Top 11 Attractions in New Delhi

Another landmark of Lutyen's Delhi is the majestic stone archway set on the eastern end of Rajpath – India Gate. Everything about and around India Gate is grand. From the enormous road that circles it, the lovely lawns flanking it, and the 42-meter high archway itself, made of red stone with 'India' written on both sides. 

This stunning war memorial was built to commemorate the soldiers who died during World War I and the Afghan wars. Over 70,000 names of soldiers are inscribed on the arch. After Independence, the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial, the eternal flame marking the Unknown Soldier's Tomb, was added as a tribute to all the unknown heroes who died while defending the country ...

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Towering high over an assortment of Afghan architectural marvels is the iconic Qutub Minar. Built by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak in 1199, with three more stories added later by his son-in-law, the Qutub Minar is a monument to give calls for prayer a 72.5-meter high tribute to Islamic architecture. It's a striking red and buff sandstone structure, with intricate carvings and inscribed verses from the Koran.Other intriguing monuments surround it, like the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid, a mix of Hindu and Islamic design and materials, with Islamic calligraphy and brocaded designs and pillars with Hindu motifs ...

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A fortress, whose crumbling ruins still exist today, dominated the center of the sixth city, Dinpanah. Purana Qila's main highlights are two buildings within its massive walls: Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid and the Sher Mandal. Sher Shah, who was in power briefly after displacing Humayun, built the former in 1541 in Afghan style.

It is an elegant construction in black and white marble, red sandstone and adorned with graceful arches. The Sher Mandal served as an observatory and library for Emperor Humayun, who later returned to power. This octagonal red sandstone building is where, in 1556, he plunged to his death down a steep flight of stairs, on his way to say his prayers ...

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Nizamuddin is situated in a busy area and the change from the modern frenzy of the outside to when you enter this village from the Middle Ages, with its winding alleys and old buildings, is distinct. Dominating this area is Hazrat Nizamuddin Darga, one of the greatest Sufi shrines. This marble tomb was built for Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya, the fourth saint of he Chishtiya order, in 1325. It has been renovated several times and the actual tomb is enveloped by lattice screens, arches, a marble rail and covered by a mother-of-pearl canopy. The dargah is vibrant and alive, drawing devotees from all over the world. Evenings here are filled with religious songs and music, performed by qawwals, or poet-singers ...

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The beautiful red and white sandstone building was built in 1570 by Haji Begum, Emperor Humayun's senior wife, and has the distinction of being the first garden tomb in the subcontinent. Built in the Persian charbagh, quartered garden, style, the central tomb is surrounded by four squares separated by water pathways forming this typical Mughal garden. The building is topped with a soaring double dome, rising to a height of 38 meters.

Other intriguing sights within the grounds include a square tomb belonging to Humayun's barber. His importance lay in the fact that he was the only man who could hold a knife to the emperor's throat! An octagonal tomb with a blue tiled dome marks the grave of a faithful servant and some believe this might be older than the Emperor's mausoleum ...

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Humayun's tomb was the first Mughal garden tomb in the country and Safdarjung's was the last. The history surrounding its construction is one of dying glory when Nadir Shah looted the city and the Mughal Empire's might and power had dwindled to almost nothing. Many consider its design to be symbolic of the over extravagance and degeneracy that had become a part of the later Mughal era. The tomb consists of a longish dome and gaudy plasterwork interiors. ...

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Hauz Khas is a fashionable area with some of the most chic boutiques and restaurants in the city. It is also one of the most historic areas, deriving its name from the Royal Reservoir that was excavated in 1300 A.D to supply water to Alauddin Khilji's capital, Siri. The picturesque ruins comprising a madrasa (Islamic school), which was built by Feroz Shah Tuglaq, and his tomb, are stunning. The latter is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture. Night is an especially good time to visit this area as the lighting creates a tranquil, mellow ambience. You can round off a nocturnal ramble with dinner at "Terrace in the Sky", a roof top restaurant with great views of the ruins and the intoxicating strains of the sarod, tabla and other instruments ...

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Built by the Tughlaqs in a short span from AD 1321-25, this imposing fort may be crumbling, but its soaring walls, massive bastions and huge towers are absolutely magnificent. It's lovely at night when it's lit up and the soft glow gives it a haunting beauty. Steeped in tales of conspiracy, curses and political unrest, this fort built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq to protect his people from the Mongols, is one of the most captivating sights in the city. ...

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Built between 1921 and 1929, this palatial structure, designed as the Viceroy's official residence but now home to the Indian President, incorporates its distinctly British style Indo-Islamic, and Buddhist design elements. The most visible feature is the drum-mounted Buddhist-style dome. The building contains 340 rooms and is built on 330 acres of land, including a private garden. Classical columns with bells carved into them grace the front entrance. The apparent symbolism behind this is that Lutyens felt the bells being silent meant that British rule would never end.

Rashtrapati Bhavan is flanked by the two Secretariat buildings, which are now the Finance and External Affairs ministries' headquarters ...

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Built in the shape of a lotus - a symbol of beauty and purity, and made of white marble, the Bahá'í Temple has left an indelible mark on the city's landscape. The Lotus Temple was completed in 1986, constructed by the followers of the Bahá'í faith. It is shaped like a lotus with 27 marble petals, emerging from nine pools and walkways, which symbolize the nine Bahá'í spiritual paths. Anyone can enter, regardless of caste or creed, and pray, meditate or simply savor the beauty of this place. Adding to the serene atmosphere are the surrounding pools and gardens. It is an award winning monument, raved about for its form and design. Behind this ethereal vision of simplicity is a complex plan that required traditional workmanship because of the absence of high-tech equipment ...

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