Top 5 Things to Do When in Delhi, India
Delhi, The Capital Of India - Home to over 25 million people, Delhi is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly mixes old and new, historical relics in the midst of a cosmopolitan landscape, and medieval fortifications along with mega shopping centers.
Delhi is both overwhelming and underwhelming, but give yourself time to immerse in its culture, life, and spirit, and you will surely fall in love with it. What is even more exciting is that it has hidden treasures in its lesser-known corners.
So make sure you explore it in any way possible.
What are some of the best things to do in Delhi that will make your trip to Delhi totally unforgettable?
Top 5 Things to Do When in Delhi, India
1. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites In Delhi
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Humayun’s Tomb is most important building in Delhi for its cultural significance. It inspired several architectural innovations during Mughal including Taj Mahal
In India, tombs of nobles and royalties are more like palaces than somber resting places. Humayun's Tomb is no exception. Humayun was a Mughal emperor of India.
It is one of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Delhi, after all. Located in South Delhi, it is surrounded by well-maintained gardens designed in the Persian Char Bagh style. That is, the gardens surround the tomb in four corners.
Humayun's Tomb is said to be the city's first major Mughal structure and the prototype from which the Taj Mahal in Agra was fashioned from.
This amazing complex features the octagonal tomb of Iza Khan, the eponymous tomb of Humayun, and the Barber's Tomb in the southeast corner.
The original royal entrance, the South Gate, is a must-visit as this is where you can enjoy spectacular photo ops without the crowd.
Qutub Minar, Delhi
Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Qutub Minar is part of the Qutub Complex, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a minaret that stands over 70 meters and is visible from the air when flying towards IGI Airport. When it was built between 1193 and 1368, it was considered as the tallest skyscraper.
The construction of Qutub Minar was commissioned by Qutbu-l-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate.It is one of the famous structures in Delhi that has been well preserved, although some would say that Qutub Minar has already been rebuilt twice, following an earthquake.
Red Fort, Delhi
Red Fort, Delhi, India
Red Fort is another impressive structure that was built by the same Mughal Emperor ‘Shah Jahan’ who had Agra's Taj Mahal created.
This red sandstone fort is one of the top tourist sites in Delhi, visited for its imposing structure and the well-kept gardens surrounding it.
It is composed of major buildings such Khas Mahal (Private Palace), Hayat Baksh Bagh (Life-Bestowing Gardens), Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), and Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar).
2. Visit Religious Landmarks Of Delhi
Religion plays a vital role in the lives of the locals. And, like most structures in India, places of worship are also lavish and colorful, which is why they are as much part of sightseeing and activities as other iconic landmarks.
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is the dargah of one of the world's most famous Sufi saints, Nizamuddin Auliya. Picture: Prateek Rungta
A world-famous shrine in Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is the shrine in honor of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, one of Sufi saints known the world over.
This impressive structure is visited by thousands of people daily, regardless of their religious association.
Akshardham Temple, Delhi
Akshardham Temple, Delhi | Picture Source: Russ Bowling
An elaborate structure carved of red sandstone, Akshardham Temple is an impressive building that is lavishly decorated. It houses an 11-foot golden statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, founder of the Swaminarayan faith, in a central monument that is built without the use of steel.
The temple has a Premvati food court where you can eat low-cost vegetarian food. When visiting Akshardham Temple, you might want to leave your gadgets behind, as it imposes a strict ban on all electronics. You will be required to leave all your possessions, except for your clothes, in a cloakroom.
3. Explore Lutyen's Delhi & Shopping in Delhi
The India Gate, is a war memorial. It is located at the end of Rajpath
Named after British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, Lutyens' Delhi can be considered an expansion of his amazing abilities in architectural design, as seen through the many buildings in the area. So, if you want a touch of British in India, you will see plenty of it in Lutyen’s Delhi.
The administrative area of the city is where you will find the Rashtrapati Bhawan, formerly known as Viceroy's House; Rajpath, also known as King's Way; Rajiv Chowk; and two cathedrals.
Visit Rajiv Chowk, formerly known as the Connaught Palace, where you will find plenty of shops laid out in two concentric circles that are divided into blocks. On one end is the Palika Bazaar where you will find cheap ware from shady sources.
Go to South Delhi and you will find upscale shopping malls, where you can do some fancy shopping
4. A Heritage Walk In Old Delhi & Visit Jama Masjid
This great mosque in Old Delhi is largest in India, It's courtyard can hold up to 25,000 devotees together.
Never leave Delhi without checking out the old city and Jama Masjid, Asia’s largest mosque. Make the mosque your first stop, as this will give you an unobstructed view of the Old Delhi.
You can then choose which ancient lanes you can explore. Whichever you pick, the streets of Old Delhi will take you through colorful bazaars, mansions, food stalls, and Jain temples.
5. Plan A Trip To Agra From Delhi
The Taj Mahal is also known as a great monument of Love
200 km from Delhi is Agra, one of the most popular destinations in India largely due to the Taj Mahal (one of the seven wonders of the world and a monument of love ).
So make sure you don’t just start and stop at Delhi. You should also plan a trip to Agra and visit three of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Taj Mahal
This impressive and luxurious tourist attraction draws crowds from all over the world not only because of its exceptional architecture but also because of the remarkable story behind it.
The mausoleum was built for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, which construction caused a mini-famine in the city of Agra. But one look at the Taj Mahal and all negativity associated with it will simply go away.
Agra Fort
Red Fort Agra is at a short distance from The Taj Mahal | Source: Leon Yaakov
The layout of Agra Fort may seem familiar to you if you have been in Delhi. This is because it shares some similarities with the capital’s Red Fort.
It is more of a palace than a defensive structure, however. From Taj Mahal, going to Agra Fort is just one rickshaw ride away.
Fatehpur Sikri
Buland Darwaza serves as the entrance to Fatehpur Sekri
The City of Victory, as the name translates, Fatehpur Sikri (Fatehpur Sikri) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century.
For 10 years, it was the capital of the Mughal Empire until it was mysteriously abandoned.
Today, it serves as a favorite sightseeing destination, what with its well-preserved courtyards, mosques, and palaces.