Delhi
This triangular formation stands by the Yamuna river in the east and bordered by the Aravali range in the west and south. Moreover, it remains the third largest in the world and exists as the traditional and current capital of India. Additionally, if you have read the Mahabharata, you will notice that the city gains recognition as the site of Indraprastha the capital location of the Pandavas. The city has seen the likes of various dynasties, ending with the Rajputi reign headed by Prithvi Raj Chauhan. Apart from its historical importance, the capital of India remains the centre of all political activities. This city can make or spoil a political career, and the country’s political scenario lies at the heart of Delhi.
Delhi is not only a city having a large chunk of foreign corporates but is also the birth giver to many small entities. This is one reason why the city is also heading towards becoming a corporate leader of the country. Delhi also serves as one of the main hubs of Northern India’s trades. The economy also booms due to the contribution of sectors namely, fashion, IT, Textile and handloom.
Furthermore, the city celebrates all major Indian festivals as well as the minority religions celebrations. Some of the main celebrations here are Dipawali, Holi, and Baisakhi. Also, many tourist festivities have become popular over time here; such as the Roshan Nara, Shalimar, Mango festival, etc. The Independence Day, Republic Day and other national occasions draw significant crowds from all over the world. Prominent politicians of the country also visit the city on days of national importance.
Also, Read Best places to visit in Mumbai
Best Time To Visit Delhi
The city has a semi aired climate and faces extreme climatic conditions. While summers remain highly humid and winters take the temperatures to negatives, Monsoons remain the peak months. The monsoons may be dull and gloomy but make it a perfect time for honeymooners to head to the city and explore a few places to visit in Delhi. The best time to visit the city is during October to December and February to May. During October and November, the city welcomes its tourists with pomp and show due to many festivities. Dussera and Diwali are two of the main festivals during these months. This is also the time when the city also hosts a lot of performing arts festivals.
However, the city offers its visitors something special throughout the year. Thus visiting the city during any season won’t make it less beautiful. At the start of Autumn leading to a pleasant winter in October to March remains the best time to visit Delhi. During this time you get to enjoy shopping, strolling and exploring the sunbathed streets of the city. In January, the city witnesses harsh temperatures freezing nights with pleasant afternoons. Pack appropriately for this season by carrying your woollens to beat the severe cold.
Additionally, to avail off-season hotel prices, you must visit the city during the summer months of April to June. During this time you and your partner may have the city to yourself as many of the tourists retreat from here due to the humidity. During these months you can also plan a small trip to places to visit near Delhi. However, the temperatures can go up to 45 degrees making these months the hottest.
Places to visit in Delhi
Some of the places to visit in Delhi also showcase the tastes and preferences of varied religions and dynasties that had once ruled the city. A few of the main places to visit in Delhi are renowned for their archaeological and historical importance. This is one reason why visitors find a lot of forts and monuments that the UNESCO regards as World Heritage sites. These form a significant part of Delhi points of interest. Every year the city attracts many tourists to 3 basic areas, New Delhi, Historical Monuments of cultural importance, and religious places. Furthermore, the city holds on to its traditional roots but doesn’t layback with upgradations in technology and science.
The city’s transportation development corporation limited provides for plenty, regular tours. The tourists also get to enjoy adventure sports such as Parasailing, rock-climbing, trekking and boating in Delhi. Another initiative by the corporation called the Delhi Haats. Here, groceries from all the states of India find their place under one roof. Delhi abounds in greenery and natural charm. One such nature making is the Garden of Five Sense located in South Delhi. We have listed the top 5 places to visit in Delhi.
Qutub Minar
Standing alone as one of the prime attractions in modern India, the Qutub Minar exists as a proof of India’s glorious history and culture. The Minar seeks its name from Qutub meaning the poll of justice and Minar meaning towers. The monument also attracts many visitors throughout the from all over the world as it resides in the Indian capital of Delhi. The interesting thing about this tower is that it is one of the tallest and highly visited architectural attraction in the world. Thus, ranking first amongst many other brick towers around the globe. The monument also features in the UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is also why the Minar is one of the prime places to visit in Delhi.
Built-in 12th or 13th century by Qutub-Uddin-Aibak as well as his successors, as a mark of victory in the war against the Rajput’s. The Minar made out of red-sandstone throughout is designed in the Indo-Islamic style. The Minar is conical in shape containing 379 staircases within it. The tower also houses five differentiated stories and whoever visits the Minar remains awe-struck by the panoramic view of Delhi from its peak.
Apart from all the above, The Qutub Minar’s speciality remains in its archaeological importance. Many archaeologists visit the place to gather important historical information from its remains, books, and carvings. A lush green garden Islands the tower and draws the attention of the visitors that come to one of the most famed places to visit in Delhi. A smaller Minar mirrors the Qutub Minar called the Alai Minar. For decades it is believed that the wishes of anyone who visits the iron pillar and encircles his/her hand around it facing their back at the pillar get fulfilled.
India Gate
Originally, named the All India War Memorial, it resides opposite the Rajpath on the eastern end. It stands as a remembrance to the martyrs who laid down their lives during the First World War. Inscribed on the gate are names of 13,300 members of the armed forces including that of the foreign troops. It mirrors the Gateway of India in Mumbai and resembles the Arc- De-Triomphe in Paris. India Gate, Delhi stands tall as the pride of India. One may wish to visit the place either with family or friends.
India Gate makes for an important monument of the city. Made up of Redstone it has a shallow dome bowl on the top. This dome was intended to be filled by burning oil on special occasions. At the top, the India Gate Arch’s and on both sides Highlighted in bold almost shouting with pride INDIA is written. Additionally, at the base of this memorial, is another one named Amar Jawan Jyoti added after independence.
The India Gate is also seen as the best picnic spot in the city as it is surrounded by fresh green lawns, Children’s Park and a boating club. Every evening you will sight plenty of visitors who wish to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and nearby fountains that get illuminated by some lights giving the Monument a majestic feel. Visit the place during days of national importance and take a sneak into the colourful celebrations, be a part of the parade and watch the artists showcase their talents.
Red Fort
Located in the heart of the city the Red Fort or the Lal Qila stands as an ancient masterpiece. The government very well maintains the Red Fort as it is of importance and the monument signifies India’s dominating rich historical heritage. The Mughal Emporer Shah Jahan established the fort having a natural sense of architecture, as he also built one of the seven wonders of the world “The Taj Mahal.” It sits at the Banks of the Yamuna river and is situated in New Delhi near Salimgarh Fort. On every Indian Independence Day celebration, the Prime Minister unfolds the National Flag at the Red Fort.
Additionally, The fort houses many marvellous structures such as the Rangg Mahal also known as the Palace of Colours, Mumtaz Mahal named after the Emperor’s beloved wife. The fort also features chambers like the Khaas Mahal, Hammam and Shah Burj as well as the Diwan-E-Khas. Designed by skilful architectures the structure consists primarily of sandstones. On the first floor, you will find a war memorial museum. The highlight remains in the Fort’s hidden gem the Peacock Throne.
Apart from its internal structures the Fort also boasts a Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque. The structure built by Emperor Aurangzeb contains three domes that look highly elegant. To its north lies A Hayat Baksh, a Mughal Garden filled with lush green plants and lovely colourful flowers. Furthermore, a high-tower stands as the area where many large gatherings and celebrations took place. The fort remains at the heart of Shah Jahan’s Empire, and this is why it has become a grand and attractive tourist destination in Delhi.
Lotus Temple (Bahai Lotus Temple) (Lotus temple timings)
Opened to the public in the year 1986, the temple invites many visitors due to its lovely architecture. You can sight this marvellous structure at Mandir Marg in South Delhi. Also known as the Bahai Lotus Temple, the monument is made up of marble, dolomite, cement, and sand. Named after its structural lotus shape, it was established in the 20th century, and since it has opened, it is frequented by tourists all round the year. The structure stands as a belief of the Bahai Faith belonging to Baha’ullah. Hence this ranks as one of the main places to visit in Delhi. Also, the temple remains one of the most frequented sights of India.
Apart from its structure what enthrals the visitors is its surrounds. The environment around the Temple is peaceful and lovely. Visitors come here for meditation and sometimes even to watch the beautiful sunset. Moreover, its conventional yet modern styled architecture leaves all its visitors in awe. It took almost ten years to plan the Temple’s structure, and today the temple continues to marvel at its visitors. The petal-like structure made up of steel prevents the rusting or galvanising of this feature.
Here the maulvis make prayer arrangements for prayer sessions four times a day, and people of all faiths and religions can enter the temple. The timings remain fixed, and the first session takes place between 10 a.m to 10:15 followed by one between 12-12:15 noon. The second and third prayer sessions start from 3-3:15 and 5-5:15 p.m. One can witness fares held at the site which exhibits the rituals and culture of the Bahai people. Also, these fares run movies and documentaries of the Bahai clan it’s evolution, beliefs and religious undertakings.
Chandini Chawk
The market mainly known as the Shahanabadh is centrally located in Old Delhi. After the renovation by Jahan Ara, the market got its name Chandini Chawk which means the moonlit place. The street begins at the Lahori Darwaza of the Red Fort and extends till the Fatehpuri Masjid. The age-old market remains flooded by localities and tourists from all across the world due to its ancient outlook. This market is mainly famed for its jewellery, Indian Handicrafts, and ethnic wears.
One of the main places to visit in Delhi is its most frequented market Chandni Chawk. This market sees the likes of many foreigners who visit it due to its fame and seasonal offers — the region well known for its historical sightings due to many unfortunate events and mishaps it has witnessed. The marketplace is as old as 100 year or maybe even more than that. The market dates back to the Mughal Era ruled by Shah Jhan. His loving daughter Jahan Ara took it upon herself to design the market. This is how the beautiful Chandini Chawk came up as a well-known market.
Today the Chawk remains crowded and flocked by many locals for their daily needs and foreigners for many local treats. The marketplace also symbolises each stage of growth in all phases. The famed market has grown with many advancements and has seen many changes in its layouts. Also, If you love window shopping, this is one of the places to visit in Delhi. The Chawk offers a variety of goods in many different shops. Some of its shops are at least 100 years old, and the lanes exist with different names. The market also offers many specialised products which one can buy exclusively from here.
Conclusion
These were just a glimpse of what you can expect from Delhi. Many more places to visit in Delhi remain less frequented thus couldn’t rank in our top spots. A few of them exist even today, namely, The Jama Masjid, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Humayun’s Tomb and a lot more. However, once you reach Delhi, you wouldn’t want to miss any of its historical and busy lanes. Also as the locals put it “Yeh dilwalon ka shehr hai!” meaning this is the city of the large-hearted and daring!
