Are you one of those history geeks who love to read and talk about history? Well, if you are one, then you are going to bless us for curating this blog. Delhi has always been a city of huge significance whether it be the Mahabharata or the Delhi Sultanate, the city has always served as a symbol of power and tradition. In the times of the Delhi Sultanate and later on the Mughal empire, the seat of Delhi was considered as the ultimate spot one needs to reach to be in full control and power. We here have researched and drafted this list of the best historical places in Delhi. So that when you are in Delhi the next time, you know exactly where to go and where to be.
Here is the List of Historical Places and Monuments in Delhi.
1. Qutub Minar (Famous Minaret in Delhi )
Located in the Mehrauli area of New Delhi Qutub Minar is one of the most amazing pieces of craftsmanship. This 72.5 meters tall tower-shaped minaret proudly stands inside the Qutub Complex. Qutub Minar is a symbol of the rich and advanced architecture of ancient India. This 5 storeys tall minaret is the only tallest brick minaret in the world and after so many years it is still standing with its grandeur. The construction of this majestic Minaret was started in the reign of Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1199. Only the first storey of Qutub Minar was constructed during his reign and the further three storeys were constructed by his successor and son-in-law Shamsuddin Iltutmish.
The Qutub Minar is such a beautiful structure and surrounded by many significant historical monuments and lush green gardens. You must don’t know that many Mughal emperors who ruled Delhi had contributed in this Minaret like some part of this minaret is built with red sandstones and some part is built with yellow and marbles. Because of its significant values, Qutub Minar was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1993. This minaret is so amazingly designed and so strong that he has survived many difficult atmospheres and earthquakes.
There is a 379 steps spiral staircase inside the Qutub Minar but due to some incidents after the year 2000, the entry inside the tower has been closed to the public. Every day tons of tourists visit this lofty structure and witness the historical evidence of rich Indian history. It is the most visited historical site in Delhi and you can add this site to your list of places to visit in Delhi in one day.
Important Information for Visitors
Location: Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Timings: The timing to visit this place is from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Opening Days: It is open every day for tourists.
Entry fees: The entry fee for Indians is INR- 35 and INR- 550 for foreign tourists.
2. Jama Masjid (Largest Mosque in India)
Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor built the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid. It was inaugurated by Imam Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari who was specially invited by Shah Jahan for the purpose. Currently, it is one of the best historical places in Delhi to visit. Its big gate, four towers, and two minarets are built purely out of red Sandstone. It has three domes and all of them are made of marble. Shah Jahan has been famous and credited with being the soul behind many of the historical places and monuments in Delhi and Jama MAsjid is one of them.
An astonishing fact is that the courtyard of Jama Masjid can seat up to 25000 people. ‘Jama’ in the name of the mosque means Friday. If you visit Jama Masjid exit from gate number one and do consider going to Matia Mahal as it serves the best non-vegetarian and bakery-related street food in Delhi. Chawri Bazar metro station is the nearest metro station to Jama Masjid.
Important Information For Visitors
Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, West of Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi.
Timings: The timings are from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Opening Days: It is open on all days throughout the week.
Entry fees: There is no entry fee to visit Jama Masjid.
3. Red Fort (The Red sandstone Fort)
We have already discussed how Shah Jahan had a very big impact and is behind many historical places and monuments in Delhi. Red fort was also built by Shah Jahan as the central seat of Delhi, which represented the power of the emperor of the Mughal emperor. It was built in the year 1648, the Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most historical places in Delhi to visit. As the name suggests Red fort is red in color and this is mainly because of the majestic 75 feet tall walls made of red sandstone. Any history enthusiast would surely love to know more about the Mughal empire and how the Mughals lived.
There is a museum inside the Red fort for you to visit and be mesmerized by seeing Mughal architecture and artifacts. If you are looking to know more about the history of the city and want to experience how the mighty Mughals lived. If you are looking for day outing places in Delhi or planning a one-day trip in Delhi, Red Fort is a must-visit place for you. The nearest metro station, the Chandni Chowk metro station is 1.5 km away from the fort. You can always hire a taxi or hail an auto from there.
Important Information For Visitors
Location: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Timings: This historical monument is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Opening Days: The Red Fort is open every day for tourists except Monday.
Entry fees: The entry fee is INR- 35 for Indian citizens and INR- 500 for foreigners.
4. India Gate (Symbol of Bravery and Sacrifice)
The India gate is by far the most versatile place in Delhi. It is such a place which apart from being historical, is also a great picnic spot, a great place to hang out with friends or family, a great place to go at night. Its ambiance is so majestic that anyone can fall in love with the place. It is one of the best and the most wholesome and fun historical places in Delhi to visit. If you look into history, the India Gate is a war memorial monument. The monument was built to honor our soldiers who lost their lives in the first world war. The names of the soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the monument so that their contributions are recognized and remembered for generations to come.
The monument is also surrounded by lush green gardens in its premises which is a very fun place to hang out. There is the availability of food and local artists to entertain you making it a picnic paradise. This is the reason it has now become one of the most famous historical places in Delhi. The Central Secretariat Metro Station is the nearest metro station to the famous monument.
Important Information For Visitors
Location: Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi.
Timings: The timing is from 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Opening Days: It is open 24 hours and on all days.
Entry fees: Entry is free for all.
5. Jantar Mantar (Historical Observatory)
Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in 1724, Jantar Mantar is one of the most important historical places in Delhi. It is basically an observatory. The observatory has thirteen instruments and three major individual structures. These individual structures are the Samrat Yantra, the Jayaprakash Yantra, the Misra Yantra. This is what makes it one of the most important historical tourist places in Delhi. It was built to improve the study of space and understand concepts about space.
It is located in Connaught Place and is one of the most famous historical places in Delhi. If you are someone who loves science as much as history then this place might soon become your favorite tourist spot. The nearest metro station to the Jantar Mantar is the Janpath metro station. The entry fee is Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners. It remains open from sunrise to sunset, i.e 6 AM to 6 PM.
Important Information For Visitors
Location: Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Timings: This monument remains open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Opening Days: This historical Observatory remains open all days of the week.
Entry fees: The entry fee is INR- 15 for Indian citizens and INR- 200 for foreigners.
6. Humanyun Tomb (First Garden Tomb of India)
You might have guessed by the name itself, Humanyu’s tomb is the resting place of the great Mughal emperor Humanyu. It is the first garden tomb of India. It was commissioned by Empress Bega Begum. Here you see typical Mughal architecture with a little bit of Persian influence. It sits in the middle of a huge lush-green Mughal-style garden. It is one of the best historical places in Delhi to visit. It was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1993. It is one of those many must-visit historical places in Delhi for couples. The gardens around the tomb make the vibe very romantic and hence it is a very famous place to visit among couples in Delhi.
Important Information For Visitors
Location: Opp. Dargah, Nizamuddin, Mathura Road, Delhi.
Timings: It remains open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Opening Days: It remains open all day in the week.
Entry fees: The entry fee is INR- 30 for Indians and INR- 500 for foreigners.
7. Lodhi Gardens
Spread over 90 acres, Lodhi gardens are one of the most historical places in New Delhi. It basically is a 15th-century structure that contains tombs of a lot of Mughal rulers. The Bara Gumbad and the Sheesh Gumbad are the places inside the gardens that attract a lot of tourists. A significant structure in the past, it is now on the list of the best historical places and monuments in Delhi. It is definitely a very good picnic spot and one of the best historical places in Delhi to visit. This place also has a lot of popularity among couples. If any couple is looking for historical places in Delhi for couples then Lodhi gardens will definitely serve you well. Located on Lodhi road, Jor Bagh Metro Station is the nearest metro station near Lodhi gardens.
Important Information For Visitors
Location: Lodhi Rd, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi.
Timings: This Iconic garden remains open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Opening Days: It remains open all day in the week.
Entry fees: Entry to the garden is free of cost and free for all.
We hope that with our list of the best historical places in Delhi you will fulfill all your historical ambitions on your next trip to Delhi. The Capital is a royal city and historic in many senses. You might have guessed by now the historical significance Delhi has. But don’t limit Delhi to just being a historical place, it is surely one of the most historical places in India but do check out our other blogs on places to visit in Delhi to make your trip more wholesome.
FAQ’s of Best Historical Places in Delhi
Ans. There are uncountable historical sites to visit in Delhi with Family and friend Such as:
1. Red Fort
2. Qutub Minar
3. Agrasen Ki Baoli
4. Humayun Tomb
5. Purana Qila
6. Jantar Mantar
7. Jama Masjid
8. Safdarjung Tomb
9. Lodi Garden
10. Tughlaqabad Fort
Ans. Lodi Garden, Safdarjung Tomb, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun Tomb, India Gate, Agrasen Ki Baoli are some of the best historical sites for couples in Delhi.
Ans. Delhi is the capital of India and holds a strong historical background. Many great kings rule Delhi, and it was the capital of the Mughal dynasty for a long time; that is why it has become the historical, architectural, and cultural capital of India. Every ruler from different dynasties built so many historical monuments and structures that the number of historical places in Delhi cannot be determined.
Ans. Delhi houses three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in which first is Qutub Minar which was declared as World Heritage Sites in 1993; the Second is Humayun Tomb and complex, which was declared as World Heritage Sites in 1993. The third is Red Fort (Lal Qila) which was declared as World Heritage Sites in 2007.