Historical places in Delhi

Over the course of its history, the city of Delhi has been home to a great number of dynasties. The fact that Delhi has a history that goes back more than a thousand years enables it to provide a wealth of information on the time period of ancient India. Many dynasties in the past have ruled the city that is now the national capital, and most of these dynasties oversaw the construction of various new structures, including forts, palaces, and businesses. Here is a thorough list of some of Delhi’s historical places, which tell tales of Delhi’s past. But before you go any further, you should have a look at the several routes that will eventually bring you to Delhi.

By air: For both local and international flights, the main terminal is located at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airport, one of the biggest in the country, is situated on the western outskirts of the nation’s capital.

By train: Delhi, being the Northern Railway’s headquarters, has excellent rail connections to the vast majority of India’s larger cities and smaller villages.

By road: If you are planning on arriving in Delhi by road, you will be able to do it through an outstanding network of expressways and motorways. The city has excellent transport links to its surrounding areas.

 

13 Delhi historical places to please a history buff

Red Fort 

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One of the oldest forts in the city of Delhi is the Red Fort. Its name originates from its invincible red sandstone walls, which served as the primary home of the Mughal rulers. This historic structure now houses a number of museums, each of which has a variety of priceless artefacts in its permanent collections. On August 15th, the day commemorating India’s independence from British rule, the Prime Minister of India raises the nation’s flag at this location.

The Red Fort is easily accessible by a number of local means of transportation for interested tourists. They may use local buses, taxis, or auto rickshaws to get to the fort. The Chandni Chowk stop on the Yellow Line is the closest metro station, located just a mile and a half away.

 

Humayun’s Tomb

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It is quite impossible to ignore the aesthetic brilliance put into Humayun’s tomb. The splendour of this majestic mausoleum, located in the heart of a large and intricate Mughal Garden, is only heightened during the colder months of the year.

Constructed by Humayun’s principal consort, Empress Bega Begum, this magnificent monument uses red sandstone on a grand scale, making it one of very few such constructions in the period. Humayun’s tomb is a classic example of Mughal architecture, but it also incorporates Persian architectural elements. In recognition of its breathtaking craftsmanship and distinguished legacy, Humayun’s Tomb was included in the Unesco World Heritage Sites in 1993.

Lodhi Estate Jing is the closest bus station to Humayun’s Tomb and can be reached on foot in one minute. The closest metro station to Humayun’s Tomb is located at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, which is around a 15-minute walk away.

 

Qutub Minar

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Due to the fact that this is an important part of the city’s history and should be seen by all tourists, it is without a doubt ranked first among the top historical monuments in Delhi. Because of its extensive history and innovative architecture, the Qutub Minar has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. After being established in 1192 by the founder of Delhi Sultanate Qutubuddin Aibak, the development of this massive monument continued under the leadership of successive rulers for many years. With the Alai Darwaza and other ancient sites in the complex including the Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque and the Tomb of Iltutmish, the complex is frequently awe-inspiring to visitors.

If you are travelling by bus, the Qutub Minar Bus Terminal, which is conveniently located just next to the monument’s main entrance, is the closest bus stop to you. You may reach this monument by using a bus provided by the DTC from any location within the Delhi-National Capital Region. The nearest train station is New Delhi Railway Station, which is about 17 kilometres away.

 

India Gate

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One of the most enjoyable activities to the India Gate in Delhi is a stroll on the luxuriantly green pathways, indulging in some ice cream on a cool evening, and observing the magnificent craftsmanship of the towering monument. It was constructed between 1921 and 1931 as a war monument in honour of the British Indian Army troops who served throughout the First World War. 

After the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Amar Jawan Jyoti was built and encircled by four perpetual fires to honour the warriors who fought. The 138-foot-tall structure with magnificent arches is illuminated at night with dazzling lights, illuminating the memories of all the troops who served atop it. 

Metro and major roads both go directly to India Gate. Central Secretariat, on the Yellow Line, is the closest metro station. Get in a bus or taxi outside the station and go toward India Gate.

 

Safdarjung Tomb

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Safdarjung’s charming mausoleum is one of the historic and picturesque locations in Delhi that draw visitors. The marble and sandstone mausoleum, constructed in the Mughal aesthetic of the 18th century, has existed for a long time.

Despite its prime location in the city’s heartland, near the crossroads of Safdarjung Avenue and Aurobindo Marg, this landmark receives little attention from visitors. Safdarjung ka Maqbara, the mausoleum’s other name, is recognised for its serene atmosphere and commanding presence created by the mausoleum’s massive dome, numerous arches, and complex architectural design.

Safdarjung’s Tomb successfully portrays the heritage and cultural characteristics of the Mughal grandeur. A religious school, a library, and a number of structures line the entrance to this garden mausoleum, which was inspired by Humayun ka Maqbara.

The Jor Bagh metro station is just around three minutes away from the Safdarjung tomb, and it is the closest metro station. Use the yellow line to go to the station. When taking a bus there, you may get off at either the Jor Bagh or the Safdarjung Madarsa stops.

 

Jama Masjid

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Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of India’s greatest mosque, the Jama Masjid in Delhi.   Every Eid, the mosque attracts a large number of pilgrims. At 1200 square metres in size, Jama Masjid’s courtyard can hold up to 25,000 people, and its three entrances, four towers, and two 40-metre-tall minarets all contribute to the complex’s grandeur.

The Jama Masjid is located in the Chandni Chowk area of Delhi, which is known for its exquisite Mughal architecture. This site’s dome and minarets will be bathed in scarlet orange during a spectacular sunset if you visit in the evening.

Chawri Bazar on the Yellow Line is the closest stop to the Jama Masjid. There is no such thing as a transit station named Jama Masjid. The closest bus stops are at ISBT Kashmere Gate and Old Delhi Railway Station, from which you may access the area via car. Private taxis are also available.

 

Lodhi Tomb

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While in the area, be sure to stop at Sikandar Lodi’s Tomb for a glance at the architectural masterpiece of the Lodi Dynasty, which governed Delhi during the fifteen century. This mausoleum is situated in the Lodi gardens, where the natural beauty of the landscape is paired with the rich history of the area. Designed by Lodi’s son Ibrahim Lodi between 1517 and 1518, the tomb is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The Jor Bagh metro stop is the most convenient for seeing this tomb. Visitors may leave by Gate 2 and reach their final destination in less than five minutes on foot.

 

Alai Minar

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The Alai Minar is a well-known historical place in New Delhi, despite being an incomplete tower that is part of the Qutb Complex. Alauddin Khilji was the one who first began constructing the Minar. He had the ambition to create a tower twice as tall as the Qutub Minar to celebrate his supremacy over a number of territories in South India. 

The Sultan was certain that the Alai Minar would serve as a reminder of his accomplishments for decades to come.  The Emperor died in 1316, halting the completion of Alai Minar. This 80-foot-high, 255-foot-wide crimson rubble monument is a testament to the Sultan’s heroism, accomplishments, and affluence. It is clear from the elaborate engravings and decorations on these monuments that the artists and craftsmen who gave up their lives to make them were both clever and ingenious.

You may visit this landmark by taking a bus operated by the DTC from any point inside Delhi. These buses frequently leave from a number of different stops. The New Delhi Railway Station is about 17 kilometres distant, making it the closest railway station to the location.

 

Tughlaqabad Fort

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In the year 132, Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty and the ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, constructed the Tughlaqabad Fort in Delhi. Today, the fort lies in ruins. The fort, which is widely considered to be among the most stunning examples of Islamic construction, can be found close to the Okhla industrial district.

The construction of the fort took a total of four years, and then 15 years after that, it was no longer in use. It is stated that a Sufi mystic named Nizammudin Auliya placed a curse on Tughlaqabad as a kind of retribution for the pride shown by Ghiyasuddin. It is said that djinns may be seen roaming the grounds of the fort.

Both the New Delhi International Airport and the New Delhi Railway Station are within 25 kilometres of the Tughlaqabad Fort. Since Delhi has excellent transportation options, you won’t have any trouble getting to the fort. Any kind of transportation from buses and auto-rickshaws to taxis is at your disposal.

 

Jantar Mantar

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If you are wondering about how ancient kings established their annual calendars, you should travel directly to Jantar Mantar. It is home to thirteen astronomical instruments that were developed to make predictions about the relative speed of celestial objects, as well as their position and the position of the sun and other astronomical objects. To get an idea of how long and short the days of the year were back then, devices like Jayaprakash, Samrat and Mishra Yantra were utilised.

The Jantar Mantar metro stop that is most convenient is Patel Chowk. Otherwise, the observatory is a short 5-minute walk from the Rajiv Chowk stop. You may get a bus to Jantar Mantar from Palika Kendra, the closest bus station, which is located about 2 kilometres away. Sansad Marg is the second-closest bus stop.

 

Lotus Temple

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Lotus Temple, Delhi’s most popular tourist attraction and a poignant historical place in Delhi, is a stunning architectural marvel. One of the world’s seven great Baha’i temples, the structure is shaped like a magnificent white lotus. Additionally, Lotus Temple welcomes worshipers of any country, religion, colour, or race. The construction of the temple consists of 27 separate petals made of white marble that stand alone on three levels.

An entrance on each side means that there are 9 possible routes into the central prayer hall, which can hold up to 2,500 worshipers all at once. The Temple compound is adorned with florals and beautiful green plants as well as nine reflecting ponds.

There is a metro stop called Kalkaji Mandir and another called Nehru Place, both of which are conveniently placed near the Lotus Temple. The Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station is the most convenient for getting to the Lotus Temple.

 

Siri Fort

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New Delhi’s Siri Fort is one of the city’s most well-known cultural and historical landmarks. Construction of the fort, which sits between Hauz Khas and Mehrauli, is thought to have begun around 1303, under the administration of Alauddin Khilji. 

One of Delhi Sultan’s seven towns, Siri, included a fort, which was erected by Turks during their conquest of Delhi. Currently, just a few fort fragments remain, but the magnificent craftsmanship and cultural importance continue to attract large crowds of visitors.

From the Green Park Metro Station, getting to the Siri Fort will take you a total of six minutes. The Green Park Metro Station and the Siri Fort are around five kilometres apart while travelling by car.

 

Iron Pillar

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Delhi, India’s capital, is home to a slew of intriguing landmarks, including the enigmatic Iron Pillar. Amidst the Qutub Minar compound in New Delhi’s Mehrauli neighbourhood, the Iron Pillar stands out as one of the world’s leading architectural wonders since it has survived thousands of years without showing even a trace of rust. 

Over the course of more than 1,600 years, the pillar’s 98 per cent wrought iron construction has held up well. According to legend, the pillar was first placed in Madhya Pradesh, but it’s unclear how or why it ended up in Delhi.

The Iron Pillar is located at the Qutub Complex, exactly in the middle of the Quwwat-ul-Mosque. This landmark is about 15 kilometres away from the New Delhi Railway Station.

 

FAQs

Which of Delhi's many ancient sites are the best?

The nation's capital is teeming with historical sites and museums, so those who are interested in the past will have no trouble finding things to do and see here. The Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid, India Gate and Qutab Minar are just a few examples of these landmarks.

How many historical sites does Delhi have?

Delhi is the capital of India in terms of history, architecture, and culture. It is comprised of seven districts and has also been controlled by a variety of monarchs and governors throughout the course of its existence. It is impossible to list the number of ancient landmarks that are located in Delhi, but UNESCO has designated three of them as World Heritage Sites.

What is Delhi's historical significance?

For a significant amount of time, Delhi has served as a centre for a variety of activities, including politics, trade, transit, and culture. In addition to this, a great number of monarchs have reigned over this city, which is another reason why Delhi is known as the historical capital of India.

Why is the Qutub Minar so well-known?

After the penultimate Hindu monarch of Delhi was vanquished, construction on the Qutab Minar began. In 1193, Qutub-ud-Din Aibak constructed this tower, which stands at a height of 73 metres.