Visit Jama Masjid
This is the largest mosque in India which has a courtyard that can hold up to 25000 people. The building of this great mosque began in 1644 by Shah Jahan, the same person who ordered the construction of the Taj Mahal. The Mosque has three gates, four towers and two minarets. All this was constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. A lot of intricate work went into the construction of this mosque which is the reason why we were taken aback when entering into the courtyard. Dress modestly and remember that you will have to take your shoes off when entering the courtyard so bring a bag with you as they are not readily available there.
- Getting Here: Take the metro to Chawri Bazaar and it is a 10-15 minutes walk from there. If you want, just jump into an rickshaw to get there.
- Hours: 7am to Noon, 1.30pm to 6.30pm
- Entry Fee: Free
Chandni Chowk
This is located right outside the Jama Masjid. It would be a good idea to visit this place before or after visiting the Jama Masjid. Filled with life, hustle and bustle, this is a great place to stop, look around, buy, eat and converse with the locals. Traffic, people and a range of noises fills the place and you’ll often see yourself walking through interesting narrow lanes. From here you can also take a walk and visit the Red Fort.
- Getting Here: Take the metro to Chawri Bazaar and it is a 10-15 minutes walk from there. If you want, just jump into an rickshaw to get there.
- Hours: No closing time. Come throughout the day or evening
- Entry Fee: Free
Jantar Mantar
Jantar comes from the Hindi word Yantra which means instruments and Mantar comes from the Hindi word Mantra which means formulae. This complex was constructed in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh with the purpose of taking correct astronomical measurements. It really was quite fascinating to see so many constructions that were used in the past to measure time, days, months and years. You can also go to Jaipur where the Jantar Mantar is bigger and better.
- Getting Here: Take the metro to Patel Chowk and it is a 10-15 minutes walk from there. If you want, just jump into a rickshaw to get there.
- Hours: Open everyday throughout the day time only.
- Entry Fee: 100 Rupees
Lodhi Gardens
If you are in Delhi, I would highly recommend visiting Lodhi Gardens. This is a park located within the city in a convenient location visited by locals and tourists. It’s a place where you’ll see history, nature and a mix of people from school children on a school trip to families having a picnic and artists drawing their impressions of the place. Because of all the trees surrounding you and all the greenery, you really do get a breath of fresh air and it is a massive change from the hustle and bustle of the streets of Delhi.
One of the unique sites in this park that took us aback was the 500 year old Mosque. Still standing, you can even see Qur’anic inscriptions with so much detail like they were inscribed just yesterday.
- Getting Here: You can get here by getting a metro to Khan Market. From there, it is a 30 minute walk to Lodhi Gardens. If you’re not up for walking, grab an auto rickshaw which should cost you around 30-40 Rupees.
- Hours: Open all days throughout the day time only.
- Entry Fee: 100 Rupees
Red Fort
Built in the 1600s, this fort also known as ‘Lal Qila’ was constructed using red sandstone and was used as a residence for Mughal Emperors from the 1600s to the 1800s. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and is a great place to visit for some time out.
- Getting Here: Take a metro to Chandni Chowk metro station and then walk for about 20 minutes until you reach the fort. If you want, you can take a rickshaw from the metro station.
- Hours: Open everyday throughout the day time only except for Monday.
- Entry Fee: 250 Rupees
India Gate
Standing 42 metres high, this gate commemorates the 70,000 soldiers who died fighting for the British Army during World War 1. There is a flame that burns under the arch day and night which we found quite fascinating. The place is busy so be cautious.
- Getting Here: You can get here by getting a metro to Central Secretariat. From there, it is a 30 minute walk to the gate. If you’re not up for walking, jump into a rickshaw.
- Hours: Any time, any day.
- Entry Fee: Free
Connaught Place
This place was quite different. Less busier, less people, quite modern, organised streets and not many street food options like in Chandni Chowk. This kind of reminded me of being in downtown Mumbai. It is worth a visit as you can definitely see a contrast from other parts of Delhi when you come here. It’s a massive round about with so much to do and see and close by you have the famous and beautiful central park where you can sit and relax.
- Getting Here: You can get here by getting a metro to Rajiv Chowk metro station.
- Hours: Open everyday from around 11AM.
Try Street Food
If you’re visiting the famous sites and attractions, chances are that you’ll run into street food almost everywhere you go. Don’t just stick to finding a restaurant, sitting inside and dining. Explore the streets of India, thats why they are there. Plus street food is ridiculously cheap. With so much to try and eat, you will definitely find something you like. One thing I picked up is this; go where you see a lot of locals. That way you can kind of guarantee that their food is good. Go to my food section below to see some foods you can try on the streets.
Qutub Minar
Within New Delhi, there is an 800 year old minaret, the foundation of which was built around the year 1193 [589 AH]. This minaret was of course built alongside a mosque – known as Quwwat al-Islam – with a minaret being one of the most important part of the Mosque. It is a minaret that forms part of the entire Qutab complex and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was started by Qutb al-Din Aibak, the founder of the Mamluk Dynasty and the first Sultan of the Delhi Sultanate.
Some have actually claimed that this minaret was from one of the first Islamic structures built by Muslims in India. This minaret is known to be the tallest minaret in India and one of the tallest in the world with Giralda Tower in Seville, Spain beating it. Qutub Minar stands at a staggering 72.5m height with Giralda Tower being 100m. When visiting the complex you will notice many ruins as well as beautiful gardens. It is a place where history manifests itself.
Getting Here: Take a metro to the station called Qutub Minar and then take an auto rickshaw for 30 – 40 INR to the entrance.
Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily [although it we were there after 6PM and were also told its open till 9PM. Its just that the ticket office and luggage storage closes around 6PM]
Entry Fee: 500 Rupees
Humayun’s Tomb
To be honest, this is the one place we wanted to go to but did not get a chance to. One thing led to another and time did not permit. Next time I visit, this is definitely a place I would visit. Jaw dropping architecture, a beautiful environment and full of history, this is one place you have to visit if in Delhi.
This tomb is the tomb of Humayun, one of the Mughal Emperors of Delhi. It was commissioned by his wife in the 1500s. Alongside his tomb, there are tombs of other Mughal Emperors and family members within this place.
- Getting Here: The best way to get here is by taking a rickshaw from wherever you are. If you are close by to Lodhi Gardens then you can take a rickshaw from there. It is not far from Lodhi Gardens.
- Hours: Daylight hours
- Entry Fee: 250 Rupees
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