Delhi is packed with easily overlooked historical places that speak to its vast and fascinating past. These breathtaking destinations will transport you back through time and give your senses a much-needed rest from modern city living.
No matter your interest – be it Mughal architecture or experiencing life during times of cholera and smallpox – these landmarks in Delhi should be on your heritage tour agenda.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb was India’s first garden tomb and served as an important precedent to later monuments such as Taj Mahal. Commissioned by Empress Bega Begum – widow of Mughal Emperor Humayun – it was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas of Iran.
Site selection was determined to be auspicious as royal burial near holy sites was seen as auspicious. Nizamuddin Auliya shrine dates from 14th century and therefore nearby was an appropriate spot.
During the 1857 Indian Rebellion, this monument served as a refuge for Bahadur Shah Zafar – the last Mughal Emperor. Later restored and listed on UNESCO as World Heritage Site.
India Gate
India Gate is an iconic tourist attraction renowned worldwide for its magnificent evening illumination. Built to commemorate those Indian soldiers who gave their lives during the 1971 Indo Pakistan War, Amar Jawan Jyoti stands as an eternal monument dedicated to them and contains an Amar Jawan Jyoti that reads: “Flame of Immortal Soldiers”.
This memorial stands below an archway and features a black marble cenotaph that houses a reversed rifle crested with soldier’s helmets. Unveiled by Indira Gandhi on Republic Day 1972, Amar Jawan Jyoti pays a hugely symbolic and patriotic ode to those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and evokes an overwhelming feeling of patriotism when we pass by it.
Isa Khan’s Tomb
Isa Khan’s Tomb, located in Nizamuddin area, was one of the earliest examples of tomb-in-walled-garden type monuments. Additionally, this tomb boasted one of its kind featuring an octagonal ambulatory specifically intended for ritual circumambulation.
Isa Khan Niyazi was a Pashtun noble in Sher Shah Suri and Islam Shah Suri’s courts. This complex was completed during his lifetime and displays architectural patterns characteristic of both families.
Reopened to the public this April after two years of restoration work, it is one of Delhi’s most revered historical spots and serves as a monument honoring Indian soldiers who fell during World War I.
Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar stands as one of Delhi’s most striking monuments and one of its most recognized architectural marvels, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbolic of India’s historical and architectural brilliance.
This five-tier tower was constructed over time by various rulers. Qutb-ud-Din Aibak was the original architect; later additions came from Iltutmish, Alauddin Khilji, Firoz Shah Tughlaq and Sanderson.
This structure features an intricate dome of sandstone and marble that sits atop its structure, as well as tombs of Iltutmish’s era, Ala-ud-Din Khilji’s Tomb, and the unfinished tower called Alai Minar.
Jama Masjid
Established by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as Masjid-e-Jahan-Numa in 1648 and completed during its construction by more than 5000 workers over 16 years, it can hold 25,000 worshipers at once on Eid days; Eid celebrations here can often turn into massive partying affairs!
Visits to mosques can be an excellent way to gain more insight into Islam and understand its culture, while admiring their intricate architecture, grand gates, domes and minarets.
Hauz Khas is one of Delhi’s most engaging historical spots, featuring exquisitely preserved medieval structures that look like ruins. Additionally, Hauz Khas hosts various hip bars, cafes, and trendy restaurants that make it a lively destination.
Lal Quila
Lal Quila was the palace of Mughal emperors. It was constructed by Shah Jahan when he decided to shift his capital away from Agra, with Ustad Ahmad Lahauri serving as its architect.
It features an octagonal shape and covers an area of 256 acres; now part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Each year, people gather here on Independence and Republic Days to witness the hoisting of the national flag from this fort. Additionally, it was here where freedom fighters experienced difficult trials during India’s independence movement and is an iconic landmark that showcases Mughal architectural styles.
