DELHI MONUMENTS

Red Fort
The Mighty Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan called the Red Fort in Delhi - the Urdu - I- Mu'alla or the Qila - I- Mu'alla i.e. the 'fort of exalted dignity'. Tour this grand red sandstone monument that serves as a constant reminder of Mughal pomp and grandeur synonymous with Old Delhi, India.
The fort came to be known as the 'Lal Qila' during the British colonial rule in India.

The Construction of the Red Fort began in the year 1639 during Shah Jahan's rule in Delhi. The massive structure was completed in the year 1648.

The entire Red Fort is enclosed by a 2 kilometer long red sandstone wall that etches a clear octagonal shape. There is a deep moat that surrounds the Red Fort wall that used to be filled with Yamuna river waters in the days of the yore. In fact the River Yamuna used to flow right next to the eastern edge of the massive fort.

In those days people entered the fort by crossing wooden drawbridges either on horseback or elephant back. There are two main gates that lead to the Red Fort, the Dilli Darwaza and the Lahori Darwaza. The Lahori Darwaza or the Lahori Gate has special historical significance and faces the famous Chandini Chowk market that was also laid by Emperor Shah Jahan for the ladies of the regal household.

Qutub Minar
Explore the artistic tower of victory or the Qutub Minar that is an excellent example of late Afghan building style in Delhi, India. The Qutub Minar happens to be one of the highest stone towers in India till date and is definitely one of the most skilful and artistic illustrations of Islamic architecture. In fact Qutub Minar is recognized as one of the main landmark monuments of Delhi, India.

The construction of the Qutub Minar began in the year 1199 under the supervision of Sultan Qutub-Ud-Din, though he could not complete the structure during his lifetime. Later his son-in-law, Illtumish undertook the completion of this magnificent five-storied minar in Delhi, India.

The 72.5 meter high tower is a splendid affair that measures about 14.32 meters in thickness at the base and gradually tapers with height to about a 2.7-meter width at the peak.

The Qutub Minar was damaged twice by lightning in the years 1326 and 1368. The marble structure that was originally set atop the tower was damaged during the first disaster and was replaced by another marble crown designed by an English architect that was however considered inappropriate and was removed in the later years. This marble structure lies on display as an exhibit on the lawns near the Qutub Minar.

Safdarjang's Tomb
Delhi, the capital of India is a cosmopolitan city generously peppered with monumental buildings that serve as constant reminders of Delhi's historic past. Safdarjang's Tomb is one such monument that commemorates the memory of Mirza Mukin Mansur Khan, popularly known as 'Safdarjung'.

Designed by an Abyssinian architect and built under the patronage of the Nawab of Awadh, Shuja-ud-Daulah, Safdarjang's Tomb in Delhi mirrors the concluding phase of the splendid Mughal building style in Delhi.

Set in the middle of a green and well-laid lawn, Safdarjang's Tomb, Delhi was constructed with buff colored sandstone sprinkled with red sandstone and white marble.

The central structure of Safdarjang's Tomb, Delhi has four two-storied minarets and a central bulbous dome made of pure white marble. Apart from the tomb, there are other structures like the Zenana quarters, a market area and a guesthouse that clearly indicate that this place was inhabited.

It is said that the arches and domes that ornament the massive Safdarjang's Tomb were carted to India from Persia and turkey. Be enchanted at the intricate latticework on stone screens at the mosque locate within the tomb premises.

Read the Arabic inscription on the main gateway that leads to Safdarjang's Tomb that reads " When the hero of plain bravery departs from the transitory, may he become a resident of God's paradise."

Rashtrapati Bhavan
See the splendid Rashtrapati Bhawan located in central Delhi with India Travel Portal. An integral part of Lutyens' Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhawan has more than 300 rooms and serves as the home of the reigning president of India

The viceregal home of the British era, the Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi is a must visit. Flanked by the Mughal gardens and deep green lawns that spread over 130 hectares, the aesthetically constructed Rashtrapati Bhawan is an enormous home.

The Mughal Gardens are open to public during the month of February when roses and dahlias are in full bloom. 418 gardeners are employed by the Government of India to tend the massive lawns that compliment the grand Rashtrapati Bhawan in Delhi, India.

The palatial President's home reflects an amalgamation of Western and Mughal architectural styles. See the Ashok Hall, Durbar Hall and the massive Dining space as you tour the grand Rashtrapati Bhawan that overlooks the lovely Vijay Chowk.

Every Saturday a ceremonial change of guard takes place to keep up with traditions of the yore. Constructed by two English architects Edward Lutyens and Henry Baker, the Rashtrapati Bhawan is a visual treat with its exotic pillars, massive halls and delightful porticos.

Hazrat Nizamuddin's Tomb
Located in the Nizamuddin Village, close to Humayun's tomb, Hazrat Nizamuddin's Tomb in Delhi transports you into an entirely different world. An intersection of alleys, narrow stone lanes, tombs and mosques remind you of an era gone by.

Hazrat Nizamuddin's Tomb commemorates the memory of the great Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya who represented the Chisti order of Sufism in Delhi, India. Also known as the Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya, Hazrat Nizamuddin's Tomb is a sacred place for both Hindus and Muslims.

The mausoleum as it exists today was constructed in the year 1562 by a rich merchant, Faridu'n Khan. The original structure of the Sufi saint's tomb was destroyed long back.

The main tomb at Hazrat Nizamuddin's Tomb is an ornate square marble structure, with perforated jali screens and architectural friezes that add to the glory of the sacred tomb. The tomb is set on a verandah where qawwali singing sessions are held in the evenings after the namaz prayers.

The lotus cresting on the central dome and black marble inlay work adds to the glory of this sacred mausoleum in Delhi, India.

Jama Masjid
See the spectacular Jama Masjid that was constructed right opposite the massive Red Fort by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in between the years 1644 and 1656.

The Jama Masjid in Delhi happens to be the most elaborate and the largest mosque in India. This magnificent and peaceful place of worship in Delhi was originally named as the Masjid-I-Jahanuma. With three massive gateways, four artistically built towers and two lovely minarets, the Jama Masjid in Delhi mirrors a fascinating blend of white marble and red sandstone.

The term Masjid-I-Jahanuma basically meant that this place of worship commanded a view of the entire world.

It took exemplary skill and effort out in by more than 5,000 artisans and workers to complete the massive Jama Masjid that is perched on a slightly higher ground and dominates the Old Delhi skyline that still retains its Mughal flavor.

Located on the ancient city of Bho Jala, that was an integral part of Shahjahanbad, the grand Jama Masjid has a massive marble courtyard that has the capacity to comfortably accommodate about 25,000 devotees at a time.

The four grand towers that flank the mosque on four sides are five-storied structures that display a profusion of artistic frescoes and calligraphic stone inscriptions, typical to the Mughal architectural style.

The flight of steps that lead to the Jama Masjid in Delhi are delightfully ornate, with alternate steps made of red sandstone and white marble.

The north gate of the Jama Masjid in Delhi, India is special as there is a cupboard in this part of the mosque that stores a strand of hair of the Prophet Mohammad, his foot prints on a marble block and several other relic that belonged to the 'messenger of Allah'.

Purana Qila
The construction of the Purana Qila in Delhi, India marked the establishment of Shergarh or Dinpanah, which served as Emperor Humayun's capital. It was so typical of the great scholar king not to name a city on his own name.

The Purana Qila was built in the year 1538. There were several other structures located close to the Qila, which seem to have crumbled to ruins over the centuries.

The massive yet simple, Purana Qila in Delhi, India has three main gates of which entry was forbidden through the Talaqi Darwaza. The other gates that led to the Purana Qila were the Bara Darwaza and the Humayun Darwaza.

Tour the Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid that is located near the Purana Qila, Delhi, India. Also see the octagonal, two-storied building from which Emperor Humayun accidentally fell to his death.

See the lovely red sandstone Sher Mandal that was constructed by Sher Shah Suri when he defeated Humayun and annexed Shergarh for a little while. Later when Humayun reconquered his territory he utilized this lovely structure as his personal library.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Tour the aesthetic Lakshmi Narayan Mandir or the Birla Mandir located on the Mandir Marg in Delhi with India Travel Portal.

Negotiate a flight of steps to enter the massive Lakshmi Narayan Mandir that is dedicated to the Hindu deities Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, though there are separate shrines located within the temple complex that are dedicated to other Hindu deities such as Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna and others.

Tours to the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Delhi takes you to a secular shrine that was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the express condition that persons of all creeds, castes and sects would be allowed to enter the temple sanctum.

Tall carved domes ornamented with circular ribbed motifs, typical of the ancient Orissa architectural style, crown the lavish Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Delhi, India. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple lights up with festivities during Janamashtami celebrations.

Admire the spires, idols, sculptures, spacious verandahs and ornamentations that adorn the interiors of the grand Lakshmi Narayan Temple in Delhi, India. The lawns and water fountains located behind the temple premises compliment the ornate temple décor.

The Lakshmi Narayan Temple was constructed by the famous Birla family who have the distinction of being one of the richest business families in India.

India Gate
Illuminated like a bejeweled arch, the All India War Memorial or the India Gate offers spectacular sights at sunset.

Tour the 42-meter high stone arch or the India Gate as a part of your tour packages for Places of Interest in Delhi with India Travel Portal.

India Gate is a landmark monument that was designed and constructed to commemorate the memory of 70,000 soldiers who died during the First World War. The names of warriors who died during the Afghan war are inscribed on the massive India Gate arches.

There is another memorial right under the India Gate that is known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti that consists of a constantly burning flame to honor the memory of those who perished during the Bangladesh war in 1971.

The entire India Gate arch is perched on platforms built of Bharatpur red sandstone. Surrounded by lush lawns and tiny water pools, India Gate adorns a carnival like ambience at sunset everyday.

Lick an ice candy as you feast on the panoramic vistas that greet you near the floodlit India Gate that dominates the Delhi skyline with regal flourish.

Akshardham Temple
Tour the massive mega Akshardham Temple Complex in Delhi, India and explore an amazing world of Indian culture ornate with 20, 000 statues, floral motifs, arches and exquisitely carved pillars.

The magnificent Akshardham Temple in Delhi has been constructed under the patronage of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and was inaugurated on November 7, 2005.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by President APJ Abdul Kalam and the temple was formally inaugurated by Pramukhswami Maharaj who leads the BAPS.

The temple complex in the national capital, to be inaugurated on Sunday, promises a unique glimpse of the Hindu religion and Indian culture.

The Akshardham temple complex has been built on the banks of the serene River Yamuna and lies over a sprawling 100 acres of lush manicured lawns adorned with water fountains and carved pavilions. A whopping 2 billion was spent on the construction of this grand place of worship that took about 2 years to build.

An IMAX theatre, a Swaminarayan temple and an elaborate musical fountain accessorize the massive Akshardham temple complex in Delhi, India. The architectural style is an imitation of the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.

The main monument at the Akshardham temple in Delhi is about 141-foot high and houses a lovely statue of Lord Swaminarayan.

Tour theme halls exhibiting tableaux depicting legends and stories that glorify non-violence and vegetarianism at the Akshardham temple complex in Delhi with India Travel Portal.

Swaminarayan Akshardham reflects the essence and magnitude of India's ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spirituality.

Sixty acres of lush lawns, gardens and exquisite bronze statues of India's child gems, valorous warriors, national figures and great women personalities inspire visitors with values and national pride.

An intriguing combination of a large stone step-well and a Vedic yagna kund with a colorful musical fountain that echoes Vedic sentiments and prayers.

A giant screen film on an 85’ x 65’ screen that vividly portrays an 11-year-old child-yogi’s epic pilgrimage of India.

Universal values for mankind presented through audio-animatronics and light and sound diorama presentations from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

A 12-minute fascinating boat-ride experience of 10,000 years of India's glorious heritage. Learn about the discoveries and inventions of the rishi-scientists of India, see the world’s first university of Takshashila and sail through the caves of Ajanta-Ellora

Humayun's Tomb
Tour the historic Humayun's Tomb in Delhi that is a world heritage site and was constructed in the year 1570. Humayun was the son and successor of the great Mughal Emperor Babar who established the Mughal dynastic rule in India. The Emperor passed away in the year 1555 and the construction of his grand tomb was completed under the express supervision of his Persian wife, Hamida Begum.

Tour the Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, India and step in a world of historic splendor as you explore this grand garden tomb that is an exemplary illustration of Persian building style. In fact Humayun's Tomb in Delhi was one of the first monuments that was built in the Persian style.

The Humayun's Tomb was constructed on the banks of the River Yamuna and was built close to the Dargah of the pious saint Nizam-u-ddin Auliya.

Humayun's Tomb sits atop a massive red sandstone platform and displays stunning architectural beauty with its high-arched gateways, a grand bulbous dome and serene gardens.

An interesting feature at the Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, India is the fact that the walls of the grand red sandstone platform has several archways that lead to the tombs of several other members of the Mughal royal household.

The main tomb is an artistic expression in red sandstone with inlay work done in white and black marble. The central chamber that houses Humayun's Tomb is an octagonal room with an elaborately built tombstone. Though the real tomb lies 6 meters below the ground level. You may descend stone steps that lead to the main tomb.

Marvel at the carved stone screens, intricately chiseled kiosks and delightful tile inlay work that greets you on your tours to the splendid Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, India.

Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an amazing astronomical observatory that was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur, India.

A massive masonry observatory, Jantar Mantar is a collection of massive stone astronomical instruments that aid in making accurate astronomical calculations. Raja Sawai Jai Singh drew inspiration for the construction of Jantar Mantar from the observatory at Samarkhand that was constructed by Ulugh Beg.

Several astronomical experiments were carried out at the massive Jantar Mantar that were utilized for creating astronomical tables that were later compiled Zij Muhhamad Shahi.

An integral part of India's scientific and historical heritage, the Jantar Mantar in Delhi is a history seekers delight. The term Jantar Mantar owes its origin to the Sanskrit terms 'Yantra Mantra' that mean instruments and formulae.

The two concave hemispheres at the Jayaprakash Yantra are simply marvelous. Used to note the local time, Sun's position and zodiac signs, the Jayaprakash Yantra was especially significant. The Ram Yantra was utilized to determine celestial co-ordinates and the Misra Yantra was used to find out the shortest and longest days of the year.

Rajghat
Set in the midst of deep green lawns, Rajghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. A memorial to the father of the nation, Rajghat is a simple square platform with a black memorial stone with "Hey Ram" inscribed on it.

"Hey Ram" were the last words uttered by the Mahatma before collapsing after being shot at.

Located on the west bank of the River Yamuna, Rajghat is surrounded by a wooded area and several exotic shrubs that give the area a serene ambience. Walk along the ornate stone pathways as you relax on your tours to the samadhi of one of the greatest leaders, statesman and humanist ever born.

India Travel Portal arranges for you to pay your respects at Rajghat and feel an indescribable peace as you approach the resting place of one of the greatest proponents of non-violence.

Also tour the Gandhi Memorial Museum and the Gandhi Balidan Sthal as a part of your Rajghat tours with India Travel Portal.

National Museum
Tour the National Museum in Delhi that invites tourists to come and explore its rare exhibits on all days except Mondays from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

More than 200,000 works of art, historic artifacts and modern works of art are on display at the National Museum in Delhi, India. The National Museum in Delhi makes it possible for you to see relics of the past and live through the transition that has taken place over a period of 5000 years to the present.

See objects d' art, paintings and other interesting exhibits that offer you a fair glimpse of the rich and deep cultural traditions of India with a civilization as old as ever. Find out more on subject such as pre-historic archaeology, archaeology and other subjects like photography and modeling.

See relics from Lothal, Kalibangan and Harappa as you tour the magnificent National Museum in Delhi. The foundation stone for the National Museum in Delhi was laid by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Indian Prime Minister.

See national heritage treasures such as manuscripts in Mughal Emperor Babar's handwriting and Jehangir's diary among other things at the National Museum in Delhi, India.

See terracotta sculptures, historic poshaks, mural paintings, exhibits that showcase the brilliant tribal customs of India apart from relics such as old coins, pottery, miniature paintings, manuscripts etc.

Also on display are the antique collection of Sir Aureil Stein and several Rajputana and Deccan treasures.

Tour the Conservation Laboratory located within the National Museum in Delhi, India and get a glimpse of the thriving lab that specializes in familiarizing students with restoration of inorganic and organic relics of the past.

Bahai Temple(Lotus Temple)
Tour the Lotus Temple located atop a hill in Kalkaji, Delhi, India and discover a peaceful world in the midst of bustling Delhi with India Travel Portal.

The construction of the Lotus Temple, popularly known as the Bahai Temple came to an end in the year 1986.

Built of marble blocks, the Lotus temple is an architectural marvel built in the shape of a white lotus in half bloom. Set in the midst of acres of lush lawns, the Lotus Temple mirrors the concept of peace and all the values that are so integral to the Bahai sect.

The 27 massive lotus petals lie at the confluence of nine pathways and pools reflecting the Bahai tradition that there are but nine ways to reach God.

The doors of the Lotus Temple welcome people from all faiths, creeds, religions and faiths in keeping with the tradition of secularism. There are several buildings located close to the Lotus Temple that engage members of the Bahai sect who serve the poor and the infirm.

The massive hall located inside the Lotus Temple in Delhi offers a peaceful prayer sanctuary where you can sit and meditate in pin drop silence. Bahaism believes in the 'equality and universality' of all faiths and religions.