New Delhi, the modern day capital city of India, has been the centre of a multitude of different empires throughout the ages, the remnants of which can be found scattered throughout the city. From rich, diverse history and architecture to arguably India’s best food and shopping, Delhi truly has something to offer every type of traveller. Once the initial shock of Delhi’s overpopulation and pollution subsides, you will get a glimpse into the mystery of Delhi and why this city is so great. To help you get to know this chaotic metropolis, we’ve compiled a customized list of our favourite sights in New Delhi!
Whether you are a hobbyist strolling a new city, a travel blogger looking to share spectacular sights with your readers, or a professional photographer looking for a new niche, the architecture around us all the time is exciting and varied subject.
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1. Qutab Minar Complex
Rs. 10 Indians, Rs. 250 foreigners, open sunrise to sunset Qutab Minar is a 73 meter tower of victory commissioned by the first Muslim ruler of India, Qutab-un-din Aibak. Next to the tower is the first mosque built in India which was constructed from the ruins of 27 Hindu and Jain temples.
2. Lotus Temple
Free, 9.30am to 5.30pm, closed Monday Made of pure white marble, the Bahai Temple resembles a half-opened lotus flower. There is a museum about the Bahai faith in the same complex.
3. Iskcon Temple
Free, 4:30am to 1:00pm; 4:00pm to 9:00pm Dedicated mainly to Lord Krishna, the elegant temple was built by the followers of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult.
4. Okhla Market
Free, best before 10am Any fruit and vegetable under the sun can be found in this massive market that covers 15 acres of land! Well off the traditional tourist route, this market is popular with locals and wholesalers from around Delhi.
5. Dilli Haat
Rs. 20, 10.30 am to 10:00pm Experience India’s diversity all in one place! Registered craftsmen from all over India are allotted space in this permanent market for periods of 15 days. You will be able to find a little bit of everything, from stone and wood work to traditional Indian saris and shawls.
7. Safdarjang’s Tomb
Rs. 5 Indians, Rs. 100 foreigners, open sunrise to sunset Built in 1753-4 in the same architectural style as Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjang’s Tomb is the mausoleum of a viceroy during the Mughal Empire. Safdarjang’s Tomb
8. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
Free, 9:30am to 5:00pm, closed Monday The former Prime Minister’s house was converted into a museum that highlight’s her life as well as the Nationalist movement.
9. Gandhi Smriti Museum
Free, open 10am to 5pm, closed Monday Gandhi’s usual Delhi residence has since been converted into a museum commemorating his life. This was also the site of his assassination. Learn about Gandhi’s life through an extensive collection of photographs and displays of some of his personal belongings.
10. Nehru Memorial Museum
Free, 10:00am to 5:00pm, closed Monday The residence of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India was converted into a museum after his death. The museum also contains a lot of information about the history of the Independence Movement.
11. National Museum
Rs. 10 Indians, Rs. 300 foreigners, 10am to 5pm, closed Monday This museum will give you an insight to the past 5,000 years of India’s history. Exhibits include relics from the Harappan Civilisation (3300– 1300 BC) antiquities from the Silk Route, a collection of miniature paintings woodcarvings, textiles, statues, musical instruments, and an armoury.
12. President’s Palace
Free, open 24 hours See where the president lives and in the surrounding Secretariat buildings and Parliament House, where the country is run. Unfortunately you’re not allowed inside but the buildings sit at the top of a small hill and the view overlooking Rajpath (the King’s Way) and India Gate in the distance is stunning.
13. India Gate
Free, open 24 hours A 42 meter arch built to honour the Indian and British Soldiers killed along the Northwest border during World War I and Afghan Wars in 1919.
14. Purana Qila
Rs. 5 Indians, Rs. 100 foreigners, open sunrise to sunset The oldest fort among all forts in Delhi and, the oldest known structure of any type in Delhi. Inside is the single-domed Qila-i-Kuna Mosque.
15. Humayun’s Tomb
Rs. 10 Indians, Rs. 250 foreigners, open sunrise to sunset This magnificent 16th century tomb is the earliest large scale example of Mughal architecture in India! Set some time aside to wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the surrounding buildings in this 30-acre garden complex.
16. Akshardham Mandir
Free, 9am to 6pm, closed Mondays One of Delhi’s truly must do sites. This temple complex was erected in only five years thanks to the efforts of 3,000 volunteers and 7,000 artisans! It encapsulates thousands of years of Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality and architecture.
17. Jantar Mantar
Rs. 5 Indians, Rs. 100 foreigners, open sunrise to sunset, closed Monday Consisting of 13 architectural astronomy instruments, this site is one of five built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, from 1724 onwards.
18. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Free, open 24 hours Listen to the devotional songs of pilgrims as you gaze across the holy water tank and up at the golden domes of this glorious Sikh gurdwara (Sikh house of worship).
19. Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Rs. 5 Indians, Rs. 100 foreigners, open sunrise to sunset Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the most important temples in Delhi. It is dedicated to Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Narayana, the preserver.
We’re here to help!
If you’d like the assistance of a guide and driver from Reality Tours, then visit our Delhi Sightseeing page. We can also help guide you through Old Delhi on both our Old Delhi Tour and Old Delhi Street Food Tour. If you’d like to learn about another side of Delhi, join our educational Sanjay Colony walking tour (20) to gain a better understanding of life and work in a Delhi slum.
