Top Things To Do And See In South Delhi

South Delhi is one of New Delhi’s most affluent and decadent areas. With high end brands and high profile personalities living in this area, it is a far cry from the busy streets and colourful markets which many people expect of New Delhi. Other than its lavishness, however, South Delhi features some of the most historic monuments and fascinating places in the whole city. Here we list the most unmissable sights.

1. The Mocha Art House

The Mocha Art House

The Mocha Art House is not just a mere place to visit; it is an opportunity. This edgy, chic and contemporary space is fist and foremost dedicated to exhibiting the works of upcoming artists in order to promote a love for art and culture. Secondly however, the gallery holds great cuisine at its heart, with an excellent range of international dishes and extravagant milkshakes on offer. Visitors here can delight in the blend of art, culture and food in a funky and upbeat ambiance.

Price: Mid-range

Opening Hours: Check with gallery

Watch out for: The performance and literary arts

Address: dd167, DLF Promenade, DLF Promenade, Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj II +91 93105 75005

2. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century, is one of the most significant representations of Mughal architecture. Famously described as the necropolis of the Mughal Dynasty, the tomb holds 150 graves of the royal family, although it was initially intended for the second emperor of the Mughal dynasty, Humayun, built by his wife Biga Begum 14 years after his death. For those with a fascination for Mughal architecture, Humayun’s garden tomb with its octagonal walls is quite a marvel to visit.

Price: Budget

Opening hours: 9am to 7pm

Watch out for: A walk around the garden

Address:18-A, D.D.A.SCO Complex, Defence Colony, New Delhi – 24 ,+91-11-24647005

Humayun's tomb revisited | © Soubhagya S Behera /Flickr

3. Safdarjung Madarsa

Safdarjung Madarsa

Safdarjung was the prime minister of the Mughal Empire in 1748 and the Safdarjung Madarsa is the last garden tomb that marks the end of the Mughal architectural style. Unlike Humayun’s Tomb, the tomb of Safdarjung is made of sandstone and marble, giving the whole mausoleum an unusual golden effect. The interior of the mausoleum is fascinating with hidden stairways leading to a large podium and the Charbagh garden that encloses the structure.

Price: Budget

Watch out for: the nearby Lodhi Gardens

Opening hours: 7am to 5pm

Address: Sri Aurobindo Marg, Airforce Golf Course, Jor Bagh, +91-11-24647005

Safdarjung's Tomb| © Ronit Bhattacharjee /Flickr

4. Buddha Park

Forest, Park

Buddha Park

The Buddha Jayanti Park is one of the most beautiful and popular parks in New Delhi. It was established on the occasion of the 2500th anniversary of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment. With plenty of greenery, lakes, chirping birds and flowers, Buddha Jayanti Park is the perfect spot for early birds. The large expanses of grass, perfect for resting on, picnicking and watching the changing sky, make it a favourite among families. A pavilion in the centre of the park seats a statue of Gautama Buddha that was dedicated by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1993.

Price: Free

Timing: 6am – 8.30pm

Watch out for: Buddha Jayanti Festival in May

Address: Vandemataram Marg, Central Ridge Reserve Forest, New Delhi, Delhi 110021

Buddha at Budha Jayanti Park | © Stephen Downes /Flickr

5. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is just another marvel by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. Built with marble and red sandstone by over 5000 artisans, Jama Masjid has three grand gates and four 40 meter high minarets. On visiting Jama Masjid, visitors get to see the wonderful skyline of Old Delhi. The courtyard of the Jama Masjid is so spacious that it can accommodate more than 20000 devotees in a go. One of the most unique experiences at Jama Masjid are the local costumes which visitors are offered at the gates, allowing everyone to savour the rich experience of being a part of the crowd and the culture.

Price: Free

Opening hours: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:30 – 6:30 pm

Watch out for: The local costumes

Address: Sri Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, India +91 11 2336 5358

Jama Masjid, Delhi, 1979| © Michael Foley /Flickr

6. Lotus Temple

Lotus Temple

The Bahá’í House of Worship, more popularly known as the Lotus Temple, is the last of seven Bahá’ítemples built around the world in the shape of a lotus. The lotus was chosen as it was a common symbol in Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Hinduism. The whole temple is made of striking, pure white marble. The Bahá’í House of Worship follows the religion of the Bahá’í faith which believes in uniting people from all races and castes under the umbrella of one universal cause.

Price: Free

Opening hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

Watch out for: The nine pools surrounding the Lotus Temple

Address: Lotus Temple Rd, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Bahapur, New Delhi, Delhi 110019, India +91 11 2338 9326

7. CMYK Bookstore

Market, Bookstore, Market

CMYK Bookstore

‘We seek to push the boundaries of a conventional bookstore and become a vibrant cultural space’ say the CMYK Bookstore team. CMYK Bookstore is a must-visit for creative travelers, and for those who love design and art. An initiative by the Roli Books Publisher, the bookstore stocks funky stationary, out-of-the-world book covers and page textures and stylish design objects like furniture. As a cherry on top of the cake, CMYK Bookstore hosts book readings, art exhibitions, film screenings, design meetings and many more fascinating, unmissable activities.

Price: Free (contact for events)

Opening hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Watch out for: The Designwalla Products

Address: 15 & 16, Mehar Chand Market, Lodhi Road +91 11 2338 9326

8. Yamuna Expressway

Yamuna Expressway

There is nothing as enjoyable and relaxing as a long drive under Delhi’s drowsy city lights. Yamuna Expressway is India’s longest six lane controlled access expressway, built to shorten the commuting time from Delhi to Agra. Albeit busy at rush hour, the clean and broad expressway is a perfect spot for a nighttime drive. Driving through the Yamuna Expressway with the windows rolled down and your hair let loose is one of the simplest of joys to experience.

Price: Free

Opening hours: Open all the time

Watch out for: Traffic timings

Address: Sector Omega 1, Near Yamuna Expressway +91 99116 26000

Uncontrolled Temptations ! | © shivvir /Flickr

9. Agrasen Ki Baoli

Agrasen Ki Baoli

Agrasen Ki Baoli holds a very significant value in Indian heritage, and is protected by the Archeological Survey of India.. The Agrasen Ki Baoli was believed to build by the King Agresan during the 14th century. It is a grand step well built to provide a continuous supply of water to the city and a cool resting place for tiresome travelers. It is must-visit to enjoy the hypnotic step like architecture of the baoli. Some believe the Agrasen Ki Baoli to be haunted by ghosts from the past; indeed, the wall plays a part in many stories and folktales of the area, making it the perfect place to soak up local culture.

Price: Free

Opening hours: Open all the time

Watch out for: Get a guide for a better understanding of the place

Address: Agrasen Ki Baoli, Lal Qila, Delhi

Ugrasen ki Baoli | © Prateek Rungta /Flickr

10. Kalkaji Temple

Kalkaji Temple

Another name of the Kalkaji Temple is Manokamna Siddha Peeth, which roughly translates to ‘all the desires of devotees are fulfilled here by the Deity Shri Maa Kalika’. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, the goddess of time, power and change. Kalkaji Mandir is a must visit for those who yearn to experience the true vigor in the rituals and faith of Hindu culture.

Price: Free

Opening hours: Open all the time

Watch out for: Celebration during the festival of Navratri

Address: Lotus Temple Rd, Block 9, Kalkaji, Delhi 110048

Kali the Goddess - Navarathri Golu Dolls | © Vinoth Chandar /Flickr

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