Are you looking for the meld of famous monuments in Delhi and ancient culture? Then no other name in India except “Delhi” will come on your tongue.
Delhi’s amazing jumble of modern and old civilizations fascinates the people.
Even in Delhi’s hustle-bustle life, some monuments give you a heart-rending experience. The architecture of these historic places is unique, and every wall of the monument has its own story. If you are crazy about those stories, then I have prepared a list of Top 10 Historic Places to visit in Delhi for you.
So, welcome to “Dil walo ki Dilli.“
Top 10 famous monuments in Delhi
historical monuments in delhi
What are the main monuments in Delhi?
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is a UNESCO world heritage site located in Mehrauli, New Delhi.
Qutab-Ud-Din-Aibak constructed it in 1192 as a token of his conquest. The entire Qutub tower is built with red sandstone and marble only.
Talking about its architecture, it is a spell-bounding brew of Indian-Islamic architecture. Indian-Islamic architecture is full of creativity and rich in cultural diversity.
You might be astounded by the number of steps in a 73-meter tall tower. Yes, it has 379 steps.
If you are thinking to visit Qutub Minar, then it is opened every day from 7.00 am – 5.00 pm. The entry fee for Indian is Rs 30 and for foreigners Rs 500.
Red Fort (famous monuments in delhi)
A red fort made of red sandstone was built in 1618 by Shah Jahan. It is not only the most wonderful but also a historical place depicting the antiquity of India.
After 11 years of ruling in Agra, Shah Jahan thought of going to move to Delhi and put the foundation stone of the Red Fort. Did you know that the Mughals lived here for almost 200 years?
The Red Fort also has a magnificent garden, museum, and a public hall. In 2007, the Red Fort acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Every year the Prime Minister winches the Tricolour flag and approaches the country people on Independence Day at the main gate of Red Fort.
Due to its beauty and history, I have added it to the list of “ famous monuments to visit in Delhi“. You can roam the Red Fort on any day between 9.30 am – 4.30 pm except Monday. The entry fee for Indian is Rs 30 and for foreigners Rs 500.
The Tughlaqabad Fort
The founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty, Ghiyas-ud-din-Tughlaq, built the fifth historic city of Delhi and Tughlaqabad Fort in 1321. The Tughlaqabad Fort situated on Mehrauli-Badarpur road spreads for about 6.5 km.
The person passing around the fort gets fascinated by seeing the freakish architecture of the fort.
Tughlaqabad Fort vacated in 1327. There is also an intriguing tale after it. It is assumed that Nizamuddin Auliya, a worker had blasphemed the Tughlaqabad Fort that this fort will always remain vacated.
Tughlaqabad Fort is the fascination center despite being utterly ruined. Out of its 52 gates, 13 gates have remained. You can visit there between 8 am to 6 pm on any weekday. And its entry fee is Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners.
India Gate (famous monuments in delhi)
Located on Rajpath Marg in New Delhi, India Gate is built in memory of the country’s martyrs. India Gate is one of the most visited places in Delhi.
It is an integral part of India’s heritage. India Gate’s foundation stone was laid in 1921 and completed in 1931.
The famous English architect Sir Edwin Lutyens designed this war memorial.
India Gate is constructed with Red sandstone and granite.
The names of about 13300 soldiers are debossed on India Gate walls.
These were martyrs who lost their lives in the First World War. Amar Jawan Jyoti was built to honour the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the war with Pakistan.
The 42 meters tall India Gate is notable not only for its architecture but also for the verdant green garden surrounding it. You can come and chill on any day, anytime.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan is such a wonderful building that signifies the freedom fight of India. This was formerly the residence of the British Viceroy.
But after independence, it became Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Presidential Palace was built from 1912 to 1929. It took 17 years to complete. It has 340-rooms.
After independence, the country’s first Governor-General Chakravarti Rajagopalachari started living here.
Rashtrapati Bhavan is the second-largest palace in the world. Once in a lifetime, every Indian’s wanted to visit this glorious historical place.
There are a splendid garden and museum inside the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which reflects the history of India. It costs Rs 50 entry fee to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Also, daily visiting hours differ.
Jama Masjid
Located opposite the Red Fort, Jama Masjid’s architecture is very splendid. If you are assuming that Jama Masjid is like other mosques, then you are on the wrong path.
Jama Masjid’s walls represent the stories of the Mughals period. Let’s turn the pages of history to know more about Jama Masjid.
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built Jama Masjid.
Jama Masjid’s construction started in 1650, and it took six years to be fully built. Behind this beautiful and art-filled Jama Masjid, there is a hard worker of 5000 leaves. It cost about 10 lakh rupees to build it.
It can occupy almost 25000 people to offer prayers. Jama Masjid has three large entry doors and two large towers of 40 meters (about 131.2 feet).
Aurangzeb made the Architectural Plan of Jama Masjid. Earlier, Jama Masjid was known as “Masjid e Jahanuma.” Don’t forget to visit this historic place when corona gets over.
Jantar-Mantar
Maharaja Jai Singh built Jantar-Mantar in 1726. In this stunning structured astronomical observatory, you can enhance your knowledge along with entertainment.
Jantar Mantar is constructed of bricks, plastered with limestone.
Great tools like the emperor Yantra, Jai Prakash, Ram Yantra, Niyati Chakra, and Mishra Yantra are kept in this astronomical observatory.
These instruments help a lot in astronomical calculations. Maharaja Jai Singh had an interest in mathematics and astronomy.
Due to such interest, Maharaja Jai Singh built Jantar-Mantar. Jantar Mantar is opened from 10 am to 6 pm. There is no entrance fee here.
Agrasen ki baoli
King Agrasen build this mesmerizing Agrasen ki baoli in the 14th century.
Away from the busy life of Delhi, this step well provides relief to the heart.
Most of the students and locals come here. In summers, one gets to see more crowds. Because it gives comfort to the people from the scorching heat of Delhi.
Agrasen ki baoli’s beautiful architecture will soothe your eyes this time. It has three stories and about 108 stairs.
“Agrasen ki baoli has become well-known monuments after being featured in the PK movie. It is thought that “Agrasen ki baoli” was built in the Mahabharata time. This monument comes under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Did you know that this mesmerizing baoli is a haunted place also? People have heard strange noises here. And it is also believed that the black water of this step well hypnotized the people and led them to commit suicide. I cannot say anything about the truth of these stories.
Humayun’s Tomb
In 1993, Humayun’s Tomb was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This monument holds specific cultural significance, as it was the first tomb on the Indian subcontinent.
It took almost nine years to complete this token of love. It is constructed with red sandstone only. And about 15 lakh rupees were spent to build this. This splendid mausoleum is famous all over the world.
Almost 150 family members of Humayun’s family are buried in Humayun’s Tomb.
Humayun’s Tomb has wrapped many pages of antiquity in itself. To unfold these pages one must visit this historic place.
These monuments are a witness to the rich culture of our country. Monuments architecture takes us to the time where we were not present. If you are a history lover like me then what are you waiting for? Let’s turn the pages of history.
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