Top 10 Famous Religious Places in Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that reflects the diversity and harmony of different faiths and beliefs. It is a city that has many religious places that showcase the beauty and spirituality of various religions and sects. Delhi is a city that offers a glimpse of the sacred and the sublime through its temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, and other places of worship. Here are the top 10 religious places in Delhi that you should not miss. Visit during One day Delhi Darshan
Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that reflects the diversity and harmony of different faiths and beliefs. It is a city that has many religious places that showcase the beauty and spirituality of various religions and sects. Delhi is a city that offers a glimpse of the sacred and the sublime through its temples, mosques, gurudwaras, churches, and other places of worship. Here are the top 10 religious places in Delhi that you should not miss. Visit during One Day Delhi Local Sightseeing trip
So, without further ado, let us begin our journey of exploring the top 10 religious places in Delhi.
1. Lotus Temple is Famous Religious Place in Delhi
Lotus Temple is a unique and stunning structure that resembles a lotus flower. It is a Bahá’í House of Worship, which means that it is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. It was completed in 1986 by Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, who designed it with 27 marble petals arranged in three layers. The temple has nine doors that lead to a central hall that can accommodate up to 2,500 people. The temple also has a library, an information center, and a museum.
- Location: Kalkaji, New Delhi
- Timing: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Violet Line and get off at Kalkaji Mandir station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Experience the peace and harmony of the temple and its surroundings. Meditate or pray in the main hall, where no rituals or ceremonies are performed. Learn about the Bahá’í faith and its teachings from the information center or the guides. Visit the museum that displays the history and construction of the temple.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: ISKCON Temple, Kalkaji Mandir, Nehru Place Market.
2. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is Famous Religious Place in Delhi
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent Sikh places of worship in Delhi. It was built in the 17th century by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh, who supervised the construction of nine gurudwaras in Delhi. The gurudwara is dedicated to Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh Guru, who stayed here during his visit to Delhi in 1664. The gurudwara has a golden dome, a large pond, a school, a hospital, and a library.
- Location: Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi
- Timing: Open 24 hours, daily
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line or Blue Line and get off at Rajiv Chowk station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Pay your respects at the main hall where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book of Sikhs) is kept. Listen to the soothing hymns and prayers that are recited throughout the day. Partake in the langar (free community meal) that is served to all visitors regardless of their religion or background. Visit the museum that displays relics and paintings related to Sikh history and culture.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Jantar Mantar, Central Park, Janpath Market.
3. Jama Masjid is Famous Religious Place in Delhi
Jama Masjid is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in India. It was built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The mosque can hold up to 25,000 people at a time, and has three domes, four minarets, and two prayer halls. The mosque also has a courtyard, a pool, and a library.
- Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
- Timing: 7 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., daily (closed during prayers)
- Entry Fee: Free (camera fee is 300 rupees)
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line or Red Line and get off at Chandni Chowk station or Chawri Bazar station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Admire the architecture and craftsmanship of the mosque and its surroundings. Learn about the history and significance of the mosque from the information boards or audio guides. Climb up one of the minarets for a panoramic view of Old Delhi (if accessible). Visit the nearby attractions, such as Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib.
4. Akshardham Temple is Famous Religious Place in Delhi
Akshardham Temple is a magnificent temple complex that showcases the beauty and spirituality of Hinduism. It was inaugurated in 2005 by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India. The temple is made of pink sandstone and white marble, and has intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various aspects of Hindu culture and mythology. The complex also has a museum, a musical fountain, a boat ride, and a cultural park.
- Location: Noida Mor, New Delhi
- Timing: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: Free for the temple. For other attractions, tickets range from 170 to 310 rupees for adults, and from 100 to 210 rupees for children.
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Blue Line and get off at Akshardham station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Explore the temple and its exquisite details. Watch the light and sound show at the musical fountain in the evening. Experience the boat ride that takes you through India’s glorious history and culture. Visit the museum that displays the life and teachings of Swaminarayan, the founder of the sect.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate.
5. Laxminarayan Temple is Famous Religious Place in Delhi
Laxminarayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. It was built in the 20th century by B.R. Birla, a prominent industrialist and philanthropist. The temple is made of white marble and red sandstone, and has three domes, four towers, and several shrines. The temple also has a garden, a fountain, and a museum.
- Location: Mandir Marg, Near Gole Market, New Delhi
- Timing: 4:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line or Blue Line and get off at R.K. Ashram Marg station or Rajiv Chowk station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Worship at the main shrine of Vishnu and Lakshmi, as well as other deities such as Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, etc. Appreciate the architecture and design of the temple and its surroundings. Learn about the history and philosophy of the temple from the museum that is located in the basement.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
6. Nizamuddin Dargah is Famous Religious Place in Delhi
Nizamuddin Dargah is a Sufi shrine that is dedicated to Nizamuddin Auliya, one of the most revered Sufi saints of India. He lived in the 13th century and was known for his miracles and teachings. The shrine is a simple structure with a dome, a courtyard, and a tank. The shrine also has the tombs of Amir Khusro, a famous poet and musician who was a disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya, and Jahanara Begum, a daughter of Shah Jahan.
- Location: Nizamuddin West, New Delhi
- Timing: Open 24 hours, daily
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Violet Line or Pink Line and get off at Hazrat Nizamuddin station or Jangpura station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Pay your respects at the shrine of Nizamuddin Auliya and his companions. Listen to the soulful qawwalis (devotional songs) that are performed by singers every evening (especially on Thursdays). Experience the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine and its surroundings.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Humayun’s Tomb, Sunder Nursery, Lodi Garden.
7. Chhatarpur Temple is Famous Religious Place in Delhi
Chhatarpur Temple is a Hindu temple complex that is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, one of the forms of Goddess Durga. It was built in the 20th century by Baba Sant Nagpal Ji, a spiritual leader who had a vision of the goddess. The temple complex covers an area of 70 acres, and has several temples, shrines, halls, gardens, and statues. The temple complex is made of white marble and has elements of north Indian and south Indian architecture.
Location: Chhatarpur Road, Near Chhatarpur Metro Station, New Delhi- Timing: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line and get off at Chhatarpur station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Worship at the main temple of Katyayani, as well as other deities such as Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, etc. Appreciate the architecture and design of the temple complex and its surroundings. Participate in the aarti (ritual of offering fire) and prasad (offering of food) that are held every morning and evening. Visit the nearby attractions, such as Qutub Minar, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Garden of Five Senses.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Qutub Minar, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Garden of Five Senses.
8. Cathedral Church of the Redemption is Famous Religious Place in Delhi
Cathedral Church of the Redemption is a Christian church that belongs to the Church of North India. It was built in the 20th century by Henry Medd, a British architect who also designed other churches in Delhi. The Cathedral Church of the Redemption is also known as Viceroy Church, as it was used by the British viceroys during the colonial era. The church has a white facade, a red roof, and a tall spire. The church also has a beautiful interior, with stained glass windows, arches, and paintings.
- Location: Church Road, North Avenue, New Delhi
- Timing: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday (closed on Sundays)
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line or Blue Line and get off at Central Secretariat station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Admire the architecture and craftsmanship of the church and its surroundings. Learn about the history and significance of the church from the information boards or audio guides. Attend the Sunday service or the special events that are held on Christmas, Easter, and other occasions.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, India Gate.
9. ISKCON Temple is Famous Religious Place in Delhi
ISKCON Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. It belongs to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which is a movement that promotes the teachings and practices of Krishna bhakti (devotion). The temple was inaugurated in 1998 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister of India. ISKCON Temple is made of red stone and white marble, and has three domes, four towers, and several shrines. The temple also has a museum, a library, a restaurant, and a gift shop.
- Location: Hare Krishna Hill, Sant Nagar Main Road, East of Kailash, New Delhi
- Timing: 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Violet Line and get off at Kailash Colony station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Worship at the main shrine of Radha-Krishna, as well as other deities such as Rama-Sita, Gaura-Nitai, etc. Listen to the melodious kirtans (songs) and bhajans (hymns) that are sung by devotees throughout the day. Watch the animated shows that depict the life and teachings of Krishna in the museum. Enjoy the vegetarian food that is offered at Govinda’s restaurant.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Lotus Temple, Kalkaji Mandir, Nehru Place Market.
10. Jamaat Khana Masjid is Famous Religious Places in Delhi
Jamaat Khana Masjid is a Muslim mosque that belongs to the Nizari Ismaili sect of Shia Islam. It was built in the 14th century by Khwaja Khizr Khan, who was a governor of Firoz Shah Tughlaq and a descendant of Prophet Muhammad. The mosque is also known as Khwaja Khizr Mosque or Khilji Mosque, as it was constructed during the reign of Alauddin Khilji. Jamaat Khana Masjid has a rectangular courtyard, a prayer hall, and four minarets. The mosque also has a tomb chamber that contains the graves of Khwaja Khizr Khan and his family.
- Location: Nizamuddin West, New Delhi
- Timing: Open 24 hours, daily
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Violet Line or Pink Line and get off at Hazrat Nizamuddin station or Jangpura station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Pay your respects at the mosque and the tomb of Khwaja Khizr Khan and his family. Learn about the history and beliefs of the Nizari Ismaili sect from the information boards or audio guides. Experience the spiritual atmosphere of the mosque and its surroundings.
- Nearby Tourist Attractions: Nizamuddin Dargah, Humayun’s Tomb, Sunder Nursery.
FAQ
Q: What is the best time to visit Delhi?
A: The best time to visit Delhi is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. The summer months (April to June) are very hot and dry, while the monsoon months (July to September) are humid and rainy.
Q: How to get around Delhi?
A: Delhi has a well-developed public transport system that includes buses, metro, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cycle-rickshaws. You can also rent a car or a bike to explore the city at your own pace. However, be prepared to face traffic congestion and pollution in some areas.
Q: What are the best places to eat in Delhi?
A: Delhi is a food lover’s paradise, as it offers a variety of cuisines and dishes from different regions and communities of India. Some of the best places to eat in Delhi are:
Paranthe Wali Gali: A famous street in Chandni Chowk that serves delicious parathas (stuffed flatbreads) with various fillings and accompaniments.
Karim’s: A legendary restaurant near Jama Masjid that serves mouth-watering Mughlai food, such as kebabs, biryanis, curries, and breads.
Khan Chacha: A popular eatery in Khan Market that serves succulent rolls, wraps, and tikkas (grilled meat or vegetables).
Haldiram’s: A chain of restaurants that serves vegetarian snacks, sweets, and chaat (savory snacks).
Old Famous Jalebi Wala: A shop in Chandni Chowk that sells hot and crispy jalebis (deep-fried spirals of batter dipped in sugar syrup).
Q: What are the best places to shop in Delhi?
A: Delhi is a shopper’s delight, as it offers a range of products and items from cheap and cheerful to expensive and exclusive. Some of the best places to shop in Delhi are:
Dilli Haat: A market that showcases the handicrafts, textiles, and cuisines of various states of India.
Janpath Market: A market that sells clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and antiques at bargain prices.
Sarojini Nagar Market: A market that sells branded clothes, shoes, bags, and cosmetics at throwaway prices.
Chandni Chowk: A market that sells everything from fabrics and jewelry to electronics and spices.
Connaught Place: A market that has a mix of shops, malls, restaurants, and cafes.
Conclusion
Delhi is a city that will enchant you with its charm and diversity. It is a city that will make you experience the best of India’s culture, history, and lifestyle. It is a city that will leave you with unforgettable memories and impressions.
We hope that this article has helped you plan your trip to Delhi and discover its top 10 religious places. We hope that you have a wonderful time in Delhi and enjoy its beauty and splendor.