Delhi Darshan By Car

1. Red Fort, Delhi
If you just have a day to visit Delhi, do add Red Fort to your Delhi Darshan list. It will leave you spellbound owing to its Indo-Islamic & Mughal style architecture and its magnanimous height of 18 to 33 metres.

Its construction was ordered by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. It has huge walls that were constructed to ensure the security of the emperors residing in it.

The marble flooring, floral adornments on the walls along with the dual dome structure are the classic features of the Mughal architecture. The Red Fort largely dominates the skyline of Old Delhi and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site owing to its cultural & historical significance.

An interesting fact to note is that the Red fort was originally white & red in colour. However, when the white stone started wearing off, it was painted red by the British East India company.

Must see: Do visit the Red Fort Archeological Museum which is situated inside Mumtaz Mahal. It has various paintings, weapons, artefacts, calligraphy and fabrics from the Mughal era
Timings: 9.30 am-4.30 pm
Holidays/Closes On: Monday
Recommended Duration: 1 Hour
Entry Fee: Indian & SAARC Visitors: Rs.35, Others: Rs.500
2. Jama Masjid, Delhi
One of India’s largest mosques of the country is the Jama Masjid which was constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Its red and white tomb constructed on an elevated platform is a classic aesthetic composure of the Mughal architecture.

There are various Arabic inscriptions and floral motifs across the mosque. Its courtyard is enormous and can accommodate more than 20,000 people at once. One can see such a gathering here during festivals celebrated by the Muslim community of the city.

While the corners of the mosque are almost always occupied by the locals who come here to offer their prayers, in the courtyard, you will mostly see children running from here to there. One is likely to find peace in its surreal aura despite being crowded by both tourists and locals.

Jama Masjid is also intensely popular among photography enthusiasts who often visit the monument during their day trip to Delhi since it is a hotspot for various photo walks.

Must see: There are two loft minarets at the Jama Masjid, one of which is open for the public to climb up for a nominal fee. A flight of 130 steps will lead you to a 360-degree view of Chawri Bazar, which is a great sight to hold.
Timings: It is open on all days of the week from 7 am to 12 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes
Entry Fee: Free
3. Raj Ghat
Next place to visit on our Delhi Darshan is the Raj Ghat. Raj Ghat is a memorial dedicated to the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and is located in close proximity to the Yamuna River. Mahatma Gandhi’s last rites (Antim Sanskar) were performed here.

His memorial is constructed on a black marble platform. On it, is an inscription that says ‘Hey Ram’ which were also Gandhi’s last words. One may wonder, how is Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial so plain, but its architecture in fact was constructed keeping in mind Gandhi’s simple way of living.

Apart from Gandhi, one can also witness the memorials for various other leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Rajiv Gandhi etc.

Things to do: You can pay their respect to the great man by laying flowers on his memorial and praying in peace. If you wish to be a part of his remembrance ceremony, you can arrange your day trip to Delhi on Fridays.
Timings: Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Closed On/Holidays: Monday
Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes
Entry Fee: Free
4. Purana Qila, Delhi
Purana Qila is Delhi’s oldest fort and was also known as the Shergarh & Sher Fort. The construction of the site traces its roots to Mahabharata. However, the construction of the current citadel began under the reign of Mughal Emperor Humayun, and was completed by Sher Shah Suri.

There are three arched double-storeyed getaways constructed using sandstone. However, only one gate, namely, Bara Darwaza is operational today. An interesting observation here would be the presence of the Rajasthani architecture such as jharonkas, blue tiles, coloured marble flooring etc. It has an octagonal-shaped pavilion, where once the library of Humayun was built.

Things to do: There is a small museum that has various artefacts from the Mughal era on display. Additionally, there is a mosque that’s not in its valuable condition. However, you can walk on it and explore the ruins.
Timings: Monday-Sunday from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 pm
Recommended Duration: 45 Minutes
Entry Fee: Rs.20 for Indians, Rs.200 for foreigners
5. Humayun’s Tomb
Popular for being the first garden-tomb of the Indian subcontinent is the Humayun’s tomb. It is surrounded by gardens and Palm trees which makes it both serene & scenic. It is a place not to be missed on your one day Delhi darshan by private cab.

The exterior facade is noteworthy because of its magnanimous structure constructed using red & white sandstone. Its interior is also worthwhile and catches the attention easily. One can find the detailing of the Mughal architecture like the black and white design on the floor, flower motifs on the walls and inscription of the Arabic chants.

While a lot of tourists think that its construction was inspired by the Taj Mahal, however, it was quite the opposite.

Things To Do: Photography is a must here. Click pictures of both the tomb’s facade and the minute details inside the tomb. If the sun is not very harsh, consider simply taking a walk in the gardens.
Timings: Monday – Sunday, 6 am – 6 pm
Recommended Duration: 20 Minutes
Entry Fee: 30 for Indians. 500 for foreigners
6. Safdarjung’s Tomb
Striking close resemblance to its cousin counterpart, Humayun’s Tomb is the Safdarjung Tomb. Its construction is said to have taken inspiration from Humayun’s Tomb therefore also strikes a close resemblance from it, considering both are made using the same material.

Unlike the other popular monuments which were built for kings, Safdarjung’s tomb was built for Safdarjung, who was merely a wazir in the court of Nasir-ud-Din Muḥammad Shah.

The double storeyed tomb is surrounded by well-maintained gardens on all sides and has a water canal that completes the aesthetics of the tomb.

Must See: Pay attention to the architecture of Safdarjung Tomb. Its enormous dome and minarets are surely going to be a pleasure to the eye.
Timings: All the days of the week, 7 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Recommended Duration: 20 Minutes
Entry Fee: Indian: Rs 25 Foreign travellers: Rs 200
Interesting Fact: 1 billion bricks were used in its construction.
7. Agrasen ki Baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli is an array of stone steps which are enclosed by small alcoves on both sides. This historical stepwell is approximately 60-meter in length and 15-meter in width and has 108 steps. Even though there are no historical facts to prove who had built the baoli, yet most sources suggest that it was the Indian King, Agrasen who had ordered its construction.

A rather small place of interest, however, its compact nature is what makes it beautiful & very picturesque and hence we have purposely added this monument to your Delhi darshan tour. This monument has in fact gained popularity after being featured in Bollywood movies like Sultan and PK.

Things to do: Just sit on the steps leading to the well and indulge in writing a piece of poetry or sketch a piece of art.
Timings: All the days of the week, 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Recommended Duration: 20 Minutes
Entry Fee: Free
8. Jantar Mantar, Delhi
Built way ahead of its time by Maharaja Jai Singh II for astronomical observations is the Jantar Mantar, situated in Sansad Marg of Central Delhi. It was essentially constructed to know the change in seasons, the longest and the shortest day of the year, etc by observing the movements of the sun, moon and the other planets.

It is built in red sandstone and has 4 essential astronomical instruments, namely, the Samrat Yantra, Jayaprakash Yantra, Rama Yantra and the Misra Yantra.

Things to do: In your Delhi local sightseeing tour, learn about the functionalities of each of the Yantras that is sure to amaze you.
Timings: All the days of the week, 6 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Recommended Duration: 20 Minutes
Entry Fee: Rs. 15 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners
9. Rashtrapati Bhawan
The official residence of the President of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan happens to be one of the biggest residences of any head of state, globally. One can request its visit via the online booking system on their official website.

The tour of the Rashtrapti Bhawan is divided into 3 circuits. While Circuit 1: Rashtrapati Bhavan Main Building and the Central Lawn & Circuit 2: The Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (RBMC) are open all year long, Circuit 3: The Mughal Gardens is only open in the months of February & March when the flowers have fully bloomed.

Must See: Do pay attention to the architecture which is designed with heavy classical motifs. One must also visit the Forecourt, the Banquet Hall, Ashok Hall, Durbar Hall, Library, North Drawing Room, Long Drawing Room when in the main building.
Timings: The timings of the different circuits are different. However, Circuit 1 & 2 are both open on Thursdays – Sundays, 9 AM-4PM.
Holidays/Closes On: Closed on all Gazetted Holidays and Mondays.
Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes
Entry Fee: Rs. 50 per person per circuit. No fee for children below 8 years.
10. India Gate, Delhi
Surrounded by lush green lawns, is the India Gate that serves as a war memorial for thousands of soldiers who died for the country. Its structure is constructed using red sandstone and is 138 feet tall.

If you have a closer look you can see the names of various soldiers inscribed on the pillars. Owing to its massive architecture, it is also called a “creative reworking of the Arc de Triomphe”.

Beneath the arch of the gate is a permanent flame “Amar Jawan Jyoti” which is a serving tomb for the unknown soldier and is looked after by the Armed Forces.

Things To Do: You can spend time paying your respects to the soldiers, walk around in the lawns or enjoy beverages and snacks sold by street vendors. You can also choose to bring your own picnic and have a nice time with your family. Kite Flying is also enjoyed by many people here before sun-dawn.
Timings: Open all day.
Recommended Duration: 30 Minutes
Entry Fee: Free