Delhi is more than just a melting pot of culture, its also a mosaic of art and architecture, culinary delights and religious amalgamation blossoming over centuries. The history of Delhi has gone through many changes, with each ruler Delhi saw the rise and fall of yet another empire. Compared to a phoenix by historians, Delhi was built, burnt and rose from its ashes every time it was destroyed.
“I asked my soul: What is Dilli? She replied: The World is the body and Dilli its life”.
~ Mirza Ghalib
The Tale of Seven cities of Delhi
Everyone who stays in Delhi, belongs to Delhi but Delhi never belonged to anyone. Time stands testament to the glory and vision of each kingdom that ruled over Delhi. According to historians, Delhi was a collection of seven older cities:
- Qila Rai Pithora/ Lal Kot – Ruled by the Tomars
- Siri – Ruled by the Khiljis
- Tughlaqabad – Ruled by Ghiyasuddin Tughluq
- Jahanpanah – Built by Muhammad bin Tughluq
- Ferozeshah – Built by Firuz Shah Tughluq
- Purana Qila – Built by Sher Shah and Humayun
- Shahjahanabad – Built by Shah Jahan
The A – Z of hidden gems to see in Delhi
Iconic sites in Delhi are not hard to find in guidebooks, everyone knows about the marvellous Qutub Minar and the historic Red Fort. But in this post, I am going to take you around the lesser known gems of Delhi, hidden behind plain sight.
Whether you are a first timer in Delhi or a regular Dilhiite looking forward to plan your day in the celebrated city of Delhi, this post is your go-to guide for all things offbeat in the Capital.
A – Asola Wildlife Sanctuary
On the fringes of Faridabad-Gurugram border, lies Asola Wildlife Sanctuary in Aravallis hill range. A 7 kms hike inside Asola Wildlife Sanctuary takes you to Bhardwaj Lake, one of the five lakes still accessible on foot. Its a perfect getaway for sunny wintery mornings, go there with your gang and enjoy the pristine lake. A word of advise, the hike leading to the lake has no markings, so it will be a good idea to go there with someone who knows the way. I took a guided tour with DelhiByFoot and explored the area.
Entry Fee: FREE
B – Bhool Bhuliya
This dome shaped octagonal tomb is of Akbar’s General, Adham Khan who was the youngest son of his foster mother Maham Anga. The tomb was built in 1562 AD in Mehrauli. The term Bhool Bhuliya means a Labyrinth or Maze is given to this place because of its many hidden passages inside its walls.
Entry Fee: FREE
C – Crafts Museum
Celebrating all things related to art and crafts in India, from Chamba Rumal to Jamdaani saris, Kantha from Kolkata to Ikat from Odisha, from tribal paintings to wood cravings. The Hastkala Academy is preserving Indian traditional textiles and handicrafts for more than 60 years.
You can also visit Cafe Lota that serves contemporary regional Indian dishes with a twist inside the campus of Crafts Museum. Their menu is inspired by local dishes that changes according to seasons and availability.
Entry Fee: Indian Visitor – Rs.20/ and Foreign Visitor – RS.200/-
D – Deer Park
There are four divisions of the biodiversity park – Rose Garden, Deer Park, Fountain & District Park, Old Monuments and Hauz Khas Art Market. Encompassed by greenery, this park provides a much needed respite from pollution in the Capital.
There is a enclosed area within the park where one can see a number of deers going about with their daily routine. One of my personal favorites within the boundaries of the biodiversity park is the Hauz-i-Alai complex which houses a mosque, a seminary, and a water tank. Tugged away from the mad rush of the city, one can read a book peacefully or just sit by and introspect. The best time to visit Hauz Khaz monument is when it rains, the innovative architecture and picturesque surrounding is sure to win your heart. The only problem with this place is the frequent visits by couples trying to spend some alone time. Beware of exploring the hidden pavilions as you might stumble upon lovebirds in awkward positions.
Entry Fee: FREE
E – Election Commission Museum
Get an insight into the history of Indian Elections and the journey of electoral legacy of one of the largest democracies of the world. The museum houses a selected collection of photographs, election documents, video footage and artefacts.
Entry Fee: FREE
F – Fatehpuri Mosque
Fatehpuri Masjid was built in 1650 AD by one of the wives of Shah Jahan. It marks the grand culmination to the historic streets of Chandni Chowk.
Made primarily with red sandstone, this 17th century old mosque is crowned by a single dome with seven arched openings in its prayer hall.
Entry Fee: FREE
G – Galib Ki Haveli
Mirza Galib, at the time of his death at the age of seventy two, the doyen of Urdu poetry. In his last years, after coming back from Agra, he spent his time at this mansion which is now a heritage site at Ballimaran, Old Delhi. Inside the haveli, one can read Galib’s couplets and get a glimpse into the life of the celebrated poet. If you are interested in knowing more about Galib, then visit Galib Museum at Nizamuddin.
Entry Fee: FREE
H – Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
Holy shrine of renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya who preached love as the means of finding God. Within the Dargah campus, one can also see tombs of Amir Khusro who was a famous Urdu poet, Jehan Ara Begum who was the sister of Emperor Aurangzeb and Inayat Khan.
Entry Fee: FREE
The major attraction here is the Qawwali sessions that takes place every evening from 5 PM to 9.30 PM.
I – Isa Khan’s Tomb
Isa Khan Nayazi was a noble in the court of Sher Shah Suri. Isa Khan’s tomb predates Humayun’s tomb by two decades. The architecture resembles of that used for royal tombs of Sayyid and Lodi dynasties from the 15th and 16th centuries. The tomb is decorated with canopies, glazed tiles, lattice screens, a red sandstone central bay and striking mihrabs.
Entry Fee: FREE
J – Jamali Kamali
The mosque and tombs adjoining Jamali Kamali belongs to a poet and saint named Jalal Khan who lived between Sikandar Lodi and Humayun’s reign.
Situated inside Mehrauli Archeological Park, this Mosque is quite (in)famous for paranormal sightings at night. Many people believe that Jinns reside in this complex and have heard strange noises coming out from here. Some have even claimed to have seen a person lurking behind one of the pillars but couldn’t find anyone there when they searched.
Because of such claims, people avoid Jamali Kamali. But trust me, it is one of the most beautiful structures in Delhi. There is a guard at watch here, so visiting the Mosque during day time is completely safe. Have you visited Jamali Kamali yet?
Entry Fee: FREE
K – Khirki Mosque
Right opposite to DLF Mall in Saket, is an unadaptable road that leads to Khirki Mosque. From the outside it seems like any other busy alley but when you go inside Khirki village, you will find one of the hidden gems of Delhi. Built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, the Prime Minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq of the Tughlaq dynasty. The double storeyed structure of the mosque has an amalgamation of Mughal and Hindu architecture which is believed to be found only here in Northern India. Another interesting feature of the mosque are its 85 domes that adorns the roof. A must visit site for history buffs.
Entry Fee: FREE
L – Lodhi Art District
If you are an art enthusiast then a visit to Meherchand market and Khanna market is a must. The residential area between the above mentioned markets are adorned with quirky art murals. One can find themes like women empowerment, mundane lifestyle, trippy patterns, modern art with social messages and futuristic paintings.
The whole area can be covered in maximum two hours and the distance is walkable. If you get tired, then go Meherchand Market for a quick bite at CCD, Elma’s cafe or eat at the local Chole Bhature Wala. You can also head to Khanna market to Devan’s Coffee or Chidambaram New Madras Hotel.
Entry Fee: FREE
M – Makhdum Sahib’s Mosque and Tomb
This 15th century Lodi dynasty structure is dedicated to Saint Makhdum Sabswari is located inside Mayfair gardens in Hauz Khas. The entrance has Hindu elements of a temple whereas the rest of the complex is built in Pathan style architecture which clearly shows harmony of art and architecture in India.
Entry Fee: FREE
N – National Museum
Another place in Delhi that you MUST visit is the National Museum. It’s a treasure trove of artefacts and interesting historical gems from Harappan civilisation to Central Asian Antiques. There is a special section inside the museum dedicated to tactile experiences. Special needs of people have been well taken care of.
Entry Fee: Adult Ticket – Rs. 20/- and Foreigners Ticket Rs. 650/- (including Audio Guide). Entry for students upto Class 12th with valid I-Cards is FREE.
O – Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The Okhla Bird Sanctuary is 4 square kilometres in size and is situated at the Okhla barrage over Yamuna at the entrance of Noida. There are over 302 species of birds found here which makes its a must visit place for birdwatchers.
Entry Fee: Indian visitors – 30 Rs. and Foreign nationals – 350 Rs.
P – Purana Qila
The old fort is part of the sixth Delhi as mentioned by historians. This 16th century fort stand testimony to the grandeur of the Mughals. The construction of Purana Qila was started by Humayun in 1533 but was oust by Sher Shah within a few years’ time.
Inside the Purana Qila complex, you can see a stepwell, a Museum, Qila-i-Kuna Mosque, Sher Mandal, Kairul Manzil and Sher Shah Suri Gate. If history intrigues you, then you must see the ‘Light and Sound Show’ which starts at 7.30 PM [Hindi] and 9.00 PM [English]
Entry Fee: ₹ 30 for Indians and ₹ 500 for foreigners.
Q – Quli Khan’s Tomb
Sir Thomas Theophilus Metcalfe, a civil servant during the British Raj, turned Quli Khan’s tomb into a pleasure retreat for honeymooning couples and called it ‘Dilkhusha’ (delight of heart). Quli khan was a general in Akbar’s army and son to his wet nurse, Maham Anga. The tomb has glazed tiles in the shades of green, blue and yellow. The dome of Quli Khan’s tomb is embellished with intricate floral designs in stucco work in blue color.
This neglected tomb is part of Mehrauli Archaeological Park and very few people know of its existence. If you plan to visit this place then make sure you go in a group or with someone who knows about it. The place is isolated and is full of anti-social elements.
Entry Fee: FREE
R – Rajaon Ki Baoli
Rajon ki Baoli, this stepwell was constructed by Daulat Khan during the Lodhi period. The aim of making this baoli was to provide a resting place for travellers. This rectangular stepwell is four storeys tall and is one of the deepest baolis in India. ‘Rajon’ here doesn’t mean a king but is used to refer to masons. It is one of our favourite stepwells and if you ever visit Delhi, we will make sure we take you there.
Entry Fee: FREE
Read more about Baolis of India here:
S – Sanjay Van Lake
Will you believe me if I say that picture given below is from Delhi? This is Sanjay Van Lake in New Delhi. It is a forested area between Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli. Many people say that it is haunted and I would like to believe in it because at least because of this people don’t go there. Haunted or not, saves the environment and it’s one of the greenest part of the city.
Entry Fee: FREE
T – Tughlaqabad Fort
A feud between Saint Nizamuddin Auliya and Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq lead to the decay of Tughlaqabad Fort. A curse which eventually become a reality still haunts the fort today. Located on the Badarpur–Mehrauli Road, the Tughlaqabad Fort houses a stepwell, a mausoleum, a citadel and a long underground corridors towards the royal residences.
Entry Fee: ₹ 20
U – Ugrasen Ki Baoli
Delhi is full of hidden gems tucked amidst high rises. One such gem surround by looming business centres and residential quarters of Central Delhi is Ugrasen Ki Baoli [also called Agrasen Ki Baoli]. Once a neglected historical structure but now filled with college students and curious tourists, all thanks to a certain Bollywood movie.
The Baoli is full of reminiscence of history as you go down the steps and experience the temperature taking a drop inside this 60 metres long stepwell. Believed to have been built during the Mahabharata era, this reservoir still gets submerged in water during rainy seasons.
Entry Fee: FREE
V – Vijay Chowk
The intersection between Rajpath and Sansad Marg is known as Vijay Chowk. The view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan [Presidential House] from Vijay Chowk is a sight to behold. Vijay Chowk is famous for the ‘Beating Retreat Ceremony’ which is the official closing ceremony of Republic Day festivities.
Entry Fee: FREE
W – Waste to Wonders Park
Can’ travel abroad to see the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’? NO problem! The Waste to Wonders Theme Park brings to you fascinating monuments from all around the world. The unique feature of these replicas is that everything is made up of scrap and recycled material. The theme parks has replicas of Leaning Tower of Pisa, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Rome Colosseum, Great Pyramid of Giza, Statue of Liberty and Christ the Redeemer.
Entry Fee: 0-3 years old – FREE, 4-12 years old – Rs 25, 13-64 years old – Rs 50, 65 & Above – FREE.
X – Xmas Carols at The Sacred Heart Cathedral
Could not find anything that starts with ‘X’, I could only think of attending Christmas Mass at The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Connaught Place. Celebrate the festival by singing carols till midnight and lighting candles at the church.
Entry Fee: FREE
Y – Yamuna Ghat
Photographers queue up at Yamuna Ghat to get splendid shots of seagulls during the wee hours. Some people come here for religious reasons i.e. to perform the last rites of the dead, whereas other come flocking here for boating and birdwatching. Be prepared to stinky water and dirty ghats but if you are a photographer then its worth the trouble.
Entry Fee: FREE
Z – Zakir Hussain Museum
Dr. Zakir Hussain was a visionary educationist and the 3rd President of India. The Zakir Hussain Museum lies inside the Jamia Millia Islamia University campus at Okhla. The Museum exhibits photographs, souvenirs, awards, personal belongings and memorabilia from Dr. Zakir Hussain’s life.
Entry Fee: FREE
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