Top 10 tourist sightseeing places in Delhi
As we all know Delhi is the capital of India since the Mughal period. It is the third largest city of India and is the base for any north India tour. This is because no North India tour can be complete without visiting Delhi and experiencing the finest of the Mughal architecture adorning the lace. The best time to visit Delhi is from February to April and from September to November. You should avoid Delhi during the extreme summer heat as it will only hamper your travel plans. So if you are about to visit Delhi to experience the enigma of “Dilwalo ki Dilli”, then here are the top 10 sightseeing places which should not be given a miss.
- Red Fort- Every Delhi tour begins with a visit to the Red fort. This stunning fort was built by Shah Jahan and is entirely made from red sandstone. Red fort is a marvellous piece of architecture and is a must visit for any tourist. Red fort has beautiful garden inside surrounding the fort. Other than that it also houses a small version of the famous Meena Bazaar of the Mughal era. It also has a small museum which houses the relics portraying the history of the Red Fort and the Mughal era. Every evening a spectacular light and sound show is hosted both in Hindi and English reciting the rich history of the Mughal empire.
- Qutub Minar- Qutub Minar is an awe inspiring structure in itself. It was built by Qutub Ud Din Aibak and later completed by Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq. The Qutub Minar has five storeys and is made from red sandstone and white marble. The entire Qutub Minar Complex has a lot of other structures too like a mosque and madrasa. It also has the mysterious Iron pillar from the Delhi Sultanate times. Other than that, there are a few ruins which might be of interest to the history buffs. It also has a sprawling garden which is perfect for picnics and lazing around.
- Lotus Temple- Lotus temple is one of the seven Bahai temples and is located near Nehru Place. It is built in the form of a lotus which is a symbol common to the Hindu, Muslims, Jains and Buddhists. People of any religion can come here and pray in peace and tranquillity. The structure is surrounded by nine pools of water which are floodlit in the evening. The Lotus temple also has a huge garden surrounding the structure.
- India Gate- India Gate was built by the British in the fashion of Arc De Triomphe in France. It was built in order to honour the British and the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War. Later after Independence, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added at the base of the arc. The Lamp burns throughout the day in order to commemorate those soldiers who have lost their lives in battles.
- Humayun tomb- Built by Humayun’s widow after his demise, the Humayun tomb is one of the finest examples of the Mughal architecture. It has sprawling lawns and a gigantic fort in order to commemorate Emperor Humayun. The structure also houses the tombs of many other Mughal Officials and Emperors.
- Purana Qila- As the name suggests, Purana Qila or the Old fort is a fort characterized by huge ramparts and the ruins of fort. The Qila is characterized by the two humungous Darwazas built in order to keep the enemies out. The complex has sprawling lawns, a museum, a lake for boating and a mosque. Spectacular light and sound show is hosted at evenings in both Hindi and English.
- Akshardham Temple- Akshardham Temple or Swami Narayan temple is the biggest Hindu temple complexes in the world. It features a grandiloquent temple built for the lord Swaminarayan and has huge lawns and structures surrounding the temple. The complex also has a museum and light and sound show along with water fountain show is held there at evening preaching the philosophy of life.
- Hauz Khaz- Hauz Khas was once the royal tank of the Mughals but now it has been converted into a giant lake. Hauz Khas complex is a sort of urban village. In the complex you can see the ruins of madrasa and mosques. It also has a beautiful deer park where you can experience a variety of flora and fauna.
- Jantar Mantar- Jantar Mantar is an observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur to aid him in his astronomical and astrological observations. It is a perfect replica of the Jantar Mantar present in Jaipur and is hence a very popular tourist spot.
- Jama Masjid- Jama Masjid is the last of the spectacular creations of Emperor Shah Jahan. It is a huge Masjid which is characterized by its fine architecture and grand minarets. Tourists can enter any time expect for the prayer hours.
