History of Delhi | Tourist attractions in Delhi | Tours from Delhi

Delhi offers various sites to be visited in and around the city. These sites attract a large number of tourists every year. You can enjoy watching the archeological sites, religious sites, historical sites and more on your tour to Delhi. We at India tours and travel offer you tours for local sightseeing in Delhi; these include some of the famous sites of Delhi as under: India Gate: India Gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. The impressive colonial architecture of India Gate is a symbol of modern Delhi. The beautiful stone arch was built by the British in honor of Indian soldiers killed in World War I. Here you will also find the 'Amar Javan Jyoti', which is a permanent flame in honor of the Indian soldiers who died in wars since 1918.

Red Fort

The Red Fort is one of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal architecture in Delhi. Between 1638 and 1648 Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, built this fort having walls extending up to 2kms in length with the height varying from 18 mts to 33 mts. This fort situated in Old Delhi is a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. The red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort rise 33m were designed to keep out invaders, but today they mainly keep out the noise and confusion of the city, making the fort and its gardens and pavilions a peaceful haven from the surrounding chaos. The fort's main gate, the Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation.

Qutab Minar

It is the highest tower in India, built in red and buff sandstone. The monument covers an area of 14.32m in diameter at the base and about 2.75m on the top with a height of 72.5m. In 1199 A.D. Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Qutab Minar for the use of Mu'azzin. He built the first storey, later three more storeys were added by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish. The tower symbolizes Islamic rule of the city. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth storeys of marble and sandstone.

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's wife, Hamida Begum, built this monument in Delhi in the year 1556. The tomb is set on a platform amidst a garden and is believed to have influenced the design of the Taj Mahal. The structure of the tomb is as magnificent as the Taj Mahal in Agra. The splendor of this grand monument becomes overpowering on entering through the lofty double storied gateway. The fountains with simple yet highly developed engineering skills enhance the beauty of the garden.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India where thousands of Muslims offer prayers every day. The mosque was built in 1656,with the flight of stairs and large courtyard, which are marvels of architecture. It has three gateways, four angle towers, and two minarets standing 40 metres high and constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. Broad flights of steps lead up to the imposing gateways.

Old Fort

The ruins of the fort are located on a small hill which once stood on the banks of the river Yamuna. Legend has it that the fort marked the site of Indraprastha, the magnificent capital of the Pandavas, though Sher Shah Suri carried out the construction sometime between 1538 to 1545 AD. The structure houses a mosque, which has a double storied octagonal tower. It is said that the Mughal king Humayun fell from the tower and died. At the foot of the hill is a lake where the Delhi Tourism has arrangements for boating.

Birla Mandir

The well-known industrialist Raja Baldev Birla built this temple in 1938.Birla Mandir, also called Laxmi Narayan Temple is an important prayer center and contains idols of several deities. The highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165 feet while the ancillary towers reach 116 feet. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall is adorned with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a temple dedicated to Buddha in this complex with fresco paintings describing his life and work. The major deities housed in the temple include Durga and Shiva.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

The Rashtrapati Bhavan or the President's House is the official residence of the President of India. The Bhavan has 340 rooms and is spread in an area of about 330 acres. It is a wonderful blend of Mughal and Western architectural styles. The Bhavan comprises of the magnificent Durbar Hall, the Ball Room, the State Dining Room, and private chambers. The Mughal Gardens within the complex are a treat for the eyes and are open to public during certain periods of the year.

Parliament House

A marvelous piece of architecture which can be admired only from outside on account of security restrictions. Close to President's House, it is circular structure almost a kilometer in circumference, and was designed by the famed architect Luytens. It is the seat of Indian Parliament. This is a marvelous piece of architecture, which can be admired only from outside on account of security restrictions. Close to Rashtrapati Bhavan, it is a domed circular structure about a kilometer in circumference, and was designed by the famed architect Lutyens. It is the seat of the Indian Parliament and witnesses a flurry of activity during the sessions of the Parliament.

Chandni Chawk

It was the eyes and ears of the Mughal's commercial instincts and is today one of the country's best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and many other items. The entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan'' favorite daughter and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families of the time. In today's time, this area is highly congested.

History of Delhi | Tourist attractions in Delhi | Tours from Delhi