The national capital of #India, #Delhi is a cultural melting pot. From being the seat of power through empires to being a land of rich heritage, Delhi has always been a destination buzzing with life, ideas and innovations. The remnants of the past can be still seen dotted all over Delhi in the form of masjids, gullies, forts, minars and bazaars.
The buck doesn't stop there in Delhi; it is also one of the gateways to the crowning jewel of India, the Himalayas. Many people avail the Chardham Yatra from Delhi or indulge in exploring the great outdoors through trekking, hiking, camping and other adventurous experiences.
There are many different attractions like Agrasen ki Baoli, Rajghat Gandhi Smriti, Lodhi gardens, museums through Delhi, including the Kiran Nadar Art Museum, the India Habitat Center, National Science Center and Museum National Railroad to name a few.
With numerous museums, amusement parks, innumerable monuments, panoramic gardens, and unlimited scope for entertainment, New Delhi is definitely above all when we talk about the top destinations for a family vacation in India.Also known as Rajiv Chowk, Connaught place is known for being the commercial, financial and business hub of Delhi. This bustling complex forms the heartbeat of Delhi. Lined with shops, themed cafes, cinema halls, parks, eateries and chill spots, CP is a must visit for everyone. It is among one of the top heritage structures in Delhi that was developed as a showpiece for the Lutyens.
The life of the city, the centre point, Connaught Place is renowned for the coffee shops, bars, restaurants, book shops, Palika Bazar, The tricolor in central park and a great crowd. It's a city in itself. Reachable via metros and other transportation modes as well, remember to wear a good pair of shoes as this unique circular centre will make you walk.
Delhi has a history of being the chosen capital settlement of many empires, and thus has played host to seven historical cities through time, most of their ruins still visible.
Include these places in your Delhi Darshan experience:
1. Qutab Minar
This 73 metres high, victory tower constructed of red sandstone and marble, that was built in 1193, is the landmark face of Delhi. Situated in the posh locality of Mehrauli, Qutub Minar is a UNESCO world heritage site and is also famous as the second tallest monument of Delhi, coming in second place to Fateh Burj. The complex landscape evokes a feeling of peace and oneness.
The old, well preserved structures in the complex along with the lush green lawns and surroundings, creates a harmonious environment to reflect back at the times this glorious monument had been witness to.
2. Haveli Mirza Ghalib
Everyone have heard of Mirza Ghalib, the great poet of the Mughal empire and his literary works in Urdu and Persian. But what many people don’t know is about his haveli in the narrow lanes of old Delhi. The 150-year-old haveli in Chandni Chowk is currently a museum, which is also a delight for lovers of poetry, history buffs, and admirers of Ghalib as it displays his famous works, quotes, and paintings, and photographs, statues, and objects of his life.
3. Agrasen ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli lost its existence with time but later due to some popular Bollywood movies like Sunday and PK, some travelers eyed upon the location and now this 14th century historical step well is getting back it’s attention.
4. Sanjay Van
Sanjay Van is another great place to experience greenery with woods as it is the Delhi’s largest forest patch covering area of 10 square kilometers. In short, heaven in Delhi for nature lovers where you can experience tranquility. This is a place if you want to escape crowd and be yourself in silence. But it is also said to be a haunted place due to the recent rumors of ghost sighting and children crying reported by many travelers. It is also advised not to enter the Van after dusk.
5. Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhardwaj Lake, never knew that a busy city like Delhi has hidden gem in it in the guise of a lake which so calm that it feels like the opposite of the main city. This lake sits in the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary, an area that is reserved by the Delhi Wildlife Department.
6. Tughlakabad Fort
Tughlaqabad fort is one of the largest forts in Delhi. People perhaps know less about it because of the area where it is. The reason for it's abandoning is linked with the curse of Nizamuddin Auliya on the fort. Again, it is a must visit place if you are a history buff. There are many few more not so famous places like this such as Qila Rai Pithora, Siri Fort, Feroz Shah Kotla Fort, Adilabad Fort but these are completely in ruins and there's nothing much left to see.
7. Red Fort
Built by one of the greatest architectural kings of Mughal Empire, Shah Jahan, Red fort is a historical fort that is majestic in every aspect. Located on the banks of Yamuna River, Lal Qila represents the peak of Mughal architecture. This UNESCO world heritage site is spread out over an area of 255 acres and is the centre stage for the flag hoisting ceremony by the prime minister of India on Independence Day.
8. Jama Masjid
Jama masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and is another feat of excellent architectural brilliance achieved by Shah Jahan in Delhi. The masjid is not only a testament to the creativity of the emperor but it is a very important place of pilgrimage and worship among the Muslim population in India.
Consisting of multiple stairs, towering minarets, massive designer gateways, pillar and arches, this has to be one of the most photographable places in Delhi.
9. Paranthe Wali Gali
Delhi is a heaven for foodies. One can enjoy 5-star restaurant food to mouthwatering street food and everything in between. Paranthe Wali Gali is just what it sounds. Located on the foot of Jama Masjid in old Delhi, Paranthe Wali Gali is a set of narrow alleyways, lined with age-old eateries serving every type of Paratha imaginable. Other than the Paranthas you get to satisfy your sweet tooth by indulging in a range of authentic Delhi desserts.
10. Humayun's Tomb
Humayun’s tomb is another UNESCO world heritage site in Delhi and also the first ever garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent. This is the final resting place of the Mughal emperor Humayun. Built with a combination of traditional Mughal and Persian styles, the tomb is extravagant, lush and extremely majestic, especially during night.
The tomb was built on commission by Humayun's son, Akbar, during 1569-70, and is also the first structure to have made use of large-scale red sandstone.11. Sunder Nursery
Right next to the Humayun's tomb is Sunder nursery that can be included in this visit. The nursery is a hub for heritage, nature, ecology and peace.
12. Lodhi Garden
Visit Lodhi Gardens with family and explore historical sites. Situated in the posh Lodhi estate area of Delhi and spread out over an area of 90 acres is the iconic Lodhi garden. The garden is the final resting place for some of the rulers of the Lodhi dynasty that had once ruled Delhi. It occupies the area between Khan Market and Safdarjung’s tomb. Blessed with incredibly green surroundings, relaxing spots and quiet waterside corners, this garden is one of the most preferred places to spend some peaceful time in this city that never stops.
13. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Famous for being one of the most important Sikh houses of worship in Delhi, Gurudwara Bangla sahib offers a sense of deep spirituality and peace in the middle of the city. Made around a sarovar or an artificial pond containing many different types of fish. This empowering structure, topped with a golden dome roof and marble interiors with continuous chanting at a peaceful pace can calm your mind.
Situated in Baba Kharak Singh Marg and right next to the sacred heart cathedral, the Gurdwara is easily reachable from Rajiv Chowk metro station.
14. Akshardham Temple
The Swaminarayan Askshardham, also known as New Delhi Askhardham, is a large campus of spiritual and cultural influence. This is one of the largest temples and has a large number of traditional Indian motifs. Located near the banks of the Yamuna River, this imposing temple attracts around 70% of all tourists from Delhi.
15. India Gate
The National War Memorial, popularly known as the India Gate, is a war memorial located in New Delhi. It is dedicated to the 82,000 soldiers, both Indian and British, who died during the World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The Amar Jawan Jyoti is the burning structure, just below the arch, symbolizing the eternal and immortal soldiers of India. Famous for Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate is a common evening hangout place for Delhiites. The beauty of this monument is astonishing!
16. Rashtrapati Bhavan
If power drives you, this is the place you must be at! The power centre of Indian Government, this is the place where you can have a date with The Parliament, The President House (Rashtrapati Bhawan), North Block, South Block and straight road from here leads you to India gate.
17. Jantar Mantar
The sun clock built by King Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is a home to more than a dozen of different small structures. If you know the trick, you can even deduce the time from the structures and sun position.
18. Jamali Kamali
Mehrauli Archeological Park is also know as Jamali Kamali mosque. Every one knows about Qutub Minar but most do not know about Jamali Kamali which is located right next to Qutub Minar. You can find the beautiful ruins inside spread over many acres. St. John's Church in Mehrauli village in Delhi is an architectural marvel of disbelief. It has a Mughal facade like the Red Fort's Lahore Gate, and it has a Hindu spire on top! Zafar Mahal is in Mehrauli village, overlooking the dome of Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki's dargah in extreme right and also the domes of Moti Masjid in the center. In the foreground of Moti Masjid are the unmarked graves of at least three Mughal emperors and one Mughal prince along with an empty plot in between that was reserved for Bahadur Shah 'Zafar' (the last Mughal emperor).
Zafar Mahal itself takes its name from that of the last Mughal emperor and it was the last monumental structure built by the Mughals during the fading years of the Mughal era.
19. Bada Gumbad
The Lodhi-era tombs of Wazirpur Gumbad complex are a treat to watch, with their beautifully ornate design and a scenic setting. If you step inside these somehow haphazardly placed tombs, you will see incense sticks and flowers scattered around the graves which indicates that locals come here for worshiping.
20. National Museum
Visit National Museum definitely. It's a great museum where you will definitely feel good after seeing the different things which is related to different dynasties, cultures and architectures. Look at the National Rail Museum, which is filled with historical exhibits.
20. Dilli Haat
Shop at Dilli Haat for the best handicrafts, and eat different food from different Indian states there. Dilli Haat presents a fascinating world of craft, handwork and cultural activities. You can buy chikankari suits, phulkari dupatta, pashmina shawls, silver jewellery, banarsi saree, Rajasthani puppets, madhubani paintings and lot of handmade work from all over India. It is located in the commercial centres of South Delhi, opposite INA market.
In the Greater Kailash Market near Kailash Colony metro station, you can find beautiful jewellery, dresses, saree blouses, bags, footwear etc. There is one hidden treasure in the basement, which sells the most gorgeous ready-made blouses.
Delhi is an ideal tourist destination and has something for everyone to enjoy.