Delhi, the capital of India, is filled with historical monuments. From Humayun’s Tomb to Qutub Minar this city has no shortage of monuments for the history buff. This list has the 10 most important historical places in Delhi you must visit.
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1. Red Fort
Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is one of the most visited historical places in Delhi. The foundations of the fort were laid by the Mughal King Shah Jahan in 1638 after he decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi. It took almost a decade to complete. It is now considered one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture with Persian, Hindu and Timurid influences.
The top monuments to see inside the fort are the Lahori Gate (name so because it faces the city of Lahore in Pakistan), the Delhi Gate, Chhatta Chowk which is now the Meena Bazaar and the women’s quarters, Mumtaz Mahal.
It is so much fun to take a tour of the grounds and learn of the history of how the Mughals from when the fort was built to when the last Mughal king was captured by the Britishers and sent into exile. As a history buff I loved taking the tour here. Even more astounding are the carvings and paintings on the walls of the monuments that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Built by the same man who architected the Taj Mahal it is no wonder this historical monument in Delhi is so beautiful.
2. Humayun’s Tomb
My personal favorite tomb in Delhi, probably because one of the favorite pictures ever was clicked here is Humayun’s Tomb. Emperor Akbar built this tomb for his father Humayun in the image of heaven as is described in the Quran. The tomb is constructed atop a massive pavilion with vaulted cells on all four sides. As you emerge from the steep stairs onto the second floor you can see the lattice windows of the main mausoleum up close and a view of Delhi on all sides.
Humayun’s Tomb is not the only burial tomb here, the gardens also contain the Nila Gumbad, Barber’s Tomb and the tomb of the famous Sufi Saint Nizammuddin Auliya. This served as an auspicious site as the Mughals believed being buried near a saint gives you access to heaven.
The best way to enjoy Humayun’s Tomb is to get there before the crowds early in the morning. This is one of the most famous historical sites in Delhi and tour buses full of tourists are usually here an hour after opening time. It is really a beautiful place with ample photo opportunities everywhere so don’t miss your chance.
3. Jama Masjid
Sitting in the heart of Chandni Chowk or Moonlight Square Market you will find this architectural masterpiece that a thousand Muslims visit everyday to offer their prayers. This masterpiece was Shah Jahan’s final monument in a series of wins that include building the Taj Mahal.
The monument has four watchtowers and two high rising minarets. One of these can still be climbed today if you are ready to sweat for the view. It is also known as the Masjid-I-Jahannuma meaning the mosque with the view of the world.
You really have to remember to wear your socks for this trip though. Me and my best friend went here around 12pm and even during winters the marble floor was so hot. We were hopping from foot to foot. Pretty sure everyone was judging us. Definitely wear some socks when you go inside.
4. Qutub Minar
The last time Delhi was ruled by a Hindu king was 1193. This year marked the victory of the Mughal King Qutab-ud-din Aibak. To mark his history on the capital of the Golden Bird he built the impressive 73 meter high tower of victory. At the base of the tower lies an inscription mentioning how 27 Hindu temples were demolished to obtain the materials for the tower. The tower was built over 200 years and under 3 different Mughal kings. Each of them left their own handprints on it. The architecture is the most stunning example of stone inscriptions you will see on any historical places in Delhi.
Qutub Minar is now located inside the Qutub Complex which is a world heritage site. It hosts famous monuments including the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the Alai Darwaza and the Iron Pillar built before the rule of the Mughals that hasnt rusted in a 1000 years and is considered magical.
5. India Gate
My first memories of India gate were getting up at 5am and going with my sister and grandma to skate at the empty roads near India gate. India gate was built by Edwin Lutyens who is credited with designing the area known as Lutyens Delhi near the parliament and the president’s home. India Gate was built to honor the soldiers who lost their lives during the 1st World War. During the evenings the entire area is flooded by locals who come to picnic in the parks, eat ice cream and watch the colorful water fountains in the gardens.
I have come here my whole life with family. India Gate signifies a deeply familial bond that every Delhiite holds with their city. It’s hard to put into words the feeling that comes from seeing the familiar structure but you’ll feel a part of it when you visit it yourself.
6. Lodhi Gardens
My favorite place in the list of historical places in Delhi is Lodhi Gardens. My mom, my sister and me take walks here every single time whenever I am back in Delhi. Lodhi Gardens are a series of connected lush, biodiverse gardens in Delhi with historical monuments spread over its 90 acre area. They have tombs from the 14th century Tughlaq dynasty up to the 16th century Mughal period.
The Bada Gumbad is the largest monument which served as the entrance to the mosque. The Sheesh Gumbad is known for its blue glazed tiles that are now being restored by the government. Lastly there is Sikandar Lodhi’s tomb. This is a garden in itself with a closed elaborate gateway that leads to a smaller tomb inside the compound. The gardens today have a glass house for plants, a lake with ducks, the National Bonsai Park, rose gardens, a butterfly park and an herb garden you can visit.
7. Purana Qila
This gorgeous stone fortress was built by the Mughal Emperor Humayun for his new capital Din Panah. Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in 1540 and added more structures to this already magnificent fortress. The stone walls of the fortress run over a mile long with 3 gates, Talaqi Darwaza, Humayun Darwaza, and the Bada Darwaza. Sher Mandal is the double storied tower which was Humayun’s observatory and library.
Purana Qila hosts Ananya Dance Festival, a dance festival of ancient Indian dance forms in the winter. Imagine watching a kathak dance performance on a cold winter night, and seeing the ruins of the fortress rising in the background with only the dancers lit up in vibrant colors. You should definitely visit Purana Qila during the day but also try and watch one of these performances because it is a completely different experience.
8. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is one of the last major Bahai Temples built in the world. It’s built in the image of a huge white unfurling lotus by the great architect Fariborz Sahba who has won several international awards for his masterpiece. The entire structure is made of pure marble that shines in the sunlight. Around the temple 9 shimmering pools of water that perfectly reflect the flower. This is a highly recommended historical place in Delhi to visit.
Interestingly the Lotus Temple is visited by more people than even the Eiffel Tour or the Taj Mahal. People of all religions are welcome inside the temple. There are no idols or priests, only chairs to sit on. No matter what you believe in, this temple will leave a sense of peace and love in your heart for all.
9. Akshardham Temple
Akshardham Temple is Delhi’s largest temple built in 2005. It is a lavish complex that creates a holistic experience to immerse yourself in the Hindu culture. It has relief carvings of more than 20.00 deities, saints and mythical creatures on its sandstone walls. One of the focal points of the temple is its 3 meter tall main statue made out of gold.
There are exhibitions on display including the Hall of Values, screen filming of India’s culture and a boat ride with animatronics explaining India’s history from the eyes of Swaminarayan to whom the temple is dedicated. Even though the temple is newer, it has gained huge cultural significance in the past 2 decades and one of the top historical places in Delhi.
10. Agrasen ki Baoli
Baoli is a Hindi word for step well. Agrasen ki Baoli is one of the few surviving step wells of Delhi. It is 60 meter long and believed to have been built by King Agrasen and later rebuilt in the 14th century. Though baolis were usually built in a square shape so as to be accessed from all sides, this baoli is unique in that it has a single staircase descending into the ground. There are 3 different levels and you can walk down and access any of them if there is no water. The alcoves on the sides were used to perform rituals and religious ceremonies.
The local kids now hang out here during the day and it was very crowded when I went during the evening. This is a great place for pictures so definitely go early during mornings when it is relatively empty. This is a great unique addition to the list of historical places in Delhi you must see.
