The Red Fort, Old Delhi’s largest monument, was built in the 17th century and served as the Mughal headquarters. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history, intricate architecture and spacious enclosure make the Red Fort one of the most popular ‘places of historical importance’ to visit. It has great significance in India’s lived history as the Prime Minister addresses the people, every year, on August 15th - India's Independence Day, from the Red Fort.
Chandni Chowk, or ‘moonlit market’, one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. It stretches from the Red Fort’s Lahore Gate to the Fatehpuri Masjid, and once upon a time, it had the distinction of being India’s grandest market. A walk down the bustling ChandniChowk and its narrow by-lanes is an experience in itself, heightened by its incessant crowds! The architecture, the confusing aura with its mixed Muslim and Hindu influences, the million small, tiny and miniscule shops selling a host of things, and the perpetual smell of something fantastic being cooked make it an enjoyable slap to all senses, simultaneously.
Jama Masjid is India’s largest and best known mosque and the main mosque of Old Delhi. This massive structure can house up to 25,000 worshippers at any given point in time and holds within its enclosure little important relics, such as an old version of the Quran written on deer skin.
This side of Delhi is also known for its numerous ‘gates’ of which 13 survive. As Old Delhi was a walled city, these gates led to and from many places. The Kashmiri Gate, to the North, was the beginning of a road that led straight to Kashmir, while Delhi Gate, to the South, links Old Delhi to New Delhi. A little while off is what has come to be known as Khooni Darwaaza or the Bloody Gate as it is the site where the three sons of the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar were executed during the 1857 uprising against the British. Apart from this, Old Delhi also has monuments of historical importance such as Rajghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, St. James Church, Delhi’s oldest church, Khari Baoli, Asia’s biggest spice market, and many others.
India’s national monument, India Gate, is located at the heart of New Delhi. This 42 meter structure forms the node from where several important roads branch out. After the war against Pakistan in 1971, the Amar Jawan Jyoti was erected within a cenotaph to commemorate the soldiers who fought in this war. An interesting ritual associated with this war memorial is that every year on Republic Day, the Prime Minister and the Heads of Armed Forces pay homage to the deceased and all they stand for, while the President and Chief Guest, do not.
The Rajpath, or ‘King’s Street’ is one of the most important roads in India and is where the Republic Day Parade takes place. More importantly, it is the vein that connects all of India’s central administrative and government buildings, which are located at Raisina Hill. This includes Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, the Secretariat, which houses the Prime Minister’s Office and other important ministries. The Parliament of India, and Vijay Chowk or Victory Square, an important area also fall along Rajpath This Avenue is lined on both sides by lawns with lots of trees and ponds, where people come and sit in the evening when India Gate is lit up and work is wrapped up for the day.
Another important road is Janpath or ‘People’s Street’ which houses Janpath market, a haven for budget shopping and picking up curios, handicrafts and souvenirs. Another shopping centre is Palika Bazaar, which is an underground market located in Connaught Place (fondly called CP), one of Delhi’s largest financial, commercial and business centres.
The world’s tallest brick minaret, Qutub Minar is known for being one of the earliest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Humanyun’s Tomb on the other hand, is a massive enclosure that is also the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. An example of beautiful and spacious Mughal architecture, this tomb is priceless to walk through in the late afternoon. Another garden-tomb in the Mughal style is the marble mausoleum of Safdarjung. Another fort to stop by is Purana Quila or Old Fort, and the monuments within.
The Jantar Mantar (originally called Jantra Mantra, or instrument and formula) is a site of architectural astronomy, consisting of thirteen instruments. It’s primary purpose was of astronomical predictions, but if you don’t have a head for science-geek talk, it’s still extremely interesting to look at, not to mention the fabulous photographs that can be taken due to all the angles and shadows created!
The more religiously and spiritually inclined can visit the Laxminarayan Temple, Akshardham, ISKCON Temple and the Ba’hai Lotus Temple. The latter is a must for the beauty of the structure and the serenity of its meditation hall.
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