When in India: New Delhi

My backpacking in India started in the city of New Delhi, the nation’s bustling capital. With New Delhi holding the biggest population across the country, I knew the streets would be busy and noisy, yet the curiosity in me brought me up to its smallest alleys. Here are some notable places I visited in New Delhi:

1. Jama Masjid Mosque

Islam is a leading religion in India next to Hinduism, thus mosques can be seen throughout the country. The Jama Masjid Mosque in New Delhi is considered as one of the largest mosques in India built in 1600s by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the same person who created the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Also read: When in India: My Number One Tip to Enjoy Taj Mahal in Agra

This mosque is made up of marble and sandstone, which gives the dominant reddish color. The exterior and interior architecture of the Jama Masjid Mosque is truly a work of art.

Entrance fee: INR 300 (USD 5) for foreigners

Hours: 7AM to 12PM and 1:30PM to 6:30PM

Note: Women must observe proper attire (the knees and shoulders must not be exposed). Vestiture may be borrowed at the entrance.

2. India Gate

With similar looks to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the India Gate is a scenic stone structure standing 42 meters in the heart of New Delhi. It serves as a memorial to the Indian soldiers who fought for the British Army during World War I. Engraved to this gate are over 13,000 names of both Indian and British soldiers.

Around the area is a vast open space and lawn area where people usually go on a picnic. It’s best to go here in the afternoon, and possibly stay until nighttime to catch nearby display of lights at the fountain.

Entrance fee: Free
Hours: No closing time

3. Red Fort Delhi

A historical landmark and a World Heritage Site named by UNESCO, the Red Fort is a complex that primarily served as defense camp back in the day. It was also where the past emperors of the Mughal dynasty used to reside.

Aside from its historical significance, the Red Fort is an important venue for India's Independence Day celebrated every August 15 where the Indian flag is being raised to commemorate their freedom from Great Britain. In 1947, the flag was raised for the first time at the Lahori Gate of Red Fort.

Entrance fee: INR 550 (USD 8) for foreigners

Hours: 6AM to 5:30PM

4. Raj Ghat

Mahatma Gandhi is perhaps the most popular leader in India. He's definitely a force to be reckoned with who was behind the peaceful movement that led to India’s independence from the British. With this, the Raj Ghat was built as a memorial to him.

A huge black marble is found at the center, which is the exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation was performed. However, his ashes aren’t there anymore since, as said, the ashes were distributed to family members and a few were scattered in the Arabian Sea. 

Entrance fee: Free

Hours: 6:30AM to 6:00PM

Note: There’s a need to remove footwear upon entrance.

5. Parliament House

The Parliament House is an impression of strong British influence, which adds variety to tourist destinations in New Delhi. A notable area in the complex is the dome-shaped Central Hall where the Indian constitution was historically drafted. Other buildings are meant for offices of the Parliament Committee that are still being used today.

There’s also a museum inside that opens from 11AM-5PM. It’s closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Entrance fee: 10 INR (USD 0.20) for adults and free for children

Hours: 11AM-5PM for the museum

Shelly Viajera Travel