A Walk Through History: Historical Monuments in Delhi
Delhi isn’t just the capital city of India; it’s a living museum!
Immerse yourself in India’s rich tapestry of history through its historical monuments. From Mughal marvels to ancient forts, Delhi whispers tales of a glorious past. Ready to explore?
Let’s discover the magic of Delhi’s historical gems!
JAMA MASJID
Sohil Quraishi
Spirituality is the heart and soul of India. Moreover, when it intertwines with the threads of history, then, its outcome is as beautiful as Jama Masjid in New Delhi. This beautiful million-dollar structure is India’s most prized possession. And, we vouch for it as it holds a place in history and the World Heritage Site list.
Famous as one of the last structures of Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is the zion of religiosity. Here, within the red-walled sandstone structure and the ‘World-reflecting Mosque’, you will bloom with the stride of positivity. It is the blaze of calm you need after the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi. Furthermore, making it one of the most amazing travel places in India.
The architecture of Jama Masjid incorporates a symphonic array of red sandstone and white marble stones. Being a revered religious site, this mosque orients in the direction of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. With a dome tearing the skies and a prayer hall occupying over 25000 pilgrims, Jama Masjid is an assortment in Delhi you didn’t even know you deserved.
| Location/Address | Off Netaji Subhash Marg, west of Red Fort, Delhi |
| Nearest Metro Station | Chawri Bazaar (Yellow Line)/Jama Masjid (Violet line) |
| Opening Days | All days |
| Timings | 7 am to 12 pm| 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm. |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Photograph Charges | INR 300 |
*Tourists not allowed during prayer hours*
RED FORT
Tarun Anand Giri
Guarding the realms of ancient India and separating the two contrasting worlds today is our next stop, Red Fort. This World Heritage site is one of the top structures to visit in India as it is revered for serving the Mughals for over 200 years.
On Delhi monument’s tour map, Red Fort stands out with intricately carved alleyways, decorated gates, and just blissful ambiance. Furthermore, its lush geometric gardens, magnanimous hallways, serene mosques, and bejeweled courts make sure that it is just right to please your architectural appetite.
Here are the top places to visit in Red Fort, India:
Lahori Gate – A stunning red sandstone gate facing Lahore. It is used today for flag hoisting on National days today.
Delhi Gate – Southern public entrance with two life-size elephants
Diwan-i-Aam – The beautiful public audience hall with guarded galleries.
Diwan-i-Khas – The hall of private audience.
Rang Mahal – the Palace of Colours and residential area for the emperor’s wives and mistresses.
Khas Mahal – Abode of the emperor.
Nahr-i-Behisht – An array of imperial apartments overlooking river Yamuna.
| Location | Netaji Subhash Marg, Delhi |
| Nearest Metro Station | Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line) |
| Opening Days | Tue-Sun; Mondays closed |
| Timings | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Entry Fee | INR 35 (Indians), INR 500(foreigners) |
| Photography | Nil (INR 25 for video filming) |
| Sound & Light Shows | 6 pm onwards in English and Hindi |
| Ticket For Sound & Light Shows | INR 80 (adults)/ INR 30 (children) |
HUMAYUN TOMB
Aman Tyagi
India is decked up in a beautiful mausoleum, commissioned in memory of the great Mughal rulers. The grandest example of this is the Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the World situated in Agra. But do you want to know from where the trend of larger-than-life mausoleums actually originated? No? Then, make your way to the Humayun’s tomb on your iconic India trip to find the answer to this question.
Besides being a structural marvel, Humayun’s Tomb is the ‘dormitory of the Mughals too. That’s because in its underground cell over 150 plus Mughal family members are buried.
This structure tick marks lots of “firsts”. Apparently, it was the first of its kind to introduce the concept of geometrical gardens too.
Imagine a tint of Persian ecstasy to the beautiful Mughal architectural styles. Isn’t it the perfect recipe for a timeless structural marvel?
| Location | Opp. Dargah Nizamuddin, Mathura Road |
| Nearest Metro Station | JLN Stadium (Violet Line) |
| Opening Days | Daily |
| Timings | Sunrise to sunset |
| Entry Fee | INR 30 (Indians)| INR 500 (foreigners) |
| Photography | Nil-(INR 25 for video filming) |
LODHI GARDEN
Suttamk
Lodhi Garden or the old Lady Willingdon Park is dotted with stunning monuments of the Sayyid and Lodhi Periods. Covered in lush green carpets, this historical wonderland in India has much more to accord to its visitors than just being a perfect picnic destination.
Lodhi Gardens stretches to 900 acres in a place like Delhi. Moreover, this isn’t the only amazing thing. Do you know that the complex also has its very own artificial lake and eight-pierced Athpula Bridge from Akbar’s reign?
In Lodhi Gardens, there are beautiful octagonal edifices brilliantly built within its boundaries. Furthermore, it makes it yet another architectural spectacle on any North India trip. So, what are you still waiting for? Catch its wonderful views on a Golden Triangle trip.
| Location | Main Lodi Road, Beside India International Centre |
| Nearest Metro Station | JLN Stadium (Violet Line) |
| Opening Days | Daily |
| Timings | Morning to Evening |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Photography | Nil |
JANTAR MANTAR
Benita Elizabeth John
Jantar Mantar is an age-old astronomical observatory created by Raja Man Singh II. This astonishingly beautiful garden complex sits like complete royalty not so far from the glitz and glamour of the very crowded Connaught Place.
From its very first glimpse, Jantar Mantar is rather simple. Interestingly, when you enter its vicinity, you will be psyched about its large structure-like instruments. Furthermore, all the 13 instruments here in this observatory still work. Contrastingly, their precisions are doubtful because of the presence of high-rise buildings around it. So, if you are craving a tang of cosmic science on your India trip. Then, you know where to go.
| Location | Parliament Street, Connaught Place |
| Nearest Metro Station | Patel Chowk (Yellow Line) |
| Opening Days | All days |
| Timings | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Entry Fee | INR 5 (Indians), INR 100 (foreigners) |
| Photography | Nil (INR 25for video filming) |
QUTUB MINAR
Maahid
Introducing the concept of skyscrapers since yesteryears are our next historical monuments of Delhi, Qutub Minar.
Holy Moly! It is also the tallest brick minaret in the world.
Welcome to Qutub Minar complex, your personal window into the magical history of India. Here, in the canopy of lush green trees, you will find the most outlandish monument of your Delhi trip.
Tearing the sky at a height of 73 m, Qutub Minar is a symbol of the establishment of Muslim rule in Delhi. However, there have been various debates surrounding the origins of Qutub. Yet all this speculation doesn’t deny the artistic finesse of the structure we see here today in a dun-colored complex.
The Qutub Tower is an amalgamation of many cultures. Furthermore, the pinnacle of its finesse is, that these motifs alone can give you a cultural trip to India.
A stroll through its gardens and murals calls out for all the attention in the world. Are you in for that? Then, Qutub Minar will definitely be a great starter on your historical monuments in Delhi itinerary.
| Location | Mehrauli |
| Nearest Metro Station | Qutub Minar |
| Opening Days | All days |
| Timings | INR 30 (Indians), INR 500 (foreigners) |
INDIA GATE
Shalender
An ode to martyrs of World War!
India Gate is a 42 m high archway built in the middle of a crossroad near Rajpath. This humongous structure which was built to give tribute to the fallen heroes of World War 1 now stands as one of the most popular structures of Delhi.
At dawn, India Gate is flooded with visitors, presenting travelers the taste of India’s most prominent flavor, chaos.
The structure is very grand yet very simple. Furthermore, there is an eternal fire burning in its patronage to add oomph to the whole situation. And, to be honest, it alone is enough to leave you gasping in awe.
It is the perfect marriage of history and verve! That’s because there are stalls, food courts, light shows, photographers and whatnot surrounding this historical monument in Delhi. Do you wish to take its full-fledged advantage? Don’t miss it out on a trip to India.
| Location | Near Rajpath |
| Nearest Metro Station | Pragati Maidan (Yellow Line)|Rajiv Chowk (Yellow Line) |
| Opening Days | All days |
| Timings | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Entry Fee | Free |
LOTUS TEMPLE
Matthew Tenbruggencate
Want to see integrity in high spirits? So, head to Lotus Temple Delhi.
Lotus Temple is the paragon of how religion should be interpreted around the globe, like one entity. Furthermore, it is also famous in the world for its unique construction which makes it look like a lotus.
Are you a fan of architecture? Then, Lotus Temple gives major chills. Furthermore,if you have a knack for spirituality, then its the best place for you. That is why it is one of the top places to visit for a spiritual tour in India.
Are you expecting intricate carvings and wonderful artistic manifestations? Then, hold the horses of your imagination right there! That’s because this structure only houses a meditation room inside that is open for people of any religion.
| Location | Near Kalkaji Temple, East of Nehru Place |
| Nearest Metro Station | Kalkaji Mandir (Violet Line) |
| Opening Days | Tue-Sun (Mondays closed) |
| Timings | 9 AM to 5:30 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free |
AGRASEN KI BAOLI
Kamal Preet Kaur
Historical architecture and spooky tales go hand in hand on the travel map of India. So, how can Delhi not have one?
Making its name as one of the top haunted places in India, Agrasen ki Baoli is a stepwell known for its unsettling past. It was abandoned due to lack of water like every other stepwell in India. But, the present-day tales of people and even Bollywood stars experiencing goosebumps and even haunting here, made it famous among the masses. Furthermore, according to ancient texts, this stepwell was here since the Vedic times. And, its existence today amid high rise buildings in the area is a miracle in itself.
Complementing its gut-wrenching vibe, you will experience the extravagant expertise of Indian architecture here. Descending towards the heart of stepwell, you will notice many tiny chambers where the kings kept their prisoners.
Also, this 15 m wide and 60 long step-well is the perfect destination for your inner photo fanatic. Believe us; the monochrome in the background of the dun-coloured stones adds more magic to every composition. So, make sure you take your lenses there!
| Location | Hailey Road, Near Diwanchand Imaging Centre, K G Marg, New Delhi |
| Nearest Metro Station | Rajeev Chowk (Yellow Line) |
| Opening Days | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Timings | Free |
RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN
Mukul Jindal
Last but not least we have a presidential jewel and the most important building on our list. India’s presidential palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan, is a dream realized!
This sprawling 330-acre complex, once the Viceroy’s House, holds the title of the world’s largest head-of-state residence (340 rooms!). Exploring requires a bit of luck- only authorized visitors can enter during specific slots!
Look through the window into the colonial-era main building, the fascinating Rashtrapati Bhavan museum complex, and our favorite- the Mughal Gardens.
Imagine lush greenery, impeccable design, and a sensory feast- a true presidential gem!
| Opening Days | Friday, Saturday and Sunday |
| Timings | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | INR 50 (Children under 8 years are exempted from the registration fee) |
