New Delhi is home to many different religions and boasts a remarkable selection of religious attractions. Discover national heroes like Mahatma Gandhi or Nehru at museums dedicated to them; or admire the breathtaking architecture of Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Jantar Mantar resembles an immense maize stalk and hosts numerous astronomical instruments at a nominal fee for use by visitors, making it a popular place for pre-wedding photo sessions and pre-wedding photo sessions. Hong Kong to Delhi flights are offered by Cathay Pacific.
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar stands as one of Delhi’s most striking structures and tourist destinations, drawing both residents and visitors alike to experience its impressive architecture that blends Islamic with Indian styles. Renowned for its majestic height and breathtaking design, Qutub Minar boasts one of the tallest minarets (towers where Muslims gather to pray) in the world made from red sandstone – making it an iconic structure in this vibrant city.
Minaret features five stories with distinct architectural styles that vary as one ascends it. The first three stories are constructed entirely out of sandstone while its fourth and fifth stories contain marble elements as well. Every story boasts projecting balcon with intricately carved brackets and projecting balcon atop each floor – also included are tomb of Iltutmish, second ruler of Delhi Sultanate; additionally there is also the lavish Alai Darwaza gateway complex to visit!
In 2006, the Qutub Minar Complex received over three and a half million visitors, making it the most-visited monument in India at that time. Commissioned by Qutb ud-Din Aibak to commemorate his victory against Rajput dynasty forces, this structure stands as testament to Aibak’s triumphant rise as ruler.
The complex was constructed on the remains of Lal Kot, an ancient site comprising 27 Hindu and Jain temples that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Open daily for tourists to explore by both road and metro transit systems, this attraction remains easily accessible all year-round.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid stands as an impressive monument of Mughal architecture in Old Delhi. Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656, it is one of India’s largest mosques with room for up to 25,000 worshipers at once – hence its moniker ‘Jama Masjid’ which derives its name from Arabic words for Friday prayers ‘Jummah’ and Jamma.
The mosque features two lofty minarets, each of which boasts 130 steps inside. One minaret can be reached for a fee by visitors to Central Delhi; it provides spectacular views. Furthermore, its southern minaret offers incredible panoramic views of its surroundings from its summit; providing an elegant counterpoint to its typically chaotic environment. Once Shah Jahan made it his royal mosque until Mughal rule came to an end after which British rulers tried to demolish it but this plan failed after public opposition prevented this destruction taking place.
The mosque is now the center of prayer in Delhi and a major tourist draw, particularly during Ramadan when Muslims break their fasts daily and Eid-ul-Fitr, the Muslim festival of feasting and celebration, when it hosts non-Muslims as well. Special food walking tours can also be organized during these periods around the mosque. Best reached via Delhi Metro stations like Channni Chowk or Chawri Bazaar stations.
Lado Sarai
Lado Sarai is one of several villages within Delhi which serve as pockets of cosmopolitanism, often exempting themselves from zoning regulations and norms common among middle class Delhi. These villages house an interesting mix of people and communities and embody traditional practices of negotiation between differences.
Village residents include Jats from the Sejwal gotra. There are several monuments from Lodi period in this village, such as a nondescript tomb near a small Delhi Development Authority park at the junction of Mehrauli Badarpur Road and Mehrauli Gurgaon Road in South Delhi; unfortunately most monuments here are in danger of becoming extinct.
Lado Sarai residents have initiated a cultural movement by setting up galleries in their homes. The galleries operate in coordination to avoid conflict with events and exhibitions as much as possible, and gallery owners meet regularly to discuss innovative methods of displaying art. They also experiment with novel ways of marketing and promotion their work as well as shifting focus away from older artists in favor of younger talent, thus altering modern Indian art’s face forever. Furthermore, Lado Sarai village has become a center for handicraft production as well.
Lodi Period Tomb in Gumbad Park
Gumbad Park in Delhi boasts the Lodi Period Tomb, a complex comprised of a mosque and tomb built during Sikander Lodi’s rule and featuring elements from Hindu and Muslim designs such as dome-shaped pavilions (jharokhas) and ornamental pinnacles. Dating back to 1494, this mosque features distinctive squat domes while three of five central bays contain mihrabs while vaulted roofs can be found on two end bays.
This tomb is noted for its octagonal layout and domed entranceway, which makes it a key precursor to Mughal style architecture. Travelers often come here for its Indo-Islamic design that mesmerizes them. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it serves as an attractive picnic location.
Mehman Khana stands as one of the city’s best-known historic monuments and comprises an interrelated complex containing tomb, mosque and arched pavilion called Mehman Khana. Constructed to commemorate Sikander Lodi – son of Bahlol Lodi who ruled from 1451-1517 due to his good deeds which earned him respect as an exemplary ruler while sometimes acting in ways considered bigoted – its construction commemorates him.
Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple in Delhi is a modern architectural marvel and one of the city’s top tourist destinations. Constructed by Bahai faith – which believes all religions are equal and must respect each other – in 1986, this stunning lotus-shaped structure welcomes people of all religious affiliations and faiths to worship together peacefully in its beautiful gardens.
FariborzSahba of Iran designed the Lotus Temple using solar energy and took inspiration from its significance within Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism to design it. Additionally, nine pristine pools serve as natural air conditioners to maintain cool interior temperatures throughout all four seasons of the year. He received international accolades for his design excellence which won international awards.
Visit the Lotus Temple when in Delhi to gain more knowledge of Bahai faith and practice meditation for spiritual enlightenment. It welcomes visitors of all religions.
The Lotus Temple can be found near Nehru Place and Kalkaji Mandir metro stations on the Violet line, and can be reached easily by taxi or auto-rickshaw from most areas of Delhi. Booking in advance to avoid long lines at its entrance. Open daily from 9:30 AM until dusk except Mondays.
Akshardham
Akshardham is a Hindu temple and spiritual-cultural complex dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, founder of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. This complex reflects millennia of traditional Indian culture and philosophy and features millennia-old musical fountain, 234 intricately carved pillars, 9 ornate domes and over 20,000 statues; additionally there is also an exquisite garden and ghat nearby.
The temple is constructed using ancient construction methods without using structural steel for support, making it one of the world’s largest Hindu temples and one of only six inducted into Guinness Book of Records for that feat. Furthermore, Sahaj Anand features the world’s first ever musical fountain and one-of-a-kind water show called Sahaj Anand which includes video projection, multi-coloured lasers, water jets, underwater flames, and surround sound for an immersive water show experience.
Other attractions at the temple include a massive sculpture of India and the Hall of Values, where visitors are taught different virtues like perseverance and nonviolence. Furthermore, visitors can watch a 40-minute film that showcases India’s spiritual and cultural history.
Akshardham temple complex can be easily reached via Delhi Metro’s station nearby. Additionally, Akshardham offers numerous housing societies that make an excellent neighborhood for families; furthermore its properties are quite reasonably priced making Akshardham an attractive prospect for first-time buyers.