The Red Fort – this was created by the Emperor Shah Jahan who also was responsible for the incredible Taj Mahal. Legend says that the Fort took 10 years to near completion and included the decapitated bodies of its prisoners in its foundations for good fortune and is surrounded on all sides by an 8-metre wall. Some time ago, it would overlook the beautiful Yamuna River, one of the holy rivers in India, even though the river has now shrunk away a little further.
The Qutb Minar Complex – this is one of those ancient ruins in Delhi that you simply cannot miss seeing. Built by the sultans of Mehrauli, and expanded by rulers after them, this is a work of art that took the sill of the lands finest craftsmen and artisans. Every October and November, the Qutb Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance happens here.
The Mehrauli Archaeological Park – in this impressive archaeological park are over 440 monuments, that date from the 10th-century British era in India to a forest and even a village. The tombs of Balban, Quli Khan and the Jamali Khamali Mosque along with the tomb of the poet Jamali and the 16thcentury iconic Rajon ki Baoli, the best step-well in Delhi with a breathtaking flight of stairs will keep you enchanted.
Humayun’s Tomb – the speciality of this structure is in its unbelievable symmetry that makes it look as if though it is floating above the gardens. It also is rumoured to have been the muse for the creation of famous Taj Mahal and was built in the middle of the 16th century by Haji Begum the Persian wife of Humayun, combining the best of Persian and Mughal architecture.
Akshardham Temple – much more recent, this lavishly mind-boggling building was built in 2005. The pale red coloured sandstone used has been carved intricately, that includes 20,000 deities, saints and mythological creatures. The 3-metre high golden statue of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan is the centrepiece here.
