Top 10 Historical Places to Visit in Delhi
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The city of Delhi needs no introduction! If you are a foreigner with an Indian tour itinerary or an inland resident trying to break free of your bustling schedule, the Delhi Metropolitan is your choice. Don’t consider the hustle the word metropolitan carries. The unexplored side of the city with all its serenity awaits to entice you and calm you with comfort.
Recent years have seen an inflow of tourists from the Arabian Peninsula. Offers on the Dubai to Delhi Flight Booking have also been one of the boosting reasons. This comprehensive guide will encourage you to take that pending Delhi trip you had planned ages ago and experience the magic that comes with what the capital city has to offer!
Here are some of the best historical places to visit in Delhi:
1. Qutub Minar
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an archeological wonder located in the fortified Delhi city of Lal Kot. As the world’s tallest brick minaret and Delhi’s second tallest monument, this tower is part of the Qutub complex that was built over the period of years from 1192 under the Delhi Sultanate.
It reflects the wondrous architectural heritage of the city. Other sites in the complex worth exploring are the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Tomb of Iltutmish.
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2. Red Fort
Another World Heritage Site with immense historical and architectural importance is the Red Fort in Delhi. The iconic location where the nation’s Prime Minister hoists the flag on Independence Day every year.
This was once the reigning residence of the Mughals with its fortified walls built out of red sandstone. The design today is considered magnificent and worth a visit.
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3. Jantar Mantar
This scientifically interesting observatory dates back to 1724, which means “instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens”. This landmark hosts 13 astronomical instruments to predict the distance, speed and movement of the celestial bodies, planets and the sun.
Such an amazing architectural remnant is to be appreciated and not to be forgotten when you are touring in Delhi.
4. Agrasen Ki Baoli
Be amazed by this historic monument that had served as an excellent water reservoir built in the 14th century. This is a well-sought-after site preserved by the Archeological Survey of India.
Located in Hailey Road, Delhi, this step well structure gets deeper with 108 steps and is 60 meters long and 15 meters wide. You are sure to be swept away by its build and beauty.
5. Humayun’s Tomb
As the name suggests, this iconic monument is one of the very first garden tombs in the Indian Subcontinent with wide scaled gardens and a red sandstone building.
It is said to have been commissioned by Humayun’s wife in 1570 and was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. This Persian mausoleum will captivate you with its picture-perfect layout and sunlit corridors.
6. Purana Qila
This is one of the oldest forts in Delhi standing so proud against the test of time for many years now. Built on the riverbanks of Yamuna, this fort has protected the land around it since the 16th century.
Shows are being conducted at this fort to depict its history. This fort, having survived for 5000 years, is still one of the magnum opus structures from the Mughal Empire regime.
7. Jama Masjid
As one of the largest mosques in the nation, the Jama Masjid with all its glory, is Shah Jahan’s yet another architectural beauty that needs to be applauded.
It can seat nearly 25,000 worshippers and still serves as the Friday place of worship for Muslims. The magnitude of this structure can be witnessed during Eid and its beauty at sunset.
8. Safdarjung Tomb
This garden tomb is believed to be built in 1754 during the Mughal reign. Though not famous among tourists, this monument has its own beauty revealed in the architectural semblance of the Taj Mahal.
This was built for Safdarjung, the then Wazir under the Mughal emperor, Ahmad Shah Bahadur.
9. Rashtrapati Bhavan
Of all the Presidential residences in the world, Rashtrapati Bhavan is the second largest. It was the Viceroy Palace during the British Reign and then came to be the President’s estate.
The historical importance of this 340-room palace is immense. With the offices, official buildings and museum, it is a sight to behold.
10. India Gate
A war Memorial bearing the brave deeds of the Indian and British Soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War is India Gate.
Your trip to Delhi is not complete without visiting this 42m monument that is so similar to its French counterpart. It stands majestically with the names of the martyrs to depict their sacrifice and relive their tale of bravery.