Epic Delhi In A Day Tour

Honking your horn is not only expected, it’s a must. Also, side-mirrors aren’t used, tailgating is the norm, lane-marking is completely ignored, and indicating is not required. You hardly see any road-rage, or stress by the drivers. They seem to be very accepting of how things are on the roads and just deal with it as best they can.

The traffic congestion in the photo below is a normal day on Delhi roads. I don’t know how anyone gets anywhere on time. They have to allow an extra hour or two in their schedule. You also have two-wheel and three-wheel vehicles on the road. Occasionally, there are other obstacles in the middle of the roads, such as cows, bulls, horses, goats, dogs and monkeys. Drivers have to steer around them, as you can see in the photos above.

This is India! Thankfully, I survived the mayhem, a little dishevelled, but in one piece.

 

My Delhi In A Day Tour

1. Humayun’s Tomb Complex

First stop on my ‘Delhi in a day’ tour is the grand Humayun’s Tomb. What a fabulous way to start off a tour of Delhi! This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is said to have been the inspiration for the Taj Mahal which was built some 80 years later.

Humayun’s tomb was built in 1570. It sits on 30 acres of land and was the first grand garden mausoleum in India, a style which later became a popular trend with Mughal emperors. Within this palace-like complex there are about 150 Mughal royal family members buried here. Several buildings and monuments exist, mausoleums and arched gateways, including the tomb of a Sufi saint, thus making it an auspicious place for burials.

 

The main building (pictured below) is a stunning piece of Persian style architecture made of red sandstone and marble, the first of its kind, with a large marble dome on top. This is Mughal Emperor Humayun’s resting place, built by request of his first wife, Haji Begum and took 7 years to complete. She is also buried here.

It has been very well preserved and maintained over the years. A very majestic structure, which set the tone for future Islamic ‘paradise gardens’ to be built. It is stunning and a very peaceful setting, making it quite a popular place for tourists and locals to stroll around. If you love history and architecture, this is a must-see!

Isa Khan’s Tomb

Other tombs here include that of Afghan noble, Isa Khan and family. This Mausoleum was built about 20 years prior to Humayun’s tomb in 1547, has its own enclosed garden and is another prime feature in the complex. It is Afghan style architecture, made out of grey quartzite, and also incorporates Hindu and Persian features.

I found myself lost in the relics and ancient buildings here, as there is plenty to explore and learn about this fascinating time in Indian history.

Times: Open everyday, sunrise to sunset.

Cost: Indians INR 35, Foreigners INR 550.

 

 

2. Presidential Buildings

Next stop on this tour of ‘Delhi in a day’ is the majestic compound of the President of India where he has his residence and offices. Originally built for the Viceroy of India in 1929, today it is now known as Rashtrapati Bhavan, since independence of India from the British in 1950, when the first president Dr Rajendra Prasad moved in.

It’s a vast property of 330 acres, and 340 rooms, which makes it one of the biggest homes of any world leader!

Certain parts of the buildings are open to public viewing, as per the schedule on the website. Prior bookings for tours are essential. I didn’t take a tour, as timing wasn’t feasible on my one-day tour of Delhi.

Open: Times for tours vary, so please check website.

Cost: Free to wander around outside. Tours INR 50.

3. India Gate

Situated opposite the Presidential buildings, India Gate is the national war memorial. This commemorates fallen Indian soldiers, as well as UK and Australian soldiers, who fought in wars together. The names of 13,218 dead soldiers are inscribed upon the gate. Built in 1921, this huge monument is 42 metres high. The gardens surrounding it are popular picnic grounds, and at night the arch is lit up.

Through the arch in the photo below you can see a Canopy. This was built in 1936 and used to house a statue of King George V, Emperor of India at the time. However, after India’s independence the statue was damaged and defiled by protestors and had to be removed amid much controversy. Since 1968, the cupola has remained empty. There was talk of putting a statue of Gandhi in it, but nothing has appeared yet.

 

 

Times: Open all day everyday.

Cost: Free.

4. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is a fairly new addition to the Delhi landscape and is shaped like a budding lotus flower, hence the name. The building has 3 sets of 9 petals. An aerial view shows how it resembles a flower floating in a garden pool setting. Indian culture reveres the sacred lotus flower, which symbolises purity and kindness.

I even went inside to see the lotus flower from within. Unfortunately, no photographs are allowed in the temple. But let me tell you, it has a very high ceiling with light coming through the opening of the lotus petals.

In my opinion it has a similar look to the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

This temple was built in 1986, made of concrete petals clad in white marble. It is quite a beautiful structure. 

This modern architectural and engineering structure has won awards around the world. Some have even gone so far as to call it the Taj Mahal of the 20th Century. It is one of several Lotus Temples in the world, but the only one in Asia.

 

Bahai faith

Equality of all religions, and a oneness of mankind is expressed here through worship and readings of the Bahai faith. In fact, I found it interesting that here they recite teachings from all religions, and in all languages. Everyone is welcome, and there are no clergymen, no music (only singing), no rituals and no sermons.

I recommend visiting this popular new tourist attraction, which draws people from all over the world, and that’s why I included it in my ‘Delhi in a day’ tour.

Open: Everyday, except Monday.

Hours: Summer and Winter times vary, so please check website.

Cost: Free.

5. Red Fort (Lal Kila)

Final stop on my ‘Delhi in a day’ self-guided tour is the historic Red Fort in the old part of Delhi. It was built by the Mughal dynasty in the 17th century. The fort was the residence of the emperors and their families for almost 200 years. The original build was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan who later had the Taj Mahal built. Also, the same architect as the Taj Mahal was involved in designing both.

Built from red sandstone with white marble inlaid, it used to have a silver ceiling. It is typical of Mughal style architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The whole site is 255 acres and is a huge tourist attraction in Delhi.

It is open to the public and is used for ceremonies and formal occasions. There are light and sound shows on daily too. Please check website for times, as they vary through the year.

Hours: Open everyday except Mondays, 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Cost: Indians INR 35, Foreigners INR 500.

There you have it. I hope you enjoyed reading about my tour of Delhi in a day. Are you inspired to visit some of these places? Or have you been to any of these already?

I would love any comments you may wish to leave in the box below.

Namaste.

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