1. The Red Fort
Constructed in 1639 by the Mughals, Red Fort gets its name from its massive red-coloured sandstone walls. Set in Old Delhi, the octagonal-shaped fort is spread over an area of 254 acres. The planning and designing of the fort is a fusion of Mughal, Persian, Hindu, and Timurid traditions. A strong influence on later structures built in and around Delhi, Red Fort also features a museum that holds Mughal-era artefacts, including daggers, curtains, miniature paintings and carpets. The highlights of this architectural creativity include the peacock throne, step well, imperial bath, Moti Masjid and Hira Mahal.
- Timings: 09:30 am to 04:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: INR 10 (Indian citizens) and INR 150 (foreign nationals)
- Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
2. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is a 73-metre tall minaret, named after Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The tower contains 5 distinct tapering storeys, wherein first 3 storeys of this masterpiece are adorned with red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth storeys are constructed in marble and sandstone respectively, engraved with decorative Quranic texts. Interestingly, the tower has a spiral staircase with 379 steps, and has a mosque named ‘Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid’ at the foot of the tower, which is the first mosque in India.
- Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 30 (Indians); INR 500 (foreign nationals)
- Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar metro station, New Delhi
3. Akshardham Temple, Delhi
Dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Akshardham Temple exhibits the ancient culture of India. The temple complex maintains a step-well styled courtyard and 60 acres of lush lawns featuring the bronze statues of Indian heroes, including patriots and warriors. Registered as the World’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple in the Guinness World Record, the temple is an architectural marvel built from intricately carved sandstone and marble. Furthermore, the temple organizes exhibitions on Swaminarayan’s life teachings and also organises a musical fountain and light show after sunset every day.
- Timings: 09:30 am to 06:30 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 170 (Adults); INR 100 (Children)
- Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham, New Delhi
4. India Gate, Delhi
India Gate symbolises the sacrifice of 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives battling against the foreign army during the World War I. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, it features the undying Amar Jawan Jyoti or the Flame of the Immortal Soldier which was added later to honour Indian martyred soldiers in the Indo-Pak War. Furthermore, this beautiful masterpiece is counted amongst the largest war memorials in India. Standing on a Bharatpur stone base, the structure is surrounded by lush lawns making it a popular picnic spot during winter afternoons and summer evenings. Lit at night, the monument looks magnificent with colourful fountains in the in the vicinity.
- Timings: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat, New Delhi
5. Lotus Temple, Delhi
Known for its unique architectural design, Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship, dedicated to harmony of humanity. Inspired by the lotus flower, the temple boasts of 27 free-standing marble-clad petals, and is surrounded by sprawling gardens and pond. With a height of over 34 metres, it can accommodate around 2500 people altogether. The temple welcomes every religion symbolizing the culture of Bahá’í Houses of Worship, and offers a tranquil ambience ideal for rejuvenation.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir, New Delhi
6. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi
Built in 1565 A.D., the Humayun’s Tomb was established in the memory of Humayun by his widow Bega Begam, and was the first example of Mughal architecture in India. Constructed after nine years of his demise, the tomb is inspired by Persian architecture which is reflected in the corridors arched alcoves, and the double dome. The tomb is also called chaharbagh, owing to its garden squares with passageways water channels, and holds graves of Mughal rulers inside the walled enclosed space.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: INR 30 (Indians); INR 500 (foreign nationals)
- Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh, New Delhi
7. Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi
When in New Delhi, don’t miss out on exploring the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. Flanked on the western end of Rajpath, this sprawling 330-acre estate houses the Main Building (Circuit 1), the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (Circuit 2) and the world-famous Mughal Gardens (Circuit 3). A creation of Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, this huge presidential palace is the largest home of any head of state in the world and is truly an architectural marvel.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Circuit 1: Open on Thursday-Sunday
- Circuit 2: Open on all days except Monday
- Circuit 3: Open on Thursday-Sunday (November-March)
- Entry Charges: INR 50
- Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat, New Delhi