is one of the most visited gurudwaras in India, and is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. The Gurudwara is located on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and it is situated near Connaught Place, one of the city's main shopping and commercial areas.

The Gurudwara's architecture features a central dome of gold, with four smaller domes around it and a marble pathway leading to the main hall. The main prayer hall features an intricate marble work, the walls and the ceiling are adorned with traditional frescoes and gold leaf paintings. The sacred text of Sikhs, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is placed on a throne in the main hall and is open for devotees throughout the day for readings and prayers. The Gurudwara also has a large Sarovar (a sacred pool) and several other facilities to cater to the needs of the devotees.

Delhi Zoo

The National Zoological Park, commonly known as the Delhi Zoo, is a 176-acre zoo located in New Delhi, India. It is one of the oldest zoos in the country, having been established in 1959. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, bears, monkeys, and a variety of birds and reptiles. The zoo is organized into several different sections, such as the herbivore section, the carnivore section, and the bird section.

The zoo is divided into different sections, which are based on the animal habitats, it has an Indian section, which displays the Indian fauna, an African section, which displays the African fauna, an Australian section, which displays the Australian Fauna and many more. The zoo also has a separate section for the reptiles and a separate section for the birds. The zoo also houses a large aquarium, which features a variety of fish and aquatic animals. The park also features a botanical garden, which has a wide range of plants and flowers.

The zoo is open on all days of the week except on Fridays, it's a good spot to visit for the family and children, a place to learn about the different animals, birds and reptiles from different parts of the world. It's also a good spot for photography, visitors can also take guided tours of the zoo, which are conducted by trained guides and provide detailed information about the various animals and their natural habitats.

Safdarjung Tomb

Safdarjung Tomb is a Mughal mausoleum located in New Delhi, India. It was built in the 18th century as the final resting place of Safdarjung, a powerful Mughal noble who served as the Prime Minister of India under Emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur. The tomb was built by his son, Nawab Shujaud Daula, in the style of late Mughal architecture, with a mix of Indian and Persian styles.

The tomb is built of red sandstone and marble and is surrounded by formal gardens, similar to the style of Humayun's tomb. The mausoleum features a central chamber, with a cenotaph (false tomb) of Safdarjung and several other smaller chambers that contain cenotaphs of other members of his family. The walls of the tomb are decorated with intricate carvings, frescoes, and inlay work. The tomb also has a double-storeyed gateway, an audience hall, and a mosque.

Safdarjung Tomb is an important architectural heritage of the Mughal era, and it's an ideal spot to understand the late Mughal architecture and it's also good for photography, visitors can also explore the beautiful garden and fountains that surround the tomb. It's an open site and is open to visitors all days of the week, except on Mondays. The lighting and sound show held in the evening is also a major attraction and gives an insight into the life and legacy of Safdarjung and the Mughal era.

These are just a few examples and Delhi have many more places to offer, like Laxminarayan temple , Rajpath , parliament house ,president palace etc, that can be easily visited by car, public bus or you can also hire Tempo Traveller in Delhi if travelling in groups.