Delhi, the National Capital, is not only a place that portrays India’s modern civilization but also has carried forward the country’s legacy and protected its heritage with pride. It is a city with manifold monuments and progressive and advanced places to relish at all times and on varied occasions. From historical forts and tombs to the best shopping places and restaurants, and not to forget the beautiful religious places, Delhi has it all. One can have an easy commute through cabs, buses or metros to all such places, in case of the absence of a personal conveyance facility. Tourists confuse as to which places to visit in this union territory of India as it has most of everything, if not all, that can be mentioned on a scale showing diversification.
The most favorable time to visit Delhi is from October to March. As maximum tourist places are the open areas, it would be comfortable sightseeing during the time when the weather is pleasant.
Here are the top ten tourist destinations identified as the must-see places in Delhi that would branch out what’s expected to be the “Not-Supposed-To-Be-Missed” places.
1. Qutub Minar: This is the first mosque built and the second tallest Minar in India, which has been declared as a UNESCO Heritage site. It has an iron pillar, 7 meters tall, in the courtyard that fascinatingly remains rust-free to date. A captivating saying also attaches the pillar which states if a person encircles it with his/her hands while standing with his/her back placed towards it, that person’s wish will be fulfilled.
2. Lotus Temple: This distinguished monument in striking flowerlike shape is the Bahá’í House of Worship. It is considered to be the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and is pre-eminent among other attractions in the city. Inside the temple, there are no sermons or rituals practiced, but being silent is of foremost importance. The place is indifferent to all religions. The Lotus Temple is surrounded by ponds and gardens, adding to the enchantment of the place.
3. Dilli Haat: It is place a that provides the visitors with everything that manifests the Indian culture from traditional variants of ethnic wear to decorative handcrafted showpieces. The place won’t let the tourists starve. There are numerous food shops, snack corners and stalls offering mouth watering popular North-Indian cuisines to delightful Chinese and other luscious food products. Dilli Haat also hosts various music/dance performances and ornate exhibitions that interest the lot.
4. India Gate: This is amongst the most commonly spotted places in Delhi that attract tourists’ attention. With the names of the martyrs engraved on the Gate, it provides a sense of respect for our freedom fighters and the enjoyable surrounding of huge parks, fountains make this place a picnic place to spend quality time. Also, the Rajpath makes visiting the India Gate complete.
5. Rashtrapati Bhavan: The President’s residence must not be skipped if one visits Delhi. One can drop in this place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The Mughal gardens with varied varieties of flowering plants and fountains perfect the beauty of the place. These decorative gardens are open to the public from February- March every year.
6. National Museum: It is one of the largest museums in India. It is a place to visit if one has an interest in different collections of arts, paintings, medieval art, exhibitions, mementos, carvings, arms and armors, etc. The museum shows various artifacts from Harappan Civilization, Maurya, Shunga and Satvahana dynasties, Kushana period, Gupta dynasty; Buddhist relics, decorative art, coin, manuscripts, bronze galleries, miniature paintings and many more. The museum is not far from the India Gate (approx. 1.5 km). It is closed on Monday’s a gazetted holiday. If the person has more interest in history then a visit to the National Gandhi Museum can not be skipped, as it is only about 5.5 km away from the National Museum. It not only encompasses the life, morals and ethics of Mahatma Gandhi but also provides a rich collection of original documents, paintings, relics, photographs, audio-visual materials, etc. that creates a connection with the incidents related to freedom struggle as well as helps to enrich the knowledge.
7. Humayun’s Tomb: The first magnificent garden-tomb to be built in India, inspired by Persian architecture, is an example of the true Mughal style. The tomb stands in the center of the square garden and was constructed out of red sandstones. It shows the architectural features and the pathway water channels. A few Mughal dynasty rulers lie buried here. It is one of the beautiful historic places to visit in Delhi, which is approx. 3.7km from India Gate. As they say, it opens from sunrise to sunset.
8. Jantar Mantar: The monument consists of thirteen architectural astronomy instruments and was built as an observatory to collate astronomical tables and the impending of sun, moon and planets. The building is located in the modern city of Delhi, which provides an easy commutability to Connaught Place, which shows a completely modern version of the city. It is famous for the eatery places, shopping destinations, parks, prominent hotels, cinemas, etc. which one requires for entertainment and relaxation.
9. Red Fort: This inheritance is also under UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fort is located in Central Delhi. It had been Mughal Emperors’ resident for nearly 200 years. Although the present-day surviving areas of the fort are limited to its walls, ramparts, the main gates, the audience halls and imperial apartment, its gigantism serves it to continually remain the major attraction amidst the majestically appealing monuments. Its vastness, colossal structure and red color make it eye-catching and fascinating.
10. Swaminarayan Akshardham: This Hindu temple, situated in East Delhi, attracts not less than 70% of the tourists who make their visits to Delhi. The fairy-castle-like structure, jaw-dropping architecture and carvings, delightful musical fountains, boat ride, giant-screen film, astounding gardens, food court, etc. make the trip to the complex memorable.
Delhi consists of many more places to visit, but the ones mentioned above are worth spending time and effort on. The city engulfs every distinct of all facets. Delhi, being the hub of everything, truly, suffice it to be the Heart of India.
A few honorable mentions apart from the above list:
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- Connaught Place
- Jama Masjid
- Lodi Gardens
- Chandni Chowk
- Gandhi Smriti
- Raj Ghat and associated memorials
- Parliament House
- National Zoological Park
- Agrasen ki Baoli
