Top 10 Must see places | Delhi

A short break is the need of the hour specially when you want to keep yourself away from the everyday stresses and hassles of life.

Weekend getaways are the best locations to plan a trip, especially if you have less time in your hand.

Within a one or two day break itself you can check out some of the amazing areas nearby, indulge in sinful eating and participate in recreational activities to add to the fun.

Continually inhabited since 30 BCE, built destroyed and rebuilt 7 times, New Delhi is currently in its 8th Avatar rising from its own ashes like a phoenix every time it was laid to waste.

Rise and fall of the mighty empires have ensured that Delhi is dotted with an array of monument, relics and beautiful memories of the past of this ancient city.

Here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit in Delhi.

1. Humayun’s Tomb

Probably not the iconic image of Delhi but unarguably the most splendid work of Mughal Architecture in the capital, Humayun’s Tomb is UNESCO recognised World  Heritage Site and definitely tops the list of must visit places.

The structure will give you a glimpse of the iconic Taj as it was here that the Persian Charbagh style was put to test by The Mughal architects and was later perfected in the construction of Taj Mahal in Agra.

2. Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat is an open air food cum craft bazaar located in Delhi near INA (AIIMS), run by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation.

There are over 62 craft shops inside the plaza where artisans from every corner of this vast country gather to sell and showcase their handicraft.

Then there are food stalls offering savoury cuisines from every possible state for the platter of guests.

3. Red Fort

Once the pivot of the might Mughal Empire, Red Fort, or the Lal Quila, is a stark reminder of ephemeral nature of empires and powers that be. Once a sprawling fortress complex with an array of palaces, and grand structures, lush courtyards and cascading waterholes; Red fort today is only a shadow of its majestic past.

The significance of this structure is evident in the fact that it was here that the flag of India was hoisted when she got independence from British Raj, a tradition which is still observed on each anniversary of Indian Independence Day.

4. Akshardham Temple

One of the modern marvels of architecture, this sprawling temple complex by the bank of river Yamuna, is a sight to behold. The architecture and design of this temple complex is a manifestation of the time tested ancient traditions of Hindu culture, beliefs and spirituality which has percolated down the ages.

The popularity of this temple is evident in the fact that 7 out of 10 people who visit Delhi, pay their visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple.

5. Khan Market

Khan Market is all drenched in the hues of New Years and Christmas this time of the year.

The high end shoppers and foodie paradise is located at a short distance from Connaught place and also well connected to Delhi Metro. Khan Market shopping complex houses an array of gourmet food joints, and plush restaurants, serving cuisines domestic and international.

Then there are gift shops, book shops, boutiques, and fast food joints to keep the shoppers on their toes.

6. India Gate

India Gate is arguably the most iconic and enduring symbol of New Delhi.

It was built to commemorate the Indian and British soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War.

Evening is perhaps the best time to visit this resplendent structure when it is floodlit while the fountains nearby make mesmerising display of varied hues.

7. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid of Delhi is the largest mosque in India stands across the road in front of the Red Fort. Built between 1644 and 1658. It is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.

The spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid holds thousands of faithful.

8. Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple is one of the remarkable architectures of Bahai faith. It is located at Kalkaji in New Delhi.

The temple looks like a lotus flower and is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. The temple has no restrictions for visitors and is open to people from all religions.

The place provides immaculate environment for meditation, peace and wisdom. The Bahai temple was completed in 1986. Since then the temple has received recognition from all over the world for its splendid architecture and design. Lotus Temple is among the most visited monuments in India.

9. Lodi Gardens

Lodi Gardens are one of the pleasantest green spaces in Delhi – with some labelled trees to help visitors from overseas become familiar with the Indian flora. The area was used as a burial for Delhi’s (pre-Mughal) Sayyid and Lodi rulers.

Mohammad Shar’s tomb (1450) can be seen as a predecessor for architecture of Humayun’s tomb and Sikander Lodi’s tomb (1571) is set within a walled enclosure and clearly related to Humayun’s tomb garden.

The domed mausoleums appear to have been sited in an open landscape, rather as the Ancient Greeks placed temples. The building of monumental tombs run against the principles of Islam and it is probable that Delhi’s Turkish Sultans brought the idea from Persia to India. Lodi Gardens are therefore a good place to reflect on the origins of Mughal garden design.

10. Hauz Khas Fort

Established by Alauddin Khilji in the year 1284, this fort stands in ruins today, with the walls broken and the engravings faded. It is hard to believe that when it was constructed, its beauty got travellers from far and wide.

Built in the era of ‘medieval history’, this forts marks the beginning of the rule of Delhi as the capital of the first of the Muslim rulers in India.The word Haus comes from urdu word Hauz which means a Pond.

The then emperor- Alauddin – had commissioned a very large pond in this area for the convenience of the inhabitants of Siri Fort, the second city of Delhi. It was initially named as Hauz-i-Khas after the name of the emperor. However, later Firoz Shah Tughlaq ordered to rebuild this tank as royal baths. It was he who christened it to Hauz-Khas.

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About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE

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