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Famous Historical Places You Should Visit in Delhi

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Old Fort, Delhi

The Capital of India, Delhi, locally pronounced as Dilli is among the major tourist attractions in India. Delhi is a city that marks the stark comparison between two different worlds-Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi, once the Capital of Islamic India is a convoluted network of narrow lanes lined with crumbling haveli and ominous mosques. In comparison, the imperial city of New Delhi developed by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi continues to be the storehouse of power for many rulers and many empires for about a millennium. The significance of historical places is that it solely describes its ancient history.

Let’s take a look at a list of some of the most important and interesting historical places in Delhi:

1- Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Located in the heart of the city, Red Fort serves as the residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty. The magnificent structure built by Shah Jahan in the year 1638 when he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Made up of using red sandstone, it is an imposing piece of architecture of the Mughal era. In ancient time, the fort served as the ceremonial and political centre of the Mughal state.

Today, Red Fort is one of the most famous places to visit in Delhi due to its iconic structure and historical significance. Further, the fort is an important venue for the occasion of Independence Day where Indian Prime Minister unfurls the national flag. The fort also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2007 for its architectural and historical magnificence. At last, it is one of the famous places in Delhi and you should visit it once.

How to Reach: Chandni Chowk is the nearest metro station.

2- Humayun’s Tomb

Constructed in the year 1570, Humayun’s Tomb is one of the most famous historical places in Delhi. The monument built by the Queen Haji Begum who was the wife of Humayun. Further, the monument is famous for its architectural design which displays a perfect blend of Mughal and Persian style of architecture. In addition, the world-famous Taj Mahal has qual resemblance to this monument or you can say that the architectural design of Taj Mahal influenced by Humayun’s Tomb.

Made up of red sandstone and white marble it still stands as a proof of architectural brilliance of the Mughal era. The monument also listed as one of the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites in India due to its architectural magnificence and illustrious history. So among all major tourist attractions in Delhi, Humayun’s tomb is hard to miss.

How to Reach: Jor Bagh is the nearest metro station.

3- Qutub Minar

Regarded as the tallest individual tower in India, Qutub Minar is another famous tourist spot in the list of places to visit in Delhi. The monument constructed around 12th century by Qutb ud-Din Aibak who was the founder of Delhi Sultanate. Located in Mehrauli, it is believed to commemorate the beginning of the Mughal era in India. Today, the site is a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site of India. Further, the monument famous for its astounding architecture which showing a perfect blend of Iranian architecture and Parso-Arabic architecture. Besides that, it is a famous picnic spot for Delhiites due to its picture-perfect setting. There are other ancient structures within the Qutub Complex like Iron Pillar and the Alai Darwaza.

How to Reach: Qutub Minar is the nearest metro station.

4- India Gate

Located alongside the Rajpath in New Delhi, India Gate represents the All India War Memorial dedicated to martyrs of World War I and war in Afghanistan. This awe-inspiring structure was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and today it is one of the largest war memorials in the country. The construction of this site completed in the year 1931 and the place is also famous for hosting the Republic Day Parade every year. Today, it is one of the most famous places in Delhi and attracts lots of local as well as international tourists. Further, India Gate looks stunning in the evening light that’s why also recommended as one of the best places to visit in Delhi at night.

How to Reach: Central Secretariat is the nearest metro station.

5- Hauz Khas Village

From swanky clubs, bars, fine-dine restaurants and remnants of Mughal era everything is just perfect here which makes Hauz Khas Village is a right tourist destination in Delhi for all kind traveller. The historical town glorifying its rich past from the Mughal era to present-day modernization. Further, the town is much famed for its Hauz Khas Complex or Hauz Khas Fort which was built around 13th century AD. The view from Hauz Khas Fort during sunset and sunrise is beyond words.

Apart from that, the fort surrounded by well-maintained green parks and a picturesque lake thus the place looks more magnificent. There is also a deer park, art galleries and boutiques making it one of the famous tourist places in Delhi. In addition, the vibrant nightlife with countless cafes, bars and pubs in Hauz Khas Village makes it one of the most happening places in Delhi for Couples.

How to Reach: Hauz Khas is the nearest metro station.

6- Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple is famous for its splendid architectural design and owing resemblance to Lotus flower. The temple dedicated to Bahai faith which symbolizes four religions namely Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Islam. So devotees of all religion gather here in large number to a daily basis to pay their homage to the presiding deity. Constructed in the year 1986, the temple has 27 free-standing marble-clad petals and nine doors which allows 2500 visitors at the same time.

The temple also achieved several awards and rewards due to its mesmerizing architecture. There is also a beautiful floral garden and scintillating pool and the tranquil ambience of this place makes it an ideal place for rejuvenation. Overall the list of places to visit in Delhi would be incomplete without visiting this spot.

How to Reach: Kalkaji Mandir is the nearest metro station.

7- Rashtrapati Bhawan

Rashtrapati Bhavan is an important landmark in the city of Delhi and known as the official residence of the President of India. This largest and impressive structure spreads over an area of 330 acres including huge floral gardens. At present, there are 340 rooms in the main building and listed as the largest residence of any head of state around the world.

The architectural design of this palace has a perfect amalgamation of the Indian and British architectural styles and it was designed by the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The construction of this monument took place in the year 1929 and today it is the residence of President Ram Nath Kovind since July 2017. Due to its awe-inspiring structure and historical significance, it is another famous spot in the list of places to visit in Delhi.

How to Reach: Central Secretariat station is the nearest metro station.

8- Bangla Sahib Gurudwara

Built-in the year 1783, Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Delhi for Sikhs. The temple has a close association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Kishan who was the eighth Sikh guru. Further, the construction of this temple completed by General Sardar Baghel Singh who supervised nine Sikh shrines in Delhi.

Today, it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Delhi for all spiritual traveller and peace seekers. The temple complex also houses a higher secondary school, a hospital, Baba Baghel Singh Museum and library. Surrounded by a beautiful Sarovar or Lake, the place is all about peace and divinity that’s why visited by thousands of pilgrims in a single day.

How to Reach: The Shivaji Stadium station is the nearest metro station.

9- Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the finest specimen of Mughal architecture in India and regarded as one of the largest mosques in the country. The magnificent structure constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 AD. Further, it was the last construction made by Shah Jahan after the famous architectural wonder Taj Mahal and Red Fort.

Made up of using red sandstone and white marble, it has three large gates, four towers and two minarets. Today, it is an important place for Muslims worshippers in India and the mosque has a capacity of 25000 devotees at the same time. The place frequently visited by lots of tourist for its amazing architecture and religious significance. Moreover a famous pilgrimage spot in the list of places to visit in Delhi and should not be missed.

How to Reach: Chawri Bazar metro station is the nearest one to Jama Masjid.

10- Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is one of the five astronomical observatories in India located in Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura as well. Located in the Parliament Street in Connaught Place Circle, Jantar Mantar is a must visit tourist places in Delhi for youngsters and student. The observatory was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1724 with a motive to predict the movement and timings of the sun, moon and planets. There are many principal instruments within the observatory including Samrat Yantra, Jai Prakash, the Ram Yantra, and the Misra Yantra. By visiting this place you will get important knowledge about the movement of sun, planet and space and how these instruments work.

How to Reach: Rajiv Chowk metro station is the nearest one to Jantar Mantar.

11- Chandni Chowk

Located just opposite side to Red Fort, Chandani Chowk is one of the busiest shopping destinations in Delhi. There are many lined shops in Chandni Chowk which offers you a full medieval bazaar experience. This oldest market of Delhi established by Shah Jahan around the 17th century. Further, form that time to till date, Chandni Chowk considered as a famous shoppers paradise in Delhi. This famous Delhi Bazaar offers a wide range of products including clothes, perfumes, electronic items, jewellery, candles and other household things.

Also known as the largest wholesale bazaar in the country, it attracts thousands of shopkeepers all around the nation. Apart from that, there are several street food stalls in Chandni Chowk which offers delicious food dishes of Delhi cuisine. Among all these Delhi Food joints, Paranthe Wali Gali and Karim Hotel are the most famous one. Today, Chandni Chowk is one of the famous places to visit in Delhi with friends and family.

How to Reach: Kashmere Gate is the nearest metro station to Chandni Chowk.

12- Agrasen Ki Baoli

Agrasen Ki Baoli is an ancient stepwell and also regarded as one of the popular historical places to visit in Delhi. It is believed that the stepwell built by Raja Agrasen around 14th century during the Mahabharata era. At present, it has 108 steps and the place become quite popular after Aamir Khan’s PK movie. Further, the splendid architectural style of this monument gives you a glimpse of excellent craftsmanship of ancient times. In addition, you feel a little bit change in temperature when you go down through steps. Currently, the monument is well protected under the Archaeological Survey of India.

How to Reach: Barakhamba is the nearest metro station to Agrasen Ki Baoli.

13- Tughlaqabad Fort

Tughlaqabad Fort is a historical ruin which offers glorious past of medieval India. The magnificent fort constructed by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq and it displays a pure blend of Islamic architecture style. It is said that the king was so passionate about this fort that he ordered his all architect to built this fort as soon as possible. Today, the destroyed fort gives lifetime opportunity to all history enthusiasts and students to architectural magnificence of ancient era. However, it is not so difficult to imagine how magnificent this fort in olden days.

How to Reach: Govindpuri is the nearest metro station to Tughlaqabad Fort.

14- Lodhi Gardens

Once was known as the ‘Lady Willingdon Park’, Lodhi Garden built around 1936 during the British rule in India. Spread over an area of 90 acres, it houses the tombs of Mohammed Shah and king Sikandar Lodhi. Today, this well-maintained garden is a famous picnic spot in Delhi. Apart from that, it is an ideal spot for relaxing, jogging and nature wark. Currently managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, Lodhi Garden should be added in the list of places to visit in Delhi.

How to Reach: Jor Bagh is the nearest metro station to Lodhi Gardens.

15- Tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan

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Tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan (most important minster in Akbar’s court also known as Rahim) is situated at Nizamuddin East on the Mathura road near Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi. It was built by himself in the memory of his wife in 1598. The body of Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana was placed here in 1627. This tomb is nearby place to the Dargah of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and Humayun’s Tomb in South Delhi.

How to Reach: Hazrat Nizamuddin is the nearest metro station to Tomb of Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan.

16- Jamali Kamali Mosque

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Jamali Kamali Mosque is situated in the Archeological Village complex in Mehrauli, Delhi, India. It is one of the Mughal Era monuments comprises two monuments adjacent to each other. The mosque was built in 1528-29 with red sandstone with marble and shares its boundaries with Qutub Minar premises. Jamali Kamali Mosque has one mosque and one tomb of the two people named as Jamali and Kamali. Jamali means beauty and originated from Urdu word Jamal and also known as Shaikh Jamali Kamboh or Jalal Khan a well-known Sufi saint or sage. And Kamali was an unknown person but always joint with Jamali. Here is a tomb is named after Jamali and Kamali as they both were buried together here.

Jamali Kamali Mosque has a beautiful park at its entrance gate which attracts children to play here at evening as it don’t have any entry fee. It has a prayer hall with a large courtyard in front with five arches having a dome.

It is prevalent that it is famous for its haunted stories related to Jinns that are believed to reside here. But the security guard is totally denying with these haunted stories and any other paranormal activity. He believes that the stories are just man made for their own entertainment.

How to Reach: Qutub Minar is the nearest metro station to Jamali Kamali Mosque.

17- Delhi Gate

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The Gate was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 as part of the rubble–built high fort walls that surrounded the Shahajahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. The emperor used this gate to go to the Jama Masjid for prayer.

Delhi Gate is the southern gate of many in the remarkable walled city of Old Delhi, or Shahjahanabad. The gate connects the New Delhi city with the old walled city of Delhi.  Standing in the middle of the road,  at the end of Netaji Subhash Marg, at the edge of the Daryaganj.

How to Reach: Delhi Gate metro station is the nearest one to Delhi Gate.

18- Rajon Ki Baoli

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Rajon Ki Baoli is an eminent stepwell located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Delhi. It is also known as Rajon ki Bain. It is built in 1516 by Daulat Khan during the reign of Sikandar Lodi. The specialty of this Baoli is the splendid three-storeyed stepwell and its structure. In the complex of this Baoli there are a tomb which comprises 12 pillars and a mosque with a beautiful decoration. Visitors usually get fascinated with the beauty of this Baoli.

How to Reach: Qutub Minar is the nearest metro station to Rajon Ki Baoli.

19- Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah

This dargah is the sacred shrine of the well-known Muslim Sufi Saint, Nizam-ud-din Chishti. He died at the age of 92 years. This is visited by a huge number of devotees, irrespective of their caste and creed.  There are many other tombs here, which include grave of Jahanara (Shah Jahan’s daughter), and the distinguished Urdu poet, Amir Khusro. If you are fond of listening to Qawwalis, then this is the place to be in, on Thursday’s and feast days, after the sunset. This dargah is the sacred shrine of the well-known Muslim Sufi Saint, Nizamuddin Chishti. He died at the age of 92 years. This is visited by a huge number of devotees, irrespective of their caste and creed.

There are many other tombs here, which include grave of Jahanara (Shah Jahan’s daughter), and the distinguished Urdu poet, Amir Khusru. If you are fond of listening to Qwalis, then this is the place to be in, on Thursday’s and feast days, after the sunset.

How to Reach: Indraprastha and Pragati Maidan is the nearest metro station to Nizamuddin.

20- Mehrauli Archaeological Park

This beautiful archeological park is located at a distance of a few hundred meters from the left of Qutab Minar, in South Delhi. There is a narrow road which leads one into the park. Now a trailing forest, this was at time a hunting ground for the Mughals, was quite a favorite spot of the colonial officers.  This park is quite undiscovered and has quite a lot of peculiar monuments. One of the major monuments included is the “Jamali Kamali” (sunrise-sunset), a mosque, next to which there is a small building which has two tombs, the first one of Jamali, a Sufi saint, and the second one of  Kamali, his unknown male friend, who was important enough to be buried alongside him.

Upon visiting this park you can ask the caretaker to unlock the building and see the well-preserved paintings housed within. Walking from here at a short distance is the dizzying “Rajon ki Baoli”, a royal 16th century step-well with an “Escheresque” sweeping flight of steps.

How to Reach: Qutub Minar is the nearest metro station to Nizamuddin.

21- Jahaz Mahal

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Known for its intricate architectural designs and detailing, Jahaz Mahal is known for its historical significance and stands stoic in time—next to the equally dominating complex of Hauz-i-Shamsi. The name of this famous monument has the literal translation of “ship palace”. The name of this stunning palace has been dedicated to its reflection on the waters of the reservoir—lending it the appearance of a ship.

The area is ridden with several encroachments that have led to the disruption of the beauty of the main entrance on the eastern side. The crowded precincts of this palace can be accessed from the southern and eastern sides as well. There is a big park on the southern side of this interesting sightseeing location and is oft frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Though Jahaz Mahal, Delhi ranks high on the itinerary of tour operators and tourists, it is clear that it is an extremely distressful condition and requires major restoration work—if its beauty is to be maintained. The exotic detailing and architectural splendor of Jahaz Mahal have to be seen to be believed. This beautiful place and its precincts will also lure you with blue tiled work, impressive cenotaphs and more –making it a very delightful place on your list of “must-sees”.

How to Reach: Chhattarpur & Qutub Minar is the nearest metro station to Jahaz Mahal.

22- Teen Murti Bhavan

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The former residence of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the Teen Murti Bhavan is also home to the Nehru Planetarium (NMML), Delhi. Former abode of the first Prime Minister of free India, Nehru Bhavan is a classic example of the architecture of British times. Founded in the year 1930., along the blueprints and designs of Robert Tor Russel, this important sightseeing location is worthy of your visit.

After Nehru’s demise in the year 1964, this residential complex was converted into a museum-cum-library. Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML), boasts of the distinction of being the biggest library in the capital and is a hub for intellectuals. Here, you can take a guided walk-through Nehru’s personal literary space—complete with diary entries, personal letters and books presented to him by noted political leaders. This space is now transformed into a full-fledged library and contains 18,000 odd microfilm rolls, umpteen books, more than 10,000 manuscripts and over 1 lakh photographs!

Nehru Planetarium is another important highlight of this beautiful complex and lures the young and old alike. With a seating capacity of more than 270 people, the planetarium is known for its dome-shaped structure and Sky Theater. Book a ticket for its special screen shows as well as a walk through its mind blowing gallery. Here, you may also experience many astronomy related events such as astronomy quiz contests, lectures, telescope making workshops and so forth. The events at this interesting sightseeing place are held across the year and help you get a closer look at the mysteries of the universe—in more ways than one!

How to Reach: Udyog Bhawan is the nearest metro station to Teen Murti Bhavan.

23- Feroz Shah Kotla Fort

Feroz Shah Kotla Fort—an important historical monument that has many interesting legends and stories to its credit is certainly worth exploring. Located near Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in between New Delhi and Old Delhi , the ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla Fort remind visitors of the glory and opulence of the past and stuns them with its great  architectural splendor.

This colossal building was constructed under the orders of Firoz Shah Tughluq, way back in 1354. The remains of this fabulous fort reminds visitors of the era gone by .What remains today is just a simple pyramidal structure, which was once adorned by painted features and priceless stones—however, they are not visible today. Tourists from far and wide come here to bask in the reflected glory of the days gone by, enjoy a pleasant day outing or click amazing pictures of themselves –with the Feroz Shah Kotla Fort in the background.

How to Reach: ITO is the nearest metro station to Feroz Shah Kotla Fort.

24- Fatehpuri Masjid

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The Fatehpuri Masjid was originally built in the year 1650 by Fatehpuri Begum, one of the wives of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. This is located right in the heart of Delhi, in Chandni Chowk. This is actually a mosque which is all constructed with red sandstone and has been surmounted by a single dome. The mosque is a very fine display of Mughal architecture and one can see many towering minarets which are standing on the edge of this mosque which has a traditional design along with a prayer hall which has seven-arched openings.

The central arch is the highest amongst all of these seven arches. One can see three gates of the mosque; the first one is in front of the Red Fort at Chandni Chowk and the remaining two are in the north and south. The festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in the Fatehpuri Masjid, Delhi. The Mosque has witnessed many historical events from the Mughal as well as the British period of regime.

How to Reach: Chawri Bazar is the nearest metro station to Feroz Shah Kotla Fort.

25- Purana Qila (Old Fort)

This is one of the oldest forts located in Delhi. This was originally built by the Afghan King, Sher Shah Suri. This is located on the Mathura Road and is frequented by a large many number of foreign as well as domestic tourists. There are huge walls which guard this fort and three gateways also.

When entering the monument from the Southern side you will notice a small, octagonal red stone tower which was later used by the Mughal King Humayun as his library. It is believed that later Humayun fell from the stairs here and sustained injuries which led to his death. Right besides is the Qila-i-Kuhran which is the mosque of Sher Shah Suri. There is also an archaeological museum, for which there is no entry fee and it is located inside the main gate.

Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan is the nearest metro station to Purana Qila.

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