Top 10 Places To Visit In Delhi

Delhi, the NCT of Delhi, is known for its rich heritage. It has remnants of history and culture. Delhi has its own charm, a perfect blend of traditions on one hand and modernity on the other. It's often called as "Dilli Dilwanon Ki", well true to its words, every place has its own story to tell and so is Delhi. Be it the walk at Lodhi Gardens, or soulful qawali at Dargah, once you are in Delhi you will cherish the memories forever. So pack your bags and let's just get exploring the city which is scattered with artifacts of lost empires.
Here are the must see places in Delhi, the list includes but not limited to:

1. India Gate

India Gate, earlier known as All India War memorial is the most iconic monument and most visited places. It's beautifully designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The names of the soldiers who died in the World War II are engraved on it. It is surrounded by lush green gardens and a lake. People from all walks of life come here to enjoy this architectural beauty. One can enjoy boating here as well, the prices are 50 INR for 15 minutes ride and 100 INR for a 30-minutes ride. One will find ice cream vendors in the lane and it's the hub for people who often go to India Gate at night just for the ice creams. Once you are here, you get all patriotic and it is definitely going to remind you of the scene from the famous movie "Rang De Basanti".

2. Humayun's Tomb

As the name suggests, it's a tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun, son of Babur. It is declared as UNESCO site and is made of red sandstone with an architectural feel to it. It is amidst the green gardens and has a long pathway with a fountain that leads up to the tomb. It is said that it is the first garden tomb on the Indian sub-continent. The tomb is magnificent and the air is surreal, fresh and peaceful.
• Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Fee: 10 INR ( Indian citizens) / 250 INR (Foreigners)
• Location: Mathura road, opposite Nizamuddin Dargah
• Nearest metro station: JLN Stadium

3. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is the 72 meters tallest brick in the world. It is also the UNESCO site. It is spread over a huge area. The entry inside the minar is not allowed but one can enjoy the surroundings in and around the minar. The e-ticket is also available. The Qutub Minar complex is engulfed with high-end resto bars nearby where one can chill in the evening after paying a visit to the place.
• Timings: Dawn to Dusk
• Fee: 30 INR (Indians citizens) / 500 INR (Foreigners)
• Location: Qutub Minar complex road, Mehrauli
• Nearest metro station: Qutub Minar

4. Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens by its name is not just a garden; it houses tombs of famous Lodhi Rulers. To be precise, it is a tribute of Mohd. Shah. It is a huge garden, sprawling in acres with lush green surroundings. There is a sense of tranquility in the air which just sets the mood right and you can feel the history in the environment. It's a hotspot for people going for morning/evening walks. It attracts yoga enthusiasts, fitness freaks, lovers, elderly people and book writers. You can find portfolios being shot here or you might get to see pre-wedding shoots which are in vogue these days. On Sundays especially, families come here for a picnic where children play all sorts of sports. One can relax here and listen to the chirping of birds away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
• Timings: 6 AM – 7.30 PM
• Fee: No entry fee
• Location: Lodhi road
• Nearest metro station: JLN Stadium

5. Red Fort

It was the residence of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is a massive structure built with red stones. It screams of history and every year on Independence Day, Prime Minister hoists the national flag here and delivers an Independence Day speech. One can witness sound and light show here in the evening which is beautiful to watch. There is a museum inside as well as crafts and jewelry stores.
• Timings: Dawn to Dusk Tuesday-Sunday (Museum – 9 AM to 5 PM)
• Fees: 10 INR(Indian citizens) / 250 INR (Foreigners)
• Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk
• Nearest metro station: Chandni Chowk

6. Lotus Temple

It's a Bahá'í House of Worship. It is open to all irrespective of religion. It is impeccably designed in the lotus flower like shape having 27 petals. It has a pure white marble structure. True to Bahá'í Faith, the temple has no idol or a statue of any God. There is an enormous hall inside laid with pews where one can pray or meditate. The feel is just breathtaking and a perfect place to enjoy the silence. Once you enter, you will feel one with God. It's soulful, surreal and peaceful. You are not allowed to talk aloud. Photos are also prohibited inside the temple but its splendid view can be captured from the outside.
• Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM (5.30 PM in Winters)
• Fee: No entry fee
• Location: Lotus temple road, Shambhu Dayal Singh Bagh, Bahapur, Kalkaji
• Nearest metro station: Kalkaji mandir

7. Nizamuddin Dargah

If there is something which touches your heart and is soulful that's Qawali. If you want to experience the feel, you must visit Nizamuddin Dargah. It is dedicated to the famous Sufi Saint Nizamuddin Auliya. You will find the tomb of famous poet Amir Khusro as well inside the complex. It is adorned with beautiful jails where people tie red threads around and make a wish. You will find vendors selling chadars outside the complex. To enjoy the Qawali sessions, one must visit in the evenings. The sessions are held every Thursday after sunset as a forerunner of (jumme ki raat) Friday. The timings are 4.30 PM and 6 PM. In winters, Qawali is held only at 9 PM. You must take out your shoes outside, cover your head and don't forget to eat delicious kebabs on your way back.
• Timings: 5 AM – 10.30 PM
• Fee: No entry fee
• Location: near Nizamuddin Railway Station
• Nearest metro station: JLN Stadium

8. Railway Museum

If you are a fan of ancient royal trains, then this is the place for you. It has a fascinating exotic collection of over 150 trains. It is an epitome of rail heritage. It houses steam locomotives and carriages spread across 11 acres. Do visit the maharaja of Mysore's rolling saloon and white beauty fairy queen. To cover the entire area, there is a toy train which runs along the field of the museum to make the visit comfortable. The movie "Ki and Ka" song "Foolishq" was shot here among the backdrop of rails. One must take back a souvenir from the shop as it is every train lover's delight.
• Timings: 9.30 AM – 5.30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday, Monday is closed)
• Fee: 20 INR (Adults) / 10 INR (Children)
• Location: Chanakya Puri
• Nearest metro station: Jor Bagh/ INA metro station

9. Hauz Khas Complex

This place is a true example of history and modernity. Hauz is a Farsi word known as the water tank. Khas means royal. It was a royal water tank built by Alauddin Khilji to tackle the water paucity around the area. It houses a lake and a madrasa. The ruins speak for itself. The lane leading to the fort is crammed with fashion boutiques, cafe's and shops selling artifacts and handicrafts. The old homes have been converted into beautifully decked up resto bars and cafés. One can see photographers with their DLSR cameras capturing the fort's beauty. It is best to watch the sunset from here and just immerse yourself in the serenity.
• Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM (5 PM in winters)
• Fee: No entry fee
• Location- Hauz Khas Village, Aurobindo Marg
• Nearest metro station - Green Park

10. Shopping At Sarojini Nagar & Chandni Chowk

The trip to Delhi would be incomplete if you don't end up shopping at the famous Sarojini Nagar market or Janpath or Chandni Chowk or Lajpat Nagar. Sarojini Nagar is every shopper's paradise. This market will never disappoint you. Easy bargains, a variety of clothes, replicas of famous designer wear - you name it and the market has it. Chandni Chowk is another market which gives you the old Delhi charm. What you don't get anywhere, you get it in this market. It's a hub for wedding shoppers. From wedding lehengas to jewelry, you get everything. Chandni Chowk is not just famous for wedding trousseau but it also sells sumptuous food delicacies as well.

Now this sums up the top 10 places in Delhi you must definitely visit. Do share your experiences if you have visited any of these places or any other place which did not make it to the list.

Image Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10