Planning a visit to Delhi for your vacation? Here is a guide to the sights of Delhi.
The national capital of Delhi offers you a diverse range of experiences during your vacation. With its historical buildings, sprawling gardens, and bustling markets, Delhi has something to ensure that the entire family enjoys its vacation visit here.
Red Fort — The Historians Halt
Our first stop in Delhi is by far one of the most well known. Built in 1648 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the Red Fort is an easily recognisable landmark for most Indians. The imposing fort wall is 2 kilometres long, with its height ranging between 18 to 33 metres. Entering the fort through the impressive Lahori Gate, one is instantly transported back in time. The Red Fort has a market place within its walls called Meena Bazaar, which sells antiques, miniature paintings, carpets, and fake ivory ornaments. The bazaar also sells some beautifully woven carpets. Be sure to pick up some souvenirs to remember your vacation by.
The main sights in the fort are the halls where the emperor held private (Diwan-i-Khas) and public (Diwan-i-Am) audiences, marble palaces, elaborately designed gardens, and a mosque. The Rang Mahal, which boasts of a fountain carved out of a single piece of marble, will make the visit to the Red Fort one of the highlights of your vacation.
Qutab Minar — The Architect's Abode
Standing tall on the Delhi skyline, Qutab Minar was built in 1199 by Qutab-ud-Din Aybak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi. It took almost two decades to complete this minaret, which rises to a height of 72.5 metres and overshadows the mosque that it was built next to. Qutab Minar is a four-storey structure with each storey uniquely different from the other. The lowest floor is built with alternate angular and round flutings, the second floor with only round ones, and the third with only angular ones. Try to gaze at this monument in the evening, when the sun sets and the Minar is lit up. It will definitely make for a memorable vacation evening.
Mughal Garden — The Horticulturist's Heaven
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lady Harding, Mughal Garden is an impressive garden sprawled over six hectares of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. A must-see during your vacation, this garden manages to combine both Mughal-style architecture with the British style. The garden has four waterways running through it, with unique fountains at the intersections. This is definitely a place you would want to visit with your beloved; after all, where else can you find a garden that has more than 250 varieties of roses!
The Mughal Garden is open to the public from the months of February to March every year. It may however be closed if there is a special function being conducted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Humayun's Tomb — A Family Haunt
Humayun's tomb was built by Hamida Begum, the Persian wife of the emperor. This tomb is considered to be the precedent of all Mughal mausoleums and is a must-see during your vacation to Delhi. It is situated on the bank of the river Yamuna, adjoining to the shrine of the famous Sufi saint Nizam al-Din Awliya. The tomb is an excellent example of the geometrical nature of Mughal architecture. The geometrically planned garden has waterways criss-crossing through it. Humayun's tomb is an ideal place to take your children for an evening out during your vacation. There is ample free space around the tomb to allow your children to frolic around and play.
Lodhi Gardens — The Solitude Seeker's Sojourn
Located three kilometres away from Humayun's Tomb, this plush garden is an ideal place for an early morning or evening walk. It dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, when it was established by the Sayyids and Lodhis. There are two tombs located within the garden, belonging to Muhammad Shah, the third ruler of the Sayyid dynasty, and Sikander Lodhi, the second ruler of the Pashtun Lodhi Dynasty. Muhammad Shah's tomb is built in an octagonal pattern, which was common for tombs of this dynasty.
At the centre of Lodhi Gardens, one finds the Bara Gumbad tomb, which literally means a big dome. This tomb has a square base structure over which is a large dome made of rubble. There is also a three-domed mosque, and a residence surrounding the central courtyard.
This garden is definitely the place to be if you want to spend some quality time with your family on your vacation and, at the same time, beat the crowds.
Lotus Temple — Respite after a Long Day
The Bahai temple, also known as the Lotus Temple, will prove to be a soul-searching stop during your vacation. While the marvel of modern architecture outside will captivate you, the serenity of the atmosphere within the temple's main chamber will leave you speechless. This temple is so popular that it receives more visitors than the Taj Mahal every year. The Bahai temple is located in Kalkaji in South Delhi. At night, the temple is lit up and is easily distinguishable on the Delhi skyline. The Bahai temple is open to people from all religions. The Bahai faith believes in the unity of religions.
Have you vacationed in Delhi? How was your experience? Do you think Delhi needs to be promoted more as a tourist destination? What other destinations need to be promoted for tourism in India? To share your views and experiences, click here.
