Oh, India! Nothing but its evocative name, we all have images, music, sounds, smells that clash before our eyes, is not it? And what about New Delhi, the capital? A great city to discover, one of the most attractive in the world. A charming city where tradition and modernity meet easily. In this city, as in many others in India, there is a multitude of monuments to visit. Whether you are traveling on foot, by train, by bike, you can be sure that all your senses will be alerted in this teeming, bustling, noisy, magical and timeless city. But what to see in New Delhi? What to do? Where to meet locals and think outside the box? Here is a small glimpse of a city that is tamed slowly but which is never changed again.
1. Red Fort
It is one of the most indicator monuments of the city: this majestic palace is spectacular. Designed in red sandstone in the middle of the 17th century, it is now part of UNESCO World Heritage. Try, if possible, to attend one of the sound and light shows that will carry you through the history of New Delhi to the beat of unique music.
2. Raj Ghat
Near the National Gandhi Museum is the Raj Ghat, the marble tombstone that indicates where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948. The place is sober, with a simple black marble slab, but you also have the possibility to walk around the park where you will discover other monoliths of great Indian leaders like Nehru.
3. Dilli Haat
For those who like to deal and want to do nice business, the artisanal village of Dilli Haat near Delhi is for you. It is possible to buy beautiful fabric, handmade fabric, embroidery, stuffy paintings, sunshine or typical jewelry. Finally, there is a large place where you can taste several territorial specialties.
4. The India Gate
You too, come to an incredible event and join a busy crowd near the India Gate every night: under the rays of sunshine, you will attend a colorful show with incredible shots.
5. Jama Masjid
Surely one of the most typical and most traditional mosques in India: entering this religious place, after leaving your shoes at the entrance, after putting on enough wide pants, you will discover a magical place where everything takes tall, aristocratic. Pay attention to the grand staircase, to the massive archway that leads you to a lively square. Whatever happens, keep with you the greatest respect and the greatest discretion during your visit out of respect for the practicing believers.
6. Bangla Sahib
Located near Jama Masjid, this Sikh temple is a most important pilgrimage center both in New Delhi and for all of India: really, people from all over the country come here to come and pray there. The Bangla Sahib is recognizable from its golden dome. Come search for this unique environment between prayers, songs, and sharing. An exclusive place where you can drink spring water that has medicinal properties.
7. Akshardham Temple
It is a complex of Hindu temples in the heart of New Delhi that represents about 10,000 years of Indian culture through the ages in all its splendor, grandeur and beauty. Overlooking the beautiful Lodhi Garden, this set of temples showcases the true essence of ancient Indian architecture as well as spiritual traditions.
8. The Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple, in the Bahapur district, is a magnificent building made of white marble: its shape shows 27 petals that form the sacred lotus flower. Surrounded by gardens, fountains, and ponds, it took almost 10 years to build it. Note the vault of the temple which is simply breathtaking. A quiet, peace-loving, relaxing place, recommended for those who want to cut the ambient clamor of New Delhi.
9. Chandni Chowk
One of the main arteries of all New Delhi. A real nerve center of Old Delhi because it is possible to see the most famous monuments of the capital like the Red Fort and the Great Mosque of Jama Masjid. It is also the place where you will meet cyclo-shoots, rickshaws that make their way through the crowd along the narrow streets. There is everything you want in this street.
10. Qutb Minar
Also called Victory Tower, it is the tallest Minar in the world, 73 meters high and make in 1193. A remnant of the first Muslim city. The locals consider it a good place and believe that if you put your back to the pillar with your arms around it, you will be able to fulfill your wish.
11. The New Delhi Metro
Contrary to what one might imagine, this is one of the places in the city that is the cleanest with very affordable access to fares. A subway with little space compared to its counterparts in the other major capitals of the world. It’s cheaper than rickshaws; the cars are modern and safe.
12. The tomb of Humayun
For those who have not had the chance to go to Agra to admire the famous Taj Mahal, Humayun’s grave is surely the closest thing to it. It was built in the middle of the 16th century and surely served as inspiration for the famous palace. It is close to Lodhi Gardens.
13. Birla House (or Gandhi Smriti Museum)
It is one of the most famous places in the history of contemporary India. This is the house where Mahatma Gandhi lived the last days of his life and where he was murdered. Acquired by the government in 1971 and opened to the public in 1973, today is a museum where one can discover the atmosphere that reigned among the Gandhi, namely the room, the place of his nocturnal walk, paintings murals.
14. More ideas for visiting New Delhi
And why not try a rickshaw ride to discover the daily life of the inhabitants, closer to them? Why not indulge in New Delhi’s popular cuisine by visiting stalls to sample egg rolls, golgappa and other varieties?
To see also:
- Kalkaji Mandir Temple
- The Laxminarayan Temple
- The Hauz Khas complex
- The gardens of Lodi
- The Jantar Mantar
- The Mausoleum of Safdar Jung
- The National Museum of New Delhi