Trifter

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1) The Red Fort is also known as Lal Quila. It was built in 1639 A.D. and just like most impressive things you will probably visit, it was built by the Mughals. Situated in the old part of Delhi, it used to oversee the Yamuna river but during the centuries after it was built the river changed its course to a degree where it cannot be seen anymore from the fort. The Red Fort is an attraction that offers diversity to its visitors. One gets to witness history but you can also indulge in some jewellery shopping on the bazaar street called Chatta Chowk.  You can also visit the light and sound show in the evening. It is not too impressive visually but it tells you the history of the fort in an intriguing manner. Just don’t forget to bring a mosquito repellent.

2) Jama Masjid is just in walking distance from the Red Fort. Due to its position on top of a hill, it overlooks Old Delhi. It was built during the times of the Mughals and is one of the biggest mosques in India. The courtyard could fit as many as 25 000 people. It is open everyday for tourists apart from prayer times.

3) Lotus Temple is the newest attraction on this list in terms of when it was built. It was completed in 1986 and since then has won numerous architectural awards and recognitions for its innovative design. One thing is for sure, it will definitely stand out with its lotus-shaped exterior compared to all the things you will see in Delhi and perhaps in India in general.

4) ISKCON Temple is in walking distance from the Lotus Temple. It is among the most beautiful Hindu temples with a nice garden and art gallery to boost. It is very similar to the Lakshmi Narayan Temple in that it is very traditional and full of color.

5) Qutub Minar is an innovative attraction for more reasons than one. It is among the first achievements of the Indo-Islamic architecture. Also, its minaret, which stands at 72.5 meters is the tallest in the world and is covered with engraved verses from the Quran. Another piece of interest is the Iron Pillar, which was believed to make true the wish of anyone that can embrace it with their back towards it. However, it is fenced now due to the fact that the intensive ‘hugging’ accelerates its corrosion. It is made of corrosion-resistant iron and this serves as proof that it was the Indians that came up with this metal.

6) Humayun’s Tomb is also built by the Mughal rulers of India. The design of the tomb and the gates leading to the Persian-styled gardens proved to be so unique and inspiring for its time that later on it was copied for the architecture of the Taj Mahal. It is like a smaller version of the Taj Mahal, except the marble.

7) India Gate was built by a British architect in memory of the victims of the British Indian Army. It is not India Gate per se that is impressive though. It is rather the whole area around it with a nice park that leads to the Parliament building, which is pretty impressive. It is the one place in Delhi which is like an oasis and can give you a break from the noisy streets and hectic traffic.

Connaught Place is not so much a historical attraction as it is a place to just hang out. It has plenty of restaurants, books and souvenir shops and most of the popular fast food chains (McDonalds, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut and Dominos included).

9) Akshardham Temple was only built in 2006 but it is the one breathtaking place that can compete with the Taj Mahal. You will have to go through lengthy security checks and leave all your personal belongings in a safe and not even be allowed to bring in your beloved camera (which is a shame because all you want to do while walking around is take pictures!!!). However, all the hassle is totally worth it. All one needs to do is walk around the gardens and take in the beauty. Brilliant and detailed work with marble. You should plan for at least half a day because it is pretty vast.

10) Jantar Mantar is a complex of astronomical instruments built around 3 centuries ago and is situated in the heart of Delhi. There is a similar structure in Jaipur as well. Each of the abstract structures is accompanied with information on how it was used in former times.