Delhi

Azaad Hind Gram

A tourist complex dedicated to Netaji respected leader Subhash Chandra Bose, a leader in the Indian independence movement.

humayun's tomb

Humayun's Tomb in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, is one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, entry is 10/250 rupees Indians/foreigners.

The tomb is in large, immaculately maintained gardens in the Persian Char Bagh four corners style that were thoroughly renovated in 2003 with the Aga Khan's help and are consequently probably the best in Delhi. As you enter the complex, the first major structure on your right is the bulbous, octagonal tomb of Iza Khan, a court noble who built it in his own lifetime, some 20 years before Humayun's tomb. As you pass through the first gate, you will glimpse the dome of the tomb and enter a floral path leading to the second West gate, which now acts as the entrance to the giant central garden.

The centerpiece is the eponymous tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. Built starting in 1562, it was the first major Mughal structure in the city and has been described as a predecessor or prototype of Agra's Taj Mahal. The structures are, indeed, stylistically similar, although Humayun's Tomb is built from red sandstone, not white marble, and was built by a wife grieving for her husband, not the other way around. You can climb up to the second level the stairs on the west side are very steep, those on the south side less so, and on the south side you will find the entrance into the main crypt where Humayun is buried.

Before you leave, be sure to visit the South Gate, the original royal entrance, from where you can get picture-postcard views without too many tourists in the way. In the southeast corner is the Babur's Tomb, also built in the same style. Historians believe that Humayun's father, Babur is buried in this picturesque tomb made of red and grey sandstone.

qutub complex

This complex in Mehrauli, houses structures dating from the Slave Dynasty 1206-1290 and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are kept in excellent shape, making this a popular relaxation and picnic spot. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, entry is 20/250 rupees Indians/foreigners. Light-and-sound show held most nights after sunset. Now easily accessible via Qutub Minar station on the Metro Yellow Line.

Qutub Minar

– The most famous structure on grounds, this 72.5m minaret was the tallest "skyscraper" in the world when built 1193-1368 - it was constructed on the orders of Qutb-ud-din Aybak. Delicately carved, it has been astonishingly well-preserved and is still an awe-inspiring sight today. It's often visible from air when flying into IGI airport! Sticklers for archaeological truth will, however, note that the top of the tower has twice been rebuilt after an earthquake, and the base has been restored more recently. While entry into the tower itself is no longer permitted, for 10 rupees per 5 min you can view the scenery via a little webcam on top.

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

Delhi's first and grandest mosque, now mostly in ruins, but many parts of the complex are still standing and the sandstone decorations are still impressive. Check out the extraordinarily ornate carvings near the tomb of Iltutmish on the west side of the complex.

Iron Pillar

is in the center of the mosque. True to its name, this is a 7-meter iron pillar erected c. 400 AD by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, also known as "he, by the breezes of whose prowess the southern ocean is even still perfumed" according to the inscription carved on the base. Alas, Chandragupta II's perfume has long since faded, but to the amazement of metallurgists everywhere, his pillar is still going strong, after 1,600 years.

Ala-i-Minar

– Ala-ud-din-Khilji set out to build a tower twice as high as the Qutub Minar, but died after a mere 24.5m was complete. The first story stands to this day.

Ala-i-Darwaza

– This square, domed building once acted as the entrance to the mosque, but is now tucked away behind the minar. Inlaid marble decorations and latticed stone screens.

Tomb of Imam Zamin

– Outside the main complex, next to the Ala-i-Darzawa, this octagonal tomb commemorates a Turkestani iman who was based in the mosque during the reign of Sikandar Lodi.

parks and gardens

Delhi, the national capital of India, has very popular gardens located in it. Few of the name are Mughal Garden (http://www.d2i.in/visit/M...), Garden of Five Senses (http://www.d2i.in/visit/G...), Kalindi Kunj (http://www.d2i.in/visit/K...) and many more. The Mughal Garden, that reside in President House is very popular. It only opens 30 days in a year from February to March.

Lodhi Garden

(http://www.d2i.in/visit/L...) is a peaceful park in the heart of New Delhi. Lodhi garden is ideal for morning walks in the hot season and for afternoon strolls and picnics during the cooler months

Nehru Park

(http://www.d2i.in/visit/N...) is a large park in the new Delhi neighborhood of Chankayapuri, lying in the southwest.

red fort

The Red Fort Lal Qila is one of Delhi's top tourist sights. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who also built Agra's Taj Mahal as his ruling palace. Completed in 1648, the years since have not treated the buildings kindly: the rooms have long since been stripped of all objects, the marble inlays are long gone and quite a few buildings are off limits. Still, the scale remains imposing and the gardens are kept lush and green even in midwinter. Major buildings within include:

Chatta Chowk

Covered Bazaar. True to the name, this is a covered bazaar between the gate and the fort itself, now filled with souvenir hawkers.

Diwan-i-Am

Hall of Public Audience. This building separates the outer court from the inner court, and has a marble platform for the emperor's throne.

Hayat Baksh Bagh

Life-Bestowing Gardens. Once a grand garden of full of fountains and streams, now sadly all dry — only dry channels and acres of green grass remain.

Diwan-i-Khas

Hall of Private Audience. Built completely of marble, this is where the emperor received special visitors.

Khas Mahal

Private Palace, The Emperor's main residence. The octagonal Mussaman Burj tower looks out toward the Yamuna River, and is where the Emperor used to appear before the public for each morning.

Rang Mahal

Colour Palace. The residence of the Sultan's main wife.

Mumtaz Mahal

Jewel Palace. Contained six apartments for the Sultan's harem. Now used as a museum of court textiles, carpets, weapons, etc free.

Daawat Khana

A minor palace at the northmost end of the Fort, this was originally the residence of a prince, but it was converted into a tea house by the British, a function it continues today. Basic meals go for around 60 rupees, drinks 10-20 rupees, and it also has the cleanest toilets around.

Swatantra Sangrama Sangrahalaya

Museum of the Independence Movement. To the left after the Chatta Chowk, this is a reasonably well-presented museum on the history of independence activism in India, starting from the Mutiny of 1857 all the way to Gandhi.

The only open entrance is Lahore Gate, on the west side. Security in and around the Fort is very heavy, as it was the scene of a terrorist attack in 2000 that killed three people. Bags are allowed, but they'll be X-rayed and you'll be patted down. Tickets cost Rs 10/250 rupees for Indians/foreigners, photography free, video cameras Rs 25 extra. Open sunrise to sunset daily except Monday. Allow for 3-4 hr in your schedule in case of long weekends and national holidays as lot of tourists flock around then. The most scenic way of reaching the fort is to take the Metro to Chawri Bazaar and then a cycle-rickshaw through the incredibly packed bazaar to the Fort price negotiable, aim for Rs 20.

The fort has a light and sound show Rs 50 in the evenings from 7:30PM-9PM, depending on the season.

Be careful buying tickets at the booth, as the ticket sellers will attempt to shortchange you. Try to have a small bill. Due to enhanced security the parking can be a bit tricky as the walk from the now distanced away parking at nearby alternative slots is quite a bit. The congested traffic makes crossing the road even trickier.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Campus

Not usually considered a "place of interest" for tourists, this one of a kind campus of the premier National University of India remains a hidden gem of the city. The campus is hilly and rocky and some areas look more like a jungle with peacocks. The hostels represent the geographical vastness of India as they are named after Indian Rivers. For instance Godavari and Ganga. Specific areas of the campus are named after a particular geographical region in India. For instance Uttarakhand and Dakshinapuram. Some of the non-scholarly attractions of India's best University include 24x7, an eating joint which is open, as its name suggests, is open round the clock. For a visit to the JNU campus, board bus # 615 from Connaught Place. The famous Qutab Minar is very close to the JNU campus.