Attractions in Central Delhi (New Delhi)

India Gate

India Gate is usually the first stop in a traveler's itinerary. It is a majestic structure, which stands high at the end of Rajpath amidst plush, green manicured lawns and water fountains carved in sandstone. Designed and built by Lutyens, it was originally called the All India War Memorial. This structure was built in honor and memory of the scores of Indian soldiers who died in World War I, the North-West Frontier operations and the Afghan war in early 1900s. India Gate is truly unique as each martyred soldier's name is inscribed in its walls. Under it burns the eternal flame of 'Amar Jyoti'; burning since 1971. The area is especially breathtaking in the evenings when India Gate and the sprawling lawns are dramatically lit with floodlights. Just behind the main structure of India Gate is a canopy made in sandstone. In front of it is the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the President of India. This is one of the most beautiful localities in the city and is favorite spot for picnics and outings all year round.

Safdarjung Tomb

Safdarjung Tomb was built as a mausoleum for the Viceroy of Awadh, Safdarjung, in 1754. The main structure, built in red sandstone, is surrounded by many other smaller pavilions like Jangli Mahal (Wild Palace), Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls), and Badshah Pasand (King's Favourite). It is a beautiful piece of Mughal architecture, and the endless lush green gardens and manicured lawns are sure to take your breath away.

Lodhi Garden

Lodhi Garden is two kilometres away from Humayun's Tomb and is adjacent to India International Centre. It is a favorite among Delhi picnickers, families with toddlers, joggers with mobile phones and couples in love. The garden is sprawling with lush, green, manicured foliage and mammoth trees. Numerous beautiful ancient tombs are dispersed all over the park. They were built as a homage to the Sayyed and Lodi sultans(kings) who ruled north India in the 15th and 16th centuries. The tombs with their arches and design are another testimony to the genius of Mughal architecture. These gardens are extremely well-maintained and are particularly breath-taking in the evenings as the monuments are lit with halogen lights.

Jantar Mantar

On first glance, Jantar Mantar seems like a collection of weird buildings contorted beyond belief. On closer look, the genius of the construction is apparent. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1725, it is a brilliant attempt to revise the calendar and the astronomical tables. A mammoth sun dial stands in the center of the observatory. There are many other constructions made to track the sun beams and moon cycles. Once a precise mechanism for telling time and eclipses, now Jantar Mantar is made defunct due to the overshadowing by tall skyscrapers all around. This place derives its more contemporary charm from the hordes of protests (dharnas) and hunger strikes that are organized on a frequent basis.

Rajpath

Rajpath means the royal road. This is the road that has India Gate at one end and the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House) at the other. On either side of this vast road, there are beautiful ponds and lush, green gardens. Everywhere you look, you'll find a breathtaking view. The Republic Day parade is held here every year on January 26th.

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House)

This is the official residence of the President of India. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is an awe-inspiring complex, which was designed by Lutyens in the early 1900s. The palace-like building is a blend of Western and Mughal architectural styles; the most obvious Indian feature being the huge copper dome. It is believed to be inspired by the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi. There is a huge courtyard in the front and a lush garden towards the back. The garden is spread over a 130 acre area and is very popular with the tourists. It is open to the public only in February.

The Secretariat

The buildings that form The Secretariat surround the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The North Block are the offices of the Home and Finance Ministries and the South Block is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is a series of beautiful buildings in red sandstone with Baroque domes covered with lotus motifs and elephants, another example of the architect's, Lutyen's genius. Unfortunately, entry into the premises is not allowed.

Feroz Shah Kotla

Ferozabad was constructed in 1354 by Feroz Shah Tuglaq. It now lies in ruins at Feroz Shah Kotla. This place now seem like a menacing fortress, but the most famous structure here is the Ashoka Pillar, on which the great king and philosopher, Ashoka's teachings are inscribed. Amongst the ruins are also the remains of a mosque and a well. It has been bought to this state by the endless stippling of its materials to construct newer buildings.

Khuni Darwaza

Khuni Darwaza (a gate soaked in blood) is the imposing gateway, which is located opposite the Maulana Azad Medical College. It is believed to have been the northern gateway of emperor Sher Shah's capital, Shergarh. You can reach up to the third storey of the gateway by using a staircase within the walls. It is believed that Dara Shikoh's head was displayed here after he was beheaded by his brother, emperor Arungzeb, in their battle for the throne of Delhi. It was also here that the two sons and a grandson of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, were shot by the British in 1857 and their bodies were displayed to public viewing. Local folklore has blood dripping from the ceiling of the gateway. The story is amusing because in the monsoon season, rainwater collects the rust from the iron joints resulting in a reddish dribble.

Mughal Gardens

Mughal Gardens are a part of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. The gardens have some of the best varieties of roses in the world. It has a rich and extensive collection of other rare flowers and plants too. Although Rashtrapati Bhavan is closed to the public, the Gardens opens its doors to the common man for a short period in the year i.e. in February and March, every year. It is a breathtaking place—with beautiful manicured lawns, rare and colourful variety of plants, artificial ponds etc.

Hazrat Nizamuddin

Nizamuddin is a historic village settlement, which continues to exist within modern Delhi. It gets its name from the Sufi saint, Sheikh Nizamuddin Auliya, who was born in 1236. The area is full of craftsmen shops, traditional Mughal bakeries, ittar (exotic perfumes) bazaars, restaurants, old houses, traditional Islamic bookshops and numerous shrines devoted to saints and poets. You are immediately transported back in time when you enter Hazrat Nizamuddin. It has a magical ambience.

Buddha Jayanti Park

Buddha Jayanti Park was founded on the auspicious eve of 2500 years of completion of Buddha's salvation. A plant of Bodhi-Briksha was brought from Sri Lanka and planted in this park. The area is full of flowers and lawns; it is a charming forest-like area and very popular for its walkways. An ideal place for a picnic.