A Historical Walk In The Capital: Places To Visit in Delhi

Far from the mountains, miles away from the valleys, and unknown to beaches, Delhi is still one of India’s most eventful places. It is not just the capital of India but a melting pot of various cultures, people, food, and whatnot. Today, through this blog, I will introduce you to the historic side of Delhi. Most of the Delhiites have been to various places across India and outside but have not unraveled the capital itself. This is true, even I have been unknown to so many historical sites in Delhi. All those who are from Delhi or never visited Delhi can stick with this article to the end to get a glimpse of the rich historical heritage of Delhi. I have listed some of the most famous historical places to visit in Delhi in this blog. You might get help if you are planning to visit Delhi.

Historical Places To Visit in Delhi: Enjoy The Rich Cultural Heritage Of The City

Delhi has always been a fascinating capital. If you can recall the pages of history, indeed, you will understand the charm of this place. From emperors to the British, Delhi has always been a fascinating city. If we talk about the current time, the city is famous for its rich heritage, culture, and modern zestfulness that it displays all the time. So, let’s see all the historical places in Delhi to make your trip memorable.

India Gate

India-gate

India Gate, Delhi, was built by Edwin Lutyens. It is a war memorial built to pay homage to the martyrdom of the soldiers of the British Indian Army. Around 70,000 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives during the First World War (1914 – 1921). This beautiful monument is located at the Rajpath, surrounded by lush green parks. You will find a large gathering all the time at India Gate. It is one of the most popular places in Delhi, and a good number of tourists visit this place and take selfies.

How To Reach: If you are planning to visit the India Gate, you can travel by metro. The nearest metro station to India Gate is Mandi House. Cabs and other modes of transport such as auto and buses are also available.

Timings: Though, one can visit this place at any time and any day. However, the best time to mark your presence is from 7 PM to 9 PM. At this time, the monument is lit up by wonderful lights, and you can find many street food vendors.

Humayun Tomb

Humayun-tomb

Humayun Tomb, Delhi was built by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, in 1572. The Tomb was built on the orders of Humayun’s second wife, Hamida Banu Begum, in the memory of her deceased husband, Humayun. If you visit Humayun Tomb in Delhi, the first thing you will notice about it is its architectural brilliance. The Tomb lies on the bank of the river Yamuna. Persian elements and Islamic style architecture are conspicuous in the Tomb. The Humayun’s Tomb is surrounded by gardens and has other small tombs on its premises.

Often, many tourists find the Tomb as a replica of the world-famous Taj Mahal of Agra. It is quite visible as well. The bulbous dome structure of the Tomb and surrounding gardens impersonate the Taj Mahal.

How To Reach: The nearest metro station to this place is Jor Bagh, you can stroll to Humayun Tomb or can take auto as well. Other than the metro, cabs are the best option to look out for.

Timings: The place is open 7 days a week. You can visit the Tomb between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Qutub Minar

Qutub-minar

Qutub Minar is one of the most famous historical monuments and the world’s tallest brick minaret. It was built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1197 AD. Qutub Minar height is 73 meters. It is a world heritage site by UNESCO, located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. It is one of the famous monuments in Delhi and is widely popular in other parts of India. One can find a large gathering of tourists and locals at this place. There are 379 stairs inside the minaret to reach the top. However, for the safety of tourists, these stairs have been closed permanently.

If you are visiting the place in October, you can be a part of the Qutub festival. It is a 3-day festival showcasing the art, culture, and heritage of India. In my opinion, while making an itinerary on historical places to visit in Delhi, one must keep Qutub Minar on top of the list.

How To Reach: Reaching Qutub Minar is not much difficult. You can travel by Delhi Metro, (nearest metro stations are: Saket and Qutub Minar), by car also one can reach. The place is also near the Indira Gandhi International Airport, a 30 minutes drive from the airport can help you go there.

Timings: The place is open from 7 AM to 5 PM.

Jantar Mantar, Delhi

How many of you are aware that Jantar Mantar, Delhi, is an astronomical paragon and a sundial? Yes, you heard it right; it was built in 1724 by the Maharaja Jai Singh 2. It was constructed to keep an eye on the time and movements of celestial bodies like the Sun and Moon, and other planets. Jantar Mantar is a must-visit place if you have a keen interest in exploring old age astronomy or seeing the astronomical marvels of India. Jantar Mantar is also a world heritage site as per UNESCO. So, if you are planning a holiday visit to Delhi, keep this place on your bucket list.

How To Reach: Reaching Jantar Mantar, Delhi is relatively easy. It is located at Sansad Marg, near Connaught Place. There are several metro stations within walking distance, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk. Other than the metro, one can travel by cab or personal vehicle as well.

Timings: The place is open 7 days a week. You can visit the Tomb between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Red Fort, Delhi

red-fort

Red Fort, better known as Lal Quila, is one of the most popular attractive tourist places to visit in Delhi. It is nestled along the western bank of river Yamuna in Chandni Chowk Area. It is a historic site, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1618 when he decided to shift the capital from Agra to Delhi. Lal Quila is a sheer display of power and domination of Mughals over Delhi. Not to tread much into history, Red Fort in current times is famous for its architecture and beauty. The Fort is constructed with red sandstone bricks. It is a blend of Persian, Indian and, Timurid architecture.

Every year on the occasion of Independence day, 15th August, the Prime Minister of India unfurls the national flag and addresses the nation from the Red Fort’s parapet. If you visit Red Fort, you can find various museums displaying historical artifacts. Along with its historical importance, other key attractions of this place are light and sound show, Lahori Gate, Chatta Chowk, Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Hira Mahal, Baoli, etc.

How To Reach: You can reach Red Fort by metro. The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk. You can also book a cab or go by local transport.

Timings: Red Fort is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM from Tuesday to Sunday.

Hauz Khas Village Fort

Hauz-khas-village

Every Delhiite is aware of this lake view Fort in Hauz Khas Village, South Delhi. This hidden gem is a picturesque fort and a historical monument in Delhi. The place is well known among the youngsters. You can find a good number of college students having DSLR in their hands and getting some cool shots. Hauz Khas Fort is sprawling on 126 acres of land. This fort looks best in the evening when the sun is about to set and ruins glow in the dim orange light of the sun.

Delving a bit into the history, the Hauz Khas Fort was built during the reign of Allaudin Khilji, back in the 12th century. The literal meaning of Hauz Khas is a water reservoir. The lake inside the fort was earlier known as Hauz-i-Alai.

In modern times, the Hauz Khas Fort and village is quite a popular place for those living in Delhi. Just outside the fort, you can find Hauz Khas market. It is a small lane having cafes on both sides. These are just not ordinary cafes. These cafes are having a luxuriant ambiance and have a haut monde gathering. If you are in Delhi or planning your trip to Delhi, then Hauz Khas village Fort should be one of the go-to places to visit in Delhi with friends.

How To Reach: You can travel by metro. There are two nearby stations namely, Hauz Khas Metro Station, Green Park Metro Station. One can also reach Hauz Khas by cab or public transport as well.

Timings: The Hauz Khas Fort is open from 8 AM to 7 PM.

All the aforementioned sites are among the top historical places to visit in Delhi. So, when you are planning your trip to the capital, do not forget to visit at least some of these places as well.

Where To Eat In Delhi

When you are in Delhi, food is another part of the capital that will keep you in love with the city. In Delhi, one can find all types of food to satiate your taste buds. Therefore, while you are noting down the places to visit in Delhi, keep an eye on these amazing cafes and restaurants as well. So, I am going to list down some amazing cafes, restaurants, and shops that you can find while visiting different historic sites in the capital.

Cafes Near India Gate And Jantar Mantar

Some of the best cafes in Delhi could be found near India Gate. While traveling, it’s evident you need to fill your food cravings as well. Finding a good cafe or restaurant after miles of walking is a blessing. So, here we explore some of the best cafes to look around India Gate.

  • Monkey Bar Gastro Pub/Cafe: The place lives up to its name indeed. You can find a fantastic variety of exotic cocktail drinks and delish starters to satiate your hunger pangs. Monkey bar is a pub famous for its ambience, drinks and main course ranging from Indian dishes to Thai cuisines.
  • Mamagoto: If you are an Asian food lover, this restaurant is a must-go place. You will find complete Asian food on your plate. The restaurant is famous for its fusion of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai food.
  • Andhra Bhawan Canteen: For all the south Indian food lovers, Andhra Bhawan Canteen is the right place. This excellent canteen offers some mouth-watering south Indian food. They serve food at an affordable price, and their Idly and Dosas are two of the famous dishes from the menu.

There are other food joints, and restaurants one can easily find around India Gate, mainly in Connaught Place. There are various Mc Donalds, Subways, and other fancy cafes present in CP. You can check out as per your taste choices.

Cafes Near Qutub Minar

Undoubtedly no one wants to miss a chance to sit and eat while enjoying the prepossessing beauty of the world’s tallest brick minaret, Qutub Minar. So, here are the best cafes and restaurants to enjoy your day at Qutub Minar. 

  • Dramz Lounge and rooftop bar: To enjoy the gorgeous view of Qutub Minar while relaxing and enjoying the delicious dishes, Dramz Lounge and Bar should be your first choice. The dazzling courtyard, luxurious food menu of Europe and Asiatic dishes would help enough to make your day.
  • Rooh Cafe: Rooh cafe would steal your soul indeed. With its mouthwatering Indian cuisine and alluring view of Qutub Minar, the cafe has everything to keep you spellbound for hours. To give a perfect touch of romance to your evening, do not miss out on this cafe while visiting Qutub Minar.
  • Lavaash by Saby: A restaurant serving the best Armenian food is in Delhi, Mehrauli. Yes, you have heard it right. The place has everything to steal your heart from you, starting from Armenian food to its exquisite ambience decorated with a Persian-Mediterranean theme, and definitely the stunning view of Qutub Minar. 

To be honest, you can find various restaurants around the vicinity of the Qutub Minar. All cafes and restaurants can definitely provide relishing food and make your evening more special.

Cafes Near Hauz Khas Fort

When in Hauz Khaz, you will indeed find a vast number of luxurious and affordable cafes in proximity. Hauz Khas fort’s surroundings are having trendy boutiques, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and art galleries. You will find this place mesmerizing without any reason. 

  • Hauz Khas Social: Hauz Khas Social is one of the most popular cafes in the Hauz Khas. It is old yet gold for every person who visits here. This cafe in Hauz Khas gives a slight glimpse of French restaurants. Along with the great ambience and food, people can enjoy the amazing lake view from this cafe. Must-try shakes and delicacies at Social are Cheese Pizza, Mud Pie Oreo Shake, Deconstructed Moscow Mule. 
  • Yeti: Searching for a Himalayan theme-based cafe in south Delhi, Yeti is a perfect cafe with a Himalayan feel. Yeti cafe is decored with woods and paintings that indeed give the Himalayan vibes. The cafe, of course, serves the best Nepalese, Tibetian and Himalayan dishes. Shabalay, Jhol Momos, and Nepalese Platter are some of the delicious food that one must try. 
  • Naivedyam: Naivedyam is a south Indian restaurant located inside the Hauz Khas Fort. Those who love South Indian food like me should go to this restaurant. You will get appetizing south Indian cuisine in south Indian style.  My favourite picks from this restaurant are Erulli Masala Dosai, Chow Chow Bhath, Tharakari Uthappam. 

Some other beautiful cafes in Hauz Khas are The Tea Room, Gypsy Cafe, Coast Cafe, etc. All these cafes and restaurants serve mouthwatering food along with a lovely ambiance. So, while visiting Hauz Khas, do not forget to check out these cafes. 

Cafes And Restaurants Near Humayun Tomb

At a distance of 3 Km from Humayun Tomb, one can find one of the best places to relax and eat. I am talking about Khan Market. There are some lavish and lively cafes and restaurants one can find while walking along the streets of Khan Market. Here I am listing some of the cafes where you should satiate your hunger pangs.

  • Blue Door Cafe: A simple yet elegant cafe in the Khan Market is enough to give you some amazing and cute delicacies to eat. Blue Door Cafe offers pasta, risotto, sandwiches, pancakes, a wide range of coffees etc. It is a silent cafe where one can enjoy food peacefully. 
  • The Big Chill Cafe: One of the most talked-about cafes located at Khan Market is The Big Chill Cafe. This cafe has everything to offer, from varieties of veg and non-veg pasta to some amazing sweet shakes and desserts. Savor everything here that you can.
  • Smoke House Deli: It is a beautiful cafe based on Italian and European themes. The cafe has a simple and elegant interior having white walls with black pencil art on them. The cafe certainly gives you a vibe of sitting in a restaurant in Europe. If you are not into loud music and want a cozy place to eat. Then do visit Smoke House Deli.

While you are in the Khan market, you can have a stroll down the lane to check out some high-end brands of jewelry, home decor, clothing, etc. There are other cafes and restaurants as well to look out for. 

Restaurants Around Red Fort, Delhi

Red Fort is in the old Delhi, near Chandni Chowk. If you are looking for fine dining restaurants or cafes near Red Fort, then I must say you perhaps miss the fun of trying some spicy street food. Yes, Chandni Chowk is famous for its narrow lanes and amazing street food. This place is just a few minutes’ walk away from Red Fort. The site may overwhelm you if visiting for the first time. Nevertheless, you will get varieties of street food here. When in Chandni Chowk, be ready to check out food stalls and small vendors in every corner. Food shops to look out for in Chandni Chowk.

  • Babu Ram Devi Dayal Paranthe Wale: This place is serving over 100 types of Paranthas for last more than 125 years. Now you can imagine all the hype about Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk.
  • Kake Di Hatti: Looking for some fantastic Dal Makhni and Naan? Kae Di Hatti is a place for you. They are serving creamy Dal Makhni and king-size Naan for years.
  • Old Famous Jalebi Wala: This is one of the oldest Jalebi shops in Chandni Chowk and perhaps in Delhi too. Old Famous Jalebi Wala serving pure desi ghee jalebi since 1884. They use pure desi ghee and unprocessed sugar syrup. If you have a sweet tooth, you should never ignore this place. 
  • Lotan Chole Bhature: This shop is operating since 1977. It is the oldest Chola Bhature shop in Chandni Chowk. It is famous for crispy Chole Bhature, and one may find a flock of locals in the morning crowding the place.
  • Giani’s Di Hatti: You might have seen various Giani’s ice cream parlors around the city. But do you know, Giani’s Di Hatti is the first and the original one? The place is best known for its Rabri Falooda and varieties of ice cream as well. This 50-year-old shop is a perfect one to soothe you in scorching summers.
  • Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner: You can never miss a Chat when in Chandni Chowk. Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner was started in 1940. This shop is famous for Dahi Bhalla and Aloo Tikki. You will be amazed to know that people from different parts of Delhi visit this place repeatedly.

Along with extraordinary historical places to visit in Delhi, you will definitely find delicious food to eat in Delhi as well. Therefore, do not forget to enjoy the flavors of Delhi while spending time in the capital.

Concluding Words

If one can look through contemplating eyes, Delhi is not just a city. Under the shroud of a fast-paced city lies a rich historical heritage. There is so much to explore in the capital and for that, one must be an astute observer. So, taking this historical walk in the capital to an end now, hope you had a good time scrolling through my article and found some great historical places to visit in Delhi. You can share your experience of Delhi too in the comment section below. Your feedback are always welcomed.

Suggested Read: Interesting Facts About Delhi

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