Step into a world of forts, tombs, and gardens built years ago! Learn Delhi’s rich history and heritage through a journey beyond time. Explore these top historical sites in Delhi to enjoy the stories of royals, people, and their love for Delhi. Top spots to never miss when you plan a visit to Delhi.
“The streets of Delhi are not mere alleys but parchment of a painting, where every face seems like a masterpiece,” writes Mir Taqi Mir, an Urdu poet of the 18th century.
(Dilli ke na the kuchey nahin, auraaq-e-musawwqr the Jo shakl nazar aayi, tasveer nazar aayi ~ Mir Taqi Mir)
With alleys waiting to be explored and nuances of murals on the walls to be decoded, Delhi’s soul lies in its monuments that have stood the test of time. Delhi is an ode to the ruins of time, with its majestic buildings, tombs, forts, and libraries. Thriving with a blend of new-age cafes, buildings, and monuments, the city is where today’s modernism meets age-old tales of gallantry, love, and pride.
If you are a history lover with a zest for travelling through time, Delhi is an open history book with lessons on dynasties that marked their presence in the capital city. Here’s a curated list of the top historical sites in Delhi that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Red Fort (Lal Qila)
The most iconic structure in India, the Red Fort, is central to the country’s politics, governance, and tourism. The Lal Qila, dating back to 1638–39, was built under the auspices of Emperor Shah Jahan as his palace-fort. This endeavour came with the shifting of the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi (then known as Shahjahanabad), recognising the strategic location of Delhi. The Qila also stands as a silent witness to India’s journey to freedom and a symbol of a new dawn with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by the first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1947. The Red Fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the importance of this vibrant red sandstone structure in the course of Delhi’s history. You can take a guided tour of the Qila and also indulge in some window shopping!
Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Night view timings (Light & Sound Show): 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Humayun’s Tomb
Right out of ‘Bol Na Halke Halke,’ a music video starring Preity Zinta and Abhishek Bachchan, Humayun’s tomb is an example of symmetrical beauty with intricate designs–a favourite among filmmakers, photographers, and anyone who loves to capture beauty in a frame. As the resting place of Humayun, the tomb stands as a pinnacle of Mughal architecture. It is one of The tomb is also surrounded by carefully maintained gardens, acting as an aesthetic backdrop!
Timings: Sunrise to 7:30 PM (Open All Days)
India Gate
India Gate holds enormous meaning to its citizens, being a memorial dedicated to Indian soldiers who died during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The entry to the monument itself demonstrates the historic importance of the building and its current role in Indian politics through a display of pictures from the pages of India Gate’s history. From public demonstrations to the Republic Day parade, it all takes place on a large scale at this monument. You can bring your picnic mats and snacks to enjoy the breeze while posing for pictures on the lawns of India Gate.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Qutub Minar & Complex
Among the many places on the UNESCO World Heritage List is this 73-meter-tall minaret. Built during the 12th to 13th centuries by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and later completed by Iltutmish, the monument is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. The path to view the minaret and the arches surrounding it has the power to transport you to another dimension! The complex’s iron pillar, which hasn’t rusted in more than 1600 years, is a mystery in itself.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Open All Days)
Jama Masjid
One of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid, was built in 1656 under the purview of Shah Jahan. The Masjid, made of red sandstone and white marble, is a visual delight. It is ideal to visit the mosque during non-prayer timings if you are only expecting a simple visit. Evenings are also the best hours to take a picture of the Masjid, as the gold hue of the sunlight strikes against the building aesthetically. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the narrow southern minaret for an unforgettable view of Old Delhi.
Timings: 7 AM to 12 PM and then again at 1.30 PM, and closes at 6.30 PM
Purana Qila (Old Fort)
As its name suggests, Purana Qila is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. The place holds a mysterious charm, with its tall walls tainted by the ruins of time. Thought to have been built on the site of ancient Indraprastha, the capital city of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, this fort has layers of history embedded in its bricks. A tranquil moat surrounds the fort, and its premises also house a small museum. In the evenings, the light and sound show offers a fascinating retelling of Delhi’s 5000-year-old past.
Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Safdarjung’s Tomb
Safdarjung’s Tomb, another lesser-known treasure, is a graceful illustration of Mughal architecture in its final phases. Constructed in 1754, the tomb boasts intricate embellishment and is situated inside a spacious, symmetrical landscape. This location is typically quieter than the crowded ones, offering a respite from the city’s bustle. It’s perfect for both reading and taking pictures, so bring a book or a camera. The night view of the tomb from the outside is also a beautiful sight.
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
Rashtrapati Bhavan and Rajpath
While it might seem more modern, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, designed during British rule, is steeped in colonial history. It’s the official residence of the President of India and a prime example of imperial architecture. Walk along Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), flanked by fountains, green lawns, and ceremonial buildings, for a walk through the political heart of India’s past and present. You can visit the main building, the museum and the gardens, depending on your time and season of visit.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM
Agrasen ki Baoli
A 14th-century stepwell rebuilt by the Agrawal Community, this is believed to date back to the Mahabharata era. The symmetrical beauty of the steps attached to the walls of the well will make you want to photograph every corner of it. With its 108 steps and haunting silence, Agrasen ki Baoli is one of Delhi’s most atmospheric spots. It is popular among photographers, history enthusiasts, and even ghost hunters.
Timings: 9 AM–5:30 PM
Lodhi Garden and Tombs
The centuries-old tombs of the Lodhi and Sayyid dynasties may be found scattered around Lodhi Garden, which is more than just a spot for morning runs and picnics. The serene garden setting is a stunning contrast to the old buildings found at the spot. You can witness another side of Delhi here, one that breathes slowly, gently, and timelessly, whether you visit in the morning or at sunset.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Jantar Mantar
Exploring Connaught Place is incomplete without taking a morning walk around the neighbourhood, only to end up at Jantar Mantar. A popular spot in the scientific course of history, it is also a major spot in the history of protests in India. Jantar Mantar is both an architectural and mathematical wonder, especially considering the accuracy of the calculations. The structures help in finding positions and the shift of celestial bodies. Do not forget to take a guided tour to get the fullest experience of this phenomenal spot!
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Open All Days)
Hauz Khas Fort
Blending the medieval charm with modern-day buzz, Hauz Khas Fort is a must-visit spot in the heart of South Delhi. The fort features a mosque and a seminary along with several tombs. The Hauz Khas Fort is also ideal for photography, especially early in the morning, when you also get to visit the parks nearby the spot. Once you have completed exploring the fort, it is time to stroll around the streets of Hauz Khas village, known for its vibrant cafes and boutiques.
Timings: 10:30 AM to 7 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Lotus Temple
If you are seeking a space to experience ultimate tranquillity, welcome to Lotus Temple! A pinnacle of architectural excellence, with its beautiful white petal-structured build, the Lotus Temple is an exceptional wonder. The Lotus Temple offers you a space to meditate and spend some time with yourself in calming solitude. The temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship, open for all, irrespective of religion, caste, and creed, making it stand out as a significant part of Delhi’s cultural heritage. The temple is also a reflection of Delhi, which welcomes people from anywhere and offers them a shoulder to rely on!
Timings (Summer): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Timings (Winter): 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Delhi is a reminder to posterity that the pages of history have determined the pulse of this city. Centuries may have gone by, but the zest to know more about a place keeps continuing. A guided tour of the above locations is an experience not to miss at all! Take a chance to explore Delhi and North India to discover new pages in the book of Indian history, one fort at a time.