Delhi Places to see

Delhi Sightseeing (A must-see places in Delhi)

The city of Delhi has a lot many places that should be a must on every tourist’s itinerary. In fact, Delhi is also known as ‘mini India’ due to significant presence of people from different states in the city. There are large numbers of places to see in Delhi for both domestic and foreign travelers. You will find minor or major monuments in almost every nook and corner of the city.

Here are listed few important and spectacular places to see in Delhi whenever you come to visit the city. Some places like Red Fort and Old Delhi will immediately catch your attention by their sheer size and grandeur and where as like Khooni Darwaza and Raj Ghat will captivate you because of their inseparable tale from History. Some of the places where you must go while on a tour to this historic city are listed below so that you may not have to regret for not seeing or visiting such amazing

List of Tourist places to see in Delhi

Chandni Chowk: The most-happening marketplace in the city, Chandni Chowk is the most crowded and congested place in Delhi. Well, don’t raise your eyebrows in shock because this fact actually reiterates the popularity of this place among not only the Delhiites but also those who visit the city. You can purchase some finery from the place because you will not get the things better anywhere else especially the traditional Indian wear. More Information on Chandni Chowk

Old Delhi: Formerly known as Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi was the capital city of the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Nowadays, the place features the remnants of the past glory. Kashmiri Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate and Delhi Gate are some of the glorified examples of the great architectural buildings that remain present even to this day. Similarly, the famous Ashokan Pillar can be seen near Feroz Shah Kotla.

Red Fort: The Red Fort (Lal Qila) is one of Delhi's top tourist sights. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also built Agra's Taj Mahal) as his ruling palace. Completed in 1648, the years since have not treated the buildings kindly: the rooms have long since been stripped of all objects, the marble inlays are long gone and quite a few buildings are off limits. Still, the scale remains imposing and the gardens are kept lush and green even in midwinter.

Major buildings within include:

• Chatta Chowk, (Covered Bazaar). True to the name, this is a covered bazaar between the gate and the fort itself, now filled with souvenir hawkers.
• Diwan-i-Am, (Hall of Public Audience). This building separates the outer court from the inner court, and has a marble platform for the emperor's throne.
• Hayat Baksh Bagh, (Life-Bestowing Gardens). Once a grand garden of full of fountains and streams, now sadly all dry — only dry channels and acres of green grass remain.
• Diwan-i-Khas, (Hall of Private Audience). Built completely of marble, this is where the emperor received special visitors.
• Khas Mahal, (Private Palace), The Emperor's main residence. The octagonal Mussaman Burj tower looks out toward the Yamuna River, and is where the Emperor used to appear before the public for each morning.
• Rang Mahal, (Colour Palace). The residence of the Sultan's main wife.
• Mumtaz Mahal, (Jewel Palace). Contained six apartments for the Sultan's harem. Now used as a museum of court textiles, carpets, weapons, etc (free).
• Daawat Khana, A minor palace at the northmost end of the Fort, this was originally the residence of a prince, but it was converted into a tea house by the British, a function it continues today. Basic meals go for around 60 rupees, drinks 10-20 rupees, and it also has the cleanest toilets around.
• Swatantra Sangrama Sangrahalaya, (Museum of the Independence Movement). To the left after the Chatta Chowk, this is a reasonably well-presented museum on the history of independence activism in India, starting from the Mutiny of 1857 all the way to Gandhi.

Humayun's tomb: Humayun's Tomb in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, is one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, entry is Rs 10/250, Indians/foreigners.

The Raj Ghat: Raj Ghat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi that evokes the patriotic fervor because the place is the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. To the north of Raj Ghat, there is Shanti Van.

India Gate: The national pride of our country India is on showcase in the month of January. The 26th January every year is celebrated as the Republic day of India. If you’re in Delhi on the same date, you should make it a point to witness this spectacular extravaganza organized by the Indian armed forces. The event comprises the official address of the President of India and tourists would also be able to see the huge mansion where the President lives, popularly known as the Rashtrapati Bhawan. At the end of this very important road is another exemplary landmark, the India Gate.

Rajpath, This is a main parade route that leads from Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence) to India Gate, with many grassy lawns along the way. Especially nice in the evenings and at night when the buildings are lit and the vendors come out to supply the many picnicking families.

Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar. 9AM-7PM. One of five astronomical observatories commissioned by Sawai Jain Singh II of Jaipur during the 18th century. The odd structures inside are actually enormous scientific instruments for measuring the movement of celestial bodies

Purana Qila (Old Fort), (next to the Delhi Zoo), Ruins of the 16th century city of Shergarh, this complex sits on top of what is believed to be the site of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata epic.

Tughlaqabad Fort, Massive fortress built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in the 14th century and was the third city of Delhi. The monstrous ruins of this complex are now overrun by hordes of Langur monkeys.

Parks and gardens in Delhi

Delhi, the national capital of India, has very popular gardens located in it. Few of the name are Mughal Garden, Garden of Five Senses, Kalindi Kunj and many more.

The Mughal Garden, that reside in President House is very popular. It only opens 30 days in a year (from February to March).

Lodhi Garden is a peaceful park in the heart of New Delhi. Lodhi garden is ideal for morning walks in the hot season and for afternoon strolls and picnics during the cooler months

Nehru Park is a large park in the new Delhi neighborhood of Chankayapuri, lying in the southwest.

Religious buildings (Temples, Mosques, Gurudwara, Church) in Delhi

Bahai Lotus Temple, Kalkaji, South Delhi, Shaped like a lotus bud with27 petals, this stunning temple suspended above milky-blue ponds is surely one of the most magnificent monuments ever made from concrete

Chhattarpur Mandir Huge & beautiful temple complex with a big surrounding campus - located near Mehrauli area of South Delhi.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, just off Baba Kharak Singh Marg near Connaught Place, is the main gurudwara for the many Sikhs of Delhi. You will need to cover your head (scarves provided for free) and stash your shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers

Gurudwara Sis Ganj , Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi). An important Sikhplace of worship. Built on the spot where their ninth guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded on the orders of the mughal emperor Aurangzeb, it is an oasis of calm in the chaos of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk.

Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1 Ashok Place, off Baba Kharak singh Marg and Bhai Veer Singh Marg near Connaught Place near to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. It is the biggest church in terms of structure and also the headquarters of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese. A must visit to enjoy the beutiful architecture and pristine beuty.

Cathdral Church of Redemption Address: Church Lane, Near Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is the headquarters of the Church of North India, Delhi Diocese. Built by Henry Medd between 1927-1935 it is a fine example of Colonial architecture.

St. Peter's Cathedral Bhai Veer Singh Marg, near St Columbas' school the headquarters of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox church in Delhi. It is known as the Antioch of the East and is a fine example of Oriental architecture blended with modernity.

ISKCON (Hare Krishna) temple, at East of Kailash – Centre for Krishna Consciousness, it has robotic shows and multimedia presentations, apart from the traditional temple complex. Lively atmosphere and excellent tasting sweets - and the delicious Govinda's restaurant is on site.

Jama Masjid, opposite the Red fort, next to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi (Metro: Chawri Bazaar) – The largest mosque in India and a must-see while in Delhi.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple or popularly known as Birla Mandir, this temple is located next to Connaught Place. It is a big impressive Hindu temple complex.

Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, off National Highway 24 (Metro Akshardham), East Delhi, Completed in 2005 by the socio-spiritual organization BAPS, no expense has been spared in decorating this large and elaborate temple carved of red sandstone. The central monument, built without any steel, houses an 11-ft golden statue of the founder of the Swaminarayan faith, Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

Museums in Delhi

International Doll's Museum, Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. T-S 10AM-6PM. A museum of dolls from all over the country. You get to see the costumes and art from all over India, as well as some nice crafts. Rs 10.

National Museum, Janpath, The layout here is a labyrinthine and the presentation won't win any awards, but the collection is unparalleled and contains some true masterpieces. The section on the Indus Valley Culture and the one on Buddhist Heritage is most informative. The museum also showcases the arts and handicrafts from different regions of India. Keep an eye out for the 4,600 year old Harappan temple dancer, the Gandhara-era standing Buddha with Greek hair and a Roman toga, the stunning miniature painting gallery, and the giant temple chariot parked outside.

National Science Centre, Gate No. 1, Pragati Maidan. Although the name is too grand, the museum is definitely a must see for science enthusiasts, especially those who are young. A good place to refresh your basics, particularly in Physics. Has a recently built section on DNA Science and also a section on Dinosaurs. A section on ancient Indian Science and Technology, including Vedic Mathematics & Ayurveda.

National Railway Museum, Chanakyapuri, houses a collection of Indian trains from the past to the present - a worthwhile look into India's proud railway heritage. The collection includes carriages belonging to Indian potentates and British viceroys.

Nehru Memorial Museum (Teen Murti Bhavan), Former residence of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, now a museum of his life. Was used by the Commander-in-chief of the Indian Army before Indian Independence. Includes a Planetarium.

Tibet House, 1 Institutional Area, Lodhi Rd, Established by HH Dalai Lama with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of Tibet. There is a museum, exhibition space and library.

Among other very important things that you must see are the Parliament House and the Lotus temple, Connaught Place market, Birla Mandir, Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar and many museums, parks and entertainment centers. The city of Delhi has more to offer than just these, you just need to have enough time on hand to explore and discover the wide array of places to see in Delhi.