Chandni Chowk
It is at the centre of Old Delhi, a bazaar filled with shops selling spices, jewellery, handicrafts, handlooms, saris inter alia.
Visit the oldest perfumery in the country, Gulab Singh Johari Mal, which has been in the business for two centuries! Paranthe Wali Gali is a favourite of every person who visits or stays in Delhi, and a trip to the city would be remiss without gorging on their eccentrically stuff parathas!
Red Fort
Near Chandni Chowk is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lal Qila, or Red Fort. The staggering fort, envisioned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, is modelled on the Agra Fort.
The colossal citadel is spread over approximately 255 acres, and has seen some of the most important moments in India’s history. The home of the Peacock Throne, a lavish throne cast in gold and bearing the Koh-i-Noor, it was looted by the Persians in the mid-18th Century, following which the British captured it.
Reclaiming the fort became a symbol of India’s independence struggle, and till date, the national flag is hoisted in the Fort by the Prime Minister on Independence Day.
The fort houses a War Memorial Museum, which contains an expansive collection of weapons, tracing back to the Mughal Empire, as well as Meena Bazaar, a marketplace to buy handicrafts and souvenirs.
The living and administration quarters of the Sultanate is best explored through guided tours.
Jama Masjid
Opposite to the Red Fort is the Jama Masjid, built by Shah Jahan. With its towering minarets and bulbous domes, the mosque is an example of the Golden Age of Mughal architecture.
Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in the country, and one must be appropriately dressed to enter it. Near the Masjid is the Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, the oldest temple of the Jains in the city, which was also built under the reign of Shah Jahan.
Today, the temple houses a Bird Hospital, which is considered to be the only one of its kind in the world, which treats 15000 birds every year. Visitors frequent this temple and hospital for its peace and sanctity.
The modern, well-planned capital city that we know today was developed outside Purani Dilli. Its cosmopolitan society is reflected in its monuments, some of which are places of worship of different religions.
Along with these, the host of historical and administrative attractions are popular with visitors.
Qutub Minar
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, looms over Delhi. One of the tallest minarets in the country, it is perplexing to think how an edifice this massive could be constructed in the 12th Century, without any modern engineering methods.
The minaret is made of sandstone and marble, and features intricate carvings of verses from the Quran on its walls. It stands in the Qutub Complex, which also houses the Quwat-ul-Islam mosque, the Tombs of Allauddin Khilji and Iltutmish and the intricately detailed Alai Darwaza, which is made of sandstone and marble.
The Qutub Festival is held in the winters annually, with dancers, musicians and artists performing for three days.
Humayun Tomb
The first architecture by the Mughals in India, is a grand mausoleum which is known to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Built for Humayun by his Queen, the tomb is the Indian subcontinent’s first garden tomb.
Subsequent to its construction, tombs of Humayun’s descendants were added, earning it the title of the Necropolis of the Mughal dynasty. It is a stunning construction of red sandstone, filled with intricate carvings, and is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
India Gate
It is an arch, like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which was established as a tribute to the soldiers who lost the Afghan War in 1919, whose names have been inscribed in its walls.
The stunning archway is made of red sandstone from Bharatpur, and is made even more ethereal at night with soft, glowing lights. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, a marble construction, was set up opposite the India Gate to honour the martyrs of the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
The lovely boulevard of Rajpath, which runs from the Rashtrapati Bhawan and leads up to the National Stadium, passes through the India Gate. The avenue is lined with bright green trees, and lawns surround the Gate, making the entire area a sight for sore eyes. Visitors and locals alike love to enjoy picnics here.
The Lotus Temple
With its stunning architecture, is one of the most visited monuments in the world. Shaped like a 27 petalled lotus, the nine pools of water surrounding it make it a mesmerising sight.
A Bahai place of worship, it is built on the idea of the unity of the human race, and people from all religions can enter and pray as they wish here. The Akshardham Temple is another marvellous place to visit in the city.
Dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, the temple is surrounded by 60 acres of the lush Garden of India, and features a musical fountain, exhibition on the life of Swaminarayan, and the ideals of the sect.
A visit to Akshardham is a must for every visitor, whether a believer or not.
Taj Mahal
The luminous white marble of the Taj Mahal effortlessly mirrors the shifting palette of the sky, inviting you to linger and soak in its enchanting splendour. At dawn, it blushes with a delicate pink glow, while under the moonlight, it transforms into a radiant, sparkling vision, truly a masterpiece of ethereal beauty.
For the privileged few, access to the Taj Mahal’s grounds during five select nights each lunar month, offer an exclusive, breathtaking experience few ever witness. To fully appreciate the intricate artistry and hidden stories within the Mahal’s interiors, a private guided tour is highly recommended, ensuring a deeper connection with this timeless symbol of love and grandeur.
Mehtab Garden
It is the last remaining of the eleven gardens built by Babur, and it is a splendid place filled with fresh and bright trees. Also called the Moonlit Gardens, it offers panoramic views of the Taj Mahal from a distance, allowing one to appreciate the symmetry of the mausoleum.
Agra Fort
Another place to visit in Agra is the Agra Fort, which served as a model for Delhi’s Red Fort. The Agra Fort used to be the seat of the Mughal empire before Shah Jahan shifted the capital to present-day Delhi, and exploring the fort takes a good three hours.
There are light and sound shows held every evening, and it is a good way to learn about the history of the fort.
Hawa Mahal
The massive red and pink sandstone structure of the Hawa Mahal dominates the city of Jaipur. The exterior of the palace is filled with small jharokha windows, which makes the edifice resemble a honeycomb from the streets, giving it its iconic facade.
The small windows make sure that the palace stays breezy at all times, and hence it is named ‘The Palace of Wind’. The confluence of Rajputana and Mughal architectural elements is evident in the Hawa Mahal, with canopies and lotus motifs representing the former, and marble inlay work borrowed from the latter.
City Palace
One of the premier highlights of the city is the City Palace. The residence of the Kachwaha Rajputs throughout their rule, the palace is overflowing with grandness and beauty.
The inner courtyard of the palace is home to the Ridhi Sidhi Pol, a group of four spellbindingly aesthetic gates, decorated with motifs representing the four seasons and dedicated to Hindu deities.
The Lotus Pol has lovely floral detailing, and represents summer. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the vibrant colours on the door are impressive. The most famous of the four gates is the Peacock Gate, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with stunning engravings of the majestic bird.
This gate represents autumn. The third gate, depicting winter and made in honour of Goddess Devi, is the Rose Gate. The paintings of delicate rose petals are gorgeous. The final gate in the series is the Lehariya Gate, for spring, dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The gate is marvellous, with bright green waves decorating it.
Mubarak Mahal within the palace houses an extraordinary collection of textiles from the Royal Family, and the exhibition is admirable.
Chandra Mahal, the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, is a staggering seven storey palace beyond the Riddhi Siddhi Pol, and the first floor has been converted to a museum displaying the cultural heritage of the Rajputs, and is accessible to the public.
The premise also houses a Clock Tower, a Diwan-e-aam and a Diwan-e-khaas, all decorated with stunning murals.
Nahargarh Fort
Another imposing fort in the city is the Nahargarh Fort, which was built as a defensive fort. A temple worshipping the monarchs of Jaipur stands in the fort, along with another one dedicated solely to Prince Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit was thought to have haunted the premises.
Madhavendra Bhawan, made in honour of Sawai Madho Singh, the ruler who envisioned the fort, holds 12 identical sculptures of the 12 queens of the king, and draws a number of tourists. Perched atop the Aravali hills, the fort offers breath-taking views of Jaipur.
Amer Fort
One of the most exquisite Hill Forts in Rajasthan is the Amer Fort. The sprawling marble and sandstone structure is immensely well-loved by tourists, who are left awestruck by its quaint beauty.
Standing on the hilltop called Cheel ka Teela, meaning the hill of eagles, the palace overlooks the Maota Lake. The detailing on the palace walls are of organic colours, which have stood the test of time and are still bright and vibrant.
It is said that real gold was used to further beautify these murals. The Sheesh Mahal, or the Hall of Mirrors, is one of the biggest attractions in the palace, and visitors are left spellbound by the reflections of the small mirrors that line the ceiling.
