Delhi is the central capital for power and authority in India throughout the ages regardless of whether it was during the Mughal time as well as the British colonial period. Delhi is currently the capital city of India and is lined with numerous magnificent and stunning monuments erected by the most powerful monarchs the world has ever witnessed. Let’s look at the Historical Monuments in Delhi that must be on your list of places to visit whenever you visit Delhi:
1. Red Fort
The Red Fort is a historic fortification located in the city of Delhi, India. It was constructed in the mid-17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who is also known for building the Taj Mahal. The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a significant landmark in Indian history.
The fort is named after its massive red sandstone walls, which were built to provide protection to the Mughal emperor and his army. The fort has a circumference of around 2.5 kilometers and covers an area of around 254.67 acres.
The Red Fort was the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years until the British took control of India in the mid-19th century. Today, it serves as a popular tourist destination and is known for its stunning architecture, intricate design, and rich history.
The fort houses a number of significant structures, including the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Rang Mahal (Palace of Colours), the Khas Mahal (Private Palace), and the Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel Palace). The fort also features beautiful gardens and fountains, which add to its charm and beauty.
Every year, on August 15th, India’s Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a speech to the nation. The event is attended by thousands of people and is broadcasted live across the country.
2. Jama Masjid
Delhi Jama Masjid, also known as Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, is one of the largest mosques in India located in the heart of Old Delhi. It was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1656 AD.
The mosque is built of red sandstone and white marble and has three gateways, four towers and two minarets standing 40 meters high. The courtyard of the mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers at a time. The mosque also houses several relics, including an ancient copy of the Quran written on deer skin.
Delhi Jama Masjid is a significant cultural and religious landmark in Delhi and attracts thousands of visitors every day. Visitors can explore the mosque’s stunning architecture, attend the daily prayers, and climb the minaret for a panoramic view of the city. However, visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the mosque. Book you Cheap flights with Lowest Flight Fares.
3. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is a historical tower located in the Qutub complex in Mehrauli, Delhi, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi.
The tower was built in the 12th century by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, and was later completed by his successor, Iltutmish. The tower is made of red sandstone and marble, and it stands at a height of 73 meters (240 feet). It has a diameter of 14.3 meters at the base and tapers to 2.7 meters at the top.
The Qutub Minar has five distinct stories, each separated by a balcony, and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions from the Quran. The first three stories are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth stories are made of marble and sandstone. The top of the tower is accessible through a staircase of 379 steps.
Apart from the Qutub Minar, the Qutub complex also houses several other historical monuments, including the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, Alai Darwaza, and the Tomb of Iltutmish.
4. India Gate
India Gate is a war memorial located in the heart of New Delhi, India. It was built in 1931 as a tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Empire in World War I and the Afghan Wars. The monument stands at a height of 42 meters and is a popular tourist attraction in Delhi.
The India Gate is situated in the middle of a large circular lawn known as the Rajpath, which is surrounded by government buildings and other landmarks. The structure is made of red sandstone and granite and features an archway that leads to a canopy where the eternal flame of the Amar Jawan Jyoti burns in memory of India’s fallen soldiers.
The India Gate is also a popular spot for picnics and evening walks for locals, especially during the summer months when the temperature can get quite hot in Delhi. The monument is illuminated at night and is a beautiful sight to behold.
5. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is a mausoleum located in Delhi, India. It was built in the mid-16th century by the wife of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, Haji Begum, and was designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas.
The tomb is a significant example of Mughal architecture and is considered to be the first garden-tomb in India. The complex comprises several structures, including the main tomb, a mosque, a barber’s tomb, and a hamam (bathhouse).
The tomb itself is made of red sandstone and white marble and features a double dome, which was a new innovation at the time. The dome is flanked by two chhatris (pillared pavilions), and the main tomb is surrounded by a symmetrical Mughal-style garden with pools and fountains.
Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be a precursor to the Taj Mahal, which was built almost a century later. It is open to the public and attracts a large number of visitors every year.
6. Jantar Mantar
Delhi Jantar Mantar is an observatory located in the heart of Delhi, India. It was built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, a renowned astronomer and mathematician, and is one of the five observatories he built in India.
The Jantar Mantar in Delhi consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments designed to measure time, predict eclipses, track the position of stars and planets, and determine the celestial altitudes and azimuths. These instruments are made of stone and marble and are arranged in a large open space. Some of the notable instruments at Jantar Mantar include the Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash Yantra, Ram Yantra, and Misra Yantra.
Today, Jantar Mantar serves as a popular tourist destination in Delhi and is also used by amateur astronomers and researchers for astronomical observations. It has been declared a National Monument and is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India.
7. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship located in New Delhi, India. It is a unique and iconic building, shaped like a lotus flower, which has made it one of the most famous landmarks of Delhi.
The temple was completed in 1986 and is made of pure white marble. It has 27 free-standing “petals” that are arranged in groups of three to form nine sides. The temple is surrounded by nine pools of water, which give the impression of a floating lotus flower.
The Lotus Temple is open to people of all religions and is a place of worship and meditation. It is also a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors every year. Visitors are not allowed to take photographs inside the temple, and they must remove their shoes before entering the building.
The Lotus Temple is located in the southern part of Delhi, near the Nehru Place commercial complex. It is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Delhi Metro. The temple is open every day except Monday, and there is no admission fee to enter.
8. Rashtrapati Bhawan
Delhi Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India. It is located in the capital city of New Delhi and covers an area of 320 acres. The building was designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens and was completed in 1929.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan has 340 rooms, including the presidential quarters, guest rooms, and offices. It also houses a large Mughal-style garden, which covers about 130 acres and includes a variety of plants, trees, and water features.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is open to the public for guided tours, which allow visitors to explore the various rooms and halls of the building, as well as the gardens. The tours also provide information on the history and architecture of the building, as well as the role of the President of India in the country’s political system.
