Must See Monuments in Delhi: A Cultural Tour

Delhi, India’s capital, is a bustling metropolitan city full of history and culture. It is a city of immense historical and cultural importance, with many monuments scattered around the city. From the iconic Red Fort to the majestic Qutub Minar, from the beautiful Humayun’s Tomb to the ever-so-grand Rashtrapati Bhawan, these monuments of Delhi give visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich past. Here is a list of must-see monuments in Delhi that will take you on a cultural tour back in time.

Red Fort

The Red Fort, also known as the Lal Qila, is one of the most iconic monuments in India. It is a stunning sandstone structure built in 1639 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The walls of the fort are made of red sandstone and are around 2.5 km long. The fort is a living reminder of India’s Mughal period and contains many important monuments and buildings, such as the Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, the Moti Masjid, and the Chhata Bazaar. The Red Fort is a must-visit for anyone interested in India’s history and architecture.

Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar is another iconic monument in Delhi. It is a soaring 73-meter tall tower built by the Mughal Emperor Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1192. The minaret is made of red sandstone and marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The tower also has several balconies, which offer visitors a stunning view of the city. Visitors can also explore the surrounding monuments such as the Iron Pillar and Alai Darwaza.

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb is one of the most beautiful monuments in Delhi. It is a World Heritage Site and the first garden-tomb in India. The tomb was built by Mughal Emperor Humayun’s widow, Hamida Banu Begum, in 1570. The majestic tomb is made of sandstone and marble and is surrounded by lush greenery. It also has a Charbagh-style garden and a reservoir. Visitors can explore the surrounding monuments such as the Nila Gumbad, the Isa Khan Tomb, and the Bu Halima Garden.

Rashtrapati Bhawan

The Rashtrapati Bhawan is the official residence of the President of India and is one of the most iconic monuments in Delhi. It is a grand building made of red sandstone and is spread over an area of 330 acres. The building has numerous halls and chambers, and the grand Mughal Gardens are the highlight of the building. Visitors can explore the Presidential Museum, the Durbar Hall, and the Ashoka Hall.

India Gate

India Gate is a war memorial located in the middle of New Delhi. It was built in 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The gate is made of red sandstone and is 42-meters tall. It also has four pillars, which represent the four regions of India. Visitors can explore the surrounding gardens and the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which was built to honor the soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971.

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656 and is one of the oldest mosques in India. The mosque is made of white marble and red sandstone and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. The main prayer hall of the mosque is huge and can accommodate up to 25,000 people. Visitors can explore the surrounding bazaars and the nearby Fatehpuri Mosque.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple, also known as the Bahai House of Worship, is one of the most iconic monuments in Delhi. It is a modern and unique structure made of white marble and is shaped like a lotus flower. The temple has nine doors, which represent the nine religions of the world. Visitors can explore the surrounding gardens and the nearby Bahai Centre, which has a library and an art gallery.

Akshardham Temple

The Akshardham Temple is a modern Hindu temple complex located in New Delhi. It is a huge temple complex spread over an area of 100 acres and is made of pink sandstone and marble. The temple complex has a main temple, which is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Visitors can explore the surrounding gardens, the musical fountains, and the boat ride, which takes visitors on a journey through Indian culture and history.

Tughlaqabad Fort

The Tughlaqabad Fort is a 14th-century fort located in South Delhi. It was built by Sultan Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in 1321 and is one of the oldest monuments in Delhi. The fort is made of red sandstone and is spread over an area of 6.5 km. Visitors can explore the surrounding monuments such as Adilabad Fort and the Khirki Mosque.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah

The Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is a Sufi shrine dedicated to the famous Sufi saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. It is located in South Delhi and is visited by thousands of devotees every day. The shrine is made of white marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. Visitors can explore the surrounding bazaars and the nearby tombs of Amir Khusro and Mirza Ghalib.

Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar is an 18th-century observatory located in New Delhi. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1724 and is one of the oldest monuments in Delhi. The observatory is made of red sandstone and marble and is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions. Visitors can explore the various instruments of the observatory and the nearby monuments such as the Raj Ghat and National Gandhi Museum.

Summary

Delhi is a city of immense historical and cultural importance and is home to many iconic monuments. From the majestic Red Fort to the beautiful Humayun’s Tomb, from the iconic Qutub Minar to the grand Rashtrapati Bhawan, these monuments take visitors on a cultural tour back in time. This list of must-see monuments in Delhi is the perfect way to explore the city’s rich history and culture.