Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi, is the capital of India and a major cultural, historical, and political hub in the country. Situated along the Yamuna River, the region has hosted numerous empires, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, whose architectural legacies—ranging from forts and mosques to gardens—are central to Delhi’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Tourism in Delhi has seen a marked resurgence in recent years, with the Ministry of Tourism reporting that Delhi accounted for approximately 30 % of all foreign tourist arrivals to India during December 2023, the highest share among entry ports.[1] In 2023, India recorded approximately 9.24 million foreign tourist arrivals — up about 43.5% from 2022 — further underscoring Delhi’s pivotal role in national tourism dynamics.[2] In 2023, India recorded over 9.2 million foreign tourist arrivals—an increase of 43.5 % from 2022—further signaling Delhi’s importance in national tourism dynamics.[3]
This article provides a structured overview of the key tourist attractions and places of interest in Delhi, spanning historical sites, museums, religious landmarks, green spaces, markets, and modern developments.
Delhi, the capital city of India, has a rich historical and cultural heritage spanning several centuries. The city has been the seat of multiple dynasties and empires, each leaving a distinct mark on its architecture, culture, and urban landscape.
The earliest settlements in Delhi can be traced back to the Maurya Empire around 300 BCE.[4] During the Tomar and Chauhan rule, the fortified city of Qila Rai Pithora was established.[5] The advent of the Delhi Sultanate in the 12th century led to the construction of iconic monuments such as the Qutb Minar and several mosques and tombs.
During the Mughal Empire (16th–18th century), Delhi became a major cultural and political center.
The Great Mogul and his court returning from the Jama Masjid in Delhi — a historic oil painting illustrating the grandeur and culture of Mughal-era Delhi.
Emperors like Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb commissioned grand structures including Humayun's Tomb, the Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. The Mughal influence is evident in Delhi’s urban planning, gardens, and architectural style, which combined Persian, Timurid, and indigenous Indian elements.[6]
In 1803, Delhi came under British control. The colonial period saw the construction of important administrative buildings, roads, and railways. In the early 20th century, New Delhi was planned by architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker and officially inaugurated as the capital of British India in 1931.[7]
After India gained independence in 1947, Delhi continued to expand as the political and administrative capital. Modern infrastructure and urban development flourished, while several historic and modern landmarks became prominent tourist attractions. Key sites include India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Pragati Maidan, and Akshardham.[8]
Sansad Bhavan or the Parliament of India is a circular building designed by the British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in 1912–1913. Construction began in 1921, and in 1927 the building was opened as the home of the Council of State, the Central Legislative Assembly, and the Chamber of Princes.The Parliament House Sansad Bhavan with the Old Parliament House in the background
Rashtrapati Bhavan was built with a mix of European and Mughal/Indian styles. It was originally built for the Governor General of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the Viceregal Lodge, the name was changed in 1959 after India became a republic. It is currently the presidential palace of India.
Connaught Place, also known as CP, is a business and commercial centre with hotels, shopping complexes, and offices. Tourist attractions include Hanuman Mandir, an ancient temple with a mention in Guinness Book of Record, Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory from the 18th century, Maharaja Agrasen ki Baoli and State Emporiums which houses a collection of ethnic specialities of the states.
Connaught Place is divided into two circles, called the inner and outer Connaught circle. Janpath, an open-air shopping complex, lies on the road connecting the inner and outer circle with Palika Bazaar, a landmark market in the underground maze below Connaught Place.
The Qutub Minar is located in Qutb complex, Mehrauli in South Delhi. It was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty, founder of the Delhi Sultanate, started construction of the Qutub Minar's first storey around 1192. In 1220, Aibak's successor and son-in-law Iltutmish completed a further three storeys. In 1369, a lightning strike destroyed the top storey. Firoz Shah Tughlaq replaced the damaged storey and added one more. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up to a height of 72.5 meters and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran.
Lodi Gardens, earlier called Lady Willingdon Park, is a 15th- and 16th-century park with numerous monuments scattered among its lawns, flowers, shady trees and ponds. Notable monuments are the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, Bara Gumbad and Shisha Gumbad.
When Ghazi Malik founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1321. He built the strongest fort in Delhi at Tughlaqabad, completed with great speed within four years of his rule.
Salimgarh Fort, which is now part of the Red Fort complex, was constructed on an island of the Yamuna River in 1546 by the Suri Dynasty.
The Purana Quila (Old Fort) is a good example of Mughal military architecture. Built by Pandavas, renovated by Humayun, with later modifications by Sher Shah Suri, the Purana Quila is a monument that is different from the well-planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of the later Mughal rulers. It does not have a complex of palaces, administrative, and recreational buildings as is generally found in the forts built later but rather has plain design and sturdy strong walls that were meant to defend it from attacks.
Chandni Chowk, a main marketplace in Delhi, keeps alive the city's living legacy of Shahjahanabad. It is a very famous place in Delhi it is famous for its Jalebi and Parathas. Chandni Chowk remains Asia's largest wholesale market. Created by Shah Jahan, legend has it that Shah Jahan planned Chandni Chowk so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted.[9] Handicrafts once patronized by the Mughals continue to flourish there.
Akshardham Temple it is the third largest Hindu temple in the world. It was built in 2005. In the sprawling 100-acre (0.40 km2) land rests an intricately carved monument, high-technology exhibitions, a musical fountain, a food court and gardens.
The Laxminarayan Temple was built in honour of Lakshmi (Hindu goddess of wealth), and her consort Narayana (Vishnu, Preserver in the Trimurti) by B. R. Birla from 1933 and 1939, when it was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The side temples are dedicated to Shiva, Krishna and Buddha. The temple spread over 7.5 acres, is adorned with many shrines, fountains, and a large garden, and also houses Geeta Bhawan for discourses. The temple is one of the major attractions of Delhi and attracts thousands of devotees on the Hindu festivals of Janmashtami and Holi.
ISKCON Temple also popularly called as the Hare Krishna temple is a famous Vaishnava temple with deities of Sri Radha Krishna. Located in South Delhi, the construction of the temple began in 1991 and was completed in 1998 under the planning of internationally renowned architect Achyut Kanvinde. Panoramic view of ISKCON Temple The temple primarily built with red stone is recognized for its unique architecture which blends the traditional Vedic with contemporary style. The complex also houses a one of a kind in the country Robtic show which explains the message of Bhagavad Gita. Another highlight of the temple is beautifully drawn paintings of the Lord done by the foreign devotees. Apart from these, the temple acts as a sturdy base for those wish to study the Vedic scriptures, Yoga and provides a facility for practising Bhakti Yoga as given by Srila Prabhupada. The temple also serves the devotees pure vegetarian food at its 'Govindas' restaurant. The temple is easy to approach as it well connected by buses and Metro trains. .[12]
Kalka Ji Mandir is a famous Hindu mandir or temple, This temple is situated on Kalkaji Mandir (Delhi Metro station) in the southern part of Delhi, India, in Kalkaji, a locality that has derived its name from this famous temple and is located opposite Nehru Place business centre.
Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is the oldest and best-known Jain temple in Delhi originally built in 1658. This temple is located just opposite the massive Red Fort at the intersection of Netaji Subhas Marg and Chandni Chowk. The temple is an impressive structure made up red stone giving the name Lal Mandir. The temple is known for an avian veterinary hospital, called the Jain Birds Hospital, in a second building behind the main temple.[13]
Shri Atma Vallabh Jain Smarak is a Jain temple and a multi-faceted memorial in the sacred memory of Jain Acharya Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji. The main hall of the temple is considered a brilliant example of the structural design as per ancient Jain Sthapatya Kala (Main Sompura: Amrutbhai Mulshankar Trivedi). It is built in dome-shaped internally with stepped roof exterior.[14]
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most prominent and largest gurdwaras in Delhi. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most visited one in Delhi. Millions visit from all over the world and of all religions to offer their prayers at this elegant yet historical gurdwara in Delhi. The gurdwara marks the place where the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Harkrishan, lived his last breath serving the population ravaged by the smallpox and cholera epidemic.[15] The Gurdwara offers free food (langar) to all visitors and devotees throughout the day. Even one can have its M.R.I. free of cost at Bangla Sahib. There is a beautiful reservoir.[16]
The Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, commonly known as Jama Masjid, is the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in 1656, it is one of the largest and best-known mosques in India. It can accommodate around 25,000 people at once.
The Lotus Temple is an exceptionally beautiful structure, built as a Baháʼí House of Worship. It is situated in South Delhi and looks like a white lotus. It was built by the community of the Baháʼí Faith. The temple has received a wide range of attention in professional architectural, fine art, religious, governmental, and other venues.
Cathedral Church of Redemption, also known as Viceroy Church. Located east of Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was used by then viceroy of British India. The Church derives its name from Palladio's Church of Il Redentore in Venice as well as Lutyens St Jude's Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb. The cathedral was built in eight years and was completed in 1935. Cathedral was designed by Henry Medd. The cathedral was built in such a manner that even in the extreme summers it remains cool and serene. The church serves locals and foreigners. It is visited by tens of thousands of visitors each day.
The National Police Memorial commemorates police personnel from all of the central and state police forces in India who have died in the line of duty since Independence.[19]One section of the Wall of Valour at the National Police Memorial and Museum
On the banks of the Yamuna River, which flows past Delhi, there is Raj Ghat, the final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It has become an essential point of call for all visiting dignitaries. Two museums dedicated to Gandhi are situated nearby.Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948.
Delhi is a food lover's paradise, from street food to the Paranthe Wali Gali of old Delhi selling everything from paranthas to nihari, to the modern-day but local cafes that have sprung up, to the Mughlai and North Indian restaurants- Delhi food is its heart and soul. And it requires a huge appetite to sample it all.[22]
Lying close to the Raj Ghat, the Shanti Van (literally, the forest of peace) is the place where India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated. The area is now a beautiful park adorned by trees planted by visiting dignitaries and heads of state.
Ahinsa Sthal is a Jain temple located in Mehrauli. This temple is famous for its magnificent 13 ft. 6-inch statue of Mahavira carved from single granite rock.
Bharat Darshan Park is a park spread over 8.5 acres made out of 350 metric tons of waste. It opened in December 2021. It was developed by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) in West Delhi's Punjabi Bagh at an estimated cost of ₹ 14 crore and replicas of 21 monuments from across the country.[23]
The National Zoological Park is a 176-acre (71 ha) zoo near the Old Fort in Delhi, India. The zoo is home to about 1350 animals representing almost 130 species of animals and birds from around the world.
Millennium Indraprastha Park, located between ITO and Akshardham, is a park with an amphitheatre, food court and a Vishwa Shanti Stupa with Buddha statue.
Sunder Nursery, a 90 acres heritage park near Humayun's Tomb, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a garden with marble fountains.[24]
Delhi, being the national capital and a major cultural heritage and historical hub of India, attracts millions of visitors every year. Both domestic and international tourists come to explore its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant markets, cultural festivals, and historical landmarks. The city has experienced steady growth in visitor numbers due to improved infrastructure, better connectivity, and increased global interest in India’s heritage.
In 2023, approximately 39.42 million domestic tourists visited Delhi.[25]
Domestic tourism is driven by cultural attractions, pilgrimage sites, business travel, and educational purposes. The number has steadily increased over the years, highlighting Delhi’s significance as a key destination within India.
The city has witnessed remarkable growth in foreign tourist arrivals over the last few years. From just 100,178 in 2021, the number surged to 1,828,116 in 2023.[28]
Sher Mandal in Purana Qila stands on an ancient mound. Excavations near its eastern wall reveal that the site has been continuously occupied since 1000 BC.
The India Gate is one of the most famous monuments in Delhi. Built-in the memory of more than 90,000 Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan Wars and World War I.
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Jantar Mantar consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments, built by Maharaja Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734.
Humayun's Tomb is one of Delhi's most famous landmarks. The monument has an architectural design similar to the Taj Mahal.
Safdarjung's Tomb is a garden tomb in a marble mausoleum.
Sher Mandal in Purana Qila stands on an ancient mound. Excavations near its eastern wall reveal that the site has been continuously occupied since 1000 BC.
Sansad Bhavan or the Parliament of India
The India Gate is one of the most famous monuments in Delhi. Built-in the memory of more than 90,000 Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan Wars and World War I.
Nizamuddin Dargah and Jamaat Khan Masjid
Mausoleum called the Shisha Gumbad (glass dome) for its internal glass decorations at Lodi Gardens
St. James' Church (1836) (Skinner's Church), at Kashmiri Gate, one of the oldest churches of Delhi
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