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Delhi Maps & Attractions Guide
Delhi maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Delhi
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Delhi
Attractions - Things to do
1. Red Fort
Entrance from Lahore Gate or Chatta Chowk
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What is it? The Red Fort, known locally as Lal
Quila, is Delhi's signature attraction, rising high above
the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the wealth and power of
the Mogul empire. The massive sandstone walls were built in the
17th century to keep out marauding invaders and still dominate the
skyline today. Inside are an array of exquisite buildings, which
once provided the living quarters for Shah Jehan, his courtiers,
family and staff of three thousand. Visitors can marvel at the
intricate decoration and only imagine the scenes here at the
empire's height when the walls were studded with precious stones
and a 'stream of paradise' drove an ingenious air conditioning
system. The fort was the scene of the Indian uprising of 1857 and
the mighty Lahore Gate, on the west side of the fort, remains a
potent symbol in the fight for
Independence.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday, dawn to dusk
Phone: |
2. Jama Masjid
Matya Mahal, Bho Jala
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What is it? Shah Jehan, the architect of the Red Fort and
much of Old Delhi, built Jama Masjid between 1644 and 1656. This
grand structure is situated on a hill a few hundred yards west of
the Red Fort and towers over the mayhem of Old Delhi's sprawling
streets. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque and can hold 25,000
worshipers at one time. Wide red sandstone steps lead to entrances
on the North, South and East sides of the mosque. Inside is the
massive courtyard dominated by two red and white striped sandstone
minarets that cap the main prayer hall on the west side (facing
Mecca). There are smaller towers at each corner of the mosque;
energetic visitors can climb the 122 narrow steps of the southern
one to be rewarded with magnificent views of Old and New Delhi.
Those wearing shorts or skirts can hire a lunghi
to cover their legs.
Hours of Operation: Daily dawn-dusk; closed during prayer
times
Phone: |
3. Qutb Minar
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What is it? The Qutb Minar is a mammoth tower that was
built between 1193 and 1369 to symbolise Islamic rule over Delhi
and commemorate the victory by Qutab-ud-din over the city's last
Hindu kingdom. Standing 238ft (72m) tall, the tower is decorated
with calligraphy representing verses from the Koran and tapers from
a 50ft (15m) diameter at the base to just 8ft (2.5m) at the top.
There are five distinct stories each encircled with a balcony, the
first three are built of red sandstone, and the upper two are faced
with white marble. At the foot of the minhar, stands
Quwwat-ul-Islam, India's oldest mosque, which is built largely from
the remains of 27 Hindu and Jain temples that were destroyed by the
new Muslim rulers of India. The cloisters that flank the nearby
courtyard are supported by pillars unmistakably pilfered from Hindu
temples. Faces of the decorative figures have been removed to
conform to Islamic law, which strictly forbids iconic worship.
Incongruously, in the corner of the mosque, stands an Iron Pillar,
bearing fourth-century Sanskrit inscriptions of the Gupta period
attributing it to the memory of King Chandragupta II (373-413). It
is said that anyone who can encircle it with their hands whilst
standing with their back to it will have their wishes
fulfilled.
Hours of Operation: Daily dawn to dusk
Phone: |
4. Humayun's Tomb
Lodhi Road and Mathura Road
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What is it? Humayun's Tomb is one of the best-preserved
and beautiful examples of Mogul architecture in Delhi and is often
seen as a forerunner of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Building started on
the tomb in 1564 after the death of Humayun, the second Moghul
emperor; it was overseen by Haji Begum, his senior widow and the
mother of Akbar. The tomb is an octagonal structure capped by a
double dome that soars 125ft (38m) into the sky and is set in a
formal Persian garden. In the grounds are some other monuments,
including the Tomb of Isa Khan.
Hours of Operation: Daily dawn to dusk
Phone: |
5. Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rajpath
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What is it? After his visit in 1911 the Emperor of India,
King George V of England, decreed that the capital should be moved
from Calcutta to Delhi. Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to plan the
new government centre, which he focused around Rajpath, the grand,
tree-lined boulevard that runs between the Secretariat Buildings
and India Arch, the war memorial built in 1921. Rashtrapati Bhavan
was built by Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker between 1921 and 1929 on
the gentle slope of Raisina Hill, flanked by the Secretariat
Buildings. This immense palace, larger than Versailles, was created
for the Viceroy and is now the residence of the President of India.
With the exception of the central copper dome there are few
concessions to Indian architectural style and despite its classical
columns the building is unmistakably British and, like most great
Indian monuments, is a potent symbol of imperial power. Every
Saturday morning between 9.35am and 10.15am, guards parade before
the iron grille gates in Delhi's answer to London's Changing of the
Guard. The gardens are open to the public every year in February
and March.
Hours of Operation: The gardens open 9am to 4pm daily in February and
March
Phone: |
6. Chandni Chowk
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What is it? No trip to Delhi would be complete without a
visit to one of the bazaars that surround Chandni Chowk (Moonlight
Square), in Old Delhi, where shops and stalls display a wonderful
array of goods and offer a pungent and colourful insight into Delhi
life. Chandni Chowk has a large number of galis (lanes) and each
one is different, with their own atmosphere and smells. Naya
Bazaar, on Khari Baoli, is the spice market that displays a
wonderful selection of foodstuff in neat, colourful piles. The
nearby Gadodial Market is the wholesale spice market. Hundreds of
spices and condiments can be found including aniseed, ginger,
pomegranate, saffron, lotus seeds, pickles and chutneys, to name
just a few. Chor Bazaar sits behind the ramparts of the Red Fort
and comes to life on Sundays to trade a collection of 'second hand'
goods. Chawri Bazaar was once notorious for the ladies who beckoned
men from the arched windows and balconies above street. Today,
these houses have made way for shops specialising in brass and
copper Buddhas, Vishnus and Krishnas. Some of the busiest galis
house the poultry and fish markets, east of Kalan Mahal, but they
are wisely avoided by most tourists.
Hours of Operation: Most shops are open 10am to 6pm Monday to
Saturday
Phone: |
Delhi Holidays guide
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Transport -Fleets of metered taxis and auto-rickshaws
clog the streets of Delhi providing transport for locals and
visitors.
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