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Learn About The History Of Your Capital At These Best Historical Places In Delhi

By Anubha Das

Updated - May 9, 20246 min read

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The Dilwale City "Delhi" dates back to the Mughal times so there’s no shortage of historic attractions to visit. Delhi is packed with easily overlooked historical sites in hidden corners or seemingly ordinary locations. One of the most impressive and iconic attractions and one of the most important Delhi's landmark is the India Gate. In the capital city, you’re bound to find many places with an interesting story which dates back centuries. Here is the list of the best historical places in Delhi.

 

1. Humayun’s Tomb

 

The best historical place in Delhi to start with is the Humayun’s Tomb. Located in the heart of Delhi, it is a UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site and definitely tops the list of must visit places. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It's definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Delhi.

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Image Courtesy:Yatra.com

 

How To Reach: Take the metro to the Khan Market Metro station and then hire a tuk tuk to cover the last 2.5 kilometers.

 

2. Red Fort

 

A historian's paradise, Red Fort is the magnificent past of India as well as the future of her sovereignty. It is one of the most symbolic features of the Indian capital. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan around 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort is something you just can't afford to miss! Also, it now is a tourist spot turned into busy market-place called the Meena Bazaar, selling a host of wares.
Do hire a guide to show you around.

 

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Image Courtesy: YouTube

 

How To Reach: Nearest metro station - Chandni Chowk, 5 mins walking distance from the metro station

 

3. Akshardham Temple

 

One of the modern marvels of architecture, this sprawling temple complex by the bank of river Yamuna, is a sight to behold. The architecture, design, and rituals of this temple act as an insight into the ancient traditions of Hindu culture, beliefs, and spirituality which have trickled down the years. To pay a spiritual tribute you can't miss out on Akshardham Temple when visiting the best places in Delhi.

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Image Courtesy: akshardham.com

 

How To Reach: Akshardham Metro station lies on the blue line of the Delhi Metro. From the station, it is hardly 5 minutes’ walk to the temple.

 

4. Qutab Minar

 

This minar stands tall at a height of 234 feet and is a perfect display of Mughal architectural brilliance. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is constructed with red sandstone and marble and is surrounded by several other medieval and ancient ruins collectively known as Qutab complex. Your Dilli Darshan is incomplete without visiting Qutub Minar as it's one of the best places to visit in Delhi.

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Image Courtesy: Nriol.com

 

How To Reach: 3 minutes walking distance from the Qutab Minar metro station.

 

5. India Gate

 

India Gate has in many ways come to be the unofficial symbol of Delhi. The iconic war memorial is a favorite picnic spot for many Delhiites and a popular tourist attraction for people from all over the country and the world. For those who are unaware, it was built in the memory of the 82000 soldiers who died in the First World War. The walls of this structure are engraved with the names of the soldiers who died in the war. During evenings, India Gate is dramatically floodlit while the fountains nearby make a lovely display with colored lights. Food vendors, ice cream vans, toy sellers, boating in the lake, toy car rides, etc will have you spend the perfect family time here.

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Image Courtesy: Goibibo

 

How To Reach: You can reach India Gate by getting down at Barakhamba Road Metro Station, Delhi. It is on the Blue Line of Delhi Metro and is about 3 km away from India Gate.

 

6. Jama Masjid

 

The biggest Mosque in India has a religious sentiment attached to it. The religious aspect and the architectural splendour attracts tourists to this monument. The Mosque is surrounded by three huge gates, four towers and two 40m high minarets constructed of strips of red stone and white marble. The ultimate spiritual experience resides at Jama Masjid, it should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Delhi.

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Image Courtesy: Wikipedia

 

How To Reach: It is situated right opposite Chandni Chowk. Taking a metro to Chandni Chowk metro station is the most convinient way.

 

7. Old Fort Or Purana Quila

 

Sher Shah Suri built the Purana Killa some 5000 years ago between 1538-1540. It has three grand gateways called the Talaqi Darwaza, Bara Darwaza and Humayun Darwaza. There are lush green beautiful laws and a still lake that surrounds it that makes it even more attractive for the visitors. 

 

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Image Courtesy: New Delhi Hotels

 

How to reach: Purana Quila is located near the New Delhi Zoo on Mathura Road. The nearest metro station to the Old Fort is the Pragati Maidan station of the Blue line of Delhi Metro.

 

8. Lodhi Tomb

 

Mughal architecture is defined accurately but this tomb that is build inside the lush lawns of Lodhi Garden. It is the memorial tomb for the great leader and king – Sikander Lodi. It is adjacent to Humayun Road, situated on Lodhi Road. You'll come across several places to visit in Delhi but nothing can beauty the beauty of these monuments.

 

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Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

 

How To Reach: Get down at the Jor Bagh metro station and take an auto to Lodhi Garden.

 

9. Lotus Temple

 

The lotus temple is named the lotus temple because of obvious reasons – it looks like a Lotus. It is lit up with colored lights after the sun sets. Bahai Faith – which believes in the unity of all the people irrespective of their religions is the foundation of this white marble covered temple. This beauty is located in Nehru Place.

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Image Courtesy: Goibibo

 

How To Reach: Nearest metro station - Kalkaji Mandir and Nehru Place

 

10. Agrasen Ki Baoli

 

Agrasen's Baoli (Agrasen ki Baoli) is among a few of its kind in Delhi, consisting of 103 steps made of red stone. The Baoli was originally built by Maharaja Agrasen, in the Mahabharat era, and later rebuilt by the Agrawal community in the 14th century, most probably during the Tughlaq period. It is one of the sites protected by the Archeological Survey Of India. You'll be fascinated by this one for sure while going across the best places to visit in Delhi. It's one of those places to visit in Delhi with friends for an unforgettable time.

 

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Image Courtesy: Trodly