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.
Tickets cost Rs 10/100 for Indians/foreigners, photography free, video cameras Rs. 25 extra. Open sunrise to sunset daily except Monday. Allow for 3-4 hours in your schedule in case of long weekends and national holidays as lot of tourists flock around there. 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).
Humayun's Tomb - Humayun's Tomb in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, is one of Delhi's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, entry is Rs.10/250 Indians/foreigners. The tomb is located in large, immaculately maintained gardens in the Persian Char Bagh.
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.
Qutub Minar - The most famous structure on grounds, this 72.5m minaret was
the tallest "skyscraper" in the world when built (1193-1368) on the orders of
Qutb-ud-din Aybak. Delicately carved, it has been astonishingly well preserved and is
still an awe-inspiring sight today
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 Rs.10 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 - in the center of the mosque. True to its name, this is a seven-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 1600 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.
Rajpath - A main parade route that leads to the President's residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Wide avenue, the splendid India Gate, and many grassy lawns. Especially nice in the evenings and at night when the buildings are lit, and the vendors come out to supply the many picnicking families.
Rajghat - Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi - check for closure dates/security checks around national holidays/gandhiji's death anniversary (30th Jan).
India Gate - This monument has been built as a memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in World War One. There is also a fire ("eternal flame") burning for all fallen Indian soldiers.
India Habitat Center - Most noted for its ever-changing art exhibits, plays and film shows, as well as an international selection of food items in its food court.
International Doll's Museum - A museum of dolls from all over the country. You get to see the costumes and art from all over India, as well as some nice craftsmanship. Rs 10.
National Museum - The layout is labyrinthine and the presentation won't win any awards, but the collection is unparalleled and contains some true masterpieces. Keep an eye out for the 4600-year-old Harappan temple dancer, the Gandhara-era standing Buddha with Greek hair and a Roman toga, the stunning miniature painting gallery, and the giant temple chariot parked outside. Entry Rs. 300 for foreigners (includes useful audioguide), Rs. 10 Indians (optional audioguide Rs.150 extra), plus Rs. 300 if you want to use a camera. Decent restaurant on the 2nd floor (lunch buffet Rs.100). Open Tue-Sun 10 AM-5 PM.
National Railway Museum - houses a collection of Indian trains from the
past to the present - a worthwhile look into India's proud railway heritage. The
collection includes carriages belonging to Indian potentates and British viceroys.
Children can ride the small train that circumnavigates the museum. There is a small
cafe on the premises.
Open 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM (April - Sept.) and 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Oct. - March). Closed
Mondays and national holidays.
Bahaí Lotus Temple - Shaped like a lotus bud with 27 petals, this stunning temple suspended above milky-blue ponds is surely one of the magnificent monuments ever made from concrete -- but there is very little to see inside. The lush park around is well landscaped but mostly off-limits. Free entry.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib - just off Baba Kharak Singh Marg near Connaught Place, is the main gurudwara for the many Sikhs of Delhi
ISKCON TEMPLE - Centre for Krishna Consciousness, it has robotic shows and multimedia presentations, apart from the traditional temple complex. Lively atmosphere and excellent tasting sweets - and the delicious Govinda's restaurant on site.
Jama Masjid - opposite the Red fort, next to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi (Metro: Chawri Bazaar). The largest mosque in India and a must-see while in Delhi. Entry is free, but use of a camera (still or video) costs Rs.200. The climb up into the minaret is steep, dark and somewhat claustrophobic, but is worth the extra Rs.20 for the great views over the complex and the city around it.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple - or popularly known as Birla Mandir, located next to Connaught Place, is a big Hindu temple complex.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple - Completed only in 2005 by the controversial spiritual organization BAPS, no expense has been spared in decorating this large and elaborate temple carved of red sandstone. The central monument, built without any steel, houses an 11-ft golden statue of the founder of the Swaminarayan faith, Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
