Must-See Delhi - Billy's Cities

On the grounds of Humayun’s Tomb, the octagonal tomb of Isa Khan, an Afghan noble. Humayun's Tomb, Delhi, India, Asia. — On the grounds of Humayun’s Tomb, the octagonal tomb of Isa Khan, an Afghan noble.

Although the highlights of my 2017 trip to India were the Taj Mahal and Rishikesh, I saw plenty memorable sights during my 5 non-consecutive days of touring around Delhi. To get down to a top 5, I totally cheated by doubling things up. Even then, I had to leave off 1 or 2 other sights to get it down to a must-see 5.

There’s even a pattern. The 1st 3 must-sees are each a combo of an Islamic UNESCO World Heritage Site and a close-by vibrant and somewhat chaotic Muslim neighborhood. As a matter of fact, it’s hard to visit Delhi and not get an understanding of the long shadow that Muslim influence casts on the culture of India, an overwhelmingly Hindu country.

Must-Sees in Delhi

1. Humayun’s Tomb and Nizamuddin

Delhi's gorgeous Humayun's Tomb, precursor to the Taj Mahal. Humayun's Tomb, Delhi, India, Asia. — Delhi’s gorgeous Humayun’s Tomb, precursor to the Taj Mahal.

Just look at that picture. Surely Humayun’s Tomb is the most beautiful building in Delhi. As peaceful as this scene looks, you don’t have to venture far to experience the exciting chaos of nearby Nizamuddin.

Click here for more about Humayun’s Tomb and Nizamuddin.

2. The Red Fort and Old Delhi

This stationary cart of lemons, looking like a still life painting, belies the madness of Old Delhi surrounding it.

I lost count of how many red sandstone forts I saw in India. The Red Fort was the first one I saw and undoubtedly one of the grandest. But it was the utter madness of Old Delhi, outside the Red Fort’s walls, that was like nothing I’d ever seen. I found the chaos completely invigorating.

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3. Qtub Complex and Mehrauli

Looking up at the detail on the impressively tall Qutb Minar. Delhi, India, Asia. — Looking up at the detail on the impressively tall Qutb Minar.

The towering Qutb Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, is a sight to behold, as are the ancient Muslim monuments sprinkled throughout the adjacent archaeological area. The nearby Mehrauli area is another one of those densely packed Muslim neighborhoods that totally enthralled me.

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4. Lodhi Garden and Ghandi Smriti

How beautiful is the setting of this 16th-century bridge in Lodhi Garden! Delhi, India, Asia. — How beautiful is the setting of this 16th-century bridge in Lodhi Garden!

In Lodhi Garden, you get more of Delhi’s ancient Muslim monuments. But here you get them in a relaxing, beautifully landscaped city park. A short walk away in New Delhi is Gandhi Smriti, the somber spot where the father of modern India was assassinated.

Click here for more about Lodhi Garden.

Click here for more about Gandhi Smriti.

5. Rajpath

India Gate, New Delhi's answer to the Arc de Triomphe. Delhi, India, Asia. — India Gate, New Delhi’s answer to the Arc de Triomphe.

Rajpath, formerly King’s Way, is the grand boulevard running through the heart of New Delhi. At one end is Rashtrapati Bhavan, the presidential palace that was built as the British Viceroy’s House. At the other end is India Gate. Along the way, you can find 5 millennia of artifacts at the National Museum of India.

Click here for more about Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Click here for more about India Gate.

Click here for even more about India Gate.

Click here for more about the National Museum.