Weekend Plus Desk :
History has always been a fascinating subject for many! The stories and myths related to a time that you can never travel back to, makes it a lot more intriguing. What is today a living reality for you will soon be a page from an never-ending story of mankind.
History relates us and gives us a sense of connectivity, without which nothing would ever make any sense.
Every nation, civilisation has its own history to narrate and as the story proceeds, the tangible details follow. The buildings, architectural styles of a particular era, gardens, monuments, relics, literature, art and township planning flourishes. Though, not everything can be preserved of our past, people do take care of places of historical value.
Just like every nation India too has its fair share of historical marvels to boast of. Delhi being the most fought-after city since ages, has a numerous historical sites worth the adoration.
Below is the list of ten architectural sites one must visit while in Delhi!
India Gate
Looking at its historical and national significance, it will be a shame not to visit India Gate while in Delhi.
Lodi Garden
The 15th century garden is spread over 90 acres of land, in the South Delhi area. The lush gardens are now visited by many for morning walks, bird-watching, family picnics and the beauty in and around the Gumbads (Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad) also attract budding lovers.
The architectural style incorporated while building the tombs and gumbads in the garden is a mixture of both Hindu and Islamic style.
Old fort/ Purana Qila
This fort still has the old world charm that is quite intriguing and captivating. One of the oldest forts in Delhi, the Purana Qila was constructed by the Afghan King and Sher Shah Suri. The fort has three entrances, the west gate called the Bara Darwaza is the main entrance to the Fort. The northern gate is called the Talaqi-Darwaza and the southern gate is called the Humayun Darwaza.
Red Fort/ Lal Qila
The largest monument in Delhi, the Red Fort was built in 1648 by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor. The Red Fort is called so, for its massive enclosing walls of made up of red sandstone.
On every Independence Day of India (15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the national flag here and delivers a speech, which is broadcast, across the nation.
Lotus Temple
The Bahai house of worship is built in the shape of a blossoming lotus. The white lotus building and the surrounding gardens give it an enchanting effect. It’s the perfect place to connect with your inner self and enjoy the serenity of silence that you won’t find in the hustle-bustle of Delhi.
Humayun Tomb
As the name suggests, it is the tomb of the famous conqueror Humayun, father of the great Mughal king Akbar. Humayun Tomb’s lush green gardens are an added feature to its incomparable beauty.
Qutub Minar
Built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak as a symbol of his victory after annexing Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom, is now one of the marvels of India.
Jantar Mantar
A modest looking architectural site with a purpose! It is an equinoctial sundial. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to call it a giant clock as it is intended to measure the time of day, correct to half a second.
Jama Masjid
The Masjid-i Jahan-Numa, commonly known as Jama Masjid of Delhi, is the largest mosque in India so far built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Women are not allowed after sunset.
Akshardham Temple
It’s a conglomeration of the Indian culture, spirituality and architecture. The whole structure is made up of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. The beautiful carvings on its walls, the musical fountain and the gardens are something beyond excellence. If you miss this, then you have certainly missed out on something extremely fabulous and worth boasting of. n
History has always been a fascinating subject for many! The stories and myths related to a time that you can never travel back to, makes it a lot more intriguing. What is today a living reality for you will soon be a page from an never-ending story of mankind.
History relates us and gives us a sense of connectivity, without which nothing would ever make any sense.
Every nation, civilisation has its own history to narrate and as the story proceeds, the tangible details follow. The buildings, architectural styles of a particular era, gardens, monuments, relics, literature, art and township planning flourishes. Though, not everything can be preserved of our past, people do take care of places of historical value.
Just like every nation India too has its fair share of historical marvels to boast of. Delhi being the most fought-after city since ages, has a numerous historical sites worth the adoration.
Below is the list of ten architectural sites one must visit while in Delhi!
India Gate
Looking at its historical and national significance, it will be a shame not to visit India Gate while in Delhi.
Lodi Garden
The 15th century garden is spread over 90 acres of land, in the South Delhi area. The lush gardens are now visited by many for morning walks, bird-watching, family picnics and the beauty in and around the Gumbads (Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad) also attract budding lovers.
The architectural style incorporated while building the tombs and gumbads in the garden is a mixture of both Hindu and Islamic style.
Old fort/ Purana Qila
This fort still has the old world charm that is quite intriguing and captivating. One of the oldest forts in Delhi, the Purana Qila was constructed by the Afghan King and Sher Shah Suri. The fort has three entrances, the west gate called the Bara Darwaza is the main entrance to the Fort. The northern gate is called the Talaqi-Darwaza and the southern gate is called the Humayun Darwaza.
Red Fort/ Lal Qila
The largest monument in Delhi, the Red Fort was built in 1648 by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor. The Red Fort is called so, for its massive enclosing walls of made up of red sandstone.
On every Independence Day of India (15 August), the Prime Minister hoists the national flag here and delivers a speech, which is broadcast, across the nation.
Lotus Temple
The Bahai house of worship is built in the shape of a blossoming lotus. The white lotus building and the surrounding gardens give it an enchanting effect. It’s the perfect place to connect with your inner self and enjoy the serenity of silence that you won’t find in the hustle-bustle of Delhi.
Humayun Tomb
As the name suggests, it is the tomb of the famous conqueror Humayun, father of the great Mughal king Akbar. Humayun Tomb’s lush green gardens are an added feature to its incomparable beauty.
Qutub Minar
Built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak as a symbol of his victory after annexing Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom, is now one of the marvels of India.
Jantar Mantar
A modest looking architectural site with a purpose! It is an equinoctial sundial. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to call it a giant clock as it is intended to measure the time of day, correct to half a second.
Jama Masjid
The Masjid-i Jahan-Numa, commonly known as Jama Masjid of Delhi, is the largest mosque in India so far built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Women are not allowed after sunset.
Akshardham Temple
It’s a conglomeration of the Indian culture, spirituality and architecture. The whole structure is made up of Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. The beautiful carvings on its walls, the musical fountain and the gardens are something beyond excellence. If you miss this, then you have certainly missed out on something extremely fabulous and worth boasting of. n
