My journey to New Delhi is not a stop, visit and go. This city has been been a key part of my life off and on; during my teenage years, the advent of my work life and the culmination of my vows to my better half. This city has been both kind and rough to me on a personal level. I have always had a love hate relationship with her. Even then, the stories that this city has hidden in the narrow streets of 'Purani Delhi', the pulsating bazaars, the warmth of the food markets, to the modern & passionate young vibe of a growing India are those waiting to be told to those who want to listen to her heart beat.
Every side of the city has a unique culture representation, bringing together people from all parts of the country who have now become a part of this bustling city's story. This is what makes Delhi so special to a lot of people and one of the reasons I love it too. I have been in Delhi for so long that I feel it's long due that I mention some place I visited that are a part of it past and present history. Places you must visit if you want to understand the history of India as a whole as well as the significance of New Delhi in it.
Best time to visit: If you're planning a trip to Delhi, try doing it between September to early December as it will be autumn to winter and easier to get around, without sweating or freezing. Haha!
One thing I have always said is if you're traveling in a city spend a day or two just walking around places. There is just so much you observe, notice and learn about a place through its winding lanes.
Here is a my most updated list of tourist attractions I would recommend everyone to visit once at least, when in Delhi (they are worth your time)-
1. Qutub Minar
Built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, this 13th century minaret is a standing marvel of sandstone and deservingly a UNESCO World Heritage site. The multiple storey's were built by rulers after him. Easily visible from the skies, this gorgeous tower is laid out with alternating angular and rounded edges with remains of run down Hindu temples. Its brick red and brown textures are perfect to watch during sunrise or sunset.
Address- Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi
Closest Metro Station- Qutub Minar
2. India Gate
Marking the center of Delhi and standing on cross roads is the India Gate (similar in structure to Arc-de-Triomphe) commemorating the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their live in WW I. Designed by Sir Edward Lutyens, the monument later got the addition of 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' the eternal flame that burns serving as a constant reminder for those who have laid down their lives for the nation. The gardens around India Gate are open throughout the day, as locals love flocking here during evenings and weekends for picnics or yoga sessions etc.
Best viewed early morning during a run or late night under splendid lighting that surrounds it, this truly is monument close to every Indian's heart.
Address- Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi
Closest Metro Station- Pragati Maidan
3. Rashtrapati Bhavan
Home to the President of the country, designed by Sir Edward Lutyens and Herbert Baker, spread over a sprawling 300 acres this beauty is epitome of India's finest accolades and historical milestones. It houses pieces of architecture, gifts if the form of paintings, sculptures, trophies etc gifted over a period of time. Each of these memorabilia mark milestones of treaties and accords that India has had with different countries, a testament to India's glorious past and promising future.
One needs to register beforehand for a visit here and plan almost half a day for this. A guide usually accompanies you to walk you through this memorable and enchanting trip.
4. Lotus Temple
Lotus is the most common symbol used in multiple religions and hence was chosen by the notable architect Fariburz Sabha to create this monument. Dedicated to oneness of all religions Lotus Temple is a Bahai House of Worship where people of all religions and welcome to sit together and worship the one true God they believe in. The sanctity and pure thought behind this notion is what makes it truly remarkable. The temple compound looks lovely in the evening lighting with lush gardens around, which are great to walk around and be at peace with oneself.
Address- Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi
Closest Metro Station- Kalkaji
5. National Museum
Absolutely amazing collection from pre- historic collection of Indus Valley civilization, with the iconic bronze statue of 'Dancing Girl' from 2500 BC which is an absolute marvel. The museum houses some of best dated collections of 3D paintings, sculptures, elaborate and intricate manuscripts. It easily takes hours to go through the collections and is excellent time spent unravelling history of India.
Address- Janpath Rd, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station- Udyog Bhavan
6. Gandhi Smriti
Earlier known as Birla House, it is the place where Mahatma Gandhi lived his last 144 days before being assassinated on 30th January 1948. Now converted to a museum, dedicated to spread the teachings and principles of Mahatma's life, the building houses a number of articles associated with Gandhi's life and death. Visitors can tour the building and grounds, viewing the preserved room where Gandhi lived and the place on the grounds where he was shot while holding his nightly public walk. Gandhi was shot during his prayers at the place where Martyr's Column now stands. It cannot be described how one feels walking there where once in some moment of time the Mahatma stood.
Address- 5, Tees January Marg, Near Birla House, New Delhi
Closest Metro Station- Lok Kalyan Marg
These are few places that I have been to and have a couple more on my bucket list as I keep moving in and out to Delhi. Do visit the blog again as I add on to this list of iconic visits in when in the capital of the world's largest democracy.
Make sure you plan at least a week for Delhi to see the city in leisure. It's a big place and distances are difficult to cover. When in India, make sure you visit...
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