Delhi Travel Guide: A Tale of Seven Cities

To talk about Delhi is not just to talk about a city. One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, the tale of Delhi is a tale of more than 8 cities. It was here - according to the Hindu legends - Pandavas of Mahabharata fame founded their legendary city Indraprastha. The same place associated with it later became the cradle of Mughal Empire in India when Humayun founded Dinpanah which was later re-christened Old Fort.

Modern Delhi as we know is more of a tale of two cities. It is here that you find a seamless fusion of the tradition and contemporary. The baffling crowd and commotion may leave you gasping for air but that's just the outer layer of the onion that is Delhi. The more layer you peel off the surface, the more dear this city will become. And there's a famous saying: "Hunooz Dilli dur ast" (Delhi is still far off). It's continually expanding.

The  capital of India, Delhi holds prominence in the country’s legacy, culture, tourism and modernization. It has the finest of latest hotels and shopping centers along with the heritage structures, ancient temples, museums and even a zoological park.

Delhi, demonstrates the influence of the Indo-Islamic architecture through the magnificent monuments and the architectural designs. At the moment, it is home to people from almost all the parts of India, which has made the capital, diverse and rich in culture and customs.

Heritage Sites in Delhi

Red Fort

It was built during the time of the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan. He shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi and formed the new city Shahjehanabad - now the area comprising of Red Fort and Chandni Chowk - which also happens to be the seventh historical city of Delhi.

The fort complex comprises of several palaces including Mumtaj Mahal Palace which has been converted into a museum with artifacts belonging to several Mughal rulers. Then there are pleasure pavilions and a stunningly beautiful Moti Masjid which was built by Aurangjeb for his private prayers. Other structures of note include the Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas and Hayat Baksh Bagh.

The walled city as it is now referred, it stands in the middle of the city, and imposes its beauty to the passerby. The architectural design showcases the epitome of the Mughal creativity. It is a very significant site in India. The Prime Minister of India hoists the National flag each year from the top of the Lal Quila on Independence Day.

Visiting Hours:   9:30AM  - 4:30PM daily (except Monday).


Tughlaqabad Fort

Tomb of Ghiyas ud-Din Tughluq in Tughlaqabad Fort

It is believed that the fort was cursed to remain barren by one of the saints at the time. Tughlaqabad Fort is massive, expanding along an area of 6.5 km. The fort in its dilapidated state emits a sense of lost splendor.

Interestingly,  there's a curse associated with this once mighty fort. It is said that the Sultan Ghiyath-ud-din-Tughlaq had ordered all the labourers to work to construct the fort complex. As it happened some of the laborers were working to build the Gandhak ki Baoli for Saint Nizammuddin Auliya.

The dictate of the sultan meant that the work for the baoli had to be stopped which made the saint angry so he uttered the curse which resonated through the history of this place: "Ya basey gujjar, ya rahe ujjar (may the herdsmen may live here or this land remain infertile and unoccupied)"

Visiting Hours : 8 AM - 6 PM

Visiting Hours : 6 AM - 6 PM


Safdarjung’s Tomb

It is a double layered structure built on a raised surface and the last one made in the style of Humayun’s Tomb, with enclosed gardens. It was built in 1753 - 54 for the viceroy of Awadh, by the Mughal emperor Mohammed Shah. The location encloses many pavilions, tomb, mosque and also a Madrasa.  The structure is built with red sandstone and marble, there are two graves located here, Safdarjung’s and of his wife. The tomb is easy to locate, as it lies at the head of Lodi Road.

Visiting Hours :  6: 30 AM - 6 PM

Qutub Minar

Built in red sandstone, Qutub Minar is  a 72.5 m high  minar (tower), tapering towards its peak. It was built by Qutab - Ud - Din Aibak in 1193 after his victory over the last Hindu kingdom of Delhi. The architectural design of this tower is very interesting, the five storey are marked by distinct balcony, the whole tower is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran. It comes under the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The surrounding consists of several medieval structures and ruins that compliments the site altogether.

Visiting Hours : 6 AM to 6 PM


Firoz Shah Kotla

Interestingly Firuz Shah ka Kotla is one of the most haunted places in Delhi. It is supposed to be the abode of the Djinns and you could find letters - of requests and pleas - stuck on the walls of the structures when you visit here.

On Thursdays, the entry is free as local people gather here to offer prayers to the Djinns. If you happen to be visiting this complex on a Thursday, expect a hearty lunch at no cost...thanks to the benevolent Djinns that reside in this complex.

This heritage site is located near the Bhadur Shah Zafar Marg. The establishment of Ferozabad by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq was done in 1354, and the Kotla was the center of this city. The architecture designs within the site are delightful, the fort lies along the river Yamuna.

Numerous gardens, madrasas, palaces can be found within the fort, all standing in their ruined state except for the well manicured gardens. One of the main highlights of this fort complex is the Ashokan Pillar that standing tall on top of a pyramid structure.

This pillar was brought from Ambala to Delhi by Feroz Shah Tughlaq and bears Ashoka’s principles. The Jami Masjid inside this complex is supposed to have so interested the invader Tamulane that he prayed in this mosque after conquering Delhi.

Visiting Hours : 10 AM to 7 PM

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

The park stretches over the area of 200 acres and is scattered with hundreds of ancient tombs and temples. This area has continuously been occupied for about a 1000 years, by almost all the rules, the Khilji dynasty, Tuglak dynasty, Lodhi dynasty, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal empire and the British rule respectively.

The magnificent monuments attracts many tourists, you will get to see the Rajon ki Baoli and Gandhak ki Baoli, the beautiful garden and old mosque and tomb of Jamali Kamali and even the Tomb of Balban which is was the first tomb in India to feature the true arch.

The architecturally blessed park is very easy to spot out, as it lies close to the famous Qutub Minar. It is a great place for landscape photography and has relaxed atmosphere to explore at a slow pace.

Visiting Hours : 5 AM to 6:30 PM

India Gate

The imposing structure of India Gate is situated at the center of the capital city, Delhi. It was originally known as the All India War Memorial and the names of the Indian soldiers who died during the World War 1, are inscribed on the walls of the gate.

One of the interesting features of the site is the Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame that burns all the time. This was lit up to pay homage to the soldiers who gave up their lives during the Indo - Pak war, 1971. India Gate is a great site for evening walks and for family picnics, it also facilitates an enjoyable boat ride.