One of the most densely populated regions in the world, Delhi is a mix of tradition and modernity, important as India’s most bustling religious hub and international gateway. To make the most of your time in this vibrant, bustling city, be sure to visit the following best places in Delhi.
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Best Places in Delhi
1. The Red Fort
The beautiful Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and was the headquarters of the Mughal power until 1857. This beautiful structure, with high red sandstone walls, covers an area of more than two kilometers. Square, all of it is crescent-shaped and surrounded by a moat. The impressive main entrance, the Lahore Gate, is so named because it faces Lahore in Pakistan, while the even larger Delhi Gate is used by the emperor for ceremonial processions.
Passing through Lahore Gate, visitors will reach Chhatta Chowk, a covered market from the 17th century where items such as silk, jewelry, gems, and silver can be purchased along with souvenirs and wares eat. The Naubat Khana in Red Fort used to be home to musicians playing for the emperor, and its fine galleries still contain many interesting instruments such as kettledrums, gongs, and cymbals.
2. Qutab Minar
The tallest tower in India, Qutab Minar, is said to commemorate the victory and the beginning of the Mughal era in India. The 73-meter tall tower was built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak after defeating the last Hindu Kingdom. However, some say it was built to serve as a sub-tower to call the faithful to pray. While red sandstone was used to construct the first three floors, marble and sandstone were used to construct the last two floors. India’s first mosque, Quwwat-ul-Islam, sits at the foot of Qutab Minar.
3. Jantar Mantar
One of the five giant sundars and astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II, the Jantar Mantar is one of the best places in Delhi, worth seeing. This astronomical observatory is one of the most attractive places to visit in Delhi. Although at present, the surrounding high-rise buildings cannot get accurate results, a tour of this scientific wonder is definitely one of the must-do in Delhi.
4. Lotus Temple
The magnificent Bahá’í worship house, also known as the Lotus Temple due to its nine-sided and beautiful central dome, is an architectural masterpiece. Constructed of white concrete and marble, the whole structure looks as delicate as a flower it resembles. Rising from the surrounding nine puddles, it could almost bloom at any time. Built in 1986, since then, the temple has attracted more than 70 million visitors, becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Interestingly, this remarkable place of worship does not have a religious icon, picture, or symbol.
5. Agrasen ki Baoli
Made extra popular by Amir Khan’s PK, Agrasen or Ugrasen ki Baoli is one of the best places in Delhi. This lovely step that is 60 m long and about 15 m wide, is not just famous for its brilliant architecture and appeal, but also the rumored haunted activities making it the Best Place in Delhi for Friends to explore together. This haunted yet beautiful stepwell at Connaught place is an exciting and popular tourist place in Delhi.
6. Lodi Garden
If you want a quiet day away from the crowds and busy life, this is the place to go in Delhi. Lodi Garden was built in 1936 by the British around the tombs of 15th and 16th-century rulers. The 90-acre garden is a great place to relax, walk, jog and enjoy the beauty of nature. Another attraction is the National Bonsai Park within the Garden.
7. India Gate
Looking a little like the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the equally impressive Arch of India is a magnificent stone arch built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. An eternal flame burns beneath the massive structure, and its walls are inscribed with the names of more than 90,000 soldiers who died in the conflict.
Standing on a red rock platform and having a shallow dome on top sometimes filled with burning oil, the structure dominates the park surrounding it. The area is always busy with lots of tourists and locals coming to enjoy a picnic or simply relax. For a real meal, try taking a look at the Indian Gate at night, considered one of the top free activities in New Delhi; it was a breathtaking sight as it and the nearby fountains were illuminated.
