New Delhi is India’s capital, situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River. It is a gorgeous city that is rich with history and culture. As the heart of India’s nation, New Delhi is jam-packed with plenty of famous sites, you will surely leave here having learned something new about India. After Tokyo, New Delhi is the second most populated city in the world, so expect some packed streets as you tour through the city. There are loads to see, eat and drink, New Delhi is an adventure that awaits you.
Get the most out of New Delhi with these 21 things to do …
Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. It is located in Agra, just a train ride away from New Delhi. Its literal name ‘crown of the palace’ is fitting as it is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The ivory-white marble mausoleum is absolutely stunning. Taj Mahal was built between 1631 and 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, in memory of his favorite wife. Today it stands as one of India’s most famous landmarks. Taj Mahal is a grandiose gesture of romance, combining elements from Persian, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles. There are calligraphic inscriptions in Arabic that feature beautifully inscribed texts from the Quran in various places.
Visit the Taj Mahal and prepare to be stunned. Depending on the time that you go, see the different colours of the monument as white marble reflects the sky.
Note: The Taj is closed every Friday to anyone not attending prayers at the mosque.
India Gate
India Gate is a stone arch built as a memorial to Indian soldiers killed in WWI. The impressive gate is reminiscent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Standing at 42 m high, the gate is even more iconic as its walls are inscribed with the names of more than 90,000 soldiers who died.
The imposing structure is one of the largest war memorials in the country. India Gate also famously hosts the Republic Day Parade every year. If you are up for a picnic, this is the place for you as India Gate has become one of the most popular picnic spots in the city.
Tip: It’s best to visit India Gate in the evenings. At that time, the gate is beautifully lit up and the nearby fountains are floodlit – it’s so picturesque!
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is the world’s tallest brick structure, standing at 73 metres tall. Completed in the 12th century, the five-story tower is also the second tallest monument in Delhi. The minaret is the tallest in all of India, constructed from sandstone, it is an exciting example of Indo-Islamic architecture. You will find that Qutub Minar is covered with intricate carvings featuring the history of Qutub along with inscriptions from the Koran.
A visit here is an experience that you don’t want to miss. It features 5 distinct stories which are notable for being constructed of a number of different types of stone. The first three stories are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth stories were built with marble and sandstone. The complex itself is full of ancient ruins and monuments.
Climb to the top of Qutub Minar for breathtaking views of the area.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is a mausoleum constructed of white marble and red sandstone. The Taj Mahal look-alike is an excellent example of Mughal architecture. It was built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum as a memorial to her husband Humayun..
The tomb is surrounded by lush gardens and also houses other tombs including Humayun’s barber and the Tomb of Isa Khan (the architect of the Taj Mahal). At the entrance of the mausoleum is a small museum showcasing some old photographs including explanations of the tomb and its history, so try and check it out.
Admire the architecture at any time of day, but especially after nightfall when it’s illuminated.
Explore Street Food
The food in New Delhi is something to rave about. As you tour the streets bustling with culture make sure to explore the different variety of street food available to you. Whether you prefer tangy delights such as chaat papdi (fried wafers loaded with potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and chili) or you are more of a savoury person preferring stuffed parathas (fried breads with vegetable fillings). There is so much choice!
At Dilli Haat (an outdoor shopping plaza), sample Indian food from around the entire nation. Some restaurants represent delicious food from each of the states of India.
Expand your palette and try something new.
Lotus Temple
Lotus temple is the world’s only structure of the Baha’i faith in Asia. The universal symbol of peace is a lotus flower, this is embodied by the temple in name, but also in its shape as well. The temple is simply an architectural delight. The whole complex from top to bottom is made of pure marble, resembling an unfolding lotus flower. Lotus Temple was built in 1986 and conceptualized by Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba. It is surrounded by nine pools of water and remains one of the world’s most visited attractions.
Also known as Bahá’í House of Worship, a temple is a welcoming place for anyone who wishes to meditate and pray.
Note: Photography is restricted in the inner sanctum and there is a strict code of silence to be maintained at all times.
Lodi Gardens
Lodi Gardens is a tourist favorite in New Delhi. The grand public park encapsulates New Delhi at its most relaxed. The gardens were originally created to host the tombs of the Lodi and Sayyid rulers. Now they stand as a green oasis where people enjoy picnics, strolls, or even reading. The large park is really easy to walk around and is great if you just need a breath of fresh air.
There is also an ancient eight-piered bridge known as the Athpula here in the gardens which date back to the time of Emperor Akbar. Wander around the Lodi Gardens and explore the 500-year-old tombs.
Note: Entrance to Lodi Gardens is free.
Red Fort
The Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan in 1648, lying along the banks of the river Yamuna. It was formerly known as Quila-e-Mubarak or the Blessed Fort. The stunning structure served as the seat of Mughal power until 1857. Adorned with red sandstone walls, the impressively tall structure covers an area of more than two square kilometers. The main entrance is at Lahore Gate, this is so named as it faces Lahore in Pakistan. You’ll be whisked back to the last days of the Mughal empire as you enter the Red Fort.
The monument houses several museums that have an array of artifacts on display. Also at Chhatta Chowk, you are able to purchase items such as silks, jewelry, and souvenirs. Every year for Republic Day celebrations, the Indian Prime Minister unfurls the national flag here.
At the Red Fort, you are also able to catch a Light and Sound show. The show combines artistic storytelling with visual animation, expert musicians and artists portray historical events through narratives and music. Normally lasting for around an hour, you are able to watch in both English and Hindi at different times.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India. Formerly home to the British Viceroy, the splendid building has more than 340 rooms. Apart from the President, it houses the bodyguards, stables, and other utility staff.
This is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent buildings in New Delhi. Also, check out the adjoining Mughal Gardens. The stunning gardens display luscious plantings around the President’s Residence. Additionally, you can catch the Changing of the Guard on the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan every Saturday morning. The President’s Bodyguards are always kitted out in their ceremonial regalia.
Note: You can visit the inside of Rashtrapati Bhavan on weekends, but you have to register online first.
Khari Baoli Market
Calling all the spice lovers – Khari Baoli Market is Asia’s Largest Wholesale Spice Market. Located in the narrow bazaars of Old Delhi, Khari Baoli immerses you in a colorful array of all things spices, dried fruits, and nuts. The street is very busy, but the smell of spices in the air is certainly rewarding.
A trip to this marker is an experience you cannot miss when you’re here. Do not miss the opportunity to buy several spices for yourself to cook with when you get back home. Khari Baoli is situated near the Red Fort, so you can plan to come here before or after visiting it.
Other markets to visit are Chandni Chowk (one of New Delhi’s oldest) and also Sarojini Market.
Hauz Khas Village
The Hauz Khas village is an ancient community of ruins that includes a mosque and various tombs of Muslim royalty, who were laid to rest here from the 14th to 16th centuries. There are remnants of Islamic architecture all over the village’s narrow lanes. You will find the fascinating urban village a little south of New Delhi. The charming village certainly retains the old charm of the place but also amalgamates a more modern feel too.
Hauz Khas houses an upscale outdoor shopping area filled with antique and fashion boutique stores, high-end restaurants, and cafes. Kunzum Travel Cafe is located here too. This cafe is the only travel cafe in Delhi, catering mostly to travelers. It is a great place to grab a quick bite, meet people and maybe even form new travel partners.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is Delhi’s most important Sikh place of worship. It is dedicated to the memory of Bangla Sahib who was believed to have distributed sanctified water to the sick, causing miraculous healing. You can find the gurdwara near Connaught Place. Today, sanctified water is still distributed to devotees who come from around the world seeking its healing properties.
At Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, there is a magnificent pool of water outdoors. There is also a dining facility where many people share a meal together each day. You can enter the temple and enjoy the Sikh band playing drums and singing. You will also find an art gallery and a small museum dedicated to the history of the Sikh religion here at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.
Note; To enter the Gurdwara, your hair should be covered and shoes removed (free headscarves and shoe storage are provided).
Akshardham temple
Akshardham temple is a Hindu temple complex that was built in 2005. It is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘largest comprehensive Hindu temple’ in the world. Situated in East Delhi, the elaborate modern architecture of the temple will leave you in awe. The temple’s interior is stunning, the way that it is beautifully decorated can simply not be accurately portrayed in words.
Apart from the central temple building, you will also find exhibition halls, a water fountain, and lush gardens.
You really do not want to miss out on experiencing this with your own eyes.
Note: Photography is strictly prohibited inside this temple.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is one of India’s largest mosques. Completed in 1658 by architect Shah Jahan, this beautiful structure is so large with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. The mosque features three gateways, four-angled towers, and two 40-meter-high minarets. The minarets are constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble.
Climb to the top of the southern minaret for spectacular views of Old Delhi.
Note: You must take off your shoes and be appropriately dressed before entering the mosque.
National Museum of New Delhi
The National Museum of New Delhi houses an array of exhibits that explore India’s history. The museum which was established in 1949 is one of the largest in India, there is a wealth of Indian art here. There are interesting archeological finds here at the museum, items such as tapestry, musical instruments, jewelry, murals, and much more. The museum also houses the National Museum Institute of the History of Arts, you will find an extensive range of 200,000 artworks at the National Museum.
One of the most significant galleries isCentral Asian. It exhibits silk banners, sculptures, and artifacts that relate to life along the ancient Silk Route that stretched between Europe and China.
At the museum, there is a great blend of India’s glorious past and the astounding present.
Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses is located in South Delhi’s Said-ul-Ajaib village. Designed by the famous Delhi architect Pradeep Sachdeva, the garden spreads over 20 acres. The Garden of Five Senses is ultimately designed to stimulate your senses of touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste. The 5 various themes are brought to life through the Mughal Garden, Herb Garden, Solar energy Garden, and Pools of Waterlilies.
As you stroll through the park, you will see the Amazing flowers and plants arranged and displayed in a wonderful manner – it is a feast to the eyes. At different points in the year, the garden also hosts various events. Some of the most renowned are Tourism Festival, Food Festival, and much more.
The Garden of Five Senses is a paradise for nature lovers.
Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar, or Maze Puzzle, is an open-air observatory. The complex is situated in the heart of Central Delhi. The whole structure resembles a maze. Jantar Mantar was designed for astronomical observations and comprises thirteen different instruments. The thirteen different instruments are all used for different purposes in figuring out the movements of the sun, moon, and planet cycles.
At Jantar Mantar, you will find a remarkably enormous sundial known as the Prince of Dials. The Vrihat Samrat Yantra is 27 m long and renowned as the tallest sundial in the World. It measures time up to the precision of two seconds.
This is one of the largest observatories in the World, a must-see for all!
Delhi Zoo
The Delhi Zoo is also known as the National Zoological Park. You can find this zoo at the Old fort. Inaugurated in 1959, the zoo has been well maintained since. Delhi zoo houses nearly 2000 different species of animals and birds. Even those animals who are more uncommon such as white tigers and brow-antlered deer here at the zoo.
The birds and animals here live in an environment that resembles their natural habitats in many ways. The animals are displayed in barless enclosures, mostly allowed to freely move about.
Although it is best to visit the zoo on foot, there are battery-operated cars available for visitors to use if they do get tired. cafeteria and opportunities for nature lovers to do photography and birdwatching abound.
Kingdom of Dreams
The Kingdom of Dreams (KOD) is a live entertainment, leisure and theatre destination located in Gurugram. It is India’s first and is a great example of the more contemporary creations in the country.
KOD offers you a taste of modern India and brings you closer to India’s diverse culture, lifestyle, arts and even cuisine. The stalls capture the cuisines and street arts of the fourteen different states in India.There are two Bollywood musicals that are staged here throughout the week (except Monday).
This is really the ultimate entertainment destination in India.
Raj Ghat
The Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, known famously as the Father of the Nation. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, in the place where he was cremated. The beautiful memorial is located amidst gorgeous landscaped gardens. To get specifically to the black marble memorial, you must walk into its central courtyard.
There is a prayer meeting that takes place at the Raj Ghat every Friday. Teachings of Gandhi are also portrayed daily through sound, light, and sculpture narration. At the memorial, there is also an eternal flame that burns in order to pay homage to Gandhi.
The tranquility you experience in the gardens at Raj Ghat cannot be understated.
National Rail Museum
New Delhi’s National Rail Museum focuses on the 163 years old rail heritage of India. Currently, India is home to the largest rail network in the world. The museum houses more than 30 locomotives and several old carriages, most of them even quite rare, there is an engine built in 1885 and the Fairy Queen steam engine from 1855. Established in 1977, the museum stands as the first of its kind in India.
At the museum, you will find rail artifacts, photos, and working models of trains running through India. It is also a highly informative experience where you can learn more about the development of this mode of transportation in India.
At the souvenir shop, you are able to purchase some great railway memorabilia.
