Welcome to Delhi, the bustling capital of India, an endless and constantly developing metropolis, but still linked to the ancient traditions of the Indian people. Get lost in the streets of Ancient Delhi and you'll be captivated by the magic of this city, a kaleidoscope of religions, ethnic groups and cultures. From the Red Fort to Jama Masjid Mosque, from Lotus Temple to the bazaars that smell of spices, the must- see attractions are many and fascinating.
The capital is an excellent starting point for exploring India and the Golden Triangle, the classic itinerary recommended for those visiting the country for the first time and which includes Agra, Jaipur and Delhi.
Are you ready for your adventure? Here are 10 sites of interest not to be missed in Delhi!
Top 10 must-see attractions in Delhi
Red Fort
The Red Fort, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1639 by Emperor Shah Jahan together with the city of Shahjahanabad. The fort, with decorated walls, has two doors, one is that of Delhi and the second, the main entrance, is that of Lahore. The fortress is a majestic example of seventeenth-century Indian architecture and houses works of Persian, Indian and European influence.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid mosque in Old Delhi is the main mosque in the old quarter of the city. It was built in 1650 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his name refers to the Friday prayer, the Jumu'a, and to the congregation of the faithful, the Masjid.
Qutb Minar
The 72.5 meters high Qutb Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world. Today Unesco heritage, it was built by the Afghan emperor Qutb-u-din Aibak, from which it took its name, at the end of the twelfth century. It was damaged and renovated several times; in particular, it was struck by lightning in 1326.
India Gate
India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and resembles a triumphal arch, but it is actually a war memorial for the soldiers of the British army fallen in the Second World War and in the third Anglo-Afghan war. It is located in New Delhi.
Humayun's tomb
Humayun Tomb is located in the Nizamuddin East neighborhood of the Dina-panah citadel and hosts the remains of the Mughal emperor Humayun. The architectural complex was commissioned by the emperor's wife, Hamida Banu Begum, in 1562. In addition to the Mughal emperor, there are also the tombs of his wife and other illustrious sovereigns. Unesco Heritage since 1993, built in red sandstone, it has a majestic garden. The structure served as a point of reference for many later architectural works, in particular for the Taj Mahal mausoleum.
Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple is located in New Delhi and is a lotus-shaped Bahai temple with 27 petals. It was designed by the Iranian-Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba and its construction is relatively recent, completed in 1986.
Old Delhi
Old Delhi is the walled city and the historical center of Delhi. Now a crowded bazaar, it was once the citadel of Shahjahanabad founded in 1639 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the capital of the Mughal kingdom until the end of the dynasty.
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, also designed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is an ancient market in Old Delhi. Still today it remains one of India's most vibrant and crowded markets.
Lodhi Gardens
Lodhi Gardens are located along Lodhi Road in New Delhi. This large 90-acre urban park, much loved by the inhabitants of the city, houses the tombs of Mohammad Shaha, Sikandar Lodi, architectural works by Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad, as well as structures commissioned by the Lodhi, who ruled part of India and Pakistan from 1451 to 1526.
Parliament
The Parliament of India is located in New Delhi, inside a building known to locals as Sansad Bhawan. It was designed by the British architects Edwin Luytens and Herbert Baker and its construction lasted from 1921 to 1927. Next to it is the Parliament museum.
Do you want to discover Delhi? Take a look at all our tailor-made trips to India.
