India is full of history and culture. With the second largest population in the world, there are certainly plenty of people to meet and many wonderful things to experience here! The capital city of India is Delhi and bridges two different worlds - Old Delhi, filled with maze-like streets, colorful markets, and temples - and New Delhi, created by the British Raj, filled with spacious, tree-lined streets, parks, and government buildings.
Delhi has long been a cultural hub of India, and visitors can enjoy wonderful art galleries, ancient monuments, temples, outdoor markets, and local restaurants at every turn. If you’re looking to take a trip to this great country, we put together a list of five must-see attractions that you shouldn’t miss during a visit to Delhi.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
This impressive temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is a major temple in Delhi and a popular tourist attraction. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all social classes would be able to enter. Surrounding the temple are marvelous fountains and a large garden that is the ideal spot to relax towards the middle of the day. If you visit Delhi during Diwali, thousands of people will flock to the temple to celebrate the festival.
Raj Ghat
This memorial and final resting place of legendary activist Mahatma Gandhi is marked here by a simple platform of black marble. However, the gorgeous park, flowers, and trees surrounding the memorial are surely a sight to see, and have been visited by notable figures such as U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Queen Elizabeth II. There are also two museums dedicated to Gandhi nearby after you take in the wonder of Raj Ghat.
Lodi Gardens
This relaxing park is Delhi’s favorite getaway from noise and city crowds. Visitors will be treated to a beautiful lake, exotic birds, lush gardens, and the stunning architecture of the tombs of ancient rulers. Stroll through the gardens or bring a picnic basket and relax on the giant open lawns.
National Museum of Delhi
This impressive museum holds about 200,000 historical objects, both Indian and foreign, covering a span of more than 5,000 years of cultural heritage. This is one of the largest museums in all of India and a great way to take in the beauty and culture of the great country as a whole. Admission is very affordable and many students can even visit for free.
Rajpath
The Rajpath, or “king’s way”, is a ceremonial boulevard similar to the Champs-Élysées in Paris, and it is truly fit for royalty. A popular gathering place for parades and events, in 2015 nearly 40,000 people gathered there to practice yoga together for International Yoga Day, breaking the Guinness World Record!
If you’re looking for a place to visit that’s full of amazing people, food, and history, be sure to put Delhi on your list! Planning a trip to these five destinations in the city will be sure to enrich your time in Delhi with culture, excitement, and relaxation.
