Delhi is a city where the modern and ancient blend flawlessly together. A thriving city in which millions live and dream, Delhi has a rich history that is visible today through its amazing architecture and heritage sites. The land that has seen many powerful empires in the past is dotted with ancient monuments that are very well preserved and a treat to visit.
We explore some of Delhi’s historical monuments that will take you back in time and help you trace the history of this beautiful and magnificent city.
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Historical Monuments in Delhi (Pre-19th Century)
1. Humayun’s Tomb
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun’s Tomb is a stunning piece of Persian architecture built in the Mughal era. It was commissioned in 1526, nine years after Humayun’s death, by his widow Hamida Banu Begum. This beautiful monument is made of red sandstone.
The tomb is in the centre of Charbagh-style of gardens with pools that are connected to canals. It has two entrances: a southern side and a western side. The high central arch and the octagonal shape of the structure are important aesthetics of Mughal architectures.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (Indians) Rs. 250 (foreigners)
- Location: Mathura Road, opposite the Nizamuddin Dargah
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2. Lodi Gardens
The Lodi Gardens is one of Delhi’s very popular tourist attractions. With monuments and tombs from the Lodi and the Sayyed dynasties, the Lodi Gardens has the tombs of Sikander Lodi and Muhammad Shah.
Many people head to this garden in the mornings and evenings for walking, jogging and exercise. A beautiful picnic spot, the tomb looks even more beautiful during sunset.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Entry free
- Location: Lodhi Road, New Delhi
3. Qutub Minar
This 73-meter high tower was built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in the year 1193. Built after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu ruler, the Qutub Minar was constructed to celebrate the Muslim supremacy in Delhi. It is the highest tower in India, with five levels and projecting balconies. The first three levels are made up of red sandstone and the last two of marble and sandstone.
The Qutub Minar has three different types of architectural styles. The construction of the minar was started by Aibak (who only made the basement). Later, Iltutmish added on three stories and then it was completed by Firoz Shah Tuglak, who constructed the last two stories. Quwwat-us-Islam Mosque, the first mosque ever to be built in India, is situated here.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (Indians), Rs. 250 (foreigners)
- Location: Mehrauli
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Qutub Minar Delhi
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4. Safdarjung’s Tomb
The Safdarjung’s Tomb is the grave of Safdarjung. This garden tomb was built in the year 1753-54 by his son, Shuja-ud-Daula. It has several small awnings, like the Moti Mahal, Jangli Mahal and Badsha Pasand.
The compound of the tomb also contains a library and a Madrasa that is being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Safdarganj’s Tomb is built on a raised platform with red sandstone and a white marble dome.
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fee: Rs. 5 (Indians), Rs. 100 (foreigners)
- Location: Lodi Estate, New Delhi
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5. Isa Khan’s Tomb
Isa Khan’s Tomb is located in the same compound as the Humayun’s Tomb. It was built in the 15th century. Isa khan was an Afghan noble in the courts of Sher Shah Suri.
This tomb is very beautifully decorated with varnished tiles, ornate canopies and many verandas around. It is one of the oldest sunken garden style tombs in Delhi.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (Indians), Rs. 250 (foreigners) (No fee for children below 15)
- Location: Nizamuddin, New Delhi
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6. Red Fort (Lal Qila)
This enormous red sandstone fort is synonymous with Delhi and is a testimony of the glory of the Mughal Empire. Built in 1638 by Shah Jahan, it took around ten years to be completed.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort is octagonal in shape with walls adorned with flowers and calligraphy, typically in the style of beautiful Mughal era architecture.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset (Monday closed)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (Indians) Rs. 250 (foreigners)
- Location: Netaji Subhash Road, Chandini Chowk, Old Delhi
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Red Fort Delhi
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7. Alai Darwaza
The Alai Darwaza was built by Allaudin Khilji in 1311 AD. It is the main entrance from the south side of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in the Qutub Minar compound. The entrance was constructed using red sandstone and decorated with white marble.
The walls have beautiful inscription in the Nashk script. The Alai Darwaza, with beautiful arches and borders that look like lotus buds, is one of the first buildings in India that was built using an Islamic architectural style.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (Indians), Rs. 250 (foreigners)
- Location: Qutub Minar Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi
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8. Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is India’s largest mosque. With minarets on all four sides that reach the skies, Jama Masjid, Emperor Shah Jahan’s last architectural indulgence, was commissioned in 1650 and took six years to be built. The enormous courtyard of the Jama Masjid can hold around twenty-five thousand worshippers.
The main prayer hall has a beautiful white ceiling and the entrance is decorated with high rising arches. There is a pool right in heart of the mosque that is used by the faithful for cleansings before prayer. Note that visitors are advised to dress modestly (shorts, short skirts or sleeveless tops are NOT allowed). Since it is a house of prayer, it is necessary to remove your shoes at the entrance.
- Timings: 7 am to an hour before sunset (summer), 8am to an hour before sunset (winter). It is closed for half an hour in the afternoon for prayers.
- Entry Fee: Free (Rs. 200 for cameras)
- Location: Off Netaji Subhash Marg, west of Red Fort
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Jama Masjid Delhi
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9. Diwan-i-Am
The Diwan-i-Am is located inside the Red Fort and this is where the Emperor would meet and address the common people.
The hall is adorned with stucco work and it contains gold columns. This grand hall was also used for many state gatherings and celebrations.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset (Monday closed)
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (Indians) Rs. 250 (foreigners)
- Location: Netaji Subhash Road, Chandini Chowk, Delhi
10. Tomb of Imam Zamin
Located near the Alai Darwaza, in the Qutub Complex, is the tomb of Imam Zamin, a well-known Turkestani Imam. Imam Zamin was the Imam of the Quwwat-u-islam Mosque. He came to Delhi in the 15th century and lived in the Qutub Complex premises during the rule of Sikandar Lodi.
It is a small tomb built with sandstone on an octagonal base; the interiors are festooned with white plaster and intricate jaali work.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (Indians), Rs. 250 (foreigners)
- Location: Qutub Minar Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi
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11. Purana Qila (Old Fort)
The Purana Qila, one of the oldest forts in India, was built by the Afghan King, Sher Shah Suri. The fort has three entrances: the Bada Darwaza, Humayun Gate and the Talaqi Gate. All the gates are double storey structures that were constructed using sandstone.
The north and the south gate have beautiful pavilions, balconies and umbrellas that add to the beauty and the grandeur of the fort.
- Timings: 5:30 am to 7 pm
- Entry Fee: Rs. 5 (Indians), Rs. 100 (foreigners), Rs. 80 (entry for the sound and light show)
- Location: Mathura Road (near Delhi Zoo), New Delhi
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12. Tughlaqabad Fort
Built in 1321 by the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty, Ghiyas-ud-din-Tughlaq, the Tughlaqabad Fort is a massive stone structure that has walls that are around 10 to 15 metres high. This huge fort was abandoned in the year 1327. The fort initially had 52 gates, 13 out of which still remain.
- Timings: 8 am to 6 pm.
- Entry Fee: Rs. 5 (Indians), Rs. 100 (foreigners). No entry fee for children below15 years
- Location: Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, New Delhi
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13. Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1724. It is essentially an observatory that was made with the purpose of accumulating astronomical occurrences and information to help predict the time and the movements of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon and other planets.
The Jantar Mantar has various instruments such as the Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash Yantra and the Misra Yantra that helped with predictions. After the construction of the Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Raja Jai Singh constructed similar structures by the same name in Jaipur, Mathura, Ujjain and Varanasi. For lovers of astronomy, the Jantar Mantar is a great place to visit.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Rs. 5 (Indians), Rs. 100 (foreigners)
- Location: Sansad Marg, New Delhi
- Where to Stay: Hotels near Jantar Mantar Delhi
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Historical Monuments in Delhi (Pre-independence)
1. India Gate
Situated in the heart of the city, India Gate is one of the most popular and well known monuments in India. It was designed by Edwin Lutyens. With lush green and well-manicured lawns around, the foundation of this historical structure was laid in 1920.
It was unveiled in 1933 and dedicated to all the Indian soldiers of the British Army that were killed in World War I.
- Timings: 24-hours daily (some areas are not accessible to visitors after dark)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Location: Rajpath Marg, India Gate, New Delhi
- Places to Stay: Hotels near India Gate Delhi
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2. Coronation Durbar Park
The Coronation Memorial, also known as the Coronation Durbar Park, was the site of the Delhi Durbar in 1877 after Queen Victoria was declared the Empress of India. Later in 1903 this venue was used to celebrate King Edward’s assumption to the throne.
It was used again for the coronation of King George V in the year 1911. Earlier, the park was not very well kept, but now it has been restored to its past glory by the National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and by the Government of Delhi. The park houses a magnificent tall statue of King George V.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Free
- Location: Bhai Parmanand Marg, New Delhi
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3. Ajmeri Gate
In the very congested Chandni Chowk area of Delhi stands a grand arch called the Ajmeri Gate. Built on a square base, this grand entrance got its name because the road that ran through this gate led to Ajmer in Rajasthan.
It is surrounded by a beautiful park and a madrasa that was built in 1811 by the son of the first Nizam of Hyderabad, Nawab Ghaziuddin Bahadur.
- Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
- Entry Fee: Free
- Location: Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Where to Stay: Hotels near Ajmeri Gate Delhi
4. Mehrauli Archaeological Park
The Mehrauli Archaeological Park is spread over 200 acres in Mehrauli and it houses over a hundred historically important structures.
The park has ancient relics that date back to the times of the Khalji Dynasty, Tughlaq Dynasty, Lodhi Dynasty, the Mughal Empire and the British Raj. The monuments in the park have been restored to reflect their original glory.
- Timings: Sunrise to sunset
- Entry Fee: Entry free
- Location: Opposite the Qutub Minar Metro Station, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Do you have any favourite historical sites to visit in Delhi? Which places are on your to-do list? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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