Top Historic Sites to Visit in Delhi
Delhi, the present capital of India has been a hub for art, culture, and architecture since the medieval times. But its multitude of historic sites is responsible for it being the most attractive tourist destinations in the country.
Delhi attracts tourists from rest of India as well as from all over the world. It has a rich collection of historic spots which give the city a unique character. Day tours in Delhi can take you through some of these splendid historical monuments and sites.
Here is a list of sites in Delhi which will transport you to the bygone era and provide you an experience of the history of the city:
- JantarMantar:
It is an ancient astronomical observatory constructed by Raja Jai Singh –II of Jaipur. Its literal meaning is “Instruments and measurements” and is one among five such buildings built by the king. Built around 1724, the complex consists of 13 instruments which trace the movements and timings of the planets, moon, and sun. It reveals how astronomical observations were done in the past.
- Lodi Gardens:
This garden houses the tombs of Mohammed Shah and Sikander Lodi, buildings such as Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad. These are architectural wonders, constructed in the 15th century by Lodhis-an Afghan dynasty. The presence of these monuments makes the Lodhi gardens an attractive destination for tourists.
- Humayun’sTomb:
The tomb housing theremains of Mughal emperor Humayun has been deemed as a World Heritage site for its architectural marvel and splendour. The tomb is located in east of Nizammudin and is considered as a precursor for grand mausoleums of the Mughal dynasty.
- Jama Masjid:
This mosque is the biggest mosque complex in India. Also, referred to as Masjid-I Jahan Numa, it is the main mosque of Old Delhi. Constructed between 1650 to 1656, it was commissioned by Shah Jahan- the Mughal emperor. The floor is made of white and black marble which resembles, prayer mats of Muslims.
- Red Fort:
It is perhaps the most famous monuments of Old Delhi. It was the seat of Mughal rulers from the time of Shah Jahan, the emperor of imperial India. This medieval monument occupies an important place in modern India as it is the site where India’s prime minister makes the traditional Independence Day speech on August 15th from within the fort’s ramparts. The complex was built by Shah Jahan as his residence cum court. Its name comes from the massive wall of the fort made of red sand stone. Popularly referred to as ‘Lal Quila’, it also has other names like ‘the blessed fort’ or ‘Qila-i-Mubarak’.
- QutubMinar:
It is the tallest Minaret built in India and is one of the iconic monuments of India. Referred to as “Tower of Victory”, the building of the monument corresponded to the establishment of Muslim rule in India. It is a fine example of architecture of the Indo-Islamic school. Its original structure was commissioned in 1192 by Qutub-uddin- Aibak. It was built to commemorate Mohammed Ghori’s victory over Prithvi Raj Chauhan- the Rajput king.
- India Gate:
It was built in memory of 70,000 Indian soldiers who perished in World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, it was finished in 1931. Made of sandstone, today it also houses the ‘eternal flame’ in memory of Indian soldiers, who died in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
These are some of the not to miss historic spots in Delhi. Choose day trips in Delhi, which will cover these spots.
