The area around Red Fort in North Delhi, is part of the historic city of Shahjahanabad, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th Century. Now known as Old Delhi, it remains largely unchanged in its historic ambience and walking through its narrow lanes will take you back to an earlier time.
Old Delhi is best explored by cycle rickshaw or even by foot, so that you can see its sights at a relaxed pace. Ancient mansions, the fascinating markets of Chandni Chowk, and historic buildings such the Digambar Jain Temple and its nearby bird hospital, Gurudwara Sisganj and St James' Church, built by James Skinner, are some of the sights you will see on a tour of Old Delhi.
From
ancient mosques to curio shops to spicy street food, an Old Delhi
tour is a journey full of unexpected sights and surprises. Don't let
the 'Old' in Old Delhi mislead you. While the buildings around you
may be ancient, the energy of the vibrant markets and bustling
streets is unmistakable. Many small businesses and family-run
enterprises operate in these busy streets. Jewelry stores,
sweetshops, stores that sell old gramophones and cameras, you can
find an amazing range of curios and artifacts in the markets of Old
Delhi. Indfy showcases the tourist attractions of Old Delhi on India
for you. To know more about places to see in Old Delhi, please click
on the links below
Sightseeing In Old Delhi -
Red Fort
: Built in Red Sand stone between 1639 - 1648 AD, this imposing fort
is 3 kms in perimeter with the height of the wall fluctuating from
18 to 30 m at places. In the evening the Delhi Tourism Department
organises a light and sound show which narrates the history of Delhi
in context of the Red Fort. The light & sound show organised here is
worth seeing.
Chandni Chowk : Located just opposite to Red Fort, this is
the place where you can enjoy the old world charm. The hurrying
crowd, the shouting vendors and overcrowded shops are the real charm
of this place. You can find all types of items starting from
textiles, jewelry, home furnishings, spices, household items to
electronics, chemicals, ceramics, electrical, etc. Though, very
crowded and congested , it is worth visiting.
Jama Masjid : Jama Masjid built in 1650 AD by Shah Jehan (the
Vth Mughal Emperor) is one place in Delhi which is a must visit. One
of the Architectural beauty of the past, Jama Masjid is one of the
largest mosques not only in Delhi but in India. Completed in 1658
this Mosque has three gateways, Four angle towers and two 40 m high
minarets. From the top of minarets you can have a birds eye view of
Delhi.
Raj Ghat :Along the banks of the river Yamuna is located the
place where the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was cremated.
The Raj Ghat is one of the most visited Ghats. A simple square
platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was
cremated after his assassination in 1948.
Sightseeing In New Delhi -
Qutab Minar : Qutub Minar is the most recognised landmark of
Delhi. In 1199 AD, Qutbuddin erected the Qutub Minar either as a
victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of
14.32 mtrs. it tapers to 2.75 mtrs. at a height of 72.5 mtrs. Even
today, it is the highest stone and one of the finest stone towers in
India. Completed by the Sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish,
Qutub MInar is the finest Islamic structures ever raised. The tomb
of Iltutmish, which he himself built in 1235 AD, is located nearby.
The Lotus Temple : Completed in 1986, the Lotus Temple or the
Bahai temple is set amidst pools and gardens, and adherents of any
faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently
according to their own religion. The structure is in lotus shape so
it often called the lotus temple. The view of the temple is very
spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.
India Gate : India Gate is a 42 mtrs high stone arch of
triumph. It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who
died in the campaigns of World War I. Below the arch is the memorial
to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green grass
lawns and trees. A place you should not miss.
Jantar Mantar : Close to Connaught Place is a strange
collection of astronomical instruments. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh
this structure is actually an observatory. The astonishing part of
these observatories is that they can calculate many astronomical
movements very accurately.
Old Fort : It is believed that the Pandavas had built their
capital, Indraprastha at the place where the old fort stands today.
This fort, now in ruins, was the seat for administration for many
emperors. The legendary Prithviraj Chauhan ruled from here till he
was defeated by Abdali in the battle of Panipat. A new light & sound
show is held by the Department of Delhi Tourism every evening.
hangouts of the Delhites in the weekends and
evenings.
More Old Delhi Attractions



