Purana Qila, is one of the oldest forts in the city of Delhi and has been witness to the timeless history that unfolded decade after decade. This is exactly why visiting Purana Qila is one of the best things to do in Delhi.

Excavations done by Archeological Survey of India suggests that Purana Qila was built on the remains of the old city of Indraprastha of the times of Pandavas. Even today, Purana Qila stands all by itself giving us the brief history of time. 

PURANA QILA HISTORY

Purana Qila built by Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor which led to the planning of the city of Dinpanah, as a part of its new project of the capital city. Later, it was renamed as ‘Shergarh’ by SherShah Suri who took over the reins after defeating Humayun in the year 1540. He added few architectural structures to the fort which led to it being known as the ‘Sixth City of Delhi’. 

The history of Purana Qila rewinds to the time of Pandavas. It is said that the excavations were identified as the Painted Grey Ware Culture which was used during the times of Mahabharata. 

Built on the banks of the river Yamuna, Purana Qila was one of the major places of the new city project of Humayun, named Dinpanah. During the reign of SherShah Suri, two forts were constructed by him which remained incomplete. 

Later, during World War, Purana Qila served as a refugee camp for the Japanese soldiers and during the India-Pakistan partition days, it was a stopover point for people crossing over.

PURANA QILA ARCHITECTURE

The architecture of Purana Qila mainly depicts mediaeval style of Mughal Architecture with huge fortifications. It is mainly beautified with blue stone work. 

There are three entrances to Purana Qila. The main entrance or the gate is Bada Darwaza which means a Big Gate and is in use in today’s time as well. 

The Second Gate is named Humayun Gate as from this gate, Humayun’s Tomb is visible. 

The third gate is Talaqi Gate or the gate which is no longer in use or an abandoned one. These forts remind me of Lohagad Fort and Kumbhalgarh Fort.

All the gates here are two stories and are decked up with marble and blue stone work. At the top of the gates are small jharokhas which resemble the architecture of the forts in Rajasthan.

PLACES TO SEE IN PURANA QILA, DELHI

Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque

Built by Sher Shah as a symbol of his royal aspirations, when he defeated Humayun, this mosque was meant for his personal use. 

The architecture of this mosque is based on Indo-Islamic style and has a single dome with five gates or the openings, built mainly for the Friday prayers. 

The walls of the mosque are done up beautifully with the red, black and white marble and depicts geometrical designs on them. The structure of the building resembles that of a Rajputana building owing to the mix of Indian and Islamic architecture. There are two octagonal turrets attached to the end of the wall at the end. 

It is said that inside the mosque for the repairs during the ancient times, rice paste, jaggery, black lentils and lime were used. People in the ancient times were quite technologically advanced and also used eco-friendly products for use. 

Sher Mandal 

Sher Mandal was an octagonal, two-storied structure built from red sandstone and white marble, made especially for Sher Shah as his pleasure retreat; however after his passing away Humayun made it as his library who died here itself after having a fall from the stairs. 

Sher Mandal has a small chhatri kind of a structure making it look like a cenotaph. Read more about the Cenotaphs of Orchha, Indore and Bhuj.

Khairul Manzil Mosque

Not in the Purana Qila complex but located just opposite to the entrance gate of Purana Qila is Khairul Mosque built for the wet nurse of Akbar whose name was Maham Anga. She was Adham Khan’s mother who was a General in Akbar’s army. 

Its looks are quite simple as compared to the Qila-i-Kuhna mosque however it has beautiful ornamentation on the gates as it is also very large in size. It also houses a madrasa inside it.

Purana Qila Museum 

Also known as the ASI Museum, it houses the excavations done in the general area of Delhi including that of Purana Qila. 

The entrance door of the Museum looks like the doorways of the ancient Jain Temples located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. Explore more about Jain Temples of Ranakpur and Mount Abu in Rajasthan.

The Museum also displays pottery from the various river beds of Yamuna gathered over the ages. 

The museum is open on all days except Fridays and Public Holidays from morning 9 am to evening 5 pm.

Stepwell & Hammam 

There are two small excavation sites within the Purana Qila complex. One of them is a stepwell. Though dry now, it gives us an idea about the prevailing water circulation systems during that time and the architecture used to construct them. It is a much smaller stepwell than the locally located Agrasen ki Baoli.

Located close by to the Step well in the Purana Qila complex is the Hammam or the Bath House of that time. It is a brick structure in a dilapidated state with three small rooms with the remains of terra cotta pipes. It had a unique provision of temperature controls for hot and cold water. It is interesting to note the system of flow of water depending upon the season. Click here to know more about such Hammams in the Fort of Mandu. 

Kunti Devi Temple 

One of the lesser known places to visit in Purana Qila is this temple which is understood to have connection with Kunti, mother of Pandavas. It is said that this temple dedicated to Shiva and Durga was built by her and hence the name. Other than the historical importance, this temple has nothing much to offer with regard to sightseeing.

Purana Qila Light & Sound Show 

In the evening after the fort timings are over, the old fort comes alive with the light and sound show known as Ishq-e-Dilli. It is a beautiful multimedia extravaganza narrating the story of the yester years. 

It starts from the times of Prithvi Raj Chauhan and ends at the times when the Delhi Metro was launched. It is a must watch show if you are a history buff. It is functional in both Hindi and English and starts with Hindi narration around 7:30 pm and continues till 8:30 pm. English one starts at 9 pm. However, as of today it is non-functional as it is being upgraded. The duration of this show is 60 minutes and no shows are played on Fridays. 

Purana Qila Lake 

Lake is located just outside of the Purana Qila which offers a beautiful and serene atmosphere in the chaos of the big city. 

It has lovely fountains that are functional in the evening along with all lit up Purana Qila at the backdrop making it more beautiful and scenic. 

Purana Qila boating offers a boat ride of 20 minutes at a charge of Rs. 100/-. This lake is quite deep and offers paddling boat options too. Purana Qila boating is an experience in itself.

PLACES TO VISIT AROUND PURANA QILA 

National Zoological Park 

Just adjacent to the Purana Qila complex, around 500 metres away is National Zoological Park. It was opened in the year 1959 and houses more than 130 species of animals like the giraffe, chimpanzees and zebras and some of the rare birds like peafowls. Many conservation programmes are being run here successfully making it a must visit place near the Purana Qila. 

National Science Centre 

Very closeby to the National Zoological Park and around 2 km from Purana Qila is National Science Centre which aims to promote scientific knowledge among the children. If you are a science lover too, it’s a must visit place. If Science interests you, know more about Science City in Ahmedabad.

Lodhi Garden 

Located at a distance of around 3 km away, Lodhi Garden is a must visit as it offers the most clean, green and scenic area of the city of Delhi. Various seasonal flowers bloom in the garden enhancing the beauty of this place. Gardens are important for fresh air and create an environment for the flora and fauna of that place to thrive.

India Gate 

Located around 3 kms from Purana Qila, stands tall another monument which has witnessed history for decades. India Gate was built in the memory of around 70,000 soldiers who were martyred in the First World War. Earlier the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the eternal flame was lit here which is now shifted to the National War Memorial in the memory of the martyred soldiers of 1971 war. The monument gives us a great sense of pride and patriotism.

National War Memorial 

To commemorate the sacrifices of our martyred soldiers in War, National War Memorial has been built in the year 2019. The purpose of this memorial is to connect people to the stories of the war heroes and to invoke patriotic feelings in the generations to come.

HOW TO REACH PURANA QILA

Delhi, being the capital city of India, is very well connected through Air, Road and Rail within India. Delhi offers an amazing spread of Metro Network to take passengers from the farthest end to the nearest. 

Nearest Metro Station to Purana Qila is Supreme Court Metro Station which was erstwhile Pragati Maidan Metro Station on the Blue Line. One can take an auto or a cab for Purana Qila or can walkdown as it is a short walk from the Metro Station to Purana Qila which takes 10-15 minutes.

BEST TIME TO VISIT PURANA QILA

Best time to visit Purana Qila is from October till March. During these times, the weather in Delhi is pleasant and later quite cold to enjoy the sightseeing. There are the best flowers blooming everywhere, food is awesome and the experience everywhere is enjoyable.

PURANA QILA TICKET PRICE

Entry Fee to Purana Qila is INR 30 for Indian residents and INR 300

For foreigners.

FAQs for PURANA QILA, DELHI

Is Purana Qila in Delhi worth visiting?

Yes. With interesting history, beautiful architecture and manicured gardens, Purana Qila is a must visit in Delhi. 

How much time to spend at Purana Qila?

On an average visitors would spend 1.5- 2 hours to explore the entire complex of Purana Qila in Delhi.

What is special about Purana Qila?

Purana Qila is one of the oldest forts in Delhi.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR VISITING PURANA QILA, DELHI

• Do not write on or distort the rocks of the fort. You are witnessing a portion of history so respect it.
• The monuments at Purana Qila have stood the test of time. It’s good to respect them by not writing names or scratching the surface.
• Do not dispose of trash in the garden or fort premises. Use trash bins located at various strategic locations.

Read More posts from Delhi here

• Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi
• Best Shopping places in Delhi
• Qutub Minar Complex

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Whether you are visiting Delhi for a short period or a long vacation, shopping is one of the best things to do in Delhi and should not be missed. Souvenirs, wedding trousseau, junk jewellery or ceramics, you name it and you will find it here.

Delhi has a mix of cultures and this is surely visible through its markets. On one side where Delhi markets offer the most modern of the commodities, contemporary and latest, on the other hand it has the most traditional and stick to the roots places where one can shop till one drops. 

Delhi, is a first choice for an amazing shopping experience because of its vibrant markets, world class malls, large wholesale bazaars and street shopping. 

Being the capital of India, Delhi offers an amazing variety of markets – from clothes to leather bags and shoes to any kind of jewellery to electronic goods to brassware and spices. 

To get a comprehensive idea of what all you should shop in Delhi, check out the list below:

Best shopping places in Delhi

Delhi Haat

Often touted as the best shopping market in Delhi, Delhi Haat is based on the concept of a village market selling products directly from the artists.

Located in South Delhi, opposite the INA Market, this ‘village market experience’ makes it a unique experience. Locally it is called Dilli Haat.

Artisans and handicraft weavers from all over the country come here to sell their handicrafts as this place offers a one stop shop for buying the artistry work of different states like hand woven Pashmina Shawls, Phulkari Dupattas and Madhubani paintings’ leather craft, ornaments & light furniture. 

Along with the amazing shopping experience, Delhi Haat is also known for its food court which offers delicious food from various states. 

One should cater the time at the food court too along with the shopping extravaganza as the eatery here offers lip smacking regional food of these states. 

There are 3 Delhi Haat in Delhi – South Delhi, Pitampura and Janakpuri so as to cater to visitors from all areas. However, the one in South Delhi is most visited and buzzing with energy. 

Delhi Haat is open on all days from 11 am to 10 pm. 

The nearest metro station to Delhi Haat is INA on the Yellow Line.

Also Read : Shopping in Jaipur

Janpath Market 

One of the most important markets in Delhi and favourite amongst tourists especially, international tourists is Janpath Market. 

It was earlier known as the Queen’s Way and was an important part of the Lutyens Delhi plan. Stretching approximately 1.5 km from the outer circle of Cannaught Place to Windsor Place, it is also one of the oldest markets in Delhi (few shops were established in the year 1950). 

Janpath hosts a series of shops with products such as Indian traditional kurtis, chudidars, brass ornaments, carpets etc. 

Shops here cater for authentic products from various states. It also caters for various artefacts and artistic decor items. 

There are some amazing cafes around this market and small food joints which makes the shopping experience more enjoyable. Visitors can experience both the regular market and street shopping here. 

Janpath Market because of its holistic shopping experience and being at the most convenient location, makes it one of the best shopping places in Delhi. 

Janpath is closed on Sundays and open on all other days from 10 am to 8 pm. The timings may vary on National Holidays. 

Nearest metro stations to Janpath Market are Janpath Metro Station on Violet Line and Rajiv Chowk Metro Station on both Yellow Line and Blue Line.

Karol Bagh Market

One of the biggest, oldest and most famous markets of Delhi is Karol Bagh Market. The market is a mix of commercial and residential areas.

Majorly, the market is in the form of lanes. Ajmal Khan Road, Arya Samaj Road, Gaffar Market and Bank Street are the important lanes of this market. Where Ajmal Khan Road offers options for traditional lehenga and Kurti shopping, Gaffar Market is an electronics hub. Arya Samaj Market caters for shopping of books and Bank street offers an amazing collection of bridal jewellery. 

On the Arya Samaj Road, there is TipTop Market, a small shopping centre which caters for reasonable home decor and crockery. It’s a treat for homemakers who are planning to decorate their houses. One can get an experience of both shopping in the big showrooms as also buying from the narrow bylanes. 

There are a number of branded eateries here like Dominoes and Pizza Hut along with the regular Delhi Outlets which serve their very own Chola Bhaturas and Tikkis. 

Karol Bagh is a famous market in Delhi and a budget friendly, a place where a full family can go out shopping and eat to their fullest giving a complete family outing experience. 

Karol Bagh is closed on Mondays and open on all other days from 10 am to 8 pm.

The nearest Metro Station is Karol Bagh Metro Station.

Sarojini Nagar Market

The most versatile and exciting shopping experience in Delhi is the Sarojini Nagar Market. It is also one of the cheap shopping places in Delhi and popular among college students.

Sarojini offers the best place to buy clothes in Delhi that can vary from western outfits, denims, jewellery, cheap backpacks and shoes for both men and women. Shoppers will find designer clothes and purses at knock off prices. Some brands include Zara, H & M and Forever21.

Alongwith the shopping options, this market also caters for local food like moong pakoda and chola bhaturas, patti and chats. The Market is closed on Mondays. 

Being the most popular shopping place in Delhi, Sarojini Nagar market is always crowded. If you are looking for the cheapest day to shop here, it is Tuesday as Wednesday is the day of the restocking of the stuff. 

Sarojini Nagar has its own Metro Station by the name of Sarojini Nagar Market Metro Station on the Pink line. You can also get down at INA on Yellow line and take a cab to this market. 

Pro tip: Do carry cash here for faster transactions. Although all sorts of e-payment such as Paytm and UPI are available.

Lajpat Nagar Market

Also known as Central Market by locals, Lajpat Nagar Market is one of the most famous and sought after shopping destinations for tourists. 

One can shop mostly traditional and ethnic wear here along with the leather products. One can also shop the replicas of the expensive designer wear and exorbitant electronic items here as this is where the retailers purchase in bulk. 

This is also the place for wedding shopping as one can get all the stuff at quite affordable prices. Alongwith the shopping items, Lajpat Market also caters for amazing food like momos, chole kulche and chat. 

The nearest Metro Station to the market is Lajpat Nagar Market Metro Station on Pink and Violet Lines. Other public transport services like DTC buses and cabs are available to and from the market. 

Lajpat Nagar market is open on all days except Monday from 11 am to 8pm.

Chandni Chowk

It is one of the most famous and oldest of the markets in India from the Mughal era. 

Chandi Chowk is a confluence of different markets and eatery streets which forms part of the Chandni Chowk area. It comprises Chawri Bazaar, Nai Sadak, Dariba Kalan, Khari Baoli and Parathe wali gali and many more other markets to name. 

After the revamp of Chandni Chowk, it has become free of overhanging cables, old aged buildings and broken roads. The idea was to preserve the oldest market in India and maintain its glory and grandeur. 

Some of the popular stuff available in Chandni Chowk is 

• Chawri Bazaar that caters for the best of wedding cards from cheapest to most expensive ones and the best printing presses in the country.
• Nai Sarak offers books for school, colleges and all indian level competitive exams.
• Dariba Kalan has the best of shops which offer beautiful jewellery for weddings and other occasions. This market is best known for Silver jewellery and items as well as Indian perfumes called Itr.
• Khari Baoli is the largest spice market in Asia. 
• Parathe wali Gali is a famous lane for lip smacking parathas. One can get parathas of various flavours here. 

Shopping and eating here is an experience in itself making it one of the best shopping places in Delhi. 

Chandni Chowk is closed on Sundays and open from 9:30 am to 8 pm on all other days.

Khan Market 

One of the most expensive and classiest markets in Delhi is Khan Market and is surrounded by poshest of the residential places. 

It thrives on the expat as well as the diplomats who come from the upper class of the city to shop here. 

Khan market hosts the most modern of the showrooms for apparels, shoes, jewellery, electronics, books and home decor. It also houses the best of upper end cafes in the city which offer choices of Indian and International cuisines. 

Other than Sundays, Khan Market is open every day from 10 am. 

Nearest metro station to market is Khan Market Metro Station on Violet Line which takes 5 min. One can also reach this market from Jor Bagh Metro Station on Yellow Line which takes 10 min walking.

Connaught Place 

Interestingly, Connaught Place is in the form of two concentric circles, Inner and Outer and with a central park in the middle. It is based on the architecture of the Royal Crescent in Bath, England. 

Connaught Place is a major financial and business hub along with all the branded stores of products. It houses the business headquarters of many big firms and is a big social and commercial place. It has most famous, high end and routine cafes and restaurants which are famous in and around Delhi for its taste and ambience. It boasts of themed restaurants and pubs which makes it famous for its nightlife not only among locals but tourists too. Evenings and weekends are very crowded here. 

Nearest metro station to Connaught Place is Rajiv Chowk Metro station as the inner circle is called Rajiv Chowk. Connaught Place serves as a place to shop and chill for everyone irrespective of its financial status as it houses small roadside cafes to bustling eateries and pubs, therefore it is one of the best shopping places to visit in Delhi.

While visiting Connaught Place, one can also go to Palika Bazaar which is an underground market in the centre of the location. It offers apparels, home decor, watches and electronic goods at very cheap prices. One may get replicas of branded stuff too. 

Another very interesting place to go to at Connaught Place is the State Emporium Complex at Baba Kharak Singh Mark which is very close by. The complex houses State Emporiums of all the major states which showcases clothes, handicrafts etc. of their respective states. The prices here are fixed but quality, authentic.

Greater Kailash (M & N Blocks) 

Also known as GK market by locals, M Block and N block are the two markets close by to each other in the Greater Kailash area.

Away from the hustle bustle of the city, these markets too offer the best of the shops for clothing, footwear and bags. People come here mainly because of the wide variety that it offers and relatively quiet marketplace as compared to others. 

Nehru Place metro station and Kailash Colony metro stations are closer to these markets which are on the Violet Line. 

These markets are closed on Tuesdays and are open from 11:00 am everyday till 7:30 pm.  

Nehru Place Market

A market typically looking after the needs of the tech savvy IT industry, one can get any kind of computer related materials here. Be it hardware or software it caters for all IT requirements. 

One can also get one’s hand on electronic gadgets like video cameras as well as smartphones here. 

Nearest metro station to this market is Nehru Place Metro station which is just around 200 metre away. It is closed on Sundays and opens all other days from 11 am onwards.

Banjara Market 

Going to Banjara Market is a delightful experience, especially for home makers and lovers of ceramic pottery. One can shop for offbeat, unconventional yet pocket friendly items for kitchenware and home decor. It has been ‘the shopping headquarters’ for interior designers as well as bloggers lately. 

Located at Sector 62, Gurugram across the Cyber Hub. Shoppers all over Delhi and NCR flock here for items at best and affordable prices. 

Nearest metro station to this place is Sector 54 which falls under rapid metro Gurugram. From Sikandarpur (Yellow Line) one can take Rapid Metro to reach this place.

Daryaganj Book Market 

Daryaganj Book Market or the Sunday Book Market which is one of the cheapest book market in Delhi. The location of this iconic book bazaar has been shifted to Mahila Haat, Kamla devi Bhawan, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg.  

One can get a book of any author, any genre, here. Books for academics or for competitive exams, name a book and it is available. The place is very crowded most of the time as such keeping patience is a must. One has to dig into the heaps of books to take out the book of our choice and of course trolley to carry the books. Carrying a trolley and water bottle here is advisable owing to the crowd. 

Daryaganj book market is operational only on Sundays. Nearest metro station is Mandi House on the Blue Line. 

Seasonal markets in Delhi

Dastkar Delhi 

Dastkar is a non governmental organisation working with the artisans and craftsmen directly. The aim is to preserve, conserve and promote the traditional handicrafts of our country. 

Every year before Diwali, they organise a Dastkar Mela which aims at getting together various artisans from different states and showcase their skill and work at one place for the common people to see and buy. Various workshops are also organised during these Melas. 

Dastkar Nature Bazaar in Delhi is located in Mehrauli near the Qutub Minar Complex. 

Nearest Metro station to this place is Kisan Haat Metro Station on the Yellow Line. It is also well connected through the DTC buses network. Cabs and rickshaws too are available to reach this place.

Sustainable tips for Shopping places in Delhi

• Avoid buying leather bags and artefacts. Try to buy textile-based local products.
• Carry a bag while shopping and avoid plastic bags.
• Encourage shopkeepers to pack fragile items in a newspaper instead of bubble wrap.

Read more articles on Delhi here:

• Qutub Minar Complex
• Agrasen ki Baoli
• National War Memorial, New Delhi
• Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi

I hope this guide on best Shopping places in Delhi is helpful to pick the perfect souvenirs from Delhi.

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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A towering monument, an architectural masterpiece, historically significant, and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of Delhi is Qutub Minar. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Delhi.

Built as a sign of victory and to display the power and significance of the existence of the rulers prevailing at that time, Qutub Minar definitely is a monument of wonder and one of a kind. 

Qutb Minar and its monuments comprise of Minar, Mosques, and the Iron Pillar making the complete ensemble of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ABOUT QUTUB MINAR COMPLEX

The Qutub Minar Complex was built by the first ruler of the Delhi sultanate, Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak, and later on, completed by his successors over a period of 150 years. The monument stood tall facing all the attacks and natural calamities to date, narrating the grandeur it witnessed over the years. 

Qutub Minar’s height is 72.5 meters and the base diameter is 14.3 meters, making it the tallest brick minaret in the world.

QUTUB MINAR COMPLEX HISTORY

Back in the 12th century, this part of North India was ruled by Mohd. Ghori from the Ghurid dynasty who was known to be the invader from Afghanistan. 

Qutub-ud-din Aibak was a General in Mohd. Ghori’s army was responsible to look after the invaded lands in India. After the death of Mohd. Ghori, Aibak formed his own kingdom and started to rule under the name of the Mamluk dynasty thus establishing the rule of the then Delhi Sultanate and him being the first ruler. 

Qutub Minar facts say that after Qutb-ud-din Aibak, his son-in-law Iltutmish added stories to it, and was repaired and refurbished by Mohd bin Tuglaq and Sikandar Lodi after the events of lightning and earthquake. 

The Qutub Minar Complex is now protected and looked after by the Archeological Survey of India under its Delhi circle of monuments. Others are Agrasen ki Baori, Purana Qila, and a few more.

QUTUB MINAR COMPLEX GUIDE 

While Qutub Minar always grabs attention, the entire complex has many fantastic monuments that should not be missed.

Qutub Minar

Replete with sandstone and marble Qutub Minar architecture astounds visitors.

Qutub Minar is a five-story monument out of which the first three are built with red sandstones, the fourth is made of marble and the fifth is a mixture of both the two. It is said that, architecturally, it was inspired by the Minaret of Jam in Afghanistan and hence was based on the Afghan style of architecture. 

Each story of this monument has a balcony that adorns beautiful designs. From the bottom to the top, one can observe the change in the style of construction and architecture due to the change of time when they were built. 

Few architectural experts say that it can also be categorized under Indo-Islamic architecture as the laborers who built them were locals and were overseen by the Muslim architects thus giving it a good cultural blend. 

One can find the inscription on the stories of Qutub Minar. These are written in Arabic and are the verses from the holy book of the Quran. Have a look at such an architectural blend at the Mandu fort complex.

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque 

Quwwat-Ul-Islam mosque was known as the Jami Masjid in the early days of its inception. It was then renamed as Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque meaning the ‘Might of Islam’. 

The mosque mainly has a central courtyard and also a big prayer hall. One could observe a large massive stone screen standing in front of the prayer hall. The screen is beautifully carved and has inscriptions from the holy book of the Quran. 

It is one of the oldest structures in India depicting the architecture influenced by the Ghurid dynasty. Eventually, many additions were made to this place by Iiltutmish and Alaundin Khilji. 

The building was built of red sandstone, grey quartz, and white marble, however, the mosque is now in ruins and being looked after by the Archeological Survey of India. 

If you are interested in studying the architecture of this place, going there early in the morning would be advisable. This way one can avoid the tourist rush. Read more about old mosques in the city of Bhopal.

Alai Minar 

This is the only unfinished structure in the complex and is associated with the fierce and over-ambitious Alaundin Khilji. 

He wanted to outshine the work of Qutubudin Aibak and thus wanted to build this Minar which was supposedly double in size as the Qutub Minar. He wanted Alai Minar to be so tall that everyone in the world would recognize the might of the great Sultan. He believed that the height of the Minar would depict his greatness and courageous nature. He also wanted the Quwwat-Ul-Islam mosque to be increased by four times and hence there were four gates planned to be constructed to accommodate the big size of the mosque. 

Although in ruins, it looks beautiful and gives insight into how beautiful and majestic it would have looked if it were completed.

Iron Pillar of Chandragupta Maurya 

Weighing around 6 tonnes, this Iron Pillar forms one of the important parts of the Qutub Minar Complex. 

It is around 1600 years old and is exposed to different weather conditions in the city of Delhi, but it is standing tall without even an ounce of rust on it making it an amazing piece of metal for study by metallurgy experts. 

It has inscriptions in Sanskrit and Gupta Brahmi language which date back to the time of Chandragupta Maurya and have been believed to have been erected to commemorate the victory of the king in various battles. It was dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was first believed to be erected in Udayagiri which is located in present-day Madhya Pradesh and then brought to Delhi.

Tomb of Imam Zamin 

Along with these monuments, the Qutub Minar Complex also houses the Tomb of Imam Zamin. Imam Zamim was a Turkestani Imam who lived in this Qutub Minar Complex during the reign of Sikandar Lodi. He came to Delhi in the 15th Century and was the Imam of the Quwwat-Ul-Islam mosque. 

This tomb was constructed by Imam Zamin himself and was buried a few years after his death. The tomb is a small sandstone structure with an octagonal base. 

Tomb & Madrasa of Alauddin Khilji 

This is the only example of the Madrasa and Tomb combination in India and a part of the Qutub Minar Complex. The madrasa was built by Aladdin Khilji to propagate Islamic learning and his tomb is located within the madrasa. Though a mighty ruler, Alauddin Khilji, his tomb is the most simple in the city of Delhi as also it lies in ruins today. 

It is said that Firoz Shah Tuglaq made a few repairs to the tomb but today one finds it in a secluded state. It is said by Sufi saints that it was a sight of pilgrimage earlier and people used to tie threads for the fulfillment of their wishes. 

Tomb of Iltutmish 

Another important part of the Qutub Minar Complex is the Tomb of Iltutmish. It is the first tomb of a Sultan in India and was built by Iltutmish himself. It is located in the North West direction of the Quwwat-Ul-Islam mosque. 

The outer of the tomb is plain but the inner part is rich in decorative aspects. It has three beautifully carved arches. 

The entrance has beautiful geometrical patterns and engraved motifs like lotus, diamonds, and wheels which also gives an insight of the local architecture prevalent at that time.

Alai Darwaza 

Stands in the southern direction of the Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque in the Qutub Minar Complex, is the Alai Darwaza. It was a part of the massive enlargement project undertaken by Alauddin Khilji after his win over the Deccan part of India to show gratitude towards God for his victory. 

Under this project, he wanted to enlarge the Quwwat-Ul-Islam and made four gates adjoining it in all four directions. As per his plans, only Alai Darwaza could be constructed as he died after its construction. It looks like a square-shaped domed house with arched entrances. It depicts Indo-Islamic architecture and is amongst the first structures built by such architecture in India. 

Sanderson’s sundial 

Gordon Sanderson was the archaeologist of the Archeological Survey of India and this sundial has been installed to commemorate his achievements. He was appointed to undertake research on several historical buildings in Delhi, Agra, Gwalior, and nearby places.

Smith’s Folly 

Folly, or the architectural disaster as mentioned by historians, is a cenotaph or a chhatri-shaped structure placed in the Qutub Minar Complex in Mehrauli, Delhi. 

Qutub Minar has been struck by lightning and shaken by earthquakes making it vulnerable and efforts have been taken the time and again to restore the minaret. One such effort was made by Maj Robert Smith directed by the British Governor General of India, Lord Wellesly. He placed a Hindu-style cupola on an Indo-Islamic structure which looked absolutely out of place and out of sync. Hence, it was taken out and placed on the lawns of the Qutub Minar Complex.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Photography at Qutb Complex

Photography is allowed at the Qutub complex. One can click photos from a phone and DSLR with no extra charge. However, the use of tripods or any professional photography needs prior permission from ASI.

Qutub Minar Ticket Price (as of January 2023)

Indian nationals: INR 40

Foreign nationals: INR 500

Video Camera charge: INR 25

Best time to visit Qutb Minar complex

It is advisable to visit Qutub Minar in winter as the cool weather makes it comfortable for sightseeing. 

The complex is open every day from 7 am to 5 pm. It opens up again at 7 pm in the evening for night viewing and closes back at 10 pm. 

The experience at night is totally different from that of the day as many of the structures including the Qutub Minar are all lit up at night beautifying it to another level.

How to reach Qutub Minar by Metro, Bus, Taxi, Auto 

The nearest metro station to Qutub Minar Complex is Qutub Minar Metro Station which is on the yellow line of the Delhi Metro Rail Network. The approximate distance of Qutub Minar from the metro station is 1.60 Kilometres. Auto Rickshaws and taxis are available here and one can also take a DTC bus which has a good frequency. 

WHERE TO STAY IN MEHRAULI, DELHI

Since all touristy things are spread across Delhi, it may be difficult to decide the area of accommodation in Delhi. South Delhi and Mehrauli offer a few upscale spaces but are safer. Most places have good connectivity with auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis and metro.

There are great options for hotels, resorts, homestays and hostels in Delhi. Some of the options are:

Luxury hotel: ITC Maurya, The Imperial Hotel, The Lodhi

Mid Range hotel: The Claridges, New Delhi, Radisson Blu, CP, Radisson Blu, Dwarka

Homestay: Prakash Kutir B&B, Thikana Delhi

Hostel: The Hosteller, Madpackers Delhi, Zostel Delhi

FAQs for QUTUB MINAR COMPLEX

What is included in the Qutub complex?

Apart from the Qutub Minar, other monuments include Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza gate, the Alai Minar and the Iron pillar.

Who built the Qutub Minar complex?

Qutbu’d-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the muezzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey. Later on, three more storeys were added by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish.

How many steps are there in Qutub Minar?

The whole tower contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps. Each storey has a balcony that encircles the tower.

Is entry allowed inside Qutub Minar?

No entry inside Qutub Minar is prohibited since the fatal stampede in 1981.

Is worship allowed in Qutb Complex?

As per the Ancient Monuments Act, the Qutub Minar Complex is a monument and no right to worship can be granted at this place.

What is Qutub Festival?

To celebrate the cultural legacy, Qutub Festival is organised every year in the month of November & December. It’s an art festival which happens for three days witnessing live performances of various singers, dancers, and artists. 

Are bags allowed in Qutub Complex?

Visitors are not allowed to take any kind of luggage inside the complex. There is a cloakroom, where you will have to deposit bags, backpacks, etc. No food is allowed inside the complex, except drinking water.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR VISITING QUTUB MINAR COMPLEX

• Do not write on or distort the rocks of the fort. You are witnessing a portion of history so respect it.
• The monuments of Qutub have stood the test of time. It’s good to respect them by not writing names or scratching the surface.

Read More posts from Delhi here

• National War Memorial, Delhi
• Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi
• Best Shopping places in Delhi

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About National War Memorial (Rashtriya Samar Smarak)

Soldiers are the most important force of any country – protecting the borders on land, water and air. They stand guarding the country in the toughest weather conditions like in Siachin (-50 degrees) or in Jaisalmer (50 degrees). The National War Memorial is dedicated to all the soldiers who leave their families for protecting our motherland. This is the best way to pay tribute to the martyrs.

Just like there is the Kargil War Memorial commemorating the soldiers of the 1999 Kargil War, the National War Memorial is built to honour all the martyred Indian soldiers in all major wars. Soldier lives lost during Indo-Pak Wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971, Indo-China War in 1962, Indian Peace Keeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka, Kargil Conflict in 1999 and more are commemorated here. Even the sacrifices made by the many soldiers during UN Peacekeeping Missions, relief operations, counter-insurgency strikes and others.

A symbol of pride and bravery, the war memorial lists the names of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The site does not mourn the death of the heroes but celebrates their lives and their contribution to the country.

Where is National War Memorial?

National War Memorial is located in the same compound as India Gate in New Delhi. 

Due to the ongoing construction of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, the entrance to India Gate and National War Memorial is separate. And sadly, there are no parking spots around. You can be dropped off at the nearest entry gate.

My Visit to National War Memorial, New Delhi

After my visit to Agrasen ki Baoli, I headed to the National War Memorial. We circled twice in the area to figure out the entry gate. And finally, we were able to. 

We were dropped off at the entry gate and from there we were guided to talk to an officer. The officer patiently waited for my family and after he had our attention gave a small introduction.

He informed us that India Gate acts as a memorial to 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died between 1914 and 1921, especially during World War I. The National War Memorial pays tribute to martyred Indian soldiers. It was inaugurated by our Prime Minister on 25th February 2019.

He guided us to start with the Param Vir Chakra section. The section has installed bronze busts of all the 21 recipients of the Param Vir Chakra in the Param Yodha Sthal, which is a part of the National War Memorial. He also guided us to whisper if talking is necessary and asked us not to shoot videos. Photos are allowed.

We started the walk in this section which is in a huge area. Every soldier who was the recipient of Param Vir Chakra and his story is put up for visitors to read.

After this section was over, we came back to the entrance, crossed the road and entered the War Memorial premises.

Architecture of the National War Memorial

A global architectural design competition was announced and a Chennai-based architectural firm WeBe Design Lab was declared the winner. 

The sign at the entrance gives the history behind the design of the memorial. The memorial symbolizes the immortality of the spirit of the soldier and celebrates his indomitable courage. The concept of the National War Memorial is based on four concentric circles, which characterize the journey of a soldier from birth to martyrdom.

Amar Chakra (Circle of Immortality): The obelisk with eternal flame symbolises the immortality of the spirit of a soldier with an assurance that the Nation will never forget their sacrifices.

It is the centre point of the Memorial. It is a 15.5-metre tall tower with the National Emblem of India which has the eternal flame (the first eternal flame being at India Gate which was recently merged here.

Veerta Chakra (Circle of Bravery): A covered gallery that exhibits the valiant acts of our Armed Forces during operations represented through bronze murals.

Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice): The names of 29,760 soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice are inscribed in golden letters on granite tablets arranged in a circular pattern which symbolizes the ancient war formation ‘Chakravyuh’.

Rakshak Chakra (Circle of Protection): The row of dense trees in the Rakshak Chakra is a reassurance to the citizens of the country about their safety against any threat with each tree representing many soldiers wh guard the territorial integrity of the Nation around the clock.

Retreat Ceremony at National War Memorial 

A ‘retreat’ ceremony takes place every evening wherein the flags of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force and the national flag are slightly lowered before sunset. 

‘Next-of-kin’ Ceremony

The ‘next-of-kin’ ceremony is one where a family member of a soldier who died in the line of duty is present at the National War Memorial and he/she lays a wreath at the Amar Chakra. 

Change of Guard Ceremony

The Defense services namely Army, Navy and Air Force share all the duties at the War Memorial and divide the responsibilities among themselves. The duties are passed on weekly from Army to Navy to Air Force. This is called the ‘Change of Guard’ ceremony.

A guard (soldier) stands by the flame day and night. 

National War Memorial Mobile App

NWM App has many features incorporated such as multilingual interaction in 21 regional languages to facilitate easier comprehension for visitors from all over the country, user-friendly features for differently-abled persons, creation and integration of 166 Bluetooth Beacons for location and live mobile mapping with a virtual tour guide, audio commentary in 21 languages providing information on various battles/ wars, search facility to locate individual names amongst 26,368 battle casualties, online quizzes/ events and provision for online donations to Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund.

Paying a virtual tribute

The complex has four digital screens. They provide information to visitors and also facilitate paying virtual tribute through the Augmented Reality (AR) feature which incorporates the provision of virtual photographs with Battle Casualties, Roll of Honour of Battle Casualties and OTP-based registration of visitors.

How to Reach National War Memorial

By Metro, the National War Memorial can be reached from Central Secretariat, Janpath, Udhyog Bhawan, Mandi House, Khan Market and Pragati Maidan Metro Stations. All these metro stations are located within the range of 2-3 kilometres and auto-rickshaws and taxis are available to reach National War Memorial. 

National War Memorial Entry Fee

The entry is free to all

Best time to visit National War Memorial

The War Memorial opens at 9 am every day and closes at 7:30 pm in winter and 8:30 pm in summer. Evenings are the best time to enjoy the lighting scheme and watch the ‘Retreat drill’ that takes place every day. On Sundays, visitors can witness the ‘Change of Guard Ceremony’ and band display before the Retreat Drill.

Read more articles on Delhi here:

• Qutub Minar Complex
• Agrasen ki Baoli
• Shopping Places in Delhi
• Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi

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Also known as Ugrasen ki Baodi, it is one of the must-visit places in Delhi. Here is the guide to Agrasen ki Baoli.

What is a Baoli?

Baoli or Baodi is a water reservoir that was commissioned and constructed by the kings from yesteryears. Structures were constructed around these reservoirs and it also involved a series of steps that lead down to the well. These reservoirs were constructed in places with water shortage

In many places, these step wells have intricately carved walls and pillars and they served as a community meeting place for the locals.

Stepwells are present across the country, especially in West and North India. In Delhi, they are called Baoli, in Rajasthan – Kund, in Gujarat – Vav and in Maharashtra – Barav. 

Read more – Adalaj ni Vav, Sevasi Vav, Panna Meena ka Kund, Jaipur

History of Agrasen Ki Baodi stepwell

There is no recorded history of who built the step well but it is believed to have been commissioned by King Agrasen around 3000 BC. Maharaja Agrasen was popular for the Agroha Kingdom which was popular as the kingdom of traders. It is said that the Agrawal community are the descendants of this kingdom.

The Baoli is an ancient stepwell that is 60 meters long, 15 meters wide, and has 108 steps. It also has three levels and each of them has niched arches on either side of the well.

Is Agrasen Ki Baoli haunted?

According to the legends, the water in the reservoir turned black in colour. It is said that when people approached the black water in the well, they would be enticed by it and were compelled to commit suicide. 

As they leapt from the well into the depths of the black water below, the water would rise up and spill over, oozing the blood of its victim.  

In the current scenario, this ‘black water’ has dried up but the modern-day legend still says that the stepwell is haunted by ghosts and demons that exist in the depths of the Agrasen ki Baoli. People have claimed that they have heard footsteps behind them. 

Whether the visitors believe in ghosts of Agrasen ki Baoli or not, one can spend some peaceful time at the stepwell.

Movie shooting at Agrasen ki Baoli

While the locals have been visiting the stepwell for long, many movies have been shot at  Agrasen ki Baoli. The Bollywood Movie ‘PK’ particularly made this stepwell popular followed by Instagram posts.

My visit to Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi

What seemingly looks like a regular place on the street, the stepwell that is thousands of years old is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Delhi Travel Guide is incomplete without a visit to Agrasen ki Baoli.

An information panel near the gate gives some info about the stepwell. As the visitors climb up the few steps, one can see the steps leading to the reservoir down. One cannot help but notice the city skyscrapers overlooking the historical landmark of Delhi. 

The bad odours emitting from the arches fill up the air but that doesn’t deter many visitors from spending hours in the peaceful environs of the step wells and posing for photos.

The Baoli is built with rubble and stones and is one of the most finely kept and preserved Baolis in Delhi and around. The main feature of the structure is the long flight of steps leading down to the stepwell. The steps are flanked on both sides by thick walls with a series of arched corridors. 

On the west side of the stepwell is a small mosque with three openings. Raised on a solid platform with underground dalans on the sides, it has a whale-back roof and pillar columns of red sandstone.

Agrasen Ki Baoli timing

The stepwell is open every day, including Sundays, from 9 am to 5:30 pm. 

Agrasen Ki Baoli ticket prices

Entry is free to Agrasen ki Baoli for all visitors. Photography is also free but tripods and drones are not allowed.

How to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi | Nearest Metro to Agrasen ki Baoli

The Nearest Metro station to Agrasen Ki Baoli is Barakhamba Road or Rajiv Chowk station.

From Barakhamba Road it’s a 10-minute walk to Agrasen ki Baoli and from Rajiv Chowk, the walk will take 15 minutes to Hailey Road.

One can use the app-based Ola or Uber or even an auto-rickshaw to reach the Baoli from anywhere in Delhi.

Photography at Agrasen ki baoli

Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi is extremely popular for photography enthusiasts because the ruins look beautiful. Being an ASI protected monument, professional photography, pre-wedding photoshoots and fashion photoshoots are possible with prior permission.

This place does get busy during the day with tourists, college students and locals. So, if you want clear photos, visit early in the morning.

Hotels near Agrasen ki Baoli

Being in the Connaught Place area, there are some good accommodation options for stay. Visitors can choose from budget stays to luxury stays.

Luxury hotels: Le Meridien New Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

Mid-range: Connaught Royale Delhi, Hotel The Royal Plaza

Sustainable tips to explore the Baoli

• Being an ancient stepwell, respect the structures by not defacing them. 
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it.
• Do not dispose of garbage in the stepwell premises or in the water well.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly.

Read More Delhi posts

Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi

Qutub Minar

Purana Qila

National War Memorial, Delhi

Shopping places in Delhi

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While I was deciding on my Delhi Travel Guide, I came to know about Waste to Wonder Park. The park is made from different types of Waste, much like the Chandigarh Rock Garden. It was the first for me and I was surely excited to visit the Waste to Wonder Park.

Why the name Waste to Wonder Park?

This tourist attraction is an ode to the seven wonders of the world. The Waste to Wonder Park has installed replicas of seven iconic edifices using waste scrap. The seven wonders recreated here are pieces of art as the waste is perfectly aligned to give respect to the original structures. 

About Waste to Wonder Park

Spread across 5 acres of land, Waste to Wonder Park is a sustainable place in Delhi. The sculptures are constructed away from each other and a well-laid path directs visitors to each one of them. The entire area is full of flowering shrubs, manicured gardens and trees giving it a feeling of must visit parks in Delhi. 

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), the governing body behind the construction of Waste to Wonder park has utilized over 150 tonnes of industrial and automobile waste to develop and build the 7 wonders of the world sculptures in the park. 

The park is sustainable in many ways and not just the installation of structures. Waste to Wonder park is eco-friendly as it consists of 3 windmills (worth 1 KW), 3 solar trees (worth 5 KW) and a rooftop solar panel of 10 KW. This park is self-sufficient for running on its renewable energy.

Seven wonders of the world whose miniature replicas are present at Waste to Wonder Park are Taj Mahal, Agra, India, Great Pyramid of Giza, Eiffel Tower of Paris, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Christ the Redeemer Statue of Rio De Janeiro, Rome’s Colosseum and the Statue of Liberty, USA.

The replicas of these seven wonders made out of waste have been given a bright and finished look with old sodium lights installed within them, to highlight their features.

The park was made a reality thanks to five artists, seven supporting artists and 70 welders.

Details about the structures at Waste to Wonder Delhi

After the entry into the main gate, visitors are greeted with a photo-op of a vintage car. Visitors have to follow a trail to reach the first replica. There are details about each sculpture as a display board that notifies visitors on what is used. At the end of the 7th wonder, there is a cafe where one can enjoy local delicacies and fast food. 

Pyramid of Giza

The Pyramid of Giza is 18 feet high and 10 feet wide. Around 110 layer structure has been generated by using 10,800 scrap angles. This sculpture has utilized 10 tonnes of waste material.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The leaning tower of Pisa is 39 feet high and 10 feet wide and has been given the exact tilt of 86 degrees. It has been constructed out of waste such as cable wire wheels, automobile parts, typewriter parts, truck metal sheets, clutch plates, C channels and angles. It has 182 columns that are made of pipes and automobile gears. This sculpture has utilized 9 tonnes of waste and took 100 days to complete.

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is 70 feet high and 27 feet wide.  The materials used in making this replica are truck petrol tanks, automobile parts, garden railing parts, clutch plates, C channels and 3”, 4”, 5” angles. This sculpture utilized 15 tonnes of waste and took 130It totally gives the real Parisian feel by visiting here. I can say so because I have seen the real one. Check my 3 days Paris guide: Paris highlights for first time visitors.

Colosseum

The Colosseum at Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi is 16 feet high and 49 feet in length. The Colosseum has utilized scraps from children’s parks such as slides, swings and see-saw. Other materials used are gears, angles, square metal pipes, electric poles, automobile spare parts, metal railings, sheets of trucks and meta benches. There are 162 pillars and the arch of each pillar is made from 410 car wheels. This not-so-miniature sculpture has utilized 11 tonnes of waste scrap and was made in 100 days.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is special for every Indian as it has put India on the global map. The replica of Taj Mahal in the park has utilized enough space for a small garden and fountains just like in the original one.

This sculpture is 37 feet high and 43 feet wide. It has utilized materials such as angles, trucks, cupboard sheets, nuts and boils, cycle tyre rims, electric pole pipes, park benches, children swings, old utensils like cooking kadhais and benches. 

The Taj Mahal sculpture used 16 tonnes of scrap and took 130 days to complete.

Christ the Redeemer

This sculpture is 25 feet high and 9 feet wide. It has utilized scraps such as electric pipes, automobile scrap, bike chains, spring, hand cart, auto-rickshaw parts, park benches, angles and gears. This sculpture at Waste to Wonder park utilized 15 tonnes of waste and was made in 130 days.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is 32 feet high and 17 feet wide. It is one of the most popular sculptures in the park. It has utilized angles from auto-rickshaw, slides from children’ park, tea stall, park benches, hand cart, electric metal wires, metal sheets, cycle chains and bike rims. This statue has utilized 4 tonnes of waste and was made in 90 days flat.

Location of Waste to Wonder Park

The miniature versions of the 7 Wonders of the World made with recycled scraps from landfill sites are located at Block A, Ganga Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan, New Delhi.

Nearest metro to Waste to Wonder Park

Hazrat Nizamuddin Metro Station on the pink line of Delhi Metro.

Waste to Wonder Entry Fee

Waste to Wonder ticket price is INR 50 for adults. It is free for children below 3 years of age and senior citizens above 65 years of age. For 3 to 12 years the entry fee is INR 25. 

Waste to Wonder Park Timings

The park is open from 11 am to 11 pm. It is closed on Mondays. 

Best time to visit Waste to Wonder Park

The best to visit Waste to Wonder is in the evenings during summer as it is pleasant and the park and sculptures are lit up. In winters the best time is in the afternoon by soaking up some sun.

Places to visit near the park

Humanyun’s tomb

Humayun’s Tomb is the Mughal Emperor Humayun’s Mausoleum. It is one of the earliest examples of the garden tomb characteristic of Mughal-era architecture.

Sunder Nursery

It is a green space spread in a 90-acre land that includes a garden, a nursery & a historic tomb. 

Sustainable tips for Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi

• Respect the sculptures by not touching/sitting on them. Do not cross the fence that protects the structure.
• Do not harm the sculptures by carving, writing or spitting on it.
• Do not pluck flowers from the garden.
• Dispose of garbage in the dustbins located at specific points.

Read more Delhi posts here:

Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi

Qutub Minar Complex

National War Memorial

Shopping Places in Delhi

Wondering about weekend trips from Delhi to the mountains? Here are some great options:

• Things to do in Manali
• Places to visit in Mcleodganj
• Rishikesh Travel Guide

Like Sustainable places? Check out some innovative International Places following Sustainable Tourism:

• Laos: Sustainable Tourism in Luang Prabang
• Thailand: Nakhon Phanom Things to do
• Netherlands: NDSM Wharf 

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running. Read about my Privacy Policy.

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The first time I visited Delhi was for work back in 2014. I was extremely nervous and had no idea what to expect during my visit to Delhi. After taking many one-day trips to Delhi over the last decade, I only recently visited all the tourist places in Delhi.

Based on my visit, here is a Delhi Travel Guide for the best things to do in Delhi. It covers offbeat gems like Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi, to UNESCO Heritage sites like Qutub Minar Complex.

But before I dive into the best places to visit in Delhi, let me cover some basics.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR DELHI | DELHI TRAVEL GUIDE

How many days do I spend in Delhi?

It depends on the time one has! It is possible to have a good experience by spending 24 hours in Delhi, 36 hours in Delhi, 2 days in Delhi, 3 days in Delhi, one week in Delhi and even 10 days in Delhi. Depending upon the slow and fast travel one prefers, one can try various combinations. 

Why visit Delhi? Is Delhi worth visiting?

There are always questions like what to do in Delhi, and what the places are. Being the capital of India, Delhi is sought after for a visit. Since it has good connectivity with international destinations, most tourists land here. It is only obvious to spend some time here before heading anywhere else. Delhi also forms the famous tourist circuit – The golden triangle of India that includes Jaipur, Agra and Delhi.

Delhi is the capital of modern India and has been the capital of at least seven previous civilisations. Each civilisation has left behind a trail of monuments that still exist here. Delhi’s historical charm includes three UNESCO World Heritage sites – Red Fort, Qutb Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

First time travelling to Delhi or India

Are you an international passport holder, travelling to India for the first time? Then there are 50% chances that you will land in Delhi. Check out this post to equip yourself better – Everything you need to know before travelling to India.

How to get around Delhi

Delhi has an excellent transportation system. Metro and public buses are conveniently available. The Metro train system, just like most big cities in the world, exists, but getting to the visitor places from the metro train station could be a hassle while on a short trip. Auto rickshaws are available right outside the metro stations.

If visitors are on a short trip to Delhi, then it is best to simply hire a car and driver for the duration of your stay to get around. Another option is the travel-based apps – Uber and Ola, which are a blessing to move from one place to another.

Keep in mind the heavy traffic timings and avoid them if possible. Heavy traffic timings are 9 am to 11 am, and 5.30 pm to 7 pm.

THINGS TO DO IN DELHI

It is obvious to get overwhelmed by the capital of India, whether you are a first-time visitor to Delhi or a regular one. Right from deciding the safest mode to reach the city from the airport to deciding places to visit in Delhi, from deciding what to eat in Delhi to deciding where to shop in Delhi, the questions are unending.

There are so many things to do in Delhi, it is hard to even know how to begin a Delhi city guide, and what Delhi travel tips to offer to visitors who want to explore and experience the best sights in Delhi, the best nightlife of Delhi, the best attractions of Delhi and must-visit landmarks of Delhi. 

What to do in Delhi, and what are the best places to see in Delhi? These are common questions. Delhi is a big city so to cover the maximum number of places, one has to carefully plan the day and places that are near to each other. Following is a must-see list for Delhi.

Jama Masjid

The highlight of Old Delhi is the Jama Masjid. Also known as Masjid-i-jahan-Numa, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. While Jama Masjid exists in many Indian cities, Jama Masjid Delhi can contain over 25,000 people who pray together on the occasion of Eid. Jama Masjid is also a must-visit while in Ahmedabad.

Jama Masjid and its courtyard took the efforts of over 5000 workers to construct the monument. The mosque comprises three highly decorated gates, two 40-meter-high minarets and four towers. The mosque is constructed of white marble and red sandstone. Above the prayer hall’s entrances are calligraphic inscriptions in Persian. Three large marble domes rise from the prayer hall’s roof.

Timings of Jama Masjid: 7 am to Noon,1:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Note: Tourists are not allowed during prayer hours.

Entry fees for Jama Masjid: Free (Photography charges are extra INR 300).

Red Fort – must visit place in Delhi

Also known as Lal Qila, Red Fort is of historical as well as present-day importance. The Red Fort is the place from which India’s Prime Minister addresses the nation on Independence Day. Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the must-visit tourist places in Delhi. Red Fort, Delhi, was also built by Shah Jahan in the 17th Century and served as his residence.

Constructed in red sandstone, the Red Fort is spread over an area of 250 acres. The fort is a complex that encloses palaces, entertainment halls, projecting balconies, baths, indoor canals, gardens, and a mosque. Among the most famous structures of the complex are the Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-ʿAm), which has 60 red sandstone pillars supporting a flat roof, and the Hall of Private Audience (Diwan-i-Khas), which has a pavilion of white marble.

Timings of Red Fort, Delhi: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. 

Entry fees of Red Fort: INR 35 for Indian nationals and INR 500 for foreigners. Light and Sound Show, Red Fort ticket charge is extra. (Note: The Light and Sound show at, Red Fort has been closed since COVID-19).

Jantar Mantar | Delhi Observatory

Jantar Mantar, also called the Delhi Observatory, is one of the most prominent astronomical observatories in the country. The Jantar Mantar observatory in Delhi comprises 14 astronomical instruments of which four are primary devices. These are Samrat Yantra, the Jayaprakash Yantra, the Rama Yantra, and the Misra Yantra. The sundial is one of the most popular here and is based on the ancient Egyptian Ptolemaic structure. It is one of the largest in the world and is used to tell time accurately to half a second. Most of these instruments were designed by Maharaja Jai Singh II.

Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a similar but smaller version exists in Jaipur.

Timings for Jantar Mantar Delhi: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entry fees for Jantar Mantar Delhi: INR 25 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreigners.

Qutub Minar Complex

Qutub Minar or Qutb Minar is one of the top things to do in Delhi. Built in the 12th century by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, Qutub Minar is India’s highest tower. It is another UNESCO Heritage Site in Delhi and also the tallest brick minaret in the world. The total height of the minaret is 240 meters, which is almost 5 storeys high. The first 3 storeys of the Qutub Minar are made using red sandstone, whereas the top 2 storeys are made up of marble. It is hard not to miss that all structures in the complex have carvings of Hindu motifs or gods on them. 

The complex has several other related historical monuments, including a collection of tombs and gardens. The most significant of these is the Quwwat-ul-Islam (the Might of Islam) mosque. The 

Iron Pillar at Qutub Minar was built in honour of Chandragupta II during the Gupta reign in the 4th century. It is a fine example of ancient Indian metallurgy, because of its baffling property of not rusting in spite of being open for 2000 years.

Timings of Qutub Minar, Delhi: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Entry fees for Qutub Minar: INR 35 for Indian nationals and INR 550 for foreigners. Light and Sound Show tickets cost extra.

Humayun’s Tomb

Another important Delhi highlight among the places to visit in Delhi includes Humayun’s Tomb. It is a mausoleum constructed in red sandstone and white marble and spread over 52 acres. Humayun’s Tomb was constructed in the 16th century after the death of the Mughal emperor Humayun. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1933.

The entire complex is divided into four large squares using causeways and water channels. Each of the four squares is further subdivided in like manner so that the whole is subdivided into 36 smaller squares. The tomb structure occupies the four central squares and is surrounded by gardens all around.

The structure inspired several other significant architectural achievements, including the Taj Mahal.

Timings of Humayun’s Tomb: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Entry fees for Humayun’s Tomb: INR 35 for Indian nationals and INR 550 for foreigners.

Purana Qila | Old Fort Delhi

Purana Qila, or Old Fort, is a 16th-century stone fort near the eastern edge of the city. History runs deep in Purana Qila as excavations in the fort show the area was inhabited, reportedly back to 300 BC. The fort is said to be built at the site of Indraprastha, which, according to the Mahabharata, was the capital of the kingdom of the Pandavas.

The fort has three gateways – Bara Darwaza facing west, the Humayun Gate facing south, and the Talaqqi Gate, which is often referred to as the forbidden gate. All of the gates are double-storeyed and consist of huge semi-circular bastions flanking either of their sides.

The complex is spread across a huge area, some of which have gardens and some areas that have wild trees. Some other noteworthy structures inside the Purana Qila complex include a mosque – Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, a stepwell, a squat tower used as a library-cum-observatory called Sher Mandal and an Archaeological Museum.

Talking about forts, read about the second-longest wall in the world – Kumbhalgarh or trek at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Lohagarh Fort. 

Timings for Purana Qila, Delhi: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry fee for Purana Qila, Delhi: INR 15 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreigners. Boating charges are extra.

Agrasen ki Baoli

Lately, I have been obsessed with stepwells and I leave no chance to visit a stepwell that exists in the city. Having visited stepwells like Panna Meena Kund, Jaipur, Sevasi Vav, Vadodara, Rani-ki-vav, Patan, I wanted to tick off Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi. 

The stepwell measures 60 meters north-south and is 15 meters wide at ground level. The steps are flanked on both sides by thick walls with a series of arched corridors.

Timings for Agrasen ki Baoli: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry fee for Agrasen ki Baoli: Free

Delhi Travel Guide – Visit Lodhi Gardens

Delhi is a green city with ample gardens. Lodhi Garden is one of the Delhi Tourist places that should be ticked off. Lodhi Gardens is a public park situated in the upscale locality of New Delhi. Apart from the garden, the 90 acres of area houses a lake and architecturally beautiful complexes from the 14th and 15th centuries such as Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, Sikandar Lodi’s Tomb, Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad.

Visitors include not only joggers and picnic lovers but also architectural enthusiasts and heritage lovers. Many heritage walks are conducted here.

Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

India Gate and National War Memorial

India Gate is the largest war memorial in India and is very similar to the Arc de Triomphe of Paris in its architecture. The memorial is a monumental sandstone arch dedicated to 70 thousand soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives between 1914 and 1921 during the Anglo-Afghan War and the First World War, and has names of over 13 thousand soldiers inscribed in the structure.

The National War Memorial symbolises the nation’s gratitude for the personnel of the Indian Armed Forces who made the sacrifice in the defence of the country since independence. It is possible to pay homage to the martyrs by clicking on the many screens in the complex or even in online mode.

Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm

Entry fees: Free

Connaught Place

Connaught Place, commonly called CP is an upscale business and commercial hub, centred on a ring of collonaded Georgian-style buildings. It houses global chain stores, theatres, bakeries, bars and Indian restaurants. There also exists the newly opened Museum of Illusions.

It is said that Delhi nightlife happens in CP. Whether one visits during the day or night, spending some time here is worth it.

Connaught Place Timings: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm. The restaurants are open till 11:00 pm.

Entry fees: Free

National Museum

The National Museum is one of the largest museums in India with over 210,000 art objects, paintings, wood carvings, sculptures and murals on display, some of which date back to prehistoric times (4th and 5th centuries). This 3 storeys premier museum of India houses galleries that have an impressive collection of artefacts from across the country and the world. 

Timings of National Museum: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays)

Entry fees of the National Museum: INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 650 for foreigners

National Railway Museum

Indian Railways has been special for travellers. The National Rail Museum comprises India’s railway heritage, exclusive exhibits, antique locomotives, train rides, a showcase of technical enhancements done in railways, and a lot more. It showcases both indoor and outdoor exhibits. 

There is a toy ride inside the museum, in which the visitors can take a round of the entire outdoor museum and get a glimpse of all the exhibits in one go. The National Rail Museum is spread over an area of 11 acres and offers a treat for not just kids but a learning experience for adults too.

Timings of National Rail Museum: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm (Closed on Mondays and National Holidays).

Entry fees of National Rail Museum: INR 50 on weekdays, INR 100 on weekends. Kids entry fees are INR 10 on weekdays and INR 20 on weekends. Toy train charges are INR 50 per adult and INR 20 for a child. and INR 650 for foreigners.

Lotus Temple

Constructed in the shape of a blooming lotus flower, Lotus temples house a big prayer hall and have manicured gardens and nine pools bordered by red sandstone walkways, all around giving the feeling of a white lotus blooming in a green pond. 

Also known as the Bahá’í House of Worship, this magnificent structure stands for the principle of the oneness of humankind. People of all racial, religious, and national backgrounds are welcome to pray and meditate within its precincts.

Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry fees: Free

Akshardham Temple 

Akshardham Temple is a spiritual complex in New Delhi. The term Akshardham is the combination of two words, ‘Akshar’ meaning ‘eternal’ and ‘Dham’ meaning ‘abode’. Akshardham displays numerous traditional aspects, beautiful architecture, Indian culture and spirituality. In the centre, the main complex is built on the principles of Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shashtra, which is called Akshardham Mandir. 

The temple is constructed using Italian Carrara marble and pink sandstone. It has more than 234 beautifully carved pillars, 9 elaborate domes, 20 quadrangle spires and 20,000 sculptures of spiritual personalities from India. While this one is spread over 100 acres, a smaller version of the Akshardham temple is present in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm

Entry fees: While the temple entry is free, the exhibition costs INR 170.

Hauz Khas Village

Known as ‘The National Capital of Ethnic Chic’, the hip and trendy Hauz Khas Village is a beautiful urban village nestled in a corner among the ruins of Hauz Khas Fort. Hauz Khas village is a popular place amongst the locals for the best nightlife in Delhi as it offers retro clubs, pubs and fine dining restaurants. 

Adjacent Deer Park has picnic huts, Hauz Khas lake facing tombs and religious monuments dating back to the 14th century. There are many hostels for tourists who want to enjoy a slow urban life.

Timings for Hauz Khas: 10:30 am to 8:30 pm. Restaurants are open till 1 am.

Entry fees for Hauz Khas: Free to the village. INR 25 for Hauz Khas fort.

SHOPPING IN DELHI

Shopping in Delhi needs a dedicated blog post, as Delhi is a shopaholic paradise. Whether you are looking for affordable streetwear or upscale designer wear, there are markets for one and all. There are specific markets for buying wedding wear, street shopping, antiques, home furnishing and crockery. The city is full of markets, stores, shopping centres, and street stalls.

Shopping markets in Delhi

Khan Market, Delhi: For upscale shopping, Khan Market is a one-stop shopping centre in central Delhi. 

Sarojini Market and Kamala Nagar Market: They are traditional markets that make their presence felt with affordable clothes. 

Janpath Market: Is popular for souvenirs and jewellery, especially for international travellers.

Lajpat Market: It is a home-maker’s favourite with a variety of housewares. 

Dilli Haat: It is also a popular place with tourists for fixed-price souvenir shopping.

Recommended Read: Shopping Places in Delhi

FOOD IN DELHI

Food is a big part of Delhi life so I have to include it in this Delhi Travel Guide. Food in Delhi is a representation of all states in India. There are hotels, roadside cafes and dhabas serving Punjabi chole-kulche and lassi, Bombay Pav-bhaji, Samosa, Chaats, Masala-Dosa, and contemporary dishes such as pasta, Maggi, pizza and others. Each area in Delhi has a special restaurant and cafe. However, some of the must-visit places in Delhi for popular food in Delhi is

Chandni Chowk

Paranthe wali Galli is famous for vegetarian food in Chandni Chowk. Some of the legendary places in Chandni Chowk include Babu Ram Devi Dayal Paranthe Wale, Kake Di Hatti, Lotan Chole Wala, Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, Padam Chaat Corner, Hazari Lal Khurchan Wale, Khan Omelette Corner and Old Famous Jalebi Wala.

Jama Masjid

The alley just outside near Jama Masjid is a haven for non-vegetarian items. The area is lined with stalls and carts selling everything from kababs to biryanis to curries, made from chicken and mutton. The most popular outlets here are Aslam Chicken and Karim’s. A popular dessert here is Shahi Tukda.

INA Market 

INA Market is home to many small South-Indian eateries. Completely different from their North Indian counterparts, these places serve authentic meals and snacks.

Chawri Bazar

Chawri Bazaar has a fan following of breakfast lovers. The must-try items include nagori halwa and puri at Shyam Sweets and Bedmi kachori. Ashok Chaat Bhandar for a variety of chaats is a must, followed by kulfi at Kuremal.

WHERE TO STAY IN DELHI

Since all touristy things are spread across Delhi, it may be difficult to decide the area of accommodation in Delhi. Pahar Ganj, Karol Bagh, and Connaught Place are some of the popular choices for hotels in Delhi. South Delhi and Mehrauli offer a few upscale spaces but are safer. Most places have good connectivity with auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis and metro.

There are great options for hotels, resorts, homestays and hostels in Delhi. Some of the options are:

Luxury hotel: ITC Maurya, The Imperial Hotel, The Lodhi

Mid Range hotel: The Claridges, New Delhi, Radisson Blu, CP, Radisson Blu, Dwarka

Homestay: Prakash Kutir B&B, Thikana Delhi

Hostel: The Hosteller, Madpackers Delhi, Zostel Delhi

BEST TIME TO VISIT DELHI

Delhi’s climate fluctuates from lows of about 3 Celsius in early January to close to 46 Celsius in May and June. The most pleasant months are October, February and March when it is not too cold, hot or humid to travel around. However, if you want to enjoy Dilli ki sardi (Delhi cold weather), with delicious food and unlimited cups of chai, then the winter months are the best.

HOW TO REACH DELHI

Being the capital of India, Delhi is well-connected through air, rail, and road.

By air

Delhi is connected to all international destinations with direct flights as well as domestic destinations. The airport is also connected through a special section of the Delhi Metro – Airport Express, which will take visitors directly to the centre of the city.

By train

Delhi is a major junction for covering Northern India, and it has more than 6 railway stations. Out of these, the New Delhi Railway Station and Old Delhi railway station are the most used.

By road

Delhi has 2 major bus terminals – Kashmere Gate and Anand Vihar. Comfortable Volvo buses are available for nearby states. Delhi to Manali, Delhi to Dharamshala/Mcleodganj, Delhi to Rishikesh Volvo buses, leave from here.

FAQs on DELHI TRAVEL GUIDE

Is Delhi Safe?

Delhi has a bad reputation for being the most unsafe city in India. But that goes for any big city in the world. With that being said, tourists staying in a safer area are unlikely to experience any problems if you practise a reasonable degree of caution. It is also best to retire to hotels sooner (9 pm). 

What is Delhi weather like?

Delhi remains hot during the summers ( March to June). Heatwaves also take place in June in Delhi. Delhi winters set in around December, peaking in January and February when the temperature reaches 3 degrees celsius.

Sustainable tips for Delhi Travel Guide: Things to do in Delhi

• Do not use single-use or disposable plastic. Even if you do, do not litter it in any tourist area or any museums or archaeological sites.
• Respect the ancient structures of step wells, temples and mosques by not sitting on them. Use the garden space instead.
• Respect the places which prohibit photography. 
• Do not write on the pillars and walls of archaeological sites.

I hope this Delhi Travel Guide helps to plan a trip to Delhi. Have you already visited Delhi? What were the places you liked, loved or hated? Tell me your comments below!

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