Delhi, the capital of India, is an ancient city that has been known by different names during different phases of its layered history. This place has served as the seat of government for various kingdoms throughout history and as per Indian mythology – right from the Kuru Dynasty to many Islamic Rulers to the British Empire and now, democratic India. Each kingdom has left a significant mark on Delhi, whether in terms of building stunning monuments that have emerged as landmarks over time or influencing the culture of this place. A visit to the following historical places in Delhi is, thus, essential to understand what defines this city, at large.

Red Fort

An important historical monument in Delhi, Red Fort or Lal Qila is a stately fortification well-recognized for its stunning red sandstone facade. Shah Jahan had this fort built in the mid-17th century when he made Delhi the capital of the Mughal Empire. The imposing fort, its beautiful gardens, inner palaces, halls, and museums display architectural elements from Islamic, Persian, Timurid, and Hindu styles. In fact, the entire Lal Quila complex is considered to “represent the zenith of Mughal creativity under Shah Jahan.” Its architecture inspired several other forts and gardens that the Mughals constructed later, in and around Delhi. When you are here, you shouldn’t miss out on the spectacular light and sound show conducted every evening to regale visitors with the historical significance of this grand Indian fort.

Hauz Khas

A modern village built on the ruins of a medieval town called Siri, Hauz Khas is one of the most interesting historical places in Delhi. This charming neighborhood derives its name from the 13th-century reservoir around which it is developed. Between all the hip bars, cafes, chic boutiques, trendy restaurants, and art galleries that establish this place as an urban hangout, there lie the remnants of the historical village that grab the attention of history buffs. Several medieval monuments such as Hauz Khas Fort, Bagh-I-Alam Ka Gumbad, Tefe Wala Gumbad, Kali Gumti, Tomb of Feroz Shah Tughlaq, Nili Masjid etc. are worth exploring.

Humayun’s Tomb

Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River, Humayun’s Tomb is the first tomb to be built in a garden-style in India. The massive tomb sits in the center of a beautiful Charbagh-style garden featuring water channels and walkways, just like the Gardens of Paradise as described in the Quran. The construction of this tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s wife after nearly nine years of his death. Several smaller tombs belonging to Mughal kings and queens surround the main tomb. The Persian influences on this Mughal monument are clear, and the grand architectural features of Humayun’s Tomb landed it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

India Gate

India Gate, one of the most important historical places to visit in New Delhi, is situated right in the heart of the city, at a distance of around 15 km from Delhi airport. This 42-meter-tall archway is a war memorial dedicated to tens of thousands of soldiers who laid their lives for the nation during the First World War and the Afghan War. A wave of patriotic pride sweeps over you as you run a glance through the names of the brave Indian soldiers inscribed on the walls. The beautiful gardens, water fountains, and street food stalls that came up around India Gate made it a popular hangout spot in Delhi.

Agrasen ki Baoli

Tucked amidst the towering buildings in central Delhi, Agrasen ki Baoli is an age-old stepwell, whose history can be traced back to the times of Mahabharata.  This stepwell is 60 ft deep and 15 m wide, with around 108 steps on three levels that eventually lead to the water storage area. One cannot help but wonder at the ornate arches and ancient stone steps handcrafted to perfection. Enveloped in a sense of calm, the tranquil ambiance of this place and the mysterious charm of this historic structure together with its fine architectural details have always sparked the imagination of several artists, poets, and architects for ages.

History buffs looking forward to exploring more historical places in Delhi can visit Qutub Minar, Lodi Tomb, Jahaz Mahal, Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal, Chunnamal Haveli, Jantar Mantar, Jama Masjid, Purana Qila, Mirza Ghalib Ki Haveli, Rajon Ki Baoli, Safdarjung’s Tomb, and Tughlaqabad Fort. Why not dedicate your next trip to a historical tour of Delhi? Grab our best flight deals to Delhi and visit this historical city soon.

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Why India?

When there are several perfectly great and romantic getaways all across the world – especially in Europe and North America – why come to India? Why is India so widely sought after by spiritual-seekers, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts?

Like a lot of the civilizations across the world, India’s, too, is ancient – and that in itself makes it very attractive: It is a culmination of religions from the east of the world to the west, and a mix of a few cultures and traditions.

Today, Delhi is the national capital of India, but it has been so since ancient times; more or less. A lot of important events had occurred during the course of the centuries. Of course, it wasn’t always known as Delhi—its name had been changing as cities upon cities were being constructed. Due to its elaborate history, some traditions and cultures have latched on to it that are still prevalent today. Among them are the unique things to do in Delhi.

These unusual things to do in Delhi not only feed the need for visual gratification, but also that of spiritual. A lot of people from across the world would love to catch Delhi flights from USA to have such unique experiences as the ones mentioned in this article.

THE NIZAMUDDIN DARGAH

Islamic influence in India had begun long before the entire subcontinent had been ruled by Muslim rulers originating from present-day Afghanistan and Turkey. Sufism can be described as the mystical practice of Islam seeking truth, love, and knowledge through romantic music.

Nizamuddin Auliya is a very famous name in India as a great Sufi singer. At the age of 21, he became the disciple of Baba Farid. Nizamuddin eventually became his successor and he led a group of other disciples, among whom Amir Khusro was one.

Today, after more than 700 years of Nizamuddin’s passing, his family still practices his music or qawwali every Thursday, twice. These qawwali sounds can easily send one to a sort of spiritual ecstasy that has perhaps never been experienced before.

It is one of the historical places in Delhi.

THE KUNZUM TRAVEL CAFÉ

Open from Tuesdays through Sundays, the Kunzum Travel Café is another unique experience in Delhi that will blow a traveler’s mind and inspire creative artists. It is a space for like-minded people to meet up and exchange ideas, hold poetry readings, enjoy live music, and participate in art workshops. Customers can pay whatever they want for the beverages they partake, including tea and cookies – all varieties of them!

The Kuznum Café is one of the wonderful things about traveling in Delhi.

MAJNU KA TILA

In literal terms, the name “Majnu Ka Tila” means “hillock of Majnu”, named after a Sufi nicknamed Majnu.

Some of the Tibetan immigrants who arrived in India at various points made one section of Delhi their home. This section is in North Campus, called Little Tibet. Here, they started their own businesses in cuisine that is unique to India and a must-try!

Aside from eateries, there are even boutiques, apparel stores, traditional Tibetan goods, clothes, and souvenirs are also found here.

Must-try restaurants and/or eateries are: AMA Restaurant, Tee Dee Restaurant, Himalayan Restaurant, and Kori’s café and restaurant.

Visit new Delhi for this exceptional experience.

THE GURUDWARA BANGLA SAHIB KITCHEN

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib was originally a palace belonging to Raja Jai Singh I, who was a senior general in the Mughal army and also king of Amber, a Rajput kingdom, in the 17^th century CE. Years later, it was converted into a Gurudwara and Guru Har Kishan resided here in 1664 CE, at a time when the region was riddled with small pox and cholera, an epidemic at the time. The Guru helped and aided those who suffered by providing fresh water from the well at this house. Eventually, he himself caught the disease and died that year.

Ever since, the Gurudwara became a place where Sikhs managed the cooking and served every person who came there seeking food, even today, and especially during the pandemic, when so many people lost their jobs and availability of food was their main worry over the disease itself.

Tourists and visitors are allowed to volunteer here. Everyone working at the Gurudwara needs to cover their hair and follow general pandemic protocols.

Over the course of the pandemic months, the Gurudwara kitchen has undergone a bout of modernization – what with the introduction of machines to simplify work under the circumstances of lack of manpower.

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the historical places in Delhi.

SPICE MARKET ON KHARI BAOLI ROAD

Originated in the 17^th century, during the Mughal era, the Khari Baoli is the largest and the busiest spice market in Asia. It is also the place that organizes the spice trade with North India. Islam Shah, son of Sher Shah Suri, contributed to its foundation in the year 1551. The traders who live here are said to be the descendants of the owners in the 17^th and the 18^th centuries.

Despite all the sneezing you might have to suffer, the spice market in Delhi is a must-visit! If you love street food in Delhi, you might enjoy visiting the spice market.

CHANGE OF GUARD CEREMONY

The change of guard ceremony is most common and therefore, everybody doesn’t think of it. It’s true that forts and palaces change their guard periodically to maintain security of these spaces. These ceremonies, originated in ancient times, are most graceful to watch and are even open for public viewing. The public viewing of the ceremony had been banned in front of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi during the pandemic, but resumed in March 2022.

A GHOST WALK WITH PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS

Accompanied by professional paranormal investigators, you can tour paranormal destinations with night-vision cameras, thermal camera, and laser grids. A 25-minute session is given to each enthusiast for training on how to use these pieces of equipment. You are sure to get some frights and goosebumps on your skin! Go on this tour to experience the paranormal side of the city of Delhi.

Delhi is also known as the City of Djinns. It is said that in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, a dancer still searches for her lover.

The ghost walk is one of the most unique things to do in Delhi.

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