Red Fort is no doubt the most important place to visit in Delhi. One of Delhi's most famous historical monuments, Red fort or "Lal Qila" is made in red sandstone and is a seemingly eternal witness to the Mughal splendor and extravagance, built by the mughal emperor Shahjahan (the same emperor who built the Taj Mahal).The place is worth a visit for few hours. Every year prime minister addresses people of India on the Independence Day from this fort. The fort covers a semi-octagonal area of about 2km, its longest walls facing the town in the west and the River Yamuna in the east.

Red Fort's Attractions

1. Diwan-i-Aam - Also known as the hall of public audience, this is the place where emperor used to sit and listen to the complaints of the common people.
2. Diwan-i-Khas - Again a hall but here the emperor used to held the private meetings with the special people. This is the place where the famous peacock throne of Shahjahan used to be.
3. Chhatta Bazaar - It is covered market at the entrance where you can buy stuff such as bangles, jewelry etc.
4. Museum - Where artifacts are kept from the first world war. But, it is very congested.
5. Light and Sound show, which you can see during evening time.

Timings

9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Mondays closed

2. Akshardham Temple

On the banks of the Yamuna river, this Hindu Temple, is a World class structure in architecture and beauty. Made entirely from the Rajasthani Pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, the temple has finely carved pillars, statues, and domes.

Akshardham Temple's Attractions

1. Audio-Animatronics Show that tells the story of Swami Narayan.
2. Musical Fountains.
3. Automated Boat Ride which takes you through Indian Ancient history. This is an awesome experience.
4. IMax Movie show that walks you through the Indian history in the form of story telling.

Timings

9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Mondays closed

3. Lotus Temple

The reason why it is called so is because the shape of the lotus temple is like a lotus flower. The architecture is similar to the Sydney's Opera House. The marble structure, has white marble floorings in the interiors, and is surrounded by nine ponds and beautiful gardens. Though a Temple, it does not have statues or idols in the vicinity, no sermons and preachings can be done, but every person, irrespective of his or her religion can come and remember the God here.

Timings

Summers: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Winters: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Mondays closed

4. Humayun's Tomb

The tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, near Purana Qila, is a World Heritage Site and is a beautiful building made of red sandstone.The monument is very similar in architecture to Taj Mahal. In fact, Humayun's Tomb was an inspiration for Taj Mahal, which was built much after this monument. The major difference between the two monuments is that Taj Mahal is built of white marble whereas Humayun's Tomb is built in red sandstone. The monument is octagonal in shape and is a piece of Persian architecture. Its Charbagh gardens are full of botanical delights and the mausoleum itself is constructed in strict Mughal code of architecture, with domes, lattice screens, and a centrally designed Mihrab (a screened window) at the main chamber, containing the Emperor's cenotaph, is also there which faces west to the Mecca.The gardens inside are very well maintained. The good thing about this is that unlike Red Fort, it is located in much peaceful area away from crowded areas like Chandni Chowk.

Timings

8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

5. India Gate

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this building is a symbol of India's pride and history. The building is connected to Rashtrapati Bhawan through Rajpath, from which the national parade takes place on the Republic Day, which keeps marching to the Red Fort. India Gate is a memorial built in honour of the Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives during the Afghan wars and World War I. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. There is shrine built under the arc of the India Gate where there is a continuous flame burning in honor of the immortal soldiers. It is called the "Amar Jawan Jyoti". The memorial is surrounded by lush green lawns where people gather during evenings and enjoy family picnics.

6. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India, built by Shah Jahan in 17th Century, on the Chawri Bazaar Chawk of Old Delhi, and stands across the road from the Red Fort. It is an eloquent reminder of the Mughal religious fervour. Its spacious courtyard holds thousands of the faithful who offer prayers.

Timings

Summers: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Winters: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

7. Old Fort or Purana Qila

Purana Qila was founded by Humayun in year 1533. It takes five years for its completion. But in 1540 Shah Suri defeated the great Mughal Emperor Humayun and won this fort. He renamed it and now the name of this monument was Shergrah. Again in 1555 Humayun won Delhi and become the emperor of Delhi. The height of walls of this fort is about 18 meters and it is almost 1.5 km long There are three main gateways in Old Fort- 1 Big Gate 2 Humayun Gate 3 Talaqi Gate

Timings

6:00 AM to 6:30 PM

8. Laxminarayan Temple

Also known as the Birla Temple, this temple is a Hindu sacred place and one of the oldest and highly appreciated architectural structures. The best attraction of the place is the intricate carvings on every part and wall of the temple building depicting stories from Hindu mythology. There are man made waterfalls and landscapes in the compound area, adorning the Temple.

Timings

7:00 AM to 12:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM

9. Qutub Minar

World's tallest brick minaret, this building is amongst the popular places to visit in Delhi.The construction of Qutub Minar was started by the first mughal emperor, Qutab-ud-din Aibak and was completed by his successor Iltutmish. An example of the Indo- Islamic architecture, the building is surrounded by various other ruins and historical structures, together forming the Qutub Complex. The tower having 5 storeys is built with red sandstone and has carvings of verses from the holy Quran. It was many a times damaged by earthquakes and lighting but was re-instated by succeding rulers everytime. The tower is a great piece of mughal architecture and you need to climb around 379 steps to reach the top. The view of the entire Delhi city from the top looks amazing.

Timings

6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

10. Rajghat

A memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, this place is an open air, black marbled platform, which is the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi. Last words of Mahatma Gandhi "Hey Ram", inscribed on the platform. Visitors are required to remove footwear before approaching the memorial. Located on the banks of river Yamuna, this place is the burial ground of many other people, like Jawaharlal Nehru, who has been dedicated a portion of Rajghat called the Shantivan. There is also a Gandhi Memorial museum nearby.

Timings

Summers: 5:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Winters: 5:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Special Show:
English 9:30 Am to 5:30 PM(except Thursdays).
Sunday: Hindi 3:00 PM and English 5:00 PM.

11. Rashtrapati bhavan

Rashtrapati bhavan is the official residence of the President of India and is situated to the west of India Gate. it is a huge mansion with 360 rooms. The Mughal Gardens situated at the back of the Rashtrapati Bhavan features a vast variety of flowers. These gardens are open to public in February every year.

12. National Museum

One of the largest museums in India, near Janpath area in Delhi, preserves many art works of the country. Founded and maintained by the Ministry of Culture, the museum treasures art pieces from many fields, from paintings to arms, from manuscripts to armours, from Mohenjo daro time to the modern age.

Timings

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

13. National Zoological Park

Near Old Fort in Delhi, the park has varieties of animals, even imported from foreign countries and also possess an aquarium and well maintained parks and gardens. The only zoo in Delhi, that boasts of its wildlife and botanical treat, this place is a delight for the people who are nature lovers.

Timings

Summers: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Winters: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday closed