Delhi, the heart of India, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality. Here’s a curated guide to the city’s top 5 places to visit in Delhi.
1. India Gate:
India Gate stands proudly near Rajpath (Kartavya Path), serving as a tribute to the brave troops of British India who sacrificed their lives in wars between 1914 and 1919. This iconic 42-meter-high arch-shaped monument not only stands as a poignant memorial but also transforms into a popular picnic spot during the winter.
2. Akshardham Temple:
Akshardham, a divine marvel constructed by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) in 2005 invites visitors to witness the rich cultural heritage of the country spanning 10,000 years.
It spread over 100 acres and earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records on December 26, 2007. This temple is also known as the Swaminarayan Mandir.
- Darshan: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Arti: 10:30 am and 6:00 pm
Visitors are advised against wearing short dresses below the knees, and free clothes are provided if needed.
3. Lotus Temple:
Situated near Kalkaji Metro Station, the Lotus Temple captivates with its unique lotus-shaped design. It is also known as the ‘Baháʼí House of Worship,’ it warmly welcomes people of all religions. The Lotus Temple was constructed on November 13, 1986, and officially opened on December 24, 1986. The temple is built with 27 beautiful marble-clad in huge petals and made of pink marble. It has nine doors, one of which has an entry to the main hall. Hall has the capability of accommodating 1300 people at a time. Here, using a mobile device or any other electronic thing is not allowed. It is the best picnic spot and remains open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for visitors.
4. Qutub Minar:
The Qutub Minar, crafted from red and buff sandstone, stands as India’s tallest tower at 72.5 meters. It is located in South Delhi near Qutub Minar metro station, it showcases exemplary Indo-Muslim architecture, narrating India’s glorious history. The construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutb ud Din Aibak and completed by Iltutmish. Its name is derived from the religious figure Sufi Saint Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki.
Open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for visitors, it tends to get crowded during holidays and weekdays. To avoid long lines, it is recommended to visit early in the morning before 10 a.m.
5. Jantar Mantar:
Situated in the Modern City of Delhi, Jantar Mantar is a historic observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur during 1728–34. The word Jantar-Mantar means instruments for ‘ measuring the harmony of the heavens’. It is indulged in with the historical and wonderful instruments to measure time and the stars. All the instruments are carved from marble. Here is the instrument that is used to know the zodiac sign of a person and is also used for astrology. Here is a solar watch that tells the Indian Standard Time. The opening time for Jantar Mantar in Delhi is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, it’s essential to note that opening hours can be subject to change, and it’s advisable to check for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
