The capital city of India has a rich history which has been thoughtfully preserved and, in some cases, restored. If you’re interested in understanding the city’s roots and culture, we’ve got the only list you’ll need on your trip to Delhi.
Since the 12th century, the city of Delhi has been home to several kingdoms. Each ruling dynasty left behind its own unique legacy, though the Mughals and the British, in particular, were a huge influence on the city’s art, architecture, religion, customs and cuisine. The result is a capital city brimming with different cultures, and there are monuments, museums, eateries and attractions dedicated to them all.
One of the newest attractions in the city, Champa Gali is a hideaway street full of cafés with leafy courtyards, restaurants, stores and design studios. Take a break from sightseeing to spend a few hours buried in a book at one of the cosy cafés here. The tiny street is tricky to find but you’ll discover that it’s well worth the effort – the peaceful spot feels more like a quaint village lane than busy central Delhi.
This heritage park was built by the Mughals back in the 16th century, and it’s back on the map after extensive renovations in 2017 transformed the space. Spread over a massive 90 acres (36 hectares) and containing more than 15 Mughal monuments, it’s an ideal place to visit on a sunny winter afternoon. On Sundays, pop-up organic market The Earth Collective sets up stalls piled with fresh produce, homemade pickles, artisanal cheese and traditional Indian home remedies.
A majestic garden-tomb built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb was the first mausoleum to be built in the splendid Mughal style which would become synonymous with the period, setting a precedent for subsequent Mughal architectural innovations, including the Taj Mahal. While it is renowned as the burial place of Emperor Humayun, the second Mughal ruler in India, more than 150 members of the Mughal family have also been laid to rest at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
With a capacity of 25,000 people, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. It is also the last edifice built by Emperor Shah Jahan before his ultimate downfall. When the Mughal ruler first set out to build the Jama Masjid, he had a monumental ambition. Elevated 30 steps above street level, he called it the Masjid-i-Jahan-Numa, which translates as ‘mosque commanding view of the world’.
This Hindu temple’s complex is so vast and the construction so intricate that a good half day is required to properly tour the entire place. Akshardham Temple retells over 10,000 years of Indian history and culture. The main features of the temple are the 11ft(3.4m)-high statue of 18th-century Yogi Swaminarayan, and the 20,000 gods and goddesses that are carved into the temple.
For astronomy enthusiasts, the Jantar Mantar is an absolute must-visit. The first of the five Jantar Mantars to be built by Maharajah Sawaii Jai Singh II (the 18th-century Rajput ruler), the Delhi structure is an architectural marvel erected to study the movements of heavenly bodies.
One of the city’s lesser known attractions, Agrasen Ki Baoli is a unique construction close to the busy commercial hub of Connaught Place. The builder of this ancient stepwell has never been revealed, and stories about the structure being haunted have existed for centuries. Plunging into the ground, it has 103 steps and being surrounded by its unique architecture gives you the unsettling illusion of descending into a subterranean city.
The National Gallery of Modern Art is a treasure trove of the country’s finest modern and contemporary pieces. The permanent collection houses works by eminent artists including Raja Ravi Verma, Rabindranath Tagore, Amrita Sher-Gil, Nandalal Bose and Jamini Roy; it’s a must-visit for any art enthusiast.
This article is an updated version of a story created by Mridu Rai.