Delhi is undoubtedly the capital and a city where even the smallest stone has a story to tell. This land is full of tales and legends taking you back to the enthralling journey of history and architecture. Other than its happening vibe that everyone loves and the food that makes your mouth water, the city is also known around the globe for its famous monuments in Delhi. Each monument, a guardian of time, intricately threads together the cultural narrative of this dynamic metropolis.
If you’re a passionate traveller and someone who likes to appreciate the intricate architecture, british architecture to be specific, this is your sign to take a stroll around the Indian capital as this place has monuments that are not so hidden anymore. Many of Delhi’s popular monuments and heritage sites have their name under the UNESCO Heritage Sites as well. Read on and visit them to witness their charm yourself.
Here is a list of famous monuments of Delhi you must visit
Humayun’s Tomb
Built during the reign of the Mughal dynasty, Humayun’s Tomb is a magnificent example of Persian architecture and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nine years after Humayun’s passing, in 1526, his widow Hamida Banu Begum had it made. The red sandstone was used to build this stunning monument. Humayun’s tomb is among the most striking and well-known historical places in Delhi. Many would rank it as their first choice when it comes to visiting the city because of how breathtakingly beautiful it is.
Timings: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Google Map link: Humayun’s Tomb, Nizzamuddin
Entry fees: Rs 40 per person for Indians
Rs 600 per person for Foreign Tourists
Jama Masjid
One of the biggest mosques in India and a peaceful famous monument in Delhi to visit is Jama Masjid. The Muslim community holds this place of worship in the highest regard. The place is so magnificent that it can hold over 25,000 people praying at once in its courtyard! It is estimated that the Masjid-I Jahan-Numa was built in 1656 by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. The entrance of the main prayer hall is adorned with tall, rising arches, and the ceiling is a stunning white color.
Timings: 7 am – 12 pm and 1:30 – 6:30 pm
Google Map link: Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
Entry fees: Free
Red fort
Located in the center of the city, the Red Fort is a significant and iconic landmark. As the name suggests, this ancient structure in Delhi is essentially a fort with its red exterior paintwork. Built by Shah Jahan, it served as the political hub for a considerable amount of time. This monument was originally constructed of white stone, but in order to better preserve it, it was later painted red. There is enough to discover, and the majority of the structures are spaced apart from one another.
Timings: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Monday Closed)
Google Map link: Red Fort, Chandni Chowk
Entry fees: Rs 35 per person for Indians
Rs 500 per person for Foreign Tourists
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Jantar Mantar
This one is one of the most interesting historical places in India. Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur built Jantar Mantar in 1724. Basically, it’s an observatory that was built to record astronomical events and data to aid in timing and movement predictions for celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and other planets. The uniqueness of the devices here is remarkable, but because of the surrounding tall buildings, reliable observations are no longer possible. If you’re an astronomical buff, you should certainly visit this famous monument in Delhi. If you’re visiting this monument.
Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Google Map link: Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place
Entry fees: Rs 25 per person for Indians
Rs 300 per person for Foreign Tourists
India gate
This is one of the popular monuments in Delhi that everyone should visit once in a lifetime. Constructed by Britishers to commemorate the sacrifices made by 84,000 Indian soldiers during World War 1, also giving it the name of All India War Memorial. India Gate has been recently renovated bringing changes around the main architecture and making it look even more beautiful to look at. Numerous historic occasions, such as candle marches and patriotic acts, have occurred here over the years, bringing about important reforms to Indian law and the Indian judicial system.
Timings: 12:00 am – 12:00 pm (Some areas are restricted after sunset)
Google Map link: Kartavya Path, India Gate
Entry fees: Free
Qutub Minar
The world’s tallest minaret is Qutub Minar. To celebrate his victory over the Hindu kingdom, Qutab-Ud-Din-Aibak had it constructed as a symbol of his invasion. The elegant Arabic inscriptions got it the fame of being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In order to celebrate the dominance of Muslims in Delhi, the Qutub Minar was built. Beautiful engravings have been engraved into the stone. Qutub Minar has also been compared by some as an elongated telescopic lens. Go ahead and visit this one of the popular monuments in Delhi.
Timings: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Google Map link: Qutub Minar, Mehrauli
Entry fees: Rs 30 per person for Indians
Rs 500 per person for Foreign Tourists
Lodhi Gardens
One of the most popular monuments in Delhi is this tourist destination, the Lodhi Gardens. The tombs of Muhammad Shah and Sikander Lodhi are located in the Lodhi Gardens, which are dotted with monuments and tombs from the Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties. For exercising, running, and walks In the mornings and evenings, a lot of people come to this garden. A lovely location for a picnic, the tomb is even more lovely at dusk. The people of Delhi are proud of these lush gardens.
Timings: 6 am – 8 pm
Google Map link: Lodhi Gardens, New Delhi
Entry fees: Free
Old Fort (Purana Qila)
One of the oldest forts in India is the Purana Qila, whose construction was begun by Humayun and continued by Sher Shah Suri. The Bada Darwaza, Humayun Gate, and Talaqi Gate are its three entrances of this one of the famous monuments in Delhi. Sandstone was used in the construction of each of the double-story gates. The magnificent pavilions, balconies, and umbrellas at the north and south gates enhance the fort’s splendour. The fort is very important both historically and culturally.
Timings: 7 am – 5 pm
Google Map link: Purana Qila, Delhi – Mathura Road
Entry fees: Rs 30 per person for Indians
Rs 300 per person for Foreign Tourists
Hauz Khas Fort
Known for its remarkable architecture is the Hauz Khas Fort, which is located close to the Hauz Khas Village. The remains of what was once a magnificent fort are all that are left. The fort was built in the thirteenth century, during the rule of Alauddin Khalji. The stunning hallways of the Hauz Khas Complex provide a charming perspective of the royal water tank, which provided water to Siri, the people who lived in the medieval city. Visit here and explore cafes in Hauz Khas too!
Timings: 8 am – 7 pm
Google Map link: Hauz Khas Fort Road, Hauz Khas Village
Entry fees: Rs 20 per person for Indians
Rs 250 per person for Foreign Tourists
Lotus Temple
A long time ago, a building of worship called the Lotus Temple was built. The three-story, nine-sided, white marble building is shaped like a lotus flower and has 27 marble-covered petals that serve as the roof. It is known that the religious location can hold gatherings for up to 2500 people. You will be amazed by the temple’s beauty and the hall’s sound if you decide to visit the famous monument in Delhi.
Timings: 8:30 am – 5 pm (Monday closed)
Google Map link: Lotus Temple, Kalkaji
Entry fees: Free
Safdarjung Tomb
While it is much smaller in scope than Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb is the last garden and one of the famous monuments in Delhi. Constructed between 1753 and 1754, the tomb belonged to Safdarjung, the prince of Awadh under Mohammed Shah, the Mughal Emperor. Safdarjung Tomb is one of the few monuments in Delhi that is frequently overlooked and might be reserved for those unique individuals who make the extra effort to get here.
Timings: 7 am – 5 pm
Google Map link: Safdarjung Tomb, Delhi Race Club
Entry fees: Rs 25 per person for Indians
Rs 300 per person for Foreign Tourists
Akshardham Temple
“Akshardham” is the term for God’s heavenly dwelling. Moreover, the Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi is a Mandir—a Hindu temple of worship, a place of God’s abode—as well as a spiritual and cultural campus devoted to harmony, devotion, and education. Hindu art and architecture reflect the religion’s ageless spiritual teachings, colorful devotional customs, and historic structures.The temple is a modest homage to Hinduism’s avatars, devas, and great sages, Bhagwan Swaminarayan. You will be fascinated to look at the intricate architecture and the grandeur of this famous monument in Delhi.
Timings: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Google Map link: Akshardham Temple, Patpadganj
Entry fees: Adults (Age 12+): ₹ 250
Seniors (Age 60+): ₹ 200
Children (Age 4 – 11): ₹ 150
Children (Below Age 4): Free
Conclusion:
From the grandeur of the Red Fort which mesmerizes everyone with its formidable walls, to the Qutub Minar, an architectural marvel, there is no scarcity of famous monuments in Delhi. There are many other hidden gems in Delhi that have a story woven into their building or existence. Not only are they still important possessions from the past, but they are replicas of Indian heritage. These monuments are a reflection of what the upcoming generations will see about what and how India came into existence. Till then, make your list of these monuments that you want to visit.
