Delhi is a city dripping in historical lore. It has seen many conquerors and their presence carved in the many monuments. Of course, the Mughals because of their long 300-year occupation take the lion’s share. Here is a listing of the most prominent historical places and monuments to visit in Delhi.

India Gate

Standing tall at 42m in the center of New Delhi is the India Gate, its central archway quite similar to the Arc-De-Triomphe in Paris. It commemorates the 70000 soldiers who were killed fighting for the British in World War I. The names of some 13 thousand odd British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are inscribed on the memorial..

The arch stands on a base of red Bharatpur stone, rising by stages to its grand molding. Imperial Suns are inscribed in the cornice both sides are marked INDIA flanked by Roman numerals MCMXIV (1914)on the left and MCMXIX (1919)to the right. A shallow bowl that is domed surmounts the entire structure. It is meant to contain oil for burning at ceremonies but is never used.

Surrounding the Gate are verdant lawns which is a favorite spot for picnicking. At night, the India Gate is lit brilliantly.

• Location: Near Janpath
• Metro Station: Pragati Maidan
• Timings: Morning to Night
• Entry: Free
• Days closed: None
• Photography Charges: Nil

Jama Masjid

Located in Old Delhi, this grand mosque is the largest in India and its courtyard is capable of holding 25,000 devotees. The building commenced in 1614 and was the ultimate architectural extravaganza of Shah Jehan.

This seriously decorative structure has 3 gates, 4 towers, and 2 minarets. It is made of strips of sandstone and marble. The inlay work on the minarets is impossibly intricate and a marvel to behold.

• Location: Off Netaji Subhas Chandra Marg
• Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar
• Timings: 7 AM to Noon, 1.30 PM to 6.30 PM, Tourists not allowed during prayer hours.
• Entry: Free
• Days closed: None
• Photography Charges: Rs 300

Qutab Minar

Standing tall at 73m, the Qutab Minar the building of which was commenced in 1193 by Qutab-Ud-Din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu Kingdom. It was completed in 1368. This tower of victory has 5 stories, each with a projecting balcony. It measures a diameter of 15m at the base tapering to 2.5m at the summit. The first 3 stories are red sandstone, the remaining ones, a composite of sandstone and marble. The Quawat-ul-Islam, the first mosque built in India, stands at its foot. Though now in ruins, it boasts a dazzling history. Decorative shafts surround the ruins and are said to be the plundered remains of 27 Hindu temples. So astonishingly, this mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation. The Iron Pillar, one of Delhi’s enigmatic antiques, stands close to the Qutab Minar.

• Location: Mehrauli
• Metro Station: Qutab Minar
• Timings: Morning to Night
• Entry: Indians Rs.30, Foreigners Rs.500.
• Days closed: None
• Photography Charges: Nil

Humayun’s Tomb

This superlative garden tomb stands as testimony to Mughal architectural splendor. Some years after Humayun’s death, Bega Begam, his senior widow, commissioned the edifice in 1565. The garden squares are a notable feature with their water channeled pathways. The well-proportioned double-domed mausoleum is centrally located. Inside the walled enclosure, there are the mortal remains of other Mughal rulers, and it was from here that the last of the Mughals, Bahadur Shah II, was captured. 

• Location: Opp.Dargah Nizamuddin, Mathura Road
• Metro Station: JLN Stadium
• Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
• Entry: Indians Rs.30. Foreigners Rs.500
• Days closed: None
• Photography Charges: Nil. Rs.25 for videography, 
• Physically challenged friendly

Red Fort

The imposing red sandstone walls of the Red Fort or Lal Quila rise 33m and are located in Old Delhi. Built in 1638 to keep out invaders, it fully reflects the grandeur and power of the mighty Mughals. The main gate is the Lahore Gate and attracts a major crowd on Independence Day.

Chatta Chowk, an arcade bazaar selling trinkets leads into the massive Fort complex. Inside is a fascinating treasure trove of buildings such as the Drum House, Hall of Public Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths, etc.

A sound and light show in the evening recreating events connected with the Fort is held daily.

• Location: Netaji Subhas Marg
• Metro Station: Chandni Chowk
• Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
• Entry: Indians Rs.35, Foreigners Rs.500.
• Days closed: Monday
• Photography Charges: Nil, videography Rs.25
• Sound and Light show from 6 PM in Hindi and English, adults Rs.80, children Rs.30.
• Physically challenged friendly.

Conclusion

I’m not going to tell you to visit these places next time you are in Delhi, I’m telling you to pack your bag and dash off to Delhi. I have touched only the tip of the iceberg here.

For more information, visit https://www.delhitourism.gov.in/