Delhi is a popular metropolis in India. The national government operates out of this capital city. Because of the historical significance of Delhi itself, there are many landmarks you can visit during your stay.
Visit Delhi by booking your flight with Cathay Pacific. Flights from Vancouver to Delhi are less than 1,500 Canadian dollars. Get excited by reading about our top eight landmarks to visit on your first trip to Delhi.
1. Mughal Era Red Fort
Erected in Old Delhi during the 1600s using the Indo-Islamic architectural style, the Mughal Era is Delhi’s main symbol. Especially on your first trip to the country, you can’t miss visiting this landmark of history! The native people call this Lal Qila.
The Mughal Emperors resided in the Red Fort thanks to Emperor Shah Jahan’s decree to erect the building in 1638. The original capital of his territory was Agra, but Red Fort was erected when he decided to move the capital to Delhi.
Every year during their Independence Day on August 15, a big event takes place at Red Fort to celebrate when the Indian Independence Act was born. There is an on-premises history museum and you can walk the whole fort to see the sights.
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
2. Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is conveniently located on Lotus Temple Road in New Delhi. Just admiring the lovely Expressionist architecture that shapes the iconic lotus is enough to take your breath away.
Go to the Lotus Temple to find your spiritual center. Considered a Bahai House of Worship erected in the 1980s, you can visit the Lotus Temple to connect spiritually to yourself and your gods no matter what religion you practice. Because of its breath-taking 27 petals perfectly stationed around the building, the Lotus Temple has won awards because of its architectural design and is continuously featured in written media.
Address: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019, India
3. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is known as the “victory tower” located in Lol Kot, which is Delhi’s most well-known fortified city because it is the most ancient amongst them all. Tomar Rajputs were the gentleman behind discovering Lol Kot. Because of its historical significance, now the Qutub Minar is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stationed in the Mehrauli district of South Delhi, tourists love visiting this 73m high landmark that was built with Islamic and Asian architectural design in 1193. The Delhi Sultanate’s first ruler was named Qutb-ud-din Aibak, who was responsible for decreeing that the Qutub Minar be erected.
Address: Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030, India
4. Humayan’s Tomb
Take a gander at Delhi’s ancient history at Humayun’s Tomb, which houses the late Emperor Humayun. As the second emperor of the Mughal Empire, Emperor Humayun reigned from 1530 to 1540 and then reigned again for six months from 1555 to 1556 before he died at the age of 47 on January 27, 1556.
His chief consort, Hamida Banu Begum asked two architects from the Persian empire to build the tomb for the Emperor when he passed. You can conveniently visit the Dinah-Panah Citadel after visiting his tomb because they are close in proximity.
Since its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, architects have worked to restore the monument to its original glory. There are tinier monuments stationed on the path to Humayan’s Tomb, so you can learn more about Delhi’s history along the way.
Address: Nizamuddin, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, Delhi 110013, India
5. Purana Qila
If you are planning a day at the New Delhi Zoo, you may as well stop by Purana Qila, too, for a historical lesson about the Mughal Empire. The distance between Purana Qila and Humayan’s Tomb is only a nine-minute (3.5 km) drive by car. Visiting these three sites in one day would make for a fun and educational adventure!
Purana Qila is the Indian name for the Dinah-Panah Citadel, which was originated by Emperor Humayan in 1533. He partnered with Surid Sultan Sher Shah Suri to erect what is known today as one of the most ancient forts throughout Delhi. Historical experts believe that Purana Qila is stationed in the old city of Indraprastha.
Address: Mathura Rd, Near Delhi Zoo, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India
6. Jama Masjid
Masjid e Jahan Numa is the Indian name for the Jama Masjid landmark. It takes its place in the list of biggest monuments in the Delhi area. The mosque cost one million rupees to erect when Emperor Shah Jahan decreed the building to be erected. It took six years to build the landmark starting in 1650 and ending in 1656.
Because tourists and natives love to visit this monument, you will see many there when you go. The courtyard can fit over 2,500 people. The three large gates stand proud in their glory while the two minarets that measure 40 meters each add an air of fanciful royalty.
Address: Jama Masjid Rd, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
7. India Gate
India Gate is located in what was once known as Kingsway. The location’s name has since then been changed to Rajpath. The monument pays homage to the more than 84,000 British Indian soldiers that gave their lives fighting for World War I between 1914 to 1921. It also commemorates the soldiers that fell during the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
Because of its war-related historical background, India Gate is another location where many celebratory events take place for Indian Independence Day on August 15 annually. Visit Delhi in August to attend the Republic Day parade at India Gate.
Address: Rajpath, India Gate, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
Conclusion
If you love Indian culture and are excited to visit Delhi, don’t forget to book your flight with Cathay Pacific. Come to a metropolis filled with history, wonder, and lovely street eats. Try the chaat in between visiting landmark visits and you won’t be disappointed!