2, Purana Qila ( Old Fort )
Although often overlooked, as most tourists head straight for the more famous Red Fort, Purana Qila (Old Fort) is well-worth squeezing into your Delhi travel itinerary. Boasting a past that stretches back some 2,500 years, much of the current impressive edifice dates back to the 1500s, although evidence of earlier structures dating back to the 3rdcentury have been discovered.
The present structure played an important role in the region's affairs for centuries and was particularly influenced by the Muslim religion, as evidenced by building's such as the Qila-i-Kuna Mosque, a single-dome place of worship built in 1541. The site covers an area of two square kilometers, and you'll enjoy exploring its thick ramparts and three large gates, an especially impressive sight during the nightly illuminations.
The 200-acre Mehrauli Archaeological Park is also worthy of a visit and features numerous important structures, some of which date back more than 1,000 years. Highlights include the old ruins of Lal Kot, along with more recent evidence of occupation by the British during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Address: Mathura Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110003.
3, Rajpath And Rashtrapati Bhawan
Rajpath, also known as the King's Way, is New Delhi's traditional ceremonial boulevard. Running from Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official presidential residence, past such important city landmarks as Vijay Chowk and India Gate all the way to the National Stadium, this broad avenue is flanked by trees, grass, and ponds and comes alive each January 26th during the Republic Day Parade, when countless thousands gather to celebrate the anniversary of the country's independence.
At the western end of Rajpath, the President's Residence-the Rashtrapati Bhavan (once the British Viceroy's residence)-is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent buildings in Delhi, an eclectic mix of Mughal and European architectural styles that contains some 340 richly decorated rooms.
Of particular interest is the new Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, which offers a glimpse inside the building, along with interesting displays relating to past presidents. Hot Tip: If visiting in February or March, check out the adjoining Mughal Gardens, a splendid display of plantings surrounding the President's Residence.
Address: Gates 30 & 35, President's Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110004
4, The National Rail Museum
Other highlights include several unique items, such as a collection of saloon cars belonging to the country's once powerful Maharajas, including the teak carriage of the Maharaja of Mysore, covered with ivory; the cabin of the Prince of Wales from 1876; and the carriage in which the ashes of Gandhi were carried after his assassination in 1948. The skull of an elephant struck by a mail train in 1894 is also displayed.
For kids, a ride on an excellent narrow gauge steam train is all part of the fun.
Address: Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021Official site: http://nrmindia.com
4, National Zoology Park
Reputed to be one of the best zoos in Asia, the National Zoological Park was established in 1959 and provides a habitat to some 1,500 animals and bird species. The abundant wildlife on display are representative of all continents, including numerous examples from Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Of particular note are the zoo's numerous chimpanzees, along with hippopotamuses, spider monkeys, zebras, hyenas, deer, jaguars, and tigers. A particular highlight for kids is the underground Reptile Complex, which houses a variety of snakes, including the deadly king cobra. A fun way to get around the zoo's many attractions is via one of the small electric vehicles that whisk passengers around the park.
Address: Mathura Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110 003
Official site: www.nzpnewdelhi.gov.in
5, The Jantar Mantar Observatory
Near Connaught Place, one of New Delhi's largest and best-known business districts, Jantar Mantar is one of five astronomical observatories constructed by Maharajah Jai Singh I in 1725. Designed to enable occupants to observe the movements of the sun, moon, and planets, this well-preserved historic site also boasts several other old instruments on display that were once used to track the course of heavenly bodies and predict eclipses. Highlights of this remarkable and architecturally pleasing building include an enormous sundial known as the Prince of Dials.
Address: Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
6, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Delhi's most important Sikh place of worship, the 18th-century Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is near Connaught Place and is well worth a visit. Highlights include its magnificent pool, the Sarovar, at the heart of this large complex, as well as its famous gold dome and flagpole.
Also of note is the large temple building itself, along with its art gallery and a small museum dedicated to the history of the Sikh religion. Visitors are always welcome here, and an excellent meal is available at no cost in the large Gurdwara Kitchen-all that is asked in return is your hair be covered and shoes removed (free headscarves and shoe storage are provided).
Address: Ashoka Road, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
6, The National Museum, New Delhi
The galleries of the National Museum, New Delhi-one of the largest museums in India-follow a historical sequence, with all major periods represented. Highlights include archeological finds, along with exhibits of terra-cotta toys, images and pots, jewelry, seals, bronze and copper implements, sculpture, musical instruments, tapestry, tribal masks, swords, and murals.
The most significant gallery is the Central Asian exhibit including silk banners and wall paintings, sculptures, and artifacts related to life along the ancient Silk Route that stretched between Europe and China. (Audio guides are available.)
Other museums worth visiting include the National Science Centre, one of the world's largest science centers, and the impressive National Museum of Natural History with its focus on the country's rich flora and fauna. Also notable is the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), which houses the country's most important art collections. Opened in 1954, its more than 14,000 artworks include pieces from leading Indian artists from the 1850s onwards.
Address: Janpath Road, Rajpath Area, Central Secretariat, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Official site: www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in
6, Laxminarayan Temple
If you're able to squeeze just one more temple into your Delhi sightseeing itinerary, make it Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir). It's also one of the newest such sites in the city. This impressive looking Hindu place of worship was opened by Mahatma Gandhi in 1939 in Connaught Place as a dedication to the goddess of prosperity, Laxmi (shrines dedicated to other faiths are also included on the site, a condition stipulated by Gandhi). Spread across nearly eight acres, the grounds are a delight to explore, and feature lush tropical gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
Address: Mandir Marg, Near, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi
7, The Hauz Khas Complex
The Hauz Khas Complex is a fascinating urban village a little south of New Delhi. In addition to its numerous ancient stone monuments, the entire village is dotted with domed tombs of minor Muslim royalty, who were laid to rest here from the 14th to 16th centuries. Other highlights include the remnants of an ancient college and the tomb of Firoz Shah, who ruled Delhi in the 14th century, as well as Ki Masjid, a fine mosque built in Lodi style.
Be sure to allow extra time to explore the surrounding neighborhood, popular for locals and tourists alike for its art galleries, fashionable restaurants, and boutique shops.
Address: Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi
8, Sulabh International Museum Of Toilets
The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets provides a fascinating look at sanitation and its connection to social reform. Displays show the evolution of the toilet and their various designs, with toilet-related items dating back to 2,500 BC, along with exhibits showing historical trends.
Facts, photos, and artifacts present a chronology of developments relating to technology, social customs, toilet etiquette, and sanitary conditions, with exhibits including privies, chamber pots, toilet furniture, bidets, and water closets from 1145 to modern times.
Although unrelated, Tibet House is another smaller museum worth visiting for its collection of ceremonial items brought by the Dalai Lama after he fled Tibet. Displays include wooden sculptures, paintings, carpets, and ritual objects from Tibetan monasteries and villages, along with a museum housing various rare art objects, religious artifacts, ritual implements, objects of war, and jewelry.
Address: Sulabh Bhawan, Palam Dabri Rd, Mahavir Enclave I, Mahavir Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110046
9, The Crafts Museum
The Crafts Museum-officially named the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, New Delhi-displays a wide variety of traditional crafts from across India. Among its many fascinating features is the chance to watch highly skilled craftspeople demonstrate their centuries-old skills, as well as see large collections of textiles, woodwork, and ceramics.
Also of interest are architectural displays of various regional villages, including authentic mud huts and a full-sized wooden haveli (a form of mansion house) from Gujarat decorated with traditional folk art and featuring exquisite woodcarvings, paintings, papier-mâché, and embroidery.
Address: Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Official site: http://nationalcraftsmuseum.nic.in
10, Gandhi Smriti And The Memorial of Gandhi
Numerous references can be found to Mahatma Gandhi throughout Delhi, a testament to the man's legacy. Of the many attractions related to the famed leader of the Indian independence movement, perhaps the best is Gandhi Smriti (Gandhi Remembrance), a museum housed in the property where he was assassinated in 1948.
Highlights include displays and memorabilia relating to both his life and death, including the room in which he stayed, left exactly as it was at the time, as well as the new Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum with historical records detailing his many achievements.
A particular highlight is the chance to stroll the very same gardens where Gandhi once spent so much time (the place where the shooting occurred is marked by the Martyr's Column). Also of interest is the Raj Ghat memorial to Gandhi just a few minutes' walk away on the spot where he was cremated.
Address: 5 Tees January Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
Official site: www.gandhismriti.gov.in
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