Monuments | Temples | Museums and Galleries | Wildlife | Markets
Delhi – the capital of our country, is full of life- a lively place with a lot of tourist attractions and amazing food joints…the list is endless. The image of the city is dampened by some serious issues with respect to women’s safety. ..etc., but every city/country in this world has both negatives & positives, and Delhi is no different. The city has its own charisma & culture.
Living in the capital city for such a long time, I would highlight good things about the city.
There are lots of things for a tourist to do, from visiting key monuments to shopping markets to eating places. Here, I have compiled a few places that a tourist must visit from my own experience over a span of years.
Tourist Attractions
Have divided tourist attractions into 4 types: Monuments, Temples/Religious places, Museums/Galleries, and Markets (Shopping & Eating). One can choose the place as per one’s liking and requirements.
Monuments
India Gate
This is among the most visited monuments and the popular picnic spot for Delhieties. This is a 42-meter-high memorial in honor of Indian and British soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and the Third Afghan War. The names of 13,516 martyrs are inscribed on this monument.
Going here anytime during the day/night is wonderful. It is enclosed with gardens from all sides. There is a boating area and a children’s park to enjoy. It is situated opposite Parliament House.
It is one of the favorite locations for shooting Bollywood movies.
Rashtrapati Bhawan
Rastrapati Bhawan is the official residence of the president of India. During the nighttime, the Bhawan is lit up with colorful lights.
Every year, in Feb-Mar, a small section of the house is open for the public to visit. Mughal Garden, also known as Amrit Udyan, welcomes the normal public to witness the beautiful garden blooming with a variety of flowers.
Qutub Minar
The world’s tallest brick minaret is one of the most prominent examples of Indo–Islamic architecture. It is made of red sandstone and is covered with carvings and verses of the Quran.
Earlier, visitors were allowed to touch the monument, but now, as a safety measure, one is allowed to see only from a distance, but it is a must-see attraction.
There is also an iron pillar that attracts a lot of people – it’s a belief (I don’t know how true this is); if a person is able to touch his hands by hugging the pillar (backward), all the wishes of that person will come true.
Red Fort
Popularly known as” Lal Quila”, is situated in Old Delhi. The Mughal royal family used to live here. It was later used by the British as their military camp until independence. Indian national flag is hoisted here every year on Independence Day.
Waste to Wonder
Waster to Wonder is a place for people who wish to travel the world. For people who wish to see the 7 wonders of the world.
You can see the beautiful replicas created in one place. An amazing concept, all the wonders are created out of the waste material. A must-go place.
Tip: If you want good photos, then go during the daylight, and if you want to see the lights, go at night. But if you want to enjoy both, go around sunset.
Raj Ghat
It is the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. Rajghat is the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation. The memorial has an epitaph, “Hey Ram,” which were his last words when he was assassinated. The site also has a museum dedicated to the memory of Mahatma Gandhi.
Shanti Van
It is the cremation spot of India’s first prime minister – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. The samadhi is in the form of a large base covered with a lawn. It is visited by many visiting dignitaries, and heads of state come here to pay their respects. Special prayer services are organized on the birth & death anniversaries of Nehru. Also, cultural programs for children are held here, as he used to love children.
Purana Qila/Old Fort
It is one of the oldest monuments in Delhi and was built at the site of an ancient city by Pandavas some 5,000 years ago. It is just a fort.
Jantar Mantar
Consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The primary purpose was to compile astronomical tables and to predict the time and movements of the sun, moon, and planets.
Humayun’s Tomb
Popularly known as “Humayun ka maqbara” in Hindi, it was built by the Mughal emperor’s wife Haji Begum. It is the first garden tomb built in the Indian subcontinent and was also declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Jama Masjid
It is the largest mosque in India and is an architecturally opulent example of the Mughal era. It is very near to Red Fort and Chandani Chowk. One can either walk down or take a hand-pulled rickshaw.
Temples/Religious
Akshardham Temple
Also known as Swaminarayan Mandir, it is situated in east Delhi across river Yamuna and covers an area of 100 acres (approx). It is a symbol of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The complex includes 3 exhibitions that display incidents of Swaminarayan’s life, portraying his message about the importance of peace, harmony, humility, service to others, and devotion to god. All of them are just wonderful.
The complex also includes an amazing musical fountain and a sprawling garden.
Lotus Temple
Also known as the Bahai Mandir, it is a remarkable architectural structure. The temple looks like a lotus flower and is made of marble. It is among the most visited monuments in India. It is not like a typical temple. One finds peace when inside the temple. It is a beautiful, picturesque place to visit.
Birla Mandir
Also known as Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, it is a Hindu temple dedicated to god Vishnu. It is one of the major attractions of Delhi and attracts thousands of devotees to the Hindu festivals Janmashtami and Diwali. It is a beautiful temple.
Chattarpur Mandir
It is the second largest temple complex in India, dedicated to the goddess Katyani. Also called – Shree Adya Katyani Saktipeeth MMandir.
Banglasaheb Gurudwara
Is the most prominent sikh gurudwara/sikh house of worship.It is known for its association with the 8th sikh guru – Guru Har Krishan. The pool inside the complex is known as “Sarovar”, whose water is considered holy (known as Amrit).
It is instantly recognized by its stunning golden dome (made of real gold) and tall flagpole.
These temples are a must-visit even if one doesn’t like to go to temples and religious places. One can visit these places as a tourist destination.
Museums and Galleries
National Museum
The largest museum in India, it has over 200,000 works of art, both of Indian and foreign origin. It covers more than 5,000 years of Indian cultural heritage.
Nehru Museum
It was the colonial residence of the first Indian Prime Minister, which was converted into a museum after his death.
Rail Museum
Rail Museum is
Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
It was the residence of Indira Gandhi, the former prime minister of India. After her assassination, the bungalow was converted into a museum.
National Gallery of Modern Art
Located in Jaipur house was a residence of the former Maharaja of Jaipur. It is undeniably the most significant collection of modern and contemporary art in the country.
You should visit these Museums and Galleries if one is really interested in knowing history, heritage, culture, etc.
Museum of Illusion
The Museum of Illusion is one of the best museums in Delhi.
Wildlife
There are a couple of places to visit in Delhi if you are an animal lover.
Delhi Zoo
Delhi Zoo, or National Zoological Park, is home to a large number of species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo has tried its best to give these animals and birds a natural habitat.
You can see many endangered species here. The key attractions here include White Tiger, Gaur, Jaguar, Rhinoceros, Elephants, Brow-antlered Deer (Sangai), Lion-tailed Macaque, and Migratory birds.
Children love spending time with animals in the zoo.
There is enough parking available. Outside food is not allowed inside the zoo.
Okhla Bird Sanctuary
Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for Bird watchers, a Heaven for Photographers, a Zion for Insta-clickers, and a Serene place for nature lovers.
Situated on the Noida-Delhi border, it is a hidden gem in the concrete jungle. A place to visit in Winter when migratory birds come in.
Markets – Sopping & Foodie Paradise
Dilli Hatt
Dilli Hatt is an upmarket version of a traditional Indian village or rural market. It is a mecca of craftsmen selling Indian handicrafts and ethnic wear. There are a number of shops selling Indian souvenirs and interesting gift items. There are numerous food stalls offering local cuisines from different parts of the country.
I generally go here only to eat. It has the authentic taste of various food items representing a particular state.
There are two Dilli Hatts in Delhi – one in North Delhi and another in South Delhi. South Delhi’s Dilli Haat is the oldest and is better than North Delhi Hatt. It has open sitting space and it feels really good spending time here (it is not the regular crowded markets or eating joints).
Garden of Five Senses
It is an attractive park located near Qutab Minar. The garden is a prominent cultural venue of the capital, with a variety of programs organized all year round.
The prime attractions of the park are the Khas Bagh – a beautiful garden, food, and shopping court; Neel Bagh – A color Garden, a court of specimen plants and amazing sculptures; and the interesting solar energy park.
A tour of picturesque gardens, the variety of uncommon plants and flowers, melodious wind chimes, the aroma and taste of different/variety of cuisines, and the feel of relaxing in an open-air amphitheater are sure to rejuvenate one’s spirit.
Hauz Khas
It is a shopper’s paradise with several designer outlets, restaurants, and art galleries. One can enjoy – pavilions built around this urbanized village (Deer Park, Mosque/Tomb).
Khan Market
Khan Market is one of the most chic and classy shopping destinations for shoppers. Many top-line brands have exclusive outlets here. This market is also known for a number of coffee shops, bookshops, and multi-cuisine and specialty restaurants.
Chandani Chowk
It is a paradise for a shopaholic’s dream come true. A maze of alleys, narrow streets, and tiny shops are unique features of this market (hence, it is always an extremely crowded market).
The market is renowned for silver jewelry, Indian ethnic wear, especially bridal trousseaus, and authentic street food.
The best feature of the market is its lane. All the shops in that particular lane will be selling products of a similar genre. For example, the famous “para the wali gali” shops in the entire lane only sell mouth-watering parathas. If it is a “sarafa lane,” then all the shops will sell gold/silver jewelry.
It is Asia’s largest wholesale market, and shopping here is an unforgettable experience.
Lajpat Nagar
It’s a mix of roadside vendors and glitzy showrooms, and one can find almost anything here – from clothes, footwear, accessories, kitchenware, food items…etc.
Karol Bagh
Reputed to be the largest shopping area with 20,000 shops and traders, this market is famous for ethnic wear, saris, and shawls.
Connaught Place
Best known as CP, it is located in the heart of Delhi and is a fine example of Victorian architecture in India. The popular market, designed in a circular fashion (known as an inner circle or outer circle), is one of the grandest shopping destinations. Each block of the circle houses has innumerable international brands, outlets, and countless eateries. Apart from being an important shopping hub, CP is also a major business center of Delhi.
It is the most attractive shopping destination. It is advisable to use the metro to reach this place as parking space for one’s vehicle is a major problem here.
Janpath
Is a bargain hunter’s dream. It’s like a vast flea market where one can get a variety of knickknacks, casual clothes, trinkets, and souvenirs. The Central Cottage Industries emporium is also located on Janpath.
Sarojini Nagar
This market is the largest outdoor pedestrian shopping area in New Delhi. The market is a popular place for youth. One can pick a variety of Indian and Western wear at very reasonable prices.
Malls of Saket
This is a mall hub in South Delhi. The 4 mall hubs provide a unique shopping and leisure environment.
South Extension Market
South Ex is another hot destination for shopping. One can find shops selling branded clothes, footwear, and jewelry.
Travel Mode available in Delhi:
HoHo Buses – Hop on Hop off are government-owned buses specially designed for tourism. As the name suggests, one can hop on any HoHo bus and get off anywhere one wants. There is no binding as to how one has to get on any particular bus. One can take his/her own time to visit a place and get on any bus to reach the next destination. The frequency of the Bus is good. Very convenient and comfortable.
Metro – This is just another option for travelers who want to travel on their own. Metro is very well connected to almost all tourist attractions. The frequency of the metro is 5-10 mins. It’s a very safe transport, especially for women.
Tourist Buses – These are private tourist service providers who have packages for city tours/day trips. One can opt for the same. The only disadvantage is that one is bound to travel on that particular bus within the time limit given by the guide. One does not have the liberty to roam around/spend more time/skip a particular destination.
Cab/Taxi – is always there as an alternate option. One is free to roam around at his/her own pace and liking. The only disadvantage is – it is an expensive medium to travel, otherwise it is very convenient and safe.