BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN DELHI

 Top 10 Places in Delhi And One Day Trip

1. Akshardham Temple

Dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Akshardham Temple exhibits the ancient culture of India. The temple complex maintains a step-well styled courtyard and 60 acres of lush lawns featuring the bronze statues of Indian heroes, including patriots and warriors. Registered as the World’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple in the Guinness World Record, the temple is an architectural marvel built from intricately carved sandstone and marble.  Furthermore, the temple organizes exhibitions on Swaminarayan’s life teachings and also organises a musical fountain and light show after sunset every day.

• Timings: 09:30 am to 06:30 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 170 (Adults); INR 100 (Children)
• Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham, New Delhi

2. Red Fort

Constructed in 1639 by the Mughals, Red Fort gets its name from its massive red-coloured sandstone walls. Set in Old Delhi, the octagonal-shaped fort is spread over an area of 254 acres. The planning and designing of the fort is a fusion of Mughal, Persian, Hindu, and Timurid traditions. A strong influence on later structures built in and around Delhi, Red Fort also features a museum that holds Mughal-era artefacts, including daggers, curtains, miniature paintings and carpets. The highlights of this architectural creativity include the peacock throne, step well, imperial bath, Moti Masjid and Hira Mahal.

• Timings: 09:30 am to 04:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
• Entry Fee: INR 10 (Indian citizens) and INR 150 (foreign nationals)
• Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

3. India Gate

India Gate symbolises the sacrifice of 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives battling against the foreign army during the World War I. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, it features the undying Amar Jawan Jyoti or the Flame of the Immortal Soldier which was added later to honour Indian martyred soldiers in the Indo-Pak War. Furthermore, this beautiful masterpiece is counted amongst the largest war memorials in India. Standing on a Bharatpur stone base, the structure is surrounded by lush lawns making it a popular picnic spot during winter afternoons and summer evenings. Lit at night, the monument looks magnificent with colourful fountains in the in the vicinity.

• Timings: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat, New Delhi

4. Hauz Khas

If you are a party animal, then definitely head to Hauz Khas, which is popular for its swanky clubs, quirky cafes, and fine-dine restaurants. Earlier known as Hauz-e-Alai, this affluent neighbourhood in South Delhi holds a historical importance with remnants of Mughal architecture. The place is popular for a 13-century structure, Hauz Khas Complex, which retains the old charm amidst the modernised street. Besides raving it up at urban village in Delhi, we suggest you take delight in the greenery of Deer Park, splurge at designer label boutiques and admire the fine artwork at various art galleries.

• Timings: Most of the restaurants and pubs remain open till midnight
• Nearest Metro Station: Hauz Khas, New Delhi

5. Kingdom of Dreams

Situated near the Leisure Valley Park in Gurugram, Kingdom of Dreams is an ultimate entertainment destination. It is designed with the intent of displaying the rich Indian culture by means of a majestic structure. Besides its splendid architecture, the place features Nautanki Mahal, an auditorium which showcases fanciful cinematic musicals and hosts a number of live entertainment shows, including Indian and international theatre. Additionally, the place houses Culture gully, where you can witness a boulevard dedicated to unique Indian culture, arts and crafts, and authentic cuisines.

• Timings: 12:30 pm to 12:00 am on weekdays and 12:00 pm to 12:00 am on weekends
• Entry Fee: INR 1099 onwards (On Weekdays); INR 1,199 (On Weekends)
• Nearest Metro Station: IFFCO Chowk, Gurugram

6. Dilli Haat

An outdoor marketplace located near INA Market, Dilli Haat is spread over 6 acres with 62 stalls presenting handicrafts and ethnic cuisine from various parts of India. It offers a traditional rural ambience where visitors can admire the rich Indian culture and shop for items suitable to their modern-day requirements. Moreover, Dilli Haat organizes many cultural events, including dance and music performances, and aims to preserve the heritage of India. 

• Entry Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 30 (Adults), INR 10 (Kids) and INR 100 (foreign nationals)
• Nearest Metro Station: INA, New Delhi

7. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a 73-metre tall minaret, named after Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The tower contains 5 distinct tapering storeys, wherein first 3 storeys of this masterpiece are adorned with red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth storeys are constructed in marble and sandstone respectively, engraved with decorative Quranic texts. Interestingly, the tower has a spiral staircase with 379 steps, and has a mosque named ‘Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid’ at the foot of the tower, which is the first mosque in India.

• Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 30 (Indians); INR 500 (foreign nationals)
• Nearest Metro Station: Qutub Minar metro station, New Delhi

8. Humayun’s Tomb

Built in 1565 A.D., the Humayun’s Tomb was established in the memory of Humayun by his widow Bega Begam, and was the first example of Mughal architecture in India. Constructed after nine years of his demise, the tomb is inspired by Persian architecture which is reflected in the corridors arched alcoves, and the double dome. The tomb is also called chaharbagh, owing to its garden squares with passageways water channels, and holds graves of Mughal rulers inside the walled enclosed space.

• Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry Fee: INR 30 (Indians); INR 500 (foreign nationals)
• Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh, New Delhi

9. Lotus Temple

Known for its unique architectural design, Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship, dedicated to harmony of humanity. Inspired by the lotus flower, the temple boasts of 27 free-standing marble-clad petals, and is surrounded by sprawling gardens and pond. With a height of over 34 metres, it can accommodate around 2500 people altogether. The temple welcomes every religion symbolizing the culture of Bahá’í Houses of Worship, and offers a tranquil ambience ideal for rejuvenation.

• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir, New Delhi

10. Delhi Zoo

The Delhi Zoo is also called the National Zoological Park and has more than 130 species of animals, birds, and reptiles from around the world here. The Majestic White Bengal Tiger is a major attraction. The zoo is a favourite hanging spot for tourists and locals alike.

• Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (1st April to 15th October), 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (16th October to 31st March). Fridays – closed.
• Entrance Fee: Indians – adults – Rs.40, Children (3-5 feet) – Rs.20, Children under 3 feet – Free
  • Non-Indians – adults – Rs.200, children (above 5 years) – Rs.100, Children under 5 years – Free
• Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan Metro Station