Sights and attractions in and around
Delhi
The Red Fort
The Red Fort or the Lal Quila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 17th Century by Shahjahan to protect his capital, Old Delhi. The enormous fort demands hours of walking for visitors. There are three large museums inside the red sandstone mammoth.
The fort is usually open every day except Monday from 10 am to 4 pm. Entry fee is Rs. 11 for an Indian citizen and Rs. 100 for a foreign visitor.
Qutub Minar
It is the world's tallest free-standing minaret. The five-level creation was built by the Mughals and plays host to many family picnics as well as movie shoots. Within the complex one can find the Ashoka Pillar. It is believed that people who can wrap their arms around it completely while standing backwards are granted a wish. Locals and visitors who come to the Qutub Minar try to achieve this, but hardly anyone succeeds.
The complex closes in the evening. The entry fee for Indians is Rs. 10/person and for foreign visitors it is Rs. 250/person.
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb or Humayan ka Maqbara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor, Humayun, his wife, their son and others belonging to the royal family. The complex was built in 1570 and houses many tombs, monuments and the Char Bagh (Four Gardens). It has many examples of engineering marvels, which seem simple today but were exceptional for their time.
Entrance fee for Indians is Rs. 10 per person and for foreign visitors is Rs. 250 per person.
Connaught Place
Locally called C.P., Connaught Place was the playground of the British during their rule till 1947. Today, it is a hub of activity for families and the young at heart. It's packed with shops, bars, pubs, restaurants and movie theaters, and it's great for a stroll any time of the day. In CP there's also the notorious Palika Bazar. This is an underground market where knock-off gadgets and pirated goods are sold. Depending upon your bargaining skills you can walk away with branded goodies, at a fraction of the original price. Very close to CP's main area is Janpath. This is a favourite bazaar for visitors and fashion trendsetters. Ethnic items are sold here. Some of the young shopkeepers here have never been to school. Yet, they speak languages like Russian, German and others as fluently as English and Hindi.
Purani Dilli
Arguably the most culturally rich part of Delhi is Purani Dilli or Old Delhi. This is where crowds of people and rickshaws snake in and out of narrow streets. Here, charming traditions of a forgotten India are carried on with fervor. Kite-flying on Independence Day, and lavish celebrations during every festival are integral to life here. Purani Dilli is the home to the famous Chandni Chowk, paranthewali gali and Jaama Mazjid. Chandni Chowk is a haven for those in search of all things Indian. From wedding invites to dazzling trousseaus, everything can be bought here. Paranthewali gali, on the other hand, is a street famous for different forms of Indian bread. Street food of Purani Dilli is extremely popular and the taste somehow cannot be replicated even by the big-name restaurants. Delhi's Jaama Mazjid is one of India's largest and biggest mosques. Its sprawling courtyard can hold almost 25,000 people and yet, it is bursting at the seams during Eid. Countless people flock to the mosque on Fridays to offer prayers and it is an unbelievable sight.
The mosque is obviously open to the general public without a fee but people carrying a camera are charged Rs. 100.
Baha'I Temple
Also known as the Lotus Temple due to its shape, this Buddhist shrine is as valued for its religious importance as it is for its architecture. The serene temple is surrounded by quiet parks, perfect for relaxing, meditation and prayer. It is important to maintain decorum inside as it is, above all, a house of worship.
There is no entry fee for visitors and photography is only permitted inside with prior permission.
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat is known as mini-India. All Indian states are represented at this open air complex. Artists from every part of the country showcase their talent in the form of handicrafts, furniture, apparel and even dying skills. But it's not just a shopping complex as food stalls dedicated to each Indian state also serve up an endless plethora of cuisines. It is extremely popular amongst foreign visitors looking for authentic Indian arts and crafts.
It is open from 10 am to 10 pm and the entry fee is Rs. 15.
Some auto rickshaw drivers scam visitors by saying it closes at 5 pm or so and take them to random emporiums. This is not the case, stress that you want to go to Dilli Haat near AIIMS.
India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan
India Gate is one of the most recognizable symbol of the Capital. This monument is open to all, which means it can get packed with families and tourists in the evening. Boating and picnics are popular here. Children are often seen frolicking in the water to beat the summer heat and lapping up rapidly melting ice creams. On some nights, India Gate is lit up majestically as is the road running perpendicular to it. On the far opposite side of the monument is the glorious Rashtrapati Bhavan. The lavish President's House is needless to say, one of the grandest buildings in India. Entry inside is highly restricted but with the right knowledge one can see it from outside while driving by.
Bangla Sahib
Located in the heart of New Delhi is the revered Bangla Sahib gurudwara. This is a beautiful and serene holy place of Sikhs. The temple is set inside a massive and pristine complex. Believers take a dip in the temple's pond before going in for prayers. Many people participate in serving the Langar, where food is offered free to anyone who comes by. Innumerable people, regardless of their background or status, participate in sweeping the grounds, cleaning dishes, cooking and other daily chores with humility and dedication.
Rajghat
Last but by no means the least is the sprawling Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi. This is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated and the spot is marked by an eternally burning flame. Important dignitaries and leaders from all across the world make it a point to visit this place to pay their respects. Rajghat exudes peace and calm, befitting the great man's own legacy and life. There are two museums in the complex dedicated to Gandhi's beliefs and life. To the northern end of the Rajghat is the Samadhi of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
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