historical places in Delhi

Historical Places in Delhi That Exhibit Heritage of the Capital City

Travel

Delhi has been the witness of several dynasties. The history of Delhi spans over a million years, and it does speak huge volumes about how ancient India has been. It is presently the capital of India and has seen several rulers get in and out from this diverse country. So, now it has resulted in several sightseeing spots that are the historical places in Delhi. Several tourists plan their trip to the country’s capital to witness these historical spots. So, if you are also one of them, check out our blog. We will inform you about all the historical places in Delhi that are a must-see. Start scrolling down to know more!

Historical places in Delhi

Here are the following historical places in Delhi that you must visit: 

Red Fort

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the fort in the 10th century. It took eight years to complete this monument.

The word ‘Red Fort’ was derived from the Hindustani, which means Lal Qila. Lal means red, which is a Hindustani word, and Qila means fortress, which is a Persian word. As the building exhibits the beauty of red sandstones, it gets the names from the same.

When the imperial family lived there, it was initially called ‘Blessed Fort’ or ‘Qila-i-Mubarak.’

Red Fort is one of the famous historical places in India, and it was started to build on 12 May 1639 and completed on 6 April 1648. Further, Ustad Ahmad Lahori was the one who Architect of this fort.

Every year the Prime Minister of India hoists the Indian Flag on Independence Day.

What tourists should know:

It is open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, except for Monday.

Indian tourist’s entry fees are Rs. 35 and foreign tourist’s entry fees are Rs. 500.

Entry fees: Rs. 35/- for Indian, Rs. 500/- for foreigners.

India Gate

One of the most well-known historical places in New Delhi is India Gate which used to be known as the All India War Memorial. Moreover, the monument is a striking 42 meters in height, and renowned architect Edwin Lutyens was the one who designed it.

The design is a replica of the Arc-de-Triomphe; a French monument built to tribute the soldiers. Moreover, it is one of the significant historical places in Delhi. And it was a memorial built to tribute the eighty thousand Indian soldiers who died while fighting during World War I.

India Gate is made of red stones and on the top ‘INDIA’ is written on both sides. All the names of eighty thousand soldiers are also written on the body of the monument.

At the top, there is a shallow round-shaped bowl; during special events, it is filled with hot burning oil.

Another memorial is also present at the base; it was of Amar Jawan Jyoti and was added afterward.

Tughlaqabad Fort

The founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, built his fort in the year 1321.

During the rule of the Khaliji dynasty, Ghazi Malik, who was the liegeman, suggested the emperor construct a fort on the southern part of Delhi. The ruler jokily told him to build it by himself.

In the year 1321, Ghazi Malik chased away the rulers and changed his name to Ghias-ud-din Tughlaq. Thus, it started the Tughlaq dynasty.

He immediately started to construct the fort that he dreamt of.

The fort has a royal mausoleum, thirteen great gates, grand halls, an underground route, and glorious residences.

What tourists should know:

It opens at 7.00 am and closes at 5.00 pm.

For Indian tourists, it costs Rs.5 per head, and for foreign tourists, it cost Rs.100 per head.

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Neemrana

There are many historical places near Delhi within 100 kms, and one of them is Neemrana.

The Maharajahs of Neemrana belong to two clans. The Kharaak family and the Sankaat sub-clan. Neemrana was found in 1464, and Rao of Neemrana and the Rao Raajdeo was the king.

From the year 1885 to 1907, Raja Janaak Singh ruled this state, and a political agent managed this place.

It is about 100 kilometers away from Delhi. It will take about 3 hours to reach this place via NH48.

The best time to visit Neemrana is during the winter months, from October to March, as the weather is not too hot or cold.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is probably among other renowned historical places in Delhi. It was Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur who built 5 Jantar Mantar in India. They are in New Delhi, Varanasi, Mathura, Ujjain, and Jaipur.

They were all constructed between the years 1724 to 1735.

The main reason why it was built was to observe the movements and time of the planets, the moon, and the sun.

Jantar Mantar has instruments that help to identify the planetary calculations, such as Samrat Yantra, Disha Yantra, Chakra Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra, Utaansh Yantra, Rashiwalya Yantra, Rama Yantra, and Dingash Yantra.

The word Jantar Mantar is a minimum of 200 years old, and it can be found in historical documents from 1803. However, in the documents found in Jaipur, from 1735 to 1738, the word ‘Jantra’ was used.

Jantra comes from the word ‘Yantra,’ which means an instrument, and Mantar comes from the word ‘Mantrana’ to calculate.

Together with the word, Jantar Mantar means calculations of the instruments.

What tourists should know:

Open from sunrise to sunset.

For Indian tourists, it costs Rs.5 per person, and for foreign tourists, it cost Rs.100 per person.

Lodhi Gardens

Another among the historical places in New Delhi is the Lodhi Gardens. It is spread over 360,000 square meters and has Sikandar Lodi’s tomb, the tomb of the Mohammed Shah, the Bara Gumbad, and the Shisha Gumbad.

The architectural work in this garden is done by the Lodis in the 15th century. Now this garden is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

What tourists should know:

It opens at 6:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm every day.

Entry is free.

Humayun’s Tomb

After the death of Humayun on 27 January 1556, his body was buried in Purana Qila. Then it was taken to the Sirhind by Khanjar Beg.

In the year 1571, Mughal Emperor, Akbar, the son of Humayun, visited his tomb.

The structure of the tomb is very similar to Persian architecture. It was also built by a Persian person Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. He made the tomb in the middle of the four gardens.

The garden, separated into four major parts by pathways, has water flowing along the paths as it is like the garden in heaven stated in the Quran.

What tourists should know:

It opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. It is open every day.

For Indian tourists, it costs Rs. 30, and for foreign tourists, it costs Rs. 500.

Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar is a 73-meter-high tower that signifies Qutab-ud-din Aibak’s victory after defeating the Hindu kingdom in Delhi.

Being one of the most well-known historical places in Delhithe tower does attract many tourists. The tower comprises of two different stones.

The first three floors are made of red sandstone, and the top two floors are made of sandstone and marble.

At the bottom of Qutub Minar is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque made in India. A 7-meter-long high pillar is set in the courtyard of this mosque.

What tourists should know:

It opens at 7:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm.

For Indian tourists, it costs Rs. 30 per head, and for foreign tourists, it costs Rs. 500 per person.

Hauz Khas Fort

Hauz Khas Fort locates in the Hauz Khas Village, built during the rule of Allaudin Khilji.

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It has the ruins of Hauz Khas Fort, an Islamic Madrasa, a huge royal tank, a lot of pavilions, and has a different monument.

Being one of the famous historical places in Delhi, people visit this place to see the lost beauty of Hauz Khas Fort. Moreover, the fort was part of the feudal city Siri, which has a lot of lush green gardens and a lakeside.

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is the biggest mosque in India, making it one of the major historical places in Delhi that tourists visit often. Many know this place as the Masjid-i Jehan Numa; this means ‘World reflecting or dazzling Mosque.’

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan made the courtyard so big that 25,000 disciples can pray there. The measurement of the mosque is 65 meters by 35 meters.

Built-in 1656, it is stated that Shah Jahan spends Rs. 10 crores to make this mosque, and it was a copy of Moti Masjid located in Agra.

The architecture style is a combination of both Hindu and Muslim styles.

What tourists should know:

It opens at 7:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm.

For Indian tourists, it costs Rs. 35 per person and for foreign tourists it costs Rs. 500.

Mumtaz Mahal

Mumtaz Mahal means Jewel Palace locates inside the Red Fort. It is made of white marble and is faced towards the river Yamuna.

The Mahal has six divisions and is divided by curved piers that have elaborate floral designs.

What tourists should know:

It opens at 9:30 am and closes at 4:30 pm. It is only close on Monday.

For Indian tourists, the cost is Rs. 15 per person, and for foreign tourists, it costs Rs. 250 per person.

Lado Sarai

Rai Pithora, known as the first city built in Delhi, was constructed by Prithvi Raj Chauhan during the 12th century after defeating the Tomar Rajputs.

The ruins of Lado Sarai are now a popular tourist spot. There are many monuments present here, such as Badun Gate, Tomb of Balban, Lal Kot, Tomb of Azim Khan, Rajon-ki-Bain, and Mandi Mosque.

Alai Minar

Alauddin Khilji built this incomplete Minar. He wanted to make this double the size of the Qutub Minar. Alai Minar marked the glorious victory during the Deccan War.

However, during the making of the tower, Alauddin Khilji passed away, and the construction of this tower came to an abrupt pause.

This unfinished tower of 80 feet in height portrays the Sultan’s bravery, gallantry, and pride.

What tourists should know:

It opens at 7:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm.

For Indian tourists, the cost is Rs. 10 per person, and for foreign tourists, it costs Rs. 250 per person.

Shergarh

It is an important monument due to the connection with Sher Shah Suri, the Mughal king.

This fort consists of 3 gates: the Humayun Gate, Bada Darwaza bordered with vigorous bastions, and the Talaqui Darwaza, known as Prohibited or Forbidden Gate.

The Humayun Gate, also called the southern gate, symbolizes the signature of Purana Quila as it has two prevalent domes at the top.

What tourists should know:

It opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

For Indian tourists, the cost is Rs. 20 per person, and for foreign tourists, it costs Rs. 200 per person.

Nizamuddin

 The Mausoleum of Humayun, which Mughal architects made, is a shrine for Sufi. Here in the Sufi memorial of Nizamuddin Dargah, Sufi songs help heal the mind and body.

Humayun’s Tomb and Abdul Rahim Khan I Khaana is also present here.

Nizamuddin comes of a period of lavish, magnificence, culture, and elegance.

What tourists should know:

It opens at 5:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm.

Entry is free.

Agra

Agra is almost 250-kilo meters away from Delhi, and everyone who visits Delhi will also visit Agra. The main attraction is the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.

The city is located at the banks of the river Yamuna and is the fourth populated city in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

You need to stay in Agra for 2 to 3 days to visit all the places.

The Final Word

The historical places in Delhi are beautiful and marvelous. The nearby states also have a lot of important monuments that tell the history of our country.

When you visit the place, make sure you do plan at least months before you go on a vacation.

The best time to visit Delhi is during October – November and March – April.

If you have visited any of these places, do share your experience in the comment section below.

Shusree Mukherjee

With 10+ years of experience in SEO content writing, Shusree believes content can move mountains while you deep dive into a pool of new experiences through learning and unlearning. Shusree loves to write on travel, health, beauty, celebrity, food, and all that jazz.

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