Travel India Info

Delhi tourist guide The majority of tourists visiting India enter India via New Delhi. Delhi international airport is called the Indira Gandhi Airport. New Delhi is the capital of India. Delhi is a tourist’s delight with lots to do and see in and around Delhi. Listed on this page is information about the most popular tourist attractions of interest to visitors.

Places to visit in Delhi - Tourist

Attractions Delhi, India

• India Gate • Purana Quila • Jantar Mantar • The Red Fort • Lotus Temple • Humayun’s Tomb

India Gate

India Gate has an arch 42 meters high. It was built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in World War. One can get an excellent view of Rashtrapati Bhavan from here. India Gate is a popular place with green lawns around the main roadway from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan. There is also an artificial waterway here where row boats can be rented by visitors. An excellent picnic area with greenery and well kept lawns. During the summer in the evening there is a carnival type atmosphere here as families enjoy the fresh air and picnic on the lawns around India Gate. India Gate is located in the heart of Delhi and can easily be reached from all areas in Delhi. There are no fees to be paid at India Make it a point to drive by this at night also and see the fantastic lighted view of Rashtrapati Bhavan. India Gate is also the area where India’s famous Republic Day Parade is held on January 26th every year.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar in Delhi was built in 1710 by Maharaja Jai Singh. This is actually an observatory which was used to tell time by the different position of the sun. Several constructions are there to help calculate the position of the Sun or the Moon. Similar observatories can also be found in the cities of Jaipur, Ujjain and Varanasi. Jantar Mantar is located on Parliament Street. It’s location is very close to Connaught Place, one of Delhi’s most popular shopping areas.

Birla Mandir Delhi

This temple was built over a six year period (1933 – 1939) built by the Birla family and is said to have been opened by Mahatma Gandhi. Birla Mandir is one of Delhi’s famous temples for tourists as well as local residents. Indian visitors from other cities also make it a point to visit The Birla Mandir when visiting Delhi. The Birla Mandir is also known as Laxmi Narayan Temple and enshrines Lord Vishnu. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people from all castes will be allowed to worship at this temple. Located on: Mandir Marg, Connaught Place. Timings: 4:30 am to 1:30 pm. and 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm. There is no entry fee Cameras are NOT allowed inside the temple.

Qutub Minar Delhi

The Qutub Minar was started in 1199 AD. It is made of red sandstone rising to a height of 72.5 meters. It has 379 steps. It is said to be the tallest brick minaret in the world and considered to be an architectural marvel of the 13th century. Picnic grounds around the Qutub Minar are great for a picnic so go prepared to spend the day. The entrance fee to walk up to the top of the Qutub Minar is presently Rs 500 for foreign tourists. The Famous Iron Pillar also stands in the courtyard at the Qutub Minar. Even though this pillar made of 98 percent iron has stood in the open for 1600 years it has not rusted out. The iron pillar is 23.62 feet tall. Traditional belief is that anyone who can encircle the pillar with their backs towards the pillar can have their wish granted. The Qutub Minar area has ample greenery and gardens around it so take a picnic lunch if you prefer to spend some time there.

Lotus Temple in Delhi

The Lotus Temple in Delhi is situated in the busy capital of India. The lotus shape temple captures the imagination and curiosity of visitors. The temple has a unique design in the form of a lotus. Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion, or any other distinction whatsoever.

Visiting hours for the Lotus Temple

• Summer (1st April to 30th September) : 9 am. To 7 pm. • Winter (1st October to 31st March) : 9:30 am To 5:30 pm.

The Red Fort Delhi

The Red Fort was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan. It took 10 years to construct and is said to have been completed in 1648. This is where once the famous Peacock Throne was located once and is said to have been carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739. The Prime Minister traditionally addresses the people on August 15th India’s independence day, from the Red Fort. Visit the Red Fort and see the grand way the emperors of the past lived. There is also a light and sound live show held at the Red Fort in the evenings. There is an additional ticket to be purchased for this show. When visiting the Red Fort guides are available at a nominal cost. However don’t go shopping with these people as they steer you to places where the prices will be ridiculously high and they get a commission. Touring the Fort with a guide is highly recommended as you see the various places with an explanation of some historical facts associated with what you see. The guides speak some English and are able to get the message across Wear proper shoes as lots of walking is involved due to the size of the Fort. Photographers at the entrance gate also try to follow you on with the understanding that they will take your pictures and you can buy what ever you like without any pressure. I found that the photographer that accompanied me lived up to his word. He followed us around and took photographs without any payment and then visited us the next day at our hotel with the photographs. We only had to buy what we liked and the price was quite reasonable. A word of caution, If you decide to go this route, as a precaution, meet the photographer in the hotel lobby and NOT in your room.

Jantar Mantar Information Open: All days Timings: Sunrise to Sunset Entry Fee: Rs. 5 (Indians), Rs. 100 (foreigners) Photography Charges: Free Video filming Rs. 25

Qutub Minar Information Location: Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi Open: Every day Entry Fee: Indians Rs. 10 & Foreigners Rs. 250 Phone: 91 11 2469 8431

Red Fort Delhi - Information Location: Near Chandni Chowk, New Delhi Open: 9:30AM to 4:30PM daily (except Monday) Entry Fee: Indians Rs. 10 & Foreigners Rs. 150 Phone: 91 11 2327 7705

Facts and Figures for Delhi √ Area: 1,483 sq km √ Population: 9.4 million √ Languages spoken: Hindi, Urdu, English & Punjabi √ Best Time to visit Delhi - October to March Climate: Summers are hot with the temperature rising up to 45 C. Winters are quite cold with temperature dropping as low as 5 C.