The Red Fort is a 17th-century palace fort in Delhi, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori. Originally named 'Qila-e-Mubarak', it is constructed from red sandstone, which gives it its modern name. It served as the residence of Mughal emperors and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its architecture and as a location for India's Independence Day celebrations.
The Qutub Minar is a 72.5-meter-tall minaret in Delhi, India, constructed with red sandstone and marble. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Indo-Islamic architecture, featuring intricate carvings and balconies. Construction began in 1199 by Qutbu'd-Din Aibak, with subsequent additions by his successors. The complex also includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Alai-Darwaza Gate, and the Iron Pillar.
India Gate is a 42-meter-high war memorial in New Delhi, designed by Edwin Lutyens, that honors soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Built in 1931, it features the names of approximately 13,500 soldiers inscribed on its walls. After India's independence, it became home to the Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame to honor soldiers who died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.
Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Delhi, is the tomb of the second Mughal emperor, built by his wife, Bega Begum, between 1569 and 1570. It is the first large-scale garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and a key example of Mughal architecture, influencing later structures like the Taj Mahal. The monument is characterized by its red sandstone and white marble, its central mausoleum and the surrounding charbagh with water channels.
Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India and a major landmark in New Delhi. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, it is a large, H-shaped building on a 330-acre estate that was completed in 1929. Today, it serves as a symbol of Indian democracy, hosting state functions, diplomatic events, and the President's Secretariat.
Purana Quila, or "Old Fort," is a 16th-century fort in Delhi believed to be built on the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha. Construction was started by Mughal emperor Humayun, but was later expanded and fortified by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, who renamed it Shergarh. The fort is now a historic complex featuring structures like the Qila-e-Kuhna Mosque and the Sher Mandal.
Tughlaqabad Fort is a ruined fort in Delhi, built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq in 1321 as the third historic city of Delhi. Designed as a defensive stronghold against Mongol invasions, it was abandoned shortly after its completion in 1327 due to a legend of a curse from a Sufi saint. The vast complex includes a citadel, palace areas, and residential zones, and despite being a protected site, it suffers from neglect, encroachment, and poor conservation efforts.
The Lotus Temple is a Baháʼí House of Worship in New Delhi, notable for its lotus flower design. Completed in 1986, it features 27 marble "petals" arranged in nine sides, with nine doors leading to a central hall capable of seating 1,300 people. Open to all faiths for prayer and meditation, it serves as a symbol of peace and unity.
Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi is a massive, modern Hindu temple complex showcasing India's 10,000 years of culture, spirituality, and architecture, built by BAPS, dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, featuring intricate stone carvings, large exhibitions (like the Sanskruti Darshan boat ride), gardens, and a central mandir without steel or concrete, serving as a spiritual and educational center for all backgrounds.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a famous Sikh pilgrimage site in Delhi, known for its golden dome, holy Sarovar (pond) with healing waters, and massive Langar (community kitchen) serving free meals to thousands daily. Originally a 17th-century bungalow, it became a shrine in memory of the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, who stayed there and selflessly served victims of a smallpox epidemic, eventually succumbing to the disease himself. Today, it's a spiritual hub and major tourist attraction, symbolizing Sikh compassion and service
Jama Masjid is one of India's largest mosques, located in Old Delhi, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1650 and 1656. It is a significant example of Mughal architecture, featuring red sandstone and white marble, a large courtyard, and three grand domes. The mosque's main name is Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, which means "World-reflecting Mosque"
Chandni Chowk is Old Delhi's historic, chaotic, and vibrant marketplace, established by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, known for its maze-like narrow lanes filled with wholesale goods like textiles, spices, electronics, jewelry, and incredible street food, offering a deep dive into India's culture, commerce, and culinary heritage near the Red Fort.
Dilli Haat is a vibrant, open-air market in Delhi showcasing India's cultural diversity, offering authentic handicrafts, textiles, and food from various states in a village fair ambiance, featuring rotational stalls for artisans, cultural performances, and regional cuisine like momos, kebabs, and dhokla, making it a one-stop cultural experience with a small entry fee and daily operations.
Apart from these famous spots, Delhi has many more places to enjoy—like Lodhi Garden for peaceful walks, Mehrauli Archaeological Park for old ruins, and Sunder Nursery for nature and quiet time etc..
Jaipur, India's "Pink City," is Rajasthan's capital, famous for its pink-hued buildings, rich heritage, and planned urban design by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, blending Hindu, Mughal, and Western styles. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it boasts iconic landmarks like Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), City Palace, Amber Fort, and vibrant bazaars, thriving on tourism, gems, and IT. .
➡️ Distance from Delhi: ~280 km
➡️ Best for: Heritage lovers, architecture buffs, and shopping enthusiasts
Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, India, is a historic city on the Yamuna River, famous for its stunning Mughal architecture, notably the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, it's a key part of India's Golden Triangle tour (with Delhi & Jaipur) and offers rich crafts like marble inlay, leather goods, and local sweets (Petha) alongside its iconic monuments, attracting millions of tourists annually.
➡️ Distance from Delhi: ~230 km
➡️ Best for: History geeks, couples, and photographers
Mathura and Vrindavan are twin holy cities in Uttar Pradesh, India, central to Hinduism as the birthplace (Mathura) and childhood playground (Vrindavan) of Lord Krishna, forming the heart of Braj Bhoomi. These cities, situated on the Yamuna River, are pilgrimage hubs filled with thousands of temples like Banke Bihari, ISKCON, and Rangaji, famous for their vibrant spiritual atmosphere, Krishna-focused traditions, festivals like Holi, and cultural significance.
➡️ Distance from Delhi: ~160 km
➡️ Best for: Spiritual seekers, culture lovers, and festival chasers
Haridwar & Rishikesh, nestled in the Himalayan foothills where the Ganges flows out, are India's spiritual twin cities: Haridwar, the "Gateway to Gods," is a major pilgrimage site known for Ganga Aarti at Har-Ki-Pauri, ancient temples, and Kumbh Mela, while Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital," offers ashrams, meditation, adventure sports (rafting, trekking), iconic suspension bridges (Lakshman Jhula), and serves as the gateway to Himalayan shrines. They're close, linked by road and spirituality, blending ancient tradition with modern seekers.
➡️ Distance from Delhi: ~240 km
➡️ Best for: Yogis, backpackers, and adrenaline junkies