Top 10 Famous Historical Places in Delhi
Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires and dynasties over the centuries. It is a city that has preserved its rich and diverse heritage in the form of numerous historical monuments and sites. Delhi is a city that offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future of India through its architecture, culture, and lifestyle. Here are the top 10 historical places in Delhi that you should not miss. Visit during One day Delhi Darshan.
Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires and dynasties over the centuries. It is a city that has preserved its rich and diverse heritage in the form of numerous historical monuments and sites. Delhi is a city that offers a glimpse into the past, present, and future of India through its architecture, culture, and lifestyle. Here are the top 10 historical places in Delhi that you should not miss. Visit during One Day Delhi Local Sightseeing trip
These are the places that will take you back in time and make you marvel at the achievements and legacy of the rulers and people who shaped the history of Delhi. These are the places that will tell you stories of glory and tragedy, of love and war, of faith and power. These are the places that will inspire you with their beauty and grandeur, their art and craftsmanship, their science and innovation. These are the places that will make you proud of your heritage and identity. Top 10 Tourist Places in Delhi, So, without further ado, let us begin our journey of exploring the top 10 historical places in Delhi.
Best trip from Delhi:
- 5D-4N Delhi-Agra-Jaipur Tour Package | Discover The Golden Triangle
- 3D-2N Delhi To Nanital Tour Package | Best Weekend Getaway
- 6D-5N Delhi-Agra-Mathura Tour Package | Explore The Rich Heritage of India
- 3D-2N Delhi To Haridwar-Rishikesh Tour Package | Discover The Spiritual Heartland
- 1 Day Delhi To Mathura-Vrindavan Tour Package | Best Spiritual Getaways
- 2D-1N Delhi To Agra Tour Package | Best Weekend Getaways
- 1 Day Delhi To Alwar Tour Package – Best Day Tour
- 7D/6N Delhi-Shimla-Manali-Chandigarh Tour Package
1. Qutub Minar is famous Historical Places in Delhi
Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 13th century by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. The minaret is 72.5 meters high, and has five storeys with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The complex also contains other historical structures, such as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, and the Alai Darwaza. Qutub Minar is famous historical Places in Delhi.
- Location: Mehrauli, New Delhi
- Timing: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Foreigners, 600 rupees. Indians, 40 rupees
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line and get off at Qutub Minar station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Admire the architecture and craftsmanship of the minaret and the surrounding buildings. Learn about the history and significance of the site from the information boards or audio guides. Enjoy the views of the city from the top of the minaret (if accessible).Nearby Tourist Attractions: Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Chhatarpur Temple, Garden of Five Senses.
2. Red Fort is famous Historical Place in Delhi
Red Fort is one of the most iconic and historical landmarks of Delhi. It was built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor, who shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. The fort is a massive complex that covers an area of 254 acres, and has several buildings, gardens, museums, and gates. The fort is made of red sandstone, which gives it its name. The fort also hosts the Independence Day celebrations every year, when the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and delivers a speech. Red Fort is famous historical Places in Delhi.
- Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timing: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: Foreigners, 600 rupees. Indians, 40 rupees.
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Violet Line or Red Line and get off at Lal Quila station or Chandni Chowk station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Explore the various buildings and structures within the fort, such as Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), Rang Mahal (Palace of Colors), Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), etc. Visit the museums that display artifacts and exhibits related to the Mughal era and the freedom struggle. Watch the sound and light show that narrates the history and glory of the fort in the evening.Nearby Tourist Attractions: Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Raj Ghat.
3. Humayun’s Tomb is Historical Place in Delhi
Humayun’s Tomb is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi, and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. It was built in the 16th century by Haji Begum, the widow of Emperor Humayun, who was the second Mughal ruler of India. The tomb is a majestic structure with a double dome, a high archway, and a symmetrical garden. It also houses the graves of several other Mughal emperors and nobles. Hunayun’s Tomb is famous historical Places in Delhi.
- Location: Mathura Road, Opposite Dargah Nizamuddin, New Delhi
- Timing: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Foreigners, 600 rupees. Indians, 40 rupees.
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Violet Line and get off at JLN Stadium station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Marvel at the grandeur and elegance of the tomb and its surroundings. Learn about the history and legacy of the Mughal dynasty fromThings to Do/Must See: Marvel at the grandeur and elegance of the tomb and its surroundings. Learn about the history and legacy of the Mughal dynasty from the information boards or audio guides. Walk around the garden and enjoy the tranquility and greenery. Visit the nearby monuments, such as Isa Khan’s Tomb, Bu Halima’s Tomb, and Barber’s Tomb.Nearby Tourist Attractions: Nizamuddin Dargah, Sunder Nursery, Lodi Garden.
4. India Gate is famous Historical Place in Delhi
India Gate is a majestic monument that stands as a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice. It was built in the 20th century by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the chief architect of New Delhi. The monument is a 42-meter high arch that commemorates the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. The names of more than 13,000 soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the monument. The monument also has an eternal flame, called Amar Jawan Jyoti, that burns in honor of the unknown soldiers. India Gate is famous historical Places in Delhi.
- Location: Rajpath, 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 Central Secretariat station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Pay your respects to the brave martyrs who gave their lives for the country. Enjoy the panoramic view of Rajpath, the ceremonial boulevard that connects India Gate with Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s House). Witness the changing of guards ceremony that takes place every morning and evening. Visit the nearby attractions, such as National War Memorial, National Gallery of Modern Art, and Children’s Park.Nearby Tourist Attractions: Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, Connaught Place.
5. Purana Qila is famous Historical Place in Delhi
Purana Qila, or Old Fort, is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. It was build in the 16th century by Sher Shah Suri, who defeat Humayun and briefly ruled over India. The fort has a massive wall that encloses an area of 1.5 kilometers, and has three gates, namely Bara Darwaza, Humayun Darwaza, and Talaqi Darwaza. The fort also has several buildings and structures, such as Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, Sher Mandal, Hamam, and Baoli. Purana Qila is famous historical Place in Delhi.
- Location: Mathura Road, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
- Timing: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Foreigners, 200 rupees. Indians, 20 rupees.
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Blue Line and get off at Pragati Maidan station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Explore the fort and its various monuments and ruins. Learn about the history and legends associated with the fort from the information boards or audio guides. Watch the sound and light show that depicts the story of Delhi from ancient to modern times in the evening.Nearby Tourist Attractions: National Zoological Park, Crafts Museum, India Habitat Centre.
6. Jantar Mantar is famous Historical Place in Delhi
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory that was build in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, who was a keen astronomer and mathematician. The observatory has 13 instruments that are used to measure time, predict eclipses, track stars, and calculate celestial coordinates. The instruments are made of brick and plaster, and are designed in geometric shapes. The largest instrument is called Samrat Yantra, which is a giant sundial that can tell time with an accuracy of two seconds. Jantar Mantar is famous historical Place in Delhi.
- Location: Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi
- Timing: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Foreigners, 200 rupees. Indians, 15 rupees.
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line or Blue Line and get off at Patel Chowk station or Rajiv Chowk station.Things to Do/Must See: Observe and understand how the instruments work and what they measure. Learn about the scientific and astronomical achievements of ancient India from the information boards or audio guides. Enjoy the view of Connaught Place from the top of Samrat Yantra.Nearby Tourist Attractions: Central Park, Janpath Market, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
7. Agrasen ki Baoli is famous Historical Place in Delhi
Agrasen ki Baoli is a historical stepwell that dates back to the 14th century. It is believed to have been built by King Agrasen, the legendary ancestor of the Agrawal community. The stepwell has 103 steps that lead to a water reservoir, which is now dry. The stepwell has three levels, each with arched niches that create a striking contrast with the rectangular steps. The stepwell is also known for its spooky and mysterious aura, as it is said to be haunted by ghosts and bats. Agrasen ki Baoli is famous historical Place in Delhi.
- Location: Hailey Road, Near Connaught Place, New Delhi
- Timing: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., dailyEntry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line or Blue Line and get off at Barakhamba Road station or Rajiv Chowk station
- Things to Do/Must See: Descend the steps and admire the architecture and design of the stepwell. Feel the cool and calm atmosphere of the stepwell. Experience the thrill and mystery of the stepwell, if you dare.Nearby Tourist Attractions: Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, India Gate.
8. Safdarjung Tomb is famous Historical Place in Delhi
Safdarjung Tomb is a mausoleum that was built in the 18th century by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, the son of Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan, who was also known as Safdarjung. He was a powerful noble and statesman who served as the Wazir (Prime Minister) of the Mughal Empire under Muhammad Shah. The tomb is a fine example of late Mughal architecture, and has a dome, a gateway, a garden, and several pavilions. The tomb also has a library and a museum that are managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Safdarjung Tomb is famous historical Place in Delhi.
- Location: Air Force Golf Course, Delhi Race Club, New Delhi
- Timing: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Foreigners, 200 rupees. Indians, 15 rupees.
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line and get off at Jor Bagh station or Lok Kalyan Marg station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Appreciate the beauty and symmetry of the tomb and its surroundings. Learn about the life and times of Safdarjung from the information boards or audio guides. Visit the library and the museum that display books and artifacts related to Safdarjung and his era.Nearby Tourist Attractions: Lodi Garden, Khan Market, National Rail Museum.
9. Tughlaqabad Fort is famous Historical Places in Delhi
Tughlaqabad Fort is a ruined fort that was built in the 14th century by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. He established Tughlaqabad as his capital, and built a massive fort with high walls, bastions, towers, gates, and palaces. However, his reign was short-lived, as he died in a mysterious accident while returning from a campaign.
His successor, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, abandoned Tughlaqabad and moved his capital to Delhi. The fort was then cursed by a Sufi saint named Nizamuddin Auliya, who said that it would remain deserted and inhabited by gujjars (herders) and snakes. Tughlaqabad fort is famous historical Place in Delhi.
- Location: Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Tughlakabad, New DelhiTiming: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Foreigners, 200 rupees. Indians, 15 rupees.
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Violet Line and get off at Tughlakabad station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Explore the fort and its various monuments and ruins. Learn about the history and legends associated with the fort from the information boards or audio guides. Enjoy the view of the city from the top of the fort.Nearby Tourist Attractions: Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Surajkund Lake, Chhatarpur Temple.
10. Raj Ghat is famous Historical Place in Delhi
Raj Ghat is a memorial that marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, was cremated after his assassination in 1948. It is a simple black marble platform that has his last words “Hey Ram” inscribed on it. The platform is surrounded by a well-maintained garden that has several trees planted by various dignitaries who visited Raj Ghat. The memorial also has an eternal flame that burns in honor of Gandhi’s ideals and principles. Raj Ghat is famous historical Place in Delhi.
- Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Near Red Fort, New Delhi
- Timing: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily
- Entry Fee: Free
- How to Reach: Take the Delhi Metro Violet Line or Red Line and get off at Delhi Gate station or Chandni Chowk station.
- Things to Do/Must See: Pay your homage to the Mahatma and his teachings at the memorial. Learn about his life and achievements from the museum that is located near Raj Ghat. Watch the changing of guards ceremony that takes place every morning and evening. Participate in the prayer sessions that are held every Friday and on Gandhi’s birth and death anniversaries.Nearby Tourist Attractions: Gandhi Smriti, National Gandhi Museum, Feroz Shah Kotla Fort.
FAQ
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.
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.
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 historical places in Delhi. We hope that you have a wonderful time in Delhi and enjoy its beauty and splendor.