Tourist attractions while in Delhi

Qutab Minar
Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark- the Qutab Minar. The imposing victory tower 73 meter high was built by Qutbuddin Aibak (1192-98) the founder of the Slave Dynasty. The tapering, fluted structure has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies.
Elaborately carved pillars-which come from Hindu temples of the earlier set dement of Qila Rai Pithora embellish the courtyard of a nearby mosque. At the centre of the courtyard is the amazing Iron Pillar-the dhvaja stambha (flag pole) of a Vishnu Temple (4th-5th century AD). Cast in a process that is lost to the present world, the 7.2 meter pillar has not rusted through the centuries. Other interesting structures in die vicinity include die base of another unfinished tower - the Alai Minar

Red Fort
So called because of the red stone with which it is built, the Red Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is also closely linked with this fort. It was forth here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free country.

Nizam-ud-Din Aulya Shrine
It's one of Delhi's major attractions. It's the tomb of the famous Sufi saint Nizam-ud-Din Auliya. Inside the premises of the shrine is a tank which is surrounded by many other historically significant tombs. The shrine also has the tomb of Amir Khusru and the grave of princess Jahanara, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. It is worth visiting the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as it is a popular time for worship, and Qawwali singers start performing after the evening prayers.

Lotus Temple (Bahai Temple)
Completed in 1986, the Bahai temple is set amidst pools and gardens. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The structure is in lotus shape so it often called the lotus temple. The view of the temple is spectacular before dusk when the temple is floodlit.

Jantar Mantar
This Unique observatory was built by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh I in 1724. It was believed to have been built with machinery instruments for observing the movement of stars and planet. The amazing collection of large masonry instruments includes the Samrat Yantra and the Jai Prakash Yantra.

Raj Ghat
This simple square platform of black marble on the banks of the river Yamuna marks the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. His last words "He Ram" are inscribed on this platform which is surrounded by a serene garden.

India Gate
In the memory of 90,000 soldiers of the Indian army killed during First world war, a dominating stone structure was built at the east end of the Rajpat. The names of these soldiers are inscribed on the stone of the 42 meter high triumphal arch which stand on a base of Bharatpur stone and rises in stages. It was designed by Edward Lutyens and took 10 years to complete. Its foundation stone was laid on 10th February 1921 by the Duke of Connaught. There is an Amar Jawan Jyoti under the Arch to commemorate the 'Indian Armed Forces' losses in the Indo Pakistan War of 1971.

Old Fort (Purana Quila)
The old fort with its massive walls and imposing gateways overlooks the modern city of New Delhi. It is located on what is possibly the site of the ancient settlement of Indraprastha - the city founded by the Pandavas during the epic times of the Mahabharata. It was the second Mughal emperor Humayun who embarked in 1538 on the construction of the fort and the city he named Din Panah. Sher Shah Suri who took control of the empire shortly afterwards completed the fort and built many of its fine structures including the octagonal sandstone tower and the Sher Manzil. An interesting hour long light and music programme takes the visitor through the history of the fort.

Lodhi Garden
A splendid landscaped garden surrounds the 15th century tombs of the Lodi kings. Ibrahim Lodi the last Lodi ruler was defeated in 1526 by Babur who established the Mughal Empire in India. A walk amidst the ancient, fat trees gives a true pleasure in the heart of Delhi. This is a favorite destination of the lovers of the city.

Akshardham Temple
The exquisite Akshardham Temple situated on the bank of the serene river Yamuna is a wonder to the modern world. Embellished with 20,000 statues, floral motifs, arches and intricately carved pillars show the immense artistry that human hand can do. Spread over an area of 100 acres, the temple complex consists of exhibition halls, an IMAX theatre and a musical fountain besides the main temple. It has also got a restaurant portraying the architecture of the Ajanta-Ellora caves and an Ayurvedic Bazaar. The architectural style of the temple follows the famous Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The entire temple compound is built in pink stone and pure white marble, where pink stone symbolizes bhakti (devotion) in eternal bloom and white marble of absolute purity and eternal peace. The temple is fast becoming one of the most favored destinations in Delhi. This splendid architectural marvel has also made it to Guiness Book of World Records for being the largest Hindu Temple Complex in the world. This is a much deserved recognition that Akshardham temple has received.

Connaught Place
Connaught Place and the seven streets that radiate from it, which are divided into blocks, is the heart of Delhi. It has an architecturally uniform series of colonnaded buildings devoted to shops, banks, restaurants, hotels and offices. This is central part of Delhi.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, spent several months in 1664. This guru dedicated most of his time to helping the destitute and sick and was revered for his healing powers; a tank on the gurdwara's premises (also known as ‘Sarovar’) contains water said to have curative properties. Soul-warming devotional hymns (called Kirtan) are often sung at the temple. The top domes of the Gurudwara are made of pure Gold.

Humayun's Tomb
The must-see Humayun's Tomb is a brilliant example of early Mughal architecture. It was built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, the Persian-born senior wife of the second Mughal emperor Humayun.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
This is the former residence of the Late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi displays some of her personal belongings, including the blood-stained sari she was wearing when she was assassinated in 1984. There are also newspaper clippings, letters and photos.

Birla Mandir ( Lakshmi Narayan Temple )
The Orissan-style Lakshmi Narayan Temple was erected in 1938 by the wealthy industrialist BD Birla. The main temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and her consort, Narayan the Preserver. The temple is located near Connaught Place.

National Museum
Thousands of historic artefacts are on display in the spacious galleries of the excellent National Museum. Exhibits include rare relics from the Harappan Civilisation, Central Asian antiquities (including silk paintings from the 1st century AD), Indian textiles, tribal masks, sculptures, musical instruments, old coins (including Portuguese, Dutch and Danish), miniature paintings and weapons (including a battle-axe from AD 1739)..

National Rail Museum
National Rail Museum has intriguing indoor and outdoor sections. On site are almost 30 locomotives and old carriages as well as assorted railway memorabilia. Exhibits include an 1855 steam engine, still in working order, and various oddities including the skull of an elephant that charged a train in 1894, and lost.

Nehru Memorial Museum & Planetarium
Teen Murti Bhavan, the former residence of Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first prime minister) has been converted into the Nehru Memorial Museum and Planetarium. Its photographs and newspaper clippings offer perceptive insights into the Independence movement. In the grounds is a planetarium.

Other Information Tourist attraction while in Delhi About Gurgaon Hotels in Gurgaon & Delhi Transportation in Gurgaon & Delhi Tourism in India Useful Information	Tourist attractions while in Delhi Qutab Minar Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark- the Qutab Minar. The imposing victory tower 73 meter high was built by Qutbuddin Aibak (1192-98) the founder of the Slave Dynasty. The tapering, fluted structure has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies. Elaborately carved pillars-which come from Hindu temples of the earlier set dement of Qila Rai Pithora embellish the courtyard of a nearby mosque. At the centre of the courtyard is the amazing Iron Pillar-the dhvaja stambha (flag pole) of a Vishnu Temple (4th-5th century AD). Cast in a process that is lost to the present world, the 7.2 meter pillar has not rusted through the centuries. Other interesting structures in die vicinity include die base of another unfinished tower - the Alai Minar Red Fort So called because of the red stone with which it is built, the Red Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is also closely linked with this fort. It was forth here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free country. Nizam-ud-Din Aulya Shrine It's one of Delhi's major attractions. It's the tomb of the famous Sufi saint Nizam-ud-Din Auliya. Inside the premises of the shrine is a tank which is surrounded by many other historically significant tombs. The shrine also has the tomb of Amir Khusru and the grave of princess Jahanara, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. It is worth visiting the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as it is a popular time for worship, and Qawwali singers start performing after the evening prayers. Lotus Temple (Bahai Temple) Completed in 1986, the Bahai temple is set amidst pools and gardens. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The structure is in lotus shape so it often called the lotus temple. The view of the temple is spectacular before dusk when the temple is floodlit. Jantar Mantar This Unique observatory was built by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh I in 1724. It was believed to have been built with machinery instruments for observing the movement of stars and planet. The amazing collection of large masonry instruments includes the Samrat Yantra and the Jai Prakash Yantra. Raj Ghat This simple square platform of black marble on the banks of the river Yamuna marks the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. His last words "He Ram" are inscribed on this platform which is surrounded by a serene garden. India Gate In the memory of 90,000 soldiers of the Indian army killed during First world war, a dominating stone structure was built at the east end of the Rajpat. The names of these soldiers are inscribed on the stone of the 42 meter high triumphal arch which stand on a base of Bharatpur stone and rises in stages. It was designed by Edward Lutyens and took 10 years to complete. Its foundation stone was laid on 10th February 1921 by the Duke of Connaught. There is an Amar Jawan Jyoti under the Arch to commemorate the 'Indian Armed Forces' losses in the Indo Pakistan War of 1971. Old Fort (Purana Quila) The old fort with its massive walls and imposing gateways overlooks the modern city of New Delhi. It is located on what is possibly the site of the ancient settlement of Indraprastha - the city founded by the Pandavas during the epic times of the Mahabharata. It was the second Mughal emperor Humayun who embarked in 1538 on the construction of the fort and the city he named Din Panah. Sher Shah Suri who took control of the empire shortly afterwards completed the fort and built many of its fine structures including the octagonal sandstone tower and the Sher Manzil. An interesting hour long light and music programme takes the visitor through the history of the fort. Lodhi Garden A splendid landscaped garden surrounds the 15th century tombs of the Lodi kings. Ibrahim Lodi the last Lodi ruler was defeated in 1526 by Babur who established the Mughal Empire in India. A walk amidst the ancient, fat trees gives a true pleasure in the heart of Delhi. This is a favorite destination of the lovers of the city. Akshardham Temple The exquisite Akshardham Temple situated on the bank of the serene river Yamuna is a wonder to the modern world. Embellished with 20,000 statues, floral motifs, arches and intricately carved pillars show the immense artistry that human hand can do. Spread over an area of 100 acres, the temple complex consists of exhibition halls, an IMAX theatre and a musical fountain besides the main temple. It has also got a restaurant portraying the architecture of the Ajanta-Ellora caves and an Ayurvedic Bazaar. The architectural style of the temple follows the famous Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The entire temple compound is built in pink stone and pure white marble, where pink stone symbolizes bhakti (devotion) in eternal bloom and white marble of absolute purity and eternal peace. The temple is fast becoming one of the most favored destinations in Delhi. This splendid architectural marvel has also made it to Guiness Book of World Records for being the largest Hindu Temple Complex in the world. This is a much deserved recognition that Akshardham temple has received. Connaught Place Connaught Place and the seven streets that radiate from it, which are divided into blocks, is the heart of Delhi. It has an architecturally uniform series of colonnaded buildings devoted to shops, banks, restaurants, hotels and offices. This is central part of Delhi. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, spent several months in 1664. This guru dedicated most of his time to helping the destitute and sick and was revered for his healing powers; a tank on the gurdwara's premises (also known as ‘Sarovar’) contains water said to have curative properties. Soul-warming devotional hymns (called Kirtan) are often sung at the temple. The top domes of the Gurudwara are made of pure Gold. Humayun's Tomb The must-see Humayun's Tomb is a brilliant example of early Mughal architecture. It was built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, the Persian-born senior wife of the second Mughal emperor Humayun. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum This is the former residence of the Late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi displays some of her personal belongings, including the blood-stained sari she was wearing when she was assassinated in 1984. There are also newspaper clippings, letters and photos. Birla Mandir ( Lakshmi Narayan Temple ) The Orissan-style Lakshmi Narayan Temple was erected in 1938 by the wealthy industrialist BD Birla. The main temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and her consort, Narayan the Preserver. The temple is located near Connaught Place. National Museum Thousands of historic artefacts are on display in the spacious galleries of the excellent National Museum. Exhibits include rare relics from the Harappan Civilisation, Central Asian antiquities (including silk paintings from the 1st century AD), Indian textiles, tribal masks, sculptures, musical instruments, old coins (including Portuguese, Dutch and Danish), miniature paintings and weapons (including a battle-axe from AD 1739).. National Rail Museum National Rail Museum has intriguing indoor and outdoor sections. On site are almost 30 locomotives and old carriages as well as assorted railway memorabilia. Exhibits include an 1855 steam engine, still in working order, and various oddities including the skull of an elephant that charged a train in 1894, and lost. Nehru Memorial Museum & Planetarium Teen Murti Bhavan, the former residence of Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first prime minister) has been converted into the Nehru Memorial Museum and Planetarium. Its photographs and newspaper clippings offer perceptive insights into the Independence movement. In the grounds is a planetarium.