7 Best Historical Places To Visit In Delhi (2024)

The national capital of India, New Delhi has its own history to recite to the younger generations. The ancient site was built into a huge township under the rule of the Delhi sultanate, followed by the Mughals, who made Delhi their administrative capital. Delhi started growing rapidly under their rule and even after the invasion of Britishers, the city flourished through all the roadblocks and adversities. When India became independent, Delhi, which geographically stood on the temple of India was chosen as the administrative capital of the nation. Now let us take a look at some of the best historical places to visit in Delhi.

7 Best Historical Places To Visit In Delhi

Best Historical Places to Visit in Delhi:

1. Red Fort

The prominence of red fort in the history of and even contemporary India is unmatchable. Red fort stands as a masterpiece, a collective identity of the nation in the face of the whole world. The Red fort, completely made of red sandstone is a major historical tourist attraction in Delhi, and above all, a mighty structure with a long drawn history. The fifth Mughal emperor, Shahjahan built the red fort and from then, it was the palace of the Mughal royal family for a long 200 years of time. Red fort, as said, is one of the biggest monuments that is of huge national importance. Our first prime minister delivered the message on 14th of August, 1947 in red fort, hoisting the Indian flag. The red fort is located in the Netaji Subhash Road in Chandni Chowk of Delhi. You can visit the fort anytime between 9:30 to 4:30, except on Mondays. Image Source

2. Humayun’s Tomb

Very similar to the pyramids of Egypt, the Mughals had the custom of burying the deceased member of the royal family with a custom designed tomb, with all decorations. Apart from Taj Mahal of Agra and Akbar’s tomb, the tomb of Humayun, located in Delhi is a known tourist site and also a major place of historical attraction. It is believed that Hamida Banu, the wife of Humayun was behind the construction of the tomb which is a primary historical attraction in the city. The complex of Humayun’s Tomb is decorated with a lot of things which include the lush green lawns and gardens. The blend of ancient Indian and Persian craftsmanship too has really worked out well, as they are indeed considered as a major attraction here. The whole structure is completely made of red sandstone, with a lot of carvings and priority to architecture. Humayun’s Tomb is situated in the Mathura road, right near the Nizamuddin Dargah which is open to visitors from 7 to 6:30.
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3. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is an excellent example of the craftsmanship of Mughals and that their skills in architecture are not limited to the building of tombs and similar structures. Qutub Minar is also an UNESCO heritage site, and also the tallest Minar in the country. The tower consists of five different storeys that are simply chiselled with mind-blowing skills and elegance. The 73 meter structure has nearly 379 steps in total, in a spiral form, adding to the interior beauty of the structure. Moreover Qutub Minar witnesses a lot of influx everyday, and is also considered as one of the finest historical buildings constructed during the Mughal regime. The Qutub Minar is situated in Mehrauli, adjacent to the Chattarpur temple complex. You can pay a visit to Qutub Minar from 7 in the morning, which remains open till 5 in the evening.
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4. India Gate

India gate is a well-known war memorial situated in Delhi. Similar to the red fort and many of the other historical monuments of the city, India Gate too is one which recites the importance of national integration and also the soldiers of the nation who protect us from all the threats. The India gate is a major historical tourist attraction in the Janpath, where it has been established to commemorate the services of 70,000 Indian soldiers, who bravely fought the first world war of 1914-18. The visitors can also find the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which is kept lit as a tribute towards the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country and the ones who are ready to give up anything for the nation’s welfare. A reversed rifle and a military helmet is also part of the Amar Jawan Jyoti, lit in the India gate. It has been nearly half a century that Amar Jawan Jyoti has been lit for. The Rajpath, directly takes you to the gigantic structure of India gate. You can visit this major tourist and historical attraction of Delhi anytime.
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5. Hauz Khaz Fort

Hauz Khaz is a fort with a complex that displays excellent architectural styles and beauty, which is simply another craftsmanship marvel during the regime of the Khiljis. The Hauz Khaz Fort was built under the rule of Alauddin Khilji, who is one of the most popular rulers of the Khilji dynasty. The Hauz Khaz Fort was used to be a mere reservoir of water that supplied water to the Siri Fort. Later, a complex was slowly built up, making it one of the major historical and tourist places of attraction in Delhi. The Hauz Khaz Fort is surrounded by beautiful lush green gardens which is its major attraction. It is followed by the other artworks and a beautiful deer garden, which takes you to the primary attraction of the fort, the gigantic water reservoir. You can also find some tombs of the members of the royalty and the dynasty, followed by a mosque and even an Islamic seminary. The best time to visit the Hauz Khaz Fort would be in the late evenings when the light and sound show is performed. It is another major happening in Hauz Khaz which you should never miss at any cost. The Hauz Khaz Fort is situated in Hauz Khaz village, and the fort will remain open from 10:30 to 7.
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6. Jama Masjid

Another wonder which can be added to the list of major historical attractions made in India during the regime of Mughals – Jama Masjid is one of the popular mosques in Delhi, which is built by the fifth Mughal emperor, Shahjahan. It is also one of the biggest mosques in India which is well known for its eminent architecture and craftsmanship. The prayer hall of the Jama Masjid is one of its major attractions, along with the carvings and scriptures which are used in the walls. The Jama Masjid was established in 1656, being one of the oldest mosques in India too. The entire structure of Jama Masjid is purely made of red sandstone and marble, making its outlook charming and eye-catching. Some of the other major attractions of the mosque are its three gigantic gates, the towers on each corner of the mosque and the duo of tower heads. The magnificent area which is reserved for prayers can hold upto 25,000 devotees at a time. The Jama Masjid is situated close to the Red Fort in Netaji Subhash Road. You can visit the mosque between 7AM to afternoon and 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the evening excluding the tourists during pray time.
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7. Rashtrapati Bhavan

A president is considered as the supreme authority who is holding the highest position in the bureaucratic structure of our nation. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the residence of the President of India, and a part of it is a popular tourist place in Delhi, which attracts a lot of tourists round the year. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is a huge mansion which was constructed during the regime of the East India company. Rashtrapathi Bhavan has everything you could ask for in a royal mansion, including more than 300 rooms, gardens which are made using the Mughal style of craftsmanship, and much more. Sir Edwin Lutyens was the chief architect behind the construction of Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was made for the viceroy of Delhi, remained to be one of the popular administrative territories in that period. After independence the mansion was turned into the official residence of the president, the representative of the country. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is situated near the second gate of the Rajpath road. You can visit the mansion anytime between 9 and 4 but the visitors are restricted to the days between Thursday and Sunday.
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Conclusion

Delhi is nothing short of deserving a description of being a historical city. The national capital has some wonderful historical destinations which no other city in the world could offer. Make a plan and book your tickets whenever you feel like visiting these beautiful places.