Top Historical Monuments In Delhi
Delhi has been the central seat of power in India since ages, be it the Mughal era or the British colonial era. It is now the capital of India and is dotted with many grand and beautiful monuments constructed by the greatest kings this world has ever seen. Let us have a look at the top ten monuments that should be surely there in your travel schedule when you come to visit Delhi:
1. Red Fort
The crowning glory of Delhi is the grand fortress called Red Fort owned by the Mughal dynasty. This monument is situated in Old Delhi, is the largest of all monuments in the city and houses museums displaying ancient archaeology, the stories of martyrs and Indian wars etc. This monument is built in red sandstone and that’s why is called the Red Fort. Like any mughal fortress it has features like Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, several gardens etc in its complex. One can go for the light and sound show that is put up here every evening to describe the glory of Mughal era.
2. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and is one of the most serene places to visit in Delhi. It is a deeply revered worship place among the Muslim community and they come here to put forward their requests or ‘arziyaan’ in the hope that ‘Allah’ will fulfil their wishes. Such is the grandeur that the Masjid can accommodate 25,000 people praying at the same time.
3. Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is the second tallest minaret in India. It was built as a mark of victory by Qutab-Ud-Din-Aibak to commemorate his triumph over the Hindu dynasty. It has now been given the title of UNESCO world heritage site due to the Arabic inscriptions on it. Such is the fame of this monument that a its picture appears on the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Travel cards.
4. India Gate
Constructed by the British to commemorate the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in World War I, this is also known as the All India War Memorial. Located on the Rajpath, it is now a monument of national importance as on the Republic Day the parade comes to India Gate to pay a tribute to all the Indian war heroes who lost their lives for the pride of their country. Not to miss Amar Jawan Jyoti, the ever burning flame of which signifies that soldiers who lost his life saving the honour of India are immortal.
5. Humayun’s Tomb
Situated on the Mathura Road, this is the burial or mausoleum of Humayun and it is one of the significant constructions done during the Mughal Rule. It was built by Haji Begum (the wife of Humayun) using the characteristic red sandstone which always had a special place in the Mughal architecture. Very recently in the early 1990s it was put in the list of UNESCO World heritage sites.
To know more in detail about Humayun's Tomb Click Here
6. Jantar Mantar
This is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber region in Rajasthan. This observatory was built by Jai Singh due to he being instructed to revise the astronomical tables and calendar by the then Mughal ruler and also because he had interest in the subject of astronomy himself. One can find here massive architectural astronomical objects which help study the movements of planets, sun and moon. The spectator will be spell bound for sure on having a look of these.
To know more in detail about Jantar Mantar Click Here
7. Lotus Temple
This temple is a hit among the tourists coming to Delhi. The magnificent architecture and the peaceful aura are two things that will be greatly admired by the visitors. This temple has got such a name because it is built in the shape of a lotus. It is not dedicated to a particular God as it is a Baha’i faith temple which believes in equality and oneness of all religions. One can just sit in the hall and meditate in the calmness.
To know more in detail about Lotus Temple Click Here
8. Rashtrapati Bhawan
India’s president’s house or the Rastrapati Bhawan (as called in Hindi) is one of the most grand and glorious structures standing in Delhi. It was originally built as the viceroy’s lodge during the British rule. The Rasthrapati Bhawan’s very famous tourist attraction is Mughal Garden which has numerous varieties of flowers. This is open for tourists in February -March every year. Events of national importance are hosted here like the swearing in ceremony of Prime Minister, cabinet, presenting of Arjuna Awards etc.
