5 Attractions Of Delhi You Cannot Miss

The capital city of India has a rich history which has been thoughtfully preserved and, in some cases, restored. If you’re interested in understanding the city’s roots and culture, we’ve got the only list you’ll need on your trip to Delhi.

Since the 12th century, the city of Delhi has been home to several kingdoms. Each ruling dynasty left behind its own unique legacy, though the Mughals and the British, in particular, were a huge influence on the city’s art, architecture, religion, customs and cuisine. The result is a capital city brimming with different cultures, and there are monuments, museums, eateries and attractions dedicated to them all.

* Champa Gali

One of the newest attractions in the city, Champa Gali is a hideaway street full of cafés with leafy courtyards, restaurants, stores and design studios. Take a break from sightseeing to spend a few hours buried in a book at one of the cosy cafés here. The tiny street is tricky to find but you’ll discover that it’s well worth the effort the peaceful spot feels more like a quaint village lane than busy central Delhi.

* Shahpur Jat

Rightly described as an ‘urban village’, Shahpur Jat has become a favourite among locals in the last few years. It’s a haven for Indian wedding shopping, where shopfront upon shopfront glitters with heavily embellished, jewel-hued saris. Make a pitstop at one of the award-winning restaurants and cafés in the area; The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe serves excellent home-style Bihari food.

* Sunder Nursery

This heritage park was built by the Mughals back in the 16th century, and it’s back on the map after extensive renovations in 2017 transformed the space. Spread over a massive 90 acres (36 hectares) and containing more than 15 Mughal monuments, it’s an ideal place to visit on a sunny winter afternoon. On Sundays, pop-up organic market The Earth Collective sets up stalls piled with fresh produce, homemade pickles, artisanal cheese and traditional Indian home remedies.

* Humayun's Tomb

A majestic garden-tomb built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb was the first mausoleum to be built in the splendid Mughal style which would become synonymous with the period, setting a precedent for subsequent Mughal architectural innovations, including the Taj Mahal. While it is renowned as the burial place of Emperor Humayun, the second Mughal ruler in India, more than 150 members of the Mughal family have also been laid to rest at this UNESCO World Heritage site.

* Red Fort

In 1639, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Persian architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also designed the Taj Mahal, to construct the Red Fort. An immense complex of canals, geometric gardens, entertainment halls, living quarters and a mosque, the beauty of the fort represents the summit of Mughal-era architecture. Among its most impressive rooms is the Hall of Public Audience where 60 red sandstone pillars support the roof.