These monuments are a testimony to the glorious past of Delhi, depicting its rich culture and heritage. We bring to you some of the marvelous architectural masterpieces to explore in Delhi.
With an incredible history, fantastic architecture and magnificent monuments, Delhi unfolds the great cultural heritage of India. From awe-inspiring Mughal architecture to spectacular Islamic heritage sites, each monument portrays a flawless blend of artistic masterpieces from different dynasties.
If you are visiting Delhi, then you must explore these historical monuments to trace the remarkable history of the capital city.
Red Fort
This red sandstone monument is a testimony to the glorious years of the Mughal dynasty in India. It was built by great Mughal ruler Shah Jahan in 1638 when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Red Fort is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encloses a complex of palaces and entertainment halls, projecting balconies, baths and indoor canals, and geometrical gardens, as well as an ornate mosque.
Humayun’s Tomb
Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Humayun’s Tomb is a masterpiece of Charbagh-style of Persian architecture built in the Mughal era. This beautiful red stone monument, built in 1570, is a burial chamber of the great Mughal king, Humayun. The architecture of the tomb comprises of high central arch and the octagonal shape of the structure located in the centre surrounded by beautiful gardens with pools.
Qutub Minar
Built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193, Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in India and the second highest minar after Fateh Burj in Punjab. This 73-meter high red sandstone tower has five levels and projecting balconies. The monument is famous for its finest architecture and beautiful carvings on the walls that imprint Holy Quran verses.
Lodi Garden
Lodi Garden is one of the popular tourist attractions in Delhi, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The memorial tomb of the King Sikander Lodi is situated inside the garden, also known as Lodi Tomb. Other beautiful monuments present in the garden include Muhammad Shah tomb, Shish Gumbad and Bara Gumbad.
Purana Qila
It is one of the oldest forts in India built by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri in 1538-1545. This magnificent structure has three grand double storey entrances Talaqi Darwaza, Bara Darwaza and Humayun Darwaza made of sandstone. The monument is surrounded by a lake and beautiful green lawns that add to the beauty of the fort.
Jantar Mantar
Constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1724, Jantar Mantar is an observatory with various instruments such as the Jayaprakash Yantra, the Samrat Yantra and the Misra Yantra. The instruments help to collect astronomical occurrences and information to help predict the time and the movements of various celestial bodies. Jantar Mantar is an excellent place for astronomy lovers or astronomical explorers.
India Gate
This majestic historical monument, built-in 1931 is dedicated to all the Indian soldiers of the British Army who sacrificed their lives in the First World War. Located in Rajpath, India Gate is surrounded by lush green and well-manicured lawns. The arcade architecture of the gate has the names of soldiers killed in the war inscribed on it. The Amar Jawan Jyoti present under the arch of India Gate is lit up all day and night as a tribute to the brave Indian soldiers.
