Delhi, the capital city of India, is a dazzling mix of modern and ancient history. From the UNESCO-listed Red Fort to the soaring Qutub Minar, it's full of enthralling historical attractions.
While the hustle and bustle of New Delhi may seem overwhelming for first-timers, it’s also a rewarding place to explore. Try to keep a cool head, and you’ll discover layers of history.
Red Fort
The Red Fort is a must-visit heritage monument in New Delhi. Its 255 acres of walls are built using red sandstone and marble. It has a mix of architectural styles that include Islamic, Persian, Timurid and Hindu.
It is a testament to India’s diversity of culture, tradition, and religion. It is a great place to explore with your friends and family.
It is a World Heritage Site and is home to numerous museums. A number of them are open to the public and provide detailed insight into the history of the fort.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is a famous landmark in New Delhi, India. It is one of the earliest examples of a garden tomb characteristic of Mughal architecture. It is located in Nizamuddin East area and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
During the reign of Akbar, Mughal architecture took on a new look and began to incorporate Persian influences in its designs. The Humayun’s Tomb, commissioned by the Mughal Emperor’s second wife, Hamida Banu Begum, is an excellent example of this style.
Commissioned in 1569, Humayun’s Tomb was designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. It was completed nine years after his death in 1572.
Purana Qila
Purana Qila or Old Fort is a prominent historical monument in New Delhi. It is a major tourist attraction in the city and is a great place to soak in the Mughal past.
The fort has 18 metre high walls that run 1.5 km in length with 3 gates - Talaqui Darwaza in the north, Humayun gate in the south and Bada Darwaza in the west. The design of the gates blends the typical Islamic pointed arch with Hindu Chhatris and brackets.
Among the major attractions of the fort is its Archaeological Museum which displays prehistoric tools and artifacts dating back to 1000 BC. The museum also displays objects recovered during excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1955 and 1969-1973.
Lodi Gardens
Located just south of Khan Market, Lodi Gardens is one of Delhi’s most popular parks. This 90-acre expanse is home to a range of historical monuments and tombs.
It’s also a popular spot for local joggers and morning walkers. It’s a tranquil and scenic place to spend some time relaxing in a historical setting.
The park’s most famous structures are the twin tombs of Bada Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad (both 1494), the bulbous Mohammed Shah’s tomb (1450) and the fortress-like walled complex of Sikander Lodi’s tomb (1518). Look out too for Athpula, an eight-piered bridge across a small lake.
Gandhi Smriti
If you’re a history buff, this is a must-visit museum. It features a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, who was instrumental in helping India win independence from British rule.
It’s a lovely monument to his life and teachings. There are many exhibits outside on the grounds and inside the museum itself.
The museum also has a picture gallery with books and rare photographs, as well as a Khadi shop that sells the clothing made by people who are part of Gandhi’s khadi movement. There’s also a large departmental library with many different books related to Gandhi and the issues he was involved with.
