New Delhi Attractions

What to See in New Delhi

With such world-famous draws as the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and much more to visit, there's a lot to be seen and taken in, in New Dehli and this being India, the simple street theatre of Real Life enacts itself around you. Grandiose and impressive as well as unforgettable, New Delhi will leave you with lifelong memories, from the cultural loftiness of the biggest mausoleum in the world to the wonderfully conceptual and whacky Sulabh Museum of Toilets.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal, the most famous monument in the world, happens to be the final resting place of a lady who was the favourite wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Heartbroken when she died in giving birth, the Emperor decided to build a testament to his love in white marble that would dazzle the world. In fact he had plans to build an identical tomb for himself in black marble on the opposite bank of the Read more...

Qutab Minar

Minar means 'pillar' and the qutab minar is a famous old pillar. Made out of a mixture of metals including iron it has not rusted at all despite having stood for centuries. Located in a compound not far from the Red Fort or Lal Quilla as it is known in Hindi, there is a legend that if you stand with your back to the pillar and stretch your hands behind to encircle the pillar and succeed you can ask for any wish you desire.

Sort of like a modified wishing well scenario. The place is a hive for touts so be careful and watch out for your belongings. You can pick up packaged refreshments from the number of shops that litter the entrance lane.

Location: South New Delhi, close to Jawaharal Nehru University

Red Fort (Lal Quilla)

The Red Fort was the stronghold of the Mughal Dynasty and was associated with the rulers of India. It came into British control after a battle in 1857. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal ruler, was sent into exile to Rangoon in then what was Burma. Then the British ripped out sections of the old city and made barracks for its own troops.

After independence was declared on 15th August 1947, the famous speech at midnight was made by Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru from its parapets. This is a huge complex which you must visit with a guide to get the full sense of history associated with it.

Location: East bank of the Yamuna River

Gandhi Smriti

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is known in India as 'the father of the nation' in India. He is credited with the Non Violence Movement which helped India gain freedom from the British Empire. He was shot dead on 30th January 1948, as he approached his Morning Prayer assembly by a man called Nathuram Godsey. His last words were reported to be 'Hey Ram'.

Gandhi Smriti is the place where he was shot dead. The authorities have preserved his room and memorabilia in the same state as they were then. A martyr’s column stands at the spot where he was assassinated. For anyone interested in the events that changed India’s future this is a must visit.

Location: Central New Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb

He was the second of the Mughal Dynasty Kings. Son of Babar and father of Akbar, Humayun the Great lies in this final resting place. His son Akbar was the most influential and powerful among the Moghul kings. The tomb follows the standard Mughal design, and has beautiful gardens laid out around it.

The minarets on four sides of the building complete the design. The area outside and the approach is quite congested and it is advisable to get a knowledgeable guide who can steer you through the highlights.

Highlights: Nizamuddin East

India Gate

This monument was constructed by the British to commemorate Indian soldiers who fought and died in World War II. Now it also houses a flame kept burning in memory of the Indian martyrs since independence. It is the point from which the annual Republic Day Parade held on 26th January begins. The well maintained gardens are a sort of informal picnic spot for family and friends in the evenings.

Balloons and ice creams are standard issue when visiting the gardens around India Gate. There are specific areas to park and then you must walk the remaining distance to the monument. There is a 24-hour guard at the memorial and it is cordoned off.

Location: Central New Delhi

National Museum

Spread out over three floors, the National Museum is in possession of many Indian and Foreign works of art. There are 5,000-year old relics depicting Indian culture and heritage and relatively newer collections as well. It is closed on Monday and open other days from 10:00 to 17:00 with an entry fee of about seven dollars for foreigners.

Audio tours are available in English, German, French, Japanese and Hindi and cost extra.
If you really want to go through the whole place one day is not enough to cover it. If you are bushed for time, about 48 hours should be enough to see most of the highlights.

Location: Near India Gate

Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

Rather unique in its concept, this Museum is dedicated to the one room in the house no one pays much attention to – the toilet. Founded by Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, it traces the evolution of toilets and their variations in different nations.

There are contributors from over 50 countries and technology available is shared with leading manufacturers and sanitation policy makers. The concept of maintaining good hygiene at the lowest cost possible is the driving force behind this project. It is worth a look just for its uniqueness of topic if nothing else.

Location: East New Delhi

Nehru Museum and Planetarium

As the name suggests this was the official residence of the first prime minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. This residence, converted into a museum in 1964 after his death, is located near Chanakpuri on Teen Murti Road. The many rooms showcase his life and achievements. There are some rooms that have been maintained exactly as he left them, others have photo exhibitions, and newspaper clippings that chronicle his life.

The grounds host the Nehru Planetarium which gives an overview of the Indian Space Programme. An audio-visual lecture informs you about the details and any questions you have are answered in a following interactive session. Monday is a holiday so don’t plan your visit that day.
Open from 10:00 in the morning to 17:00 on all remaining days.

Location: Central New Delhi