Delhi Historical Places That You Should Visit
Delhi, the capital city of India has been the center of power for India, be it the Mughal era or the British colonial era. Over time, it has become the cultural, historical, and architectural capital of India. No wonder, Delhi is home to various historical monuments including 3 UNESCO recognized World Heritage sites. Qutub Minar, Purana Quila, and Hauz Khas were the key historical monuments of Delhi between the 12th and 15th centuries AD.
So get ready to give yourself visual treats and feed your mind with stories about the Most Popular Historical Monuments of Delhi.
Best Season to Visit Delhi
In Winter (October – March)
In India, the winter season starts in October and ends in March.
- Average Maximum Temperature – 25 Degrees C
- Average Minimum Temperature – 10 Degrees C
In Summer (April – July)
In India, the summer season starts in March and ends in June or July.
- Average Maximum Temperature – 35 Degrees C
- Average Minimum Temperature – 25 Degrees C
In Monsoon (August – September)
- Average Maximum Temperature – 33 Degrees C
- Average Minimum Temperature – 25 Degrees C
Places to visit in Delhi-NCR (List):
The city offers several tourist attractions to its visitors. Delhi has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Tourists come to Delhi from all over the world to visit.
Akshardham Temple | Akshardham, New Delhi |
Red Fort | Chandni Chowk, New Delhi |
India Gate | Central Secretariat, New Delhi |
Hauz Khas | Hauz Khas, New Delhi |
Kingdom of Dreams | IFFCO Chowk, Gurugram (Delhi-NCR) |
Worlds of Wonder | Sector-18, Noida (Delhi-NCR) |
KidZania | Sector-18, Noida (Delhi-NCR) |
Connaught Place | Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi |
Dilli Haat | INA, New Delhi |
Fun N Food Village | Dwarka Sector 21, New Delhi |
Snow World | Sector-18, Noida (Delhi-NCR) |
Qutub Minar | Qutub Minar metro station, New Delhi |
Humayun’s Tomb | Jor Bagh, New Delhi |
Lotus Temple | Kalkaji Mandir, New Delhi |
Appu Ghar | Huda City Centre, Gurgaon (Delhi-NCR) |
Damdama Lake | Gurgaon (Delhi-NCR) |
Cyber Hub | Cyber City Rapid Metro Station, Gurgaon (Delhi-NCR) |
National Rail Museum | Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi |
Jama Masjid | Jama Masjid Metro, New Delhi |
Rashtrapati Bhavan | Central Secretariat, New Delhi |
Also See:Â Best Shopping Markets in New Delhi
Delhi Historical Places That You Should Visit
One of the major reasons for tourists to visit India is because of the huge number of historical monuments in Delhi. Such as India Gate, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Hauz Khas Fort, Safdarjung Tomb, Humayun’s Tomb, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Lodhi Gardens, Agrasen ki Baoli, Purana Quila, Tughlaqabad Fort, Mehrauli, Jahanpanah Fort, Archaeological Park, and many more places to visit in Delhi.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is the epitome of a wife’s love for her deceased husband. It is one of the most stunning and impressive masterpieces of the Mughals Dynasty. The magnificent structure incorporates the elements of Persian and Mughal architecture. The structure is embellished with yellow marble and red sandstone which features the first-ever garden tomb in the country.
- Location:Â Mathura Road, Opposite Nizamuddin Dargah, New Delhi
- Entry Fee: Indian – Rs 35 Children (below 15) – Free, Foreigners – Rs 550
- Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Red Fort
Red Fort is one of the pioneer historic forts in the city of Delhi. Built-in the mid of 17th century this fort is among the major tourist attractions. The fort has witnessed a long period of cultural, political, and architectural majesty of the Mughal Empire. It has endorsed tears, sweat, and blood during the struggle for Independence. Popularly known for portraying a significant role in political turbulence, it has been an imperative part of many protests and campaigns for ages.
- Location:Â Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 35, Foreigners – Rs 500
- Light and Sound Show: Adults – Rs 60, Children – Rs 20
- Weekend Entry Fee: Adults – Rs 80, Children – Rs 30
- Timings: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Jama Masjid
The Masjid-i Jehan-Numa or popularly known as Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in Asia. It exhibits an articulate mnemonic of the Mughal spiritual emotion towards their lord. This magnificent place of worship was once the royal mosque of the emperors until the end of the Mughal era. The architecture of the mosque showcased fine craftsmanship comprised mainly of white marble, red sandstone, and limestone. The beautiful mosque is a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture.
- Location:Â Jama Masjid Rd, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Entry Fee:Â No Entry Fee, Entry Restricted For Women
- Timings: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm – 6:30 pm, All days of the week
Qutub Minar
Well known for its soaring height of 73 m, The tower of victory or the Qutab Minar is a fine piece of architecture in the history of India. Centuries-old minar is said to be built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, to celebrate the dominance of Muslims after conquering Delhi’s last Hindu emperor. As per popular folklore, if you encircle the Qutab tower with your hands while standing with your back toward it, all your wishes will get accomplished.
- Location:Â Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi
- When To Go: August – March
- Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 35, Foreigners – Rs 550
- Timings: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, All days of the week
Jantar Mantar
Belongs to the era of the 18th century, Jantar Mantar is an amazing piece of architecture that stores an opulent past of ancient India. It is said to be built by the ruler of Jaipur, Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1724. The stone-built astronomical instruments were initially designed to predict the time of the day depending upon the declination of the celestial bodies. Apparently, there are a total of 5 Jantar Mantar in our nation, mainly in New Delhi, Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi, and the one in Jaipur is said to be the world’s largest stone sundial.
- Location:Â Connaught Place, Sansad Marg, New Delhi
- When To Go: August – April
- Entry Fee: Indians – Rs 15, Foreigners – Rs 200
- Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, All days of the week
Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Delhi. The beautiful flower-like architecture and the marvelous ambiance of the lotus temple attract tourists from far and wide. It is commonly referred to as the Baha’i house of worship, which reflects the simplicity, clarity and freshness of the Baha’i faith. The foundation of this splendid piece of architecture emphasizes the motto of the oneness of religions and humanity.
- Location:Â Lotus Temple road, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi
- When To Go: October – March
- Entry Fee:Â No Entry Fee
- Timings: 9:30 am – 7:00 pm (April – September), 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (October – March), All days of the week except Monday
Rashtrapati Bhawan
The Rashtrapati Bhawan is officially the residence of the President of India and unofficially it is among the prehistoric cultural & heritage monuments. Spread over an area of 350 acres, the Bhawan incorporates a 190-acre garden, nine tennis courts, one cricket and polo ground, and a golf course. Moreover, the visual treat of Rashtrapati Bhawan is its heavenly Mughal Garden, which grows a wide variety of exotic flowers in the blooming season.
- Location: Rashtrapati Bhawan, President’s Estate, New Delhi
- When To Go: August – March
- Entry Fee:Â Rs 50
- Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm, All days of the week except Monday
Lodi Gardens
Lodhi Garden is one of the astonishing tourist destinations in Delhi, that has garnered praise from all across due to its spectacular architectural beauty. The garden is a fusion of perfectly blended Islamic and Hindu architectural styles. Its tranquil ambiance attracts morning walkers, yoga enthusiasts, couples, and families to visit and enjoy the serenity of this place.
- Location:Â Lodhi road, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi
- When To Go: August – March
- Entry Fee:Â No Entry Fee
- Timings: 5:00 am – 8:00 pm (April – September), 6:00 am to 8:00 pm (October – March), All days of the week
Safdarjung’s Tomb
Safdarjung’s Tomb is one of the accessible historical monuments of Delhi. It reflects the perfect architectural style of Mughal construction. The intricate stone carving, beautiful sandstone, and white marble bring out the breathtaking view for great photography. Though, it is not as well known as some of the other tombs in the state but is still successful in attracting a large gathering of history buffs and archeological enthusiasts.
- Location:Â Airforce Golf Course, Delhi Race Club, New Delhi
- When To Go: August – March
- Entry Fee: Indian – Rs 15, Foreigners – Rs 200
- Timings: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
Isa Khan’s Tomb
Established in the same neighborhood as of Humayun’s Tomb, Isa Khan’s Tomb is said to built in the 16th century. The tomb is beautifully adorned with varnished tiles, decorated with canopies, lattice windows, and ample verandahs supported by marvelous carved pillars. It is a fine example of contemporary architecture, molded in the form of sunken garden-style tombs in India.
- Location: Mathura Road, Humayun’s Tomb complex, New Delhi
- When To Go: October – March
- Entry Fee: Indian – Rs 10, Foreigners – Rs 250
- Timings: 6:00 am – 7:00 pm, All days of the week
Alai Darwaza
Beautifully adorned with red sandstone, the inlaid white marble decorations and the alluring Naskh script inscriptions make Alai Darwaza truly mesmerizing. It is said to be the first monument in India that deploy Islamic architectural principles in its construction and ornamentations. Constructed in the year between 1296 and 1316AD, this monument is believed to be one of the oldest remaining ancient gateways in Delhi.
- Location:Â Qutub Minar Complex Rd, Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi
- When To Go: October – March
- Entry Fee: Indian – Rs 35, Foreigners – Rs 250
- Timings: 6:00 am – 6:30 pm, All days of the week
Purana Qila (Old Fort)
The magnificent fort Purana Qila is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. It has emerged as one of the most captivating tourist destinations that narrate the vibrant ancient history of Delhi in detail. Established by the popular Mughal emperor – Humayun, the Purana Quila is eminent evidence of the grand and glorious Mughal art. Standing at a height of 18 meters and spreading over an area of 1.5 km, Purana Quila is still stagnant stoically amidst wild greenery.
- Location:Â Mathura Rd, Near Delhi Zoo, New Delhi
- When To Go: October – March
- Entry Fee: Indian – Rs 20, Foreigners – Rs 200
- Timings: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, All days of the week
Diwan-i-Am
Among the major tourist attractions of India, Diwan-e-Aam is one of them recognized by UNESCO. It is an impeccable piece of architecture of the bygone era that reflects Shah Jahan’s immense love for marble. As per the old tales Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan used this place to organize public meetings to listen to and resolve the petitions of their people and conduct various state affairs.
- Location:Â Opp Chandini Chowk, Lal Qila, Old Delhi, New Delhi
- When To Go: October – March
- Entry Fee: Indian – Rs 40, Foreigners – Rs 550
- Timings: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, All days of the week, except Monday
Tughlaqabad Fort
Tughlaqabad Fort is a remarkable, massive, gigantic stone structure that stands as the symbol of the strength and ferociousness of the Tughlaq dynasty. It is said to be built by Ghiyasu’d-Din Tughlaq, the first ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty, who hand-picked this mountainous location to build a city that can be protected easily. Apparently, it took four years to get completed, but never gets inhabited and thus gets abandoned in very few years.
- Location:Â Tughlaqabad Fort, Tughlakabad, New Delhi
- When To Go: October – March
- Entry Fee: Indian – Rs 5, Foreigners – Rs 100
- Timings: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, All days of the week
Tomb of Imam Zamin
The glorious Tomb of Imam Zamin is in the vicinity of the Qutub Minar complex and is surrounded by the beautiful Alai Darwaza. As per many archaeologists, Imam Zamin was a saint who originally belongs to Turkestan but settled in India in search of disciples & patronage. The tomb showcased the magnificent architecture of the Mughal period, adorned with beautiful sandstone, and white marble and the intricate designs on the facades, elaborate the fine architecture.
- Location:Â Qutub Minar Complex, Qutub Minar Complex Rd, Mehrauli, New Delhi
- When To Go: October – March
- Entry Fee: Indian – Rs 10, Foreigners – Rs 250
- Timings: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm, All days of the week
Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Mehrauli Archaeological Park is a prominent historical venue in New Delhi, that is renowned for incorporating over 100 historically significant monuments in its 200 sq km area. Apart from various momentous historical figures, the park is also known for housing the oldest stepwell ‘Rajon ki Baoli’. Moreover, it also performs a significant role in preserving the ancient art and medieval culture of the prehistoric era.
- Location:Â Mehrauli Archeological Park Trail, Christian Colony, Mehrauli, New Delhi
- When To Go: October – March
- Entry Fee:Â No Entry Fees
- Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, All days of the week
In addition to that, there are lots of opportunities for adventure junkies too. New Delhi offers an incredible range of facilities and services to its tourists, that create a blissful experience that is worth revisiting.