India’s capital, Delhi, is home to 30 million residents who hail from all corners of the country. Due to its coveted location, Delhi has been in the spotlight for much of its history. The majority of kings who displayed their artistic talent by erecting monuments are seen as the legacies of former dynasties. What makes Delhi a tourist attraction? The city is studded with a number of monuments, but these are the top tourist sites in Delhi that you absolutely must see while traveling across India.
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The Red Fort: What makes Delhi a tourist attraction?
The magnificent Red Fort (Lal Qila), built by Shah Jahan in 1648, served as the seat of Mughal power until 1857. This magnificent structure, with its tall red sandstone walls and crescent-shaped façade, covers more than two square kilometers and is surrounded by a moat.
The grand main entrance, the Lahore Gate, is so named because it fronted Lahore in Pakistan, while the even larger Delhi Gate was used by the emperor for ceremonial processions. The Lahore Gate, a covered bazaar from the 17th century that sells food and trinkets as well as silks, jewelry, diamonds, and silverware, is where visitors enter Chhatta Chowk.
Including kettledrums, gongs, and cymbals, the Naubat Khana in the Red Fort, which once housed the musicians who performed for the emperor, still contains a wide array of unique musical instruments. It is certainly worth visiting the gorgeous white marble of Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audiences, where the monarch would greet his subjects.
A private full-day trip to Old and New Delhi can be arranged to view the Red Fort and other well-known Delhi landmarks. Highlights of your nine-hour urban adventure include your private knowledgeable guide and driver who will take you to sites including Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, India Gate, and the renowned Lotus Temple. Your tour includes pickup from your lodging and rickshaw transportation.
Qutab Minar
The most popular tourist destination in Delhi is Qutab Minar, which was constructed under the rule of Qutb al-Din Aibak, the first sultan and creator of the slave dynasty. His son-in-law Iltutmish finished building the tower in 1215 after work on it had started in 1198. It has five levels and a set of steps leading up to the fifth floor. All save the fourth and fifth floors are composed of white marble, and the magnificent carvings are done in red sandstone.
Although it is incredibly sturdy and tall, during the Tughlaq and British eras it was struck by thunder and lightning. Smith kept a copula on top of this monument throughout the British era, but it was eventually removed, retained inside its complex, and became known as Smiths’ folly. This enormous tower, which includes influences from Hindu, Turkish, and Islamic architecture, might be a wonderful destination for history buffs.
National Zoological Park: What makes Delhi a tourist attraction?
Consider including a visit to the National Zoological Park in your sightseeing tour of Delhi. You will have a great time observing the many creatures, especially tourist favorites like the Indian Rhinoceros, chimpanzees, hippopotamuses, spider monkeys, and Royal Bengal Tigers. The Great Indian Hornbill and other exotic birds can be seen by bird watchers, while visitors are always in awe of the Indian Cobra, diadem snake, and Indian Sand Boa.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
The 18th-century Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, which is close to Connaught Place and is the most significant Sikh temple in Delhi, is well worth a visit. The Sarovar, the enormous complex’s spectacular pool, as well as its renowned gold dome and flagpole are highlights.
The enormous temple structure itself, as well as its art gallery and tiny museum devoted to the background of the Sikh faith, are noteworthy as well. Visitors are always welcome, and the spacious Gurdwara Kitchen offers a delicious dinner without charge. All we ask in exchange is that you cover your hair and take your shoes off (free headscarves and shoe storage are provided).
The Lotus Temple
Due to its nine sides and gorgeous center dome, the spectacular Bahá’ House of Worship, also known as the Lotus Temple, is an architectural marvel. The entire building, which is made of marble and white concrete, has the delicate appearance of a flower.
It rises from the nine pools of water around it and almost seems ready to bloom at any moment. The temple was constructed in 1986, and more than 70 million people have visited it since then, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth.
Interestingly, there are no idols, religious images, or other overt religious symbols in this amazing time of worship. The ISKCON Temple, one of the largest Krishna temple complexes in the nation, is a further contemporary temple that is well worth a visit.
Jama Masjid: What makes Delhi a tourist attraction?
One of India’s biggest mosques, the Jama Masjid, was Shah Jahan’s final work of architecture. This stunning building, which was finished in 1658, has three gateways, four angled towers, and two 40-meter-tall minarets made of red sandstone and white marble that are tastefully alternated in vertical stripes.
Visit the big central pool where people wash their faces before prayers after ascending to the top of the southern minaret for breathtaking views of Old Delhi. Please be aware that non-Muslims are not allowed during prayers and that visitors must remove their shoes and dress suitably before entering.
After that, be sure to get to Chandni Chowk, which is Old Delhi’s broad main avenue and a market area where you may shop and eat. Particularly fascinating are the well-known spice markets of Naya Bazaar and Gadodial, where hundreds of goods are on exhibit, including aniseed, ginger, pomegranate, saffron, lotus seeds, jellies, and chutneys.
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