Top 15 Must-Visit Places in Delhi-NCR

Delhi is not just a metropolitan city but a ‘mehfil’. The long list of tourist attractions in Delhi even confuses trip planners. While thinking of a vacation we all want to visit a popular place where we can take a number of memorable photos and treat ourselves to some exotic dishes. And for this, you can never find a better place than “shayaaro ka Shahar- Delhi”- perhaps the heart-throb of entire India. So, let’s cruise over some of the most vivid tourist attractions of our capital.

1. Red Fort

Red fort is famous for its historical importance, architecture and cultural heritage. In the era of Shah Jahan i.e in 1693, the Red fort was built which was actually white (limestone) in colour. When the white stones started chipping off, the British rulers painted them red. There are some great views over to the Fort from the Jama Masjid. If you are in old Delhi, this place is worth visiting.

Transportation

The nearest metro to Red Fort is Chandni Chowk which is on Yellow Line. Get a rickshaw or have a tuk-tuk tour around the area.

Timings

Excluding Monday, this place is open from sunrise to sunset every other day.

Nearby Sightseeing

Just opposite to Lal Qila, there is a huge market including clothes, watches, pets, etc. Check out Khari Baoli which is the largest spice market in Asia.

Food Culture

You could relish your tastebuds with “Daulat ki Chaat” made up of thick and creamy milk.

2. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India, built during the Mughal period. The highly decorative royal mosque has been built on an elevation of over 30 feet covered with red sandstone and white marble. Every Friday, the prayer is offered in the courtyard which has an intake capacity of around 25000 people. The very distinctive features of Jama Masjid are its tall minaret towers and artistic domes that present the Indo-Islamic and Persian cultures.

Transportation

It is located across the road from the Red Fort at the end of Chandni Chowk. The nearest metro station is Jama Masjid itself. As this place is overcrowded almost every time, try not to hire a cab.

Timings

I would suggest you not visit Jama Masjid on Weekends. There are no entry fees. (opens every day).

Food Culture

If you are a hardcore non-vegetarian, then you are going to love this place. Al Jawahar is famous for Chicken Jahangiri, and Qureshi’s well known for its kebabs. If you have a sweet tooth, give try to Sharbat-e-Mohhabat and an indigenous adaption of bread pudding i.e Shahi Tukda.

3. India Gate

India Gate is the war memorial, dedicated to the troops of British India who died in wars fought between 1914 and 1919. The gate is 42 meters tall standing on a basement made of red stone. This place looks far more mesmerizing in the evening. One can also enjoy boat rides near to India gate lawns at nominal charges.

Transportation

The nearest metro station to India Gate is Central Secretariat which is on the yellow and violet line. You will find direct buses and auto rickshaws from anywhere to India Gate.

Timings

The best time to visit is after 6 PM as the place is all illuminated. There is no search entry charge.

Food Culture

Street foods never disappoint the soul of a true traveller. Get some delicacies in this area of Rajpath.

4. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built-in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom.

Transportation

Qutub Minar is the nearest metro station on the yellow line.

Timings

The perfect time to visit this place is from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Food Culture

You will find some lavish restaurants like Lavaash By Saby (Armenian Restaurant), Qla, Olive bar and kitchen, etc in Mehrauli.

5. Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple is created in the form of a stunning white lotus petal, it is one of the most visited places in the entire world. Designed by Fariborz Shah, this fascinating structure mainly preaches the oneness of the Almighty.

Transportation

Kalkaji Mandir Metro serves as the nearest metro station.

Timing

It remains open from 8 AM to 12 noon during the morning shift, and from to 2 PM to 5 PM during the afternoon.

6. Safdarjung’s Tomb

Safdarjung’s Tomb, An 18th Century mausoleum built for Safdarjung, the Prime Minister under Ahmad Shah Bahadur, this lavish garden tomb has some intricate marble and sandstone designs. This place remains a major attraction for both Indian as well as foreign tourists.

Timing

Remains open from 7 am to 5 pm.

Transportation

Jor Bagh Metro Station is the nearest metro station to this place.

7. Lodhi Garden

If you are opting for a short time travel back to the 15th Century, in the midst of the last ruling dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate, then you must pay a visit to this exotic location. Surrounded by tranquil greenery, this place is also a favourite one for picnic goers. This place also houses a lot of historical monuments, which can further add an aesthetical background to your best candids. Besides, the place is also frequently visited by early risers going for a morning walk.

Transportation

Jor Bagh (Yellow Line) Metro Station is the nearest metro stop, in case you’re deciding to travel by metro.

Timings

The place remains open from IST 6 am to 7 pm.

Food culture

Lodhi Estate showcases a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected well among its inhabitants. Lodi, the Garden restaurant, houses a charming interior besides its traditional Mughal Cuisine.

8. Humayun Tomb

While the world is quite awake to the history of The Taj Mahal, Humayun’s Tomb still remains veiled in an air of ignorance to a lot of travellers. Built by Humayun’s widow in memory of her beloved, this place has many tales to tell. Actually, Purana Qila used to be Humayun’s resting ground before the Emperor’s mortal remains were shifted here for his eternal sleep.

Transportation

Sari Kale Khan, Nizamuddin serves as the nearest metro station to this mausoleum.

Timings

The place remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM. A special attraction remains the light and sound show, held at 9 PM on every moonlit night.

Food Culture

Karim’s been very famous for Chicken Barra, Nihari since Mughal Period, which is 5 mins away from the tomb.

9. Connaught Place

Connaught Place is the most happening place in this city. If you are up to experiencing the nightlife, Connaught Place heartily welcomes you. This is one of the oldest buildings constructed by British Rulers from business and cultural perspectives. If you are a brand freak, then luxury brands might excite you. From street food to cafes and bars, this area is overcrowded all the time.

Transportation

Rajiv Chowk (Yellow Line) is the metro connecting Connaught Place.

Timings

Always open, Preferably I would suggest you visit in the evening.

Food Culture

This is a hub of all types of food, from starters, and fast food to desserts. Try desi food to continental Chili’s, Farzi Café, Detroit Bar, Odeon Social, Pind Balluchi, etc.

10. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a well-known centre for Sikh pilgrimage. This place offers an air of spirituality and piousness. Besides, striking architectural features, the Gurudwara also wins over its tourists through its hospitality and free public meals.

Transportation

Rajiv Chowk (Gate number-1) serves as the nearest metro stop to this place.

Timings

The Gurudwara is open 24 x 7, all across the year.

11. Akshardham Temple

Akshardham Temple is a popular Hindu shrine, acting as an epitome of typical Indian culture, architecture and spirituality. The temple has been dedicated to the 18th Century Hindu Yogi, Swaminarayan. It is also known for its light and sound show and dancing fountain.

Transportation

Akshardham Metro Station, near Yamuna Bank (Blue Line).

Timings

It remains open from 9:30 am to 8 pm. But avoid visiting this place on Mondays, in case you don’t want your plans to get spoilt.

12. Delhi Haat INA

Perhaps, it is one of India’s biggest and most famous markets, known for its unique collection of handicrafts and contemporary products. In addition, it provides a robust platform to the artisans and craftsmen o, coming from different states of the country.

Transportation

Dilli Haat INA is the nearest metro to this amazing place.

Timings

It remains open from 10:30 am to 10 pm.

Food culture

The place houses restaurants from all over the country, having stalls from all 28 states along with the unique cuisine of each.

13. National Zoological Park

This massive zoo houses a wide variety of international birds and animals, besides around 130 species of fauna of Indian origin. Some rare varieties of animals which one can spot in this zoo include the Asiatic Lion, Royal Bengal Tiger, Spider Monkey, Gir Lion, zebra, etc. These animals attract a large number of tourists from all across the globe.

Transportation

You can avail of a metro upto Khan Market, in order to travel to this place.

Timings

It remains closed on Fridays. On other days, the park remains open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Outside food is not allowed.

14. Purana Qila

Purana Qila was originally built as a fort by the Pandavas, the place is mainly known for its rich Mughal history. Served as Humayun’s famous library, the Mughal Emperor died of a fall from its steps. The Fort is surrounded by the Bara Darwaza, the Humayun Darwaza and the Talaqi Darwaza, besides having lush green gardens all around.

Transportation

Pragati Maidan (blue line) acts at the nearest metro stop for Purana Quila.

Timings

The best time to visit Purana Qila is between 7 am to 5 pm.

15. Sarojini Nagar Market

It is not possible that we travel to a place and miss out on picking one or two local souvenirs, and for that, we have our next destination perhaps the shopping heart of the Capital, Sarojini market offers a wide variety of fashionable clothes at affordable prices. Surplus export supplies as well are often sold in this market at throwaway prices. That’s the reason why you might even come across some reputed brands at this place at cheap prices.

Transportation

Sarojini Nagar Metro i.e in the pink line connects this place.

Timings

The market remains closed on Mondays. It remains open from 10 AM to 8:30 PM.

Food Culture

Babu Market houses sweet shops within it, offering some tastiest local delicacies you can pick up in Delhi. Finally, the nearby Sabzi Mundy also provides you with some of the freshest vegetables. Try street food like chaat and bhelpuri to relish your tastebuds.

Perhaps, if you want to delight yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Capital, and at the same time fill your heart with its warm hospitality, then you must not miss out on any of the above-mentioned places. Finally, this blog was just to provide you with a glimpse of these exotic places in Delhi. The rest of the exploration is left out to its readers.

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