Explore the top 7 iconic landmarks of Delhi in your upcoming incredible India Tour. The top 7 iconic landmarks in Delhi are the legacy of rise and fall of different mighty empires in India. Here’s a list of the top 7 iconic landmarks to visit in Delhi.
- Qutab Minar (234 ft.), the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to the 12th century. This famous mosque in Delhi is the tallest brick minaret on earth. It is an important iconic landmark of Delhi and is also one of the finest store towers in India. It is the earliest of the structures where you are able to see a combination of the Indian and the Islamic architecture. It is believed that Qutab Minar stands for the victory of the Mughals on the Indian soil. Some others claim that it had been a tower of prayer. This iconic landmark of Delhi is decorated with great carvings and quotations from Koran. Qutb-ud-din Aibak was the first Muslim of India who initiated the orders for construction of this minaret in 1193. It is in Qutub Complex which is a large area consisting of many ancient and medieval structures and their ruins. The Qutub Minar is also significant for what it represents in the history of Indian culture.
- Red Fort, once the pivot of the mighty Mughal Empire, is situated right alongside the banks of the Yamuna River. The architectural majesty is very impressive piece of ancient architecture which date backs to seventeenth century. Massive defensive walls greet you, sweeping over almost 2 km in length, with foreboding main gates and huge ward towers. The Red Fort was declared a ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’ in 2007. It is one of the most popular of the Delhi tourist attractions and the tour consists of a superb and extraordinary show, taking guests all through the private residences, courtyards and other buildings.
- Raj Ghat, is the place where India’s ‘Father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi’s remains are buried. Mahatma Gandhi is best known for his philosophy of Non Violence or Amimsa. A visit to this serene memorial of Gandhi who inspired leaders like Martin Luther and Nelson Mandela is definitely recommended as one of the iconic sites to visit in Delhi. The eternal flame of Raj Ghat marks a prominent memorial to Mahatma Gandhi but tributes to other major figures throughout India’s history, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Indira Gandhi serve to inspire visitors.
- Lotus Temple, one of the top iconic landmarks of Delhi, is also known as Bahai Temple. The temple is also one of the remarkable architectures of Bahai faith. The temple has no restrictions for visitors and is open to people from all religions. This is a temple which proclaims the unity of all religions. The design looks like a half opened Lotus flower with 27 freestanding “petals” made of marble. The architect, while designing the temple took into account the eternal beauty of Lotus flower. The temple looks more attractive during the night when it is decorated with enchanting lighting arrangements.
- Jama Masjid, located at the surrounding area of Red Fort, happens to be the largest mosque in Asia with courtyard large enough to accommodate 25,000 believers at a time. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. It is also considered to be the final architectural wonder built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. This iconic landmark of Delhi also belongs to one of the top attractions of Delhi tour.
- India Gate, one of the topmost iconic landmarks of Delhi, is a war memorial. Built in memory of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I, India Gate also gets large number of visitors. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. The area wears a magic charm with the floodlights during the night.
- Humayun’s Tomb, another must see landmark of Delhi, looks a bit like the Taj Mahal. It is because it was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal’s creation. A structure built in the midst of exotic plant life, this tomb contains the body of Humayun, the second Mughal ruler of the nation. A foremost archetype of Mughal design ingenuity, the 16th century Tomb of Humayun is a red sandstone marvel. Subject to a superb restoration effort which endures to the present day, the mausoleum is one of the most remarkable in the world. The tomb established a standard for all later Mughal monuments, which followed its design, most notably the Taj Mahal.
