Delhi: the capital of India, a sprawling metropolis, with many relics of the past. No trip to India is complete without a visit to Delhi. From shopping in local markets, to visiting religious and historical sights, Delhi is sure to delight. Below I share a few of my favorite places to visit in Delhi, as well as thoughts on additional places of interest.
Swaminarayan Akshardham
Swaminarayan Akshardham is a religious amusement park located in Delhi, close to Noida. Along with a temple, there is an IMAX movie and a boat ride showcasing aspects of the Hindu religion. There is also a water show at the end of the day that you will want to stay for. The Akshardham is unlike any of the other locations I have visited in India, and one of my most frequently suggested places to visit when friends tell me they will be in the area.
There are a lot of rules for entering – knees and shoulders covered, and no electronics, including phones. But if you have some free time in Delhi, I highly recommend it. On the day I visited it was busy (mid-summer) and very warm, but there were few tourists, which I always appreciate.
The Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is a Bahai temple, with a very memorable shape. Guests are allowed to enter the sanctuary, after removing their shoes. In the summer, the ground is quite warm, but ground coverings are provided to help ease the heat. There is also a pool outside the sanctuary that you can dip your feet into. Due to its location outside the city center, the Lotus Temple is frequently not included in tours of the city. But if you take the time to hail a cab or an auto, and you are in for a real treat!
Chandni Chowk
A very memorable option in Delhi is to take a cycle rickshaw through the streets around the Chandni Chowk marketplace. This is in the old part of town, where streets are narrow and the traffic is robust. It almost feels as if you are stepping back in time, as you see vendors selling pretty much anything you could want or need.
Jama Masjid
Delhi’s oldest mosque, Jama Masjid is also India’s largest. You will want to have your knees and shoulders covered when visiting. If needed, they offer coverings to ensure proper attire. It is a huge, beautiful site, close to the Chandni Chowk market, that is worth a visit.
Qutub Minar
This is the site of Delhi’s oldest fortified city. Beautifully carved red and grey sandstone structures, along with a minaret, tell stories of centuries past. The construction of the site dates back to between 1199 and 1220. It is an interesting space to explore, and to marvel at the ingenuity of times gone by.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is known as a mini Taj Mahal. The tomb is worth a visit; the grounds and building are beautiful and very peaceful. However, if your trip will include a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, then I would opt for the Taj Mahal over Humayun’s Tomb. Both locations are burial sites. The Taj Mahal is larger and constructed out of white marble, while Humayun’s Tomb is made of red stone.
Old Red Fort
I have actually never visited the Old Red Fort in Delhi, though I have driven past it on numerous occasion. Locals share that this fort is very similiar to the Red Fort in Agra. Thus, if you plan to visit the Red Fort in Agra, then there is no reason to visit this one. The Red Fort in Agra is actually one of my favorite places in India. So, if you can’t make it to Agra, then his is a spot to visit.
Delhi is a city of many attractions, telling the stories of the religions and people who have lived in the city for centuries. Some are statues and monuments that you only need to drive by. Others are markets and complexes ripe for exploring. Spending time walking around in Delhi you are sure to get a better sense of who the Indian people are, the history that guides them today, and to learn more about yourself along the way.
