Sightseeing in Delhi offers the best of Mughal architecture.

Sightseeing in Delhi:

Red Fort (Lal Quila)
Built in red sandstone this imposing fort is 3 kms in perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters at places. When the Red Fort was being built, the Yamuna river used to flow on its one side and there were deep moats on the other. Today, the Yamuna flows almost a kilometer away from the fort and the moats have dried up. In the evening the Delhi Tourism organizes a light and sound show which narrates the history of Delhi in context of the Red Fort.
The Lahore gate, the main entrance, has some emotions and sentiments attached with the Indian independence as the tricolour flutters on the top of this gate. On 15th August the Indian Prime minister addresses the nation from here. As soon as one enters the fort from the Lahore gate, there is a small bazaar where all kinds of items are available. This shopping arcade was known as the Mina Bazaar and was open only to women on Thursdays during the Mughal era.
The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana or the drum house where the musicians used to play drums on the arrival of emperors or princes. Just above the Naubat Khana is the Indian war memorial museum which has a rich collection of armours, guns, swords and other items related to war.

Qutab Minar
Qutab Minar, New Delhi. Qutab Minar
In 1199, Qutb-ud-din raised the Qutab Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32 mtrs it tapers to 2.75 mtrs at a height of 72.5 mtrs. It is still the highest stone tower in India, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark. It was completed by the Sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The tomb of Iltutmish, which he himself built in 1235, is located nearby. Its interiors are profusely decorated with calligraphy but the dome has collapsed.

Jantar Mantar
A few minutes walk from Connaught Place, the foremost shopping centre of New Delhi, Jantar Mantar was built as an observatory by Maharaja Jai Singh. Though not as large as its compatriot in Jaipur, Jantar Mantar at Delhi is also an attraction for the tourists. The astonishing part of these observatories is that they can calculate many astronomical movements very accurately.

Safdarjung Tomb
The Safdarjang tomb is besides the Safdarjang airport. This tomb was built by the Nawab of Avadh for his father. The structure is one of the finest example of architecture of its time and tells a saga of the last remnants of a dying empire.

Humayun's Tomb
Built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum, in the mid 16th century, this red sandstone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best examples of Mughal Architecture. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red and white sandstone, black and yellow marble tomb.

Rajpath & India Gate
Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. India Gate is towards the eastern end of Rajpath.

India Gate
It is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of World War I, the North-West Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green lawns and trees.

The Parliament House
Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament House is the supreme law making body in the country. It is the center of power and politicians decide the fate of the Indian democracy here. Visitors are not allowed inside the house but when the house is in session, visitors may take permission to go inside and watch the proceedings of the house. The Parliament consists of three halls - Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the Central Hall. For the foreign visitors permits are given only after they obtain an introductory letter from the respective embassy.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Popularly known as Birla Mandir, it is a large Hindu temple built in 1938. People of all faiths can enter and worship but one must walk barefoot into the courtyard and further on.

Chandni Chowk
One of the main markets of Delhi, Chandni Chowk was once lined with beautiful fountains. But today the place is very crowded and congested. Chandni Chowk is located opposite the Red Fort. The area has got the Digamber Jain Temple which houses the Birds' Hospital. On one end of Chandni Chowk is the Fatehpuri Mosque which was erected by the wives of Shah Jahan. Opposite the old police station or the Kotwali is the Sunheri Masjid from where Nadir Shah ordered his troops to plunder and massacre Delhi.

Connaught Place
It is the foremost shopping centre of New Delhi, built in a horse-shoe pattern, consisting of inner, middle and outer circles. It came up in 1931 with the official transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi.

The Bahai Temple
Situated atop the Kalkaji hill, this distinctive white lotus shaped marvel in marble is surrounded by a landscaped garden. It signifies the purity and universality of the Lord and equality of all religions.
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