As a capital city, a former colonial seat of government and home to nearly 17 million people, the attractions in Delhi are as equal to any in other great cities around the world. The tourist attractions in Delhi are magnificent and an eclectic mix of the ancient and modern. (For the purpose of this article, I am treating Delhi and New Delhi as one entity.)
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1. Humayun's Tomb
Perched on the banks of the Yamuna River, Humanyun's Tomb is one of the most remarkable tourist attractions in Delhi. The massive white marble dome on the top of the Tomb has become something of an iconic landmark, as well as the enchanting Char Bagh garden that surrounds the magnificent mausoleum. Stunning Mughal and Islamic architectural design that is just heaving with unbelievable detail is just one of the things to see. The Tomb remains one of the top attractions in Delhi because of the vast area it covers and all the things to see.
2. Ba’hai Temple
Also known as the Lotus Temple, The Ba’hai Temple has a magnificent shape and colour, just like a Lotus flower. And at night, when it is lit up, the Ba’hai Temple looks like an ethereal landmark attraction in Delhi. The Ba’hai House of Worship was built as a temple in the late '80s, as a place for religious ceremonies, worship and prayer. This temple is not only a premier tourist attractions in Delhi, it has become one of the most popular buildings in the world – and a national effigy of inspiration to all.
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3. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was first constructed as a bungalow in 1664, and then totally reconstructed into what it is today – a Sikh house of worship. Its slender regal dome of gold and other golden ornaments make this one of the most recognisable sights in Delhi. The entire complex is open to the public and is home to a kitchen, a school, an art gallery and a temple. It is also famous for the holy water, said to have many healing properties, located in a mesmerising large pond inside Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
4. Red Fort
Right alongside the banks of the Yamuna River, you will find an architectural majesty - The Red Fort. Built as a glorious tribute to the Mughal Emperors, it is a dramatic and very impressive piece of ancient architecture, dating back to 1648. Massive defensive walls greet you, sweeping over almost 2 km in length, with foreboding main gates and huge ward towers. It is one of the most popular of the Delhi tourist attractions and the tour consists of a superb and extraordinary show, taking guests all through the private residences, courtyards and other buildings.
5. Qutb Complex
The Qutb complex situated near Mehrauli, in the southern part of the city, is one of the most beautiful tourist sites to visit in Delhi. It is home to the Qutb Minar, which was built towards the end of the 12th Century and is the tallest minaret in all of India. Massive columns with balconies reach almost 100m above the ground, showing off a dramatically impressive architectural design. The rest of the complex consists of buildings, structures and monuments in contrasting red sandstone and white marble in various states of ruin, with lots of intricate stone detail and hand carved religious verses.
6. India Gate
The India Gate has to be one of the most famous landmarks in Delhi, and possibly all of India. People have been known to spend an entire day here, reflecting and meditating. The India Gate is a massive granite and sandstone monument that was built in 1931 as a war memorial, dedicated to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. It is located in the heart of Coronation Park and is a site that is deeply culturally, spiritually and historically significant to the city and the country. The Canopy (which once held a statue of King George V until it was moved to Coronation Park) is equally as impressive, if not as significant.
7. Lodi Gardens
Lodi Gardens is the ultimate place in Delhi to escape to when the heat and chaos of the pressure of the busy city become too much. Meandering walking paths lined with shady trees, looking out over rolling meadows and reaching all the way to the sparkling pond in the northern region of the park, are a welcome oasis from the noise of the city streets. There are a number of tombs here as well, so it is a peaceful park ideal for a quiet retreat but also a very interesting mini sightseeing excursion.
Having been so lucky as to have visited these attractions in Delhi, I can heartily recommend them. It is a crazy, cacophonous city which makes these magnificent sights all so much more remarkable. Is Delhi somewhere on your travel wish list?
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