Top 10 best places to visit in delhi with girlfriend
Top 10 best places to visit in Delhi with girlfriend:- Top ten best visiting place in delhi. “Akshardham” means the divine abode of God. The mandir is a humble tribute to Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781- 1830), the avatars, devas and great sages of Hinduism. The traditionally-styled complex was inaugurated on 6 November 2005 with the blessings of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj and through the devoted efforts of skilled artisans and volunteers.
Top 10 best places to visit in Delhi
1. Akshardham Temple:-
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akshardham temple timings and entry fee
Facts about akshardham:
• Opened 6th November 2005
• Constructed by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
• Inspired by HH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE)
• Created by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
• More than 300,000,000 volunteer hours went into making the complex
• Over 8,000 volunteers from across the world participated in building it
• Mandir built from intricately carved sandstone and marble
• Exhibitions on Hinduism, including Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s life and teachings such as prayer, compassion, and non-violence.
• Open gardens, water bodies and step-well styled courtyard.
What to Experience:
Akshardham Mandir: A traditional mandir (temple) dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan that reflects the beauty and spirituality of India’s ancient art, culture, and architecture.
Nilkanth Varni Abhishek: A hallowed spiritual tradition in which prayers are offered for world peace and continual peace for oneself, family, and friends with the water of 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds of India.
Exhibitions:
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Hall 1 – Hall of Values (50 mins):
Experience enduring human values through films and robotic shows that depict the ideals of nonviolence, honesty, family harmony, and spirituality.
Hall 2 – Giant Screen Film (40 mins):
Discover India through the incredible story of an eleven-year-old yogi named Nilkanth that brings to life the culture and spirituality of India’s customs, the majesty of its art and architecture, and the unforgettable sights, sounds, and power of its awe-inspiring festivals.
Hall 3 – Cultural Boat Ride (15 mins)
Sail through 10,000 years of India’s glorious heritage. Learn about the discoveries and inventions of the rishi-scientists of India, see the world’s first university of Takshashila, sail through the caves of Ajanta-Ellora and discover India’s contributions to humanity through the ages.
akshardham temple delhi musical fountain timings
Musical Fountain – Circle of Life (Evenings at Sunset – 15 min):
A spectacular musical fountain show that depicts the cycle of birth, life, and death as described in Indian philosophy.
Entry Timings: 9:30am to 6:30pm
Open On: All days except Monday
Entry Fee: Free
Exhibition Entry: Ticket (available 10am – 5pm)
Adults: INR 170
Senior Citizen: INR 125
Child (4-11 yrs): INR 100
Child (below 4yrs): Free
Musical Fountain Entry :
Adults: INR 30
Senior Citizen: INR 30
Child (4-11 yrs): INR 20
Child (Below 4 yrs): Free
Photography: Not Allowed (including mobiles)
Videography:Not Allowed
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2. Lotus Temple:-
East of Nehru place, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai’s temples built around the world. Completed in1986 it is set among the lush green landscaped gardens.The structure is made up of pure white marble The architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism,Jainism and Islam. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate.
Around the blooming petals there are nine pools of water, which light up, in natural light. It looks spectacular at dusk when it is flood lit.
lotus temple timings
Entry Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Open On: All days except Monday
Entry Fee: Free
Photography: Allowed
Videography: Allowed
3. Qutab Minar:-
Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing ’27 Hindu temples’. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.
No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey.The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak is quite evident in the minar. The relief work and even the materials used for construction differ. The 238 feet Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets. Even though in ruins, the Quwwat Ui Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab complex is one of the most magnificent structures in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak started its construction in 1193 and the mosque was completed in 1197.
Iltutmush in 1230 and Alla-ud-din Khilji in 1315 made additions to the building. The main mosque comprises of an inner and outer courtyard,decorated with shafts and surrounded by piller. Most of these shafts are from the 27 Hindu temples, which were plundered to construct the mosque. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation. Close to the mosque is one of Delhi’s most curious antiques, the Iron Pillar.
Entry Ticket: Book Online & Skip Queues
Entry Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Open On: All days
Entry Fee: INR 30
Photography: Allowed
Videography: INR 25
4. India Gate:-
The India Gate is located in the center of New Delhi, the capital of India. It was made by Edwin Lutyens In 1921. This landmark in Delhi commemorates the members of the erstwhile British Indian Army who sacrificed their lives fighting for the Indian Empire in the Afghan Wars and World War.After India got its independence, India Gate became the site of Amar Jawan Jyoti -Indian Army’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is counted among the largest war memorials in India.
The Shrine of the Amar Jawan Jyoti is burning since 1971. It represents the flame of the immortal warrior that marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The shrine is made of black marble with a rifle placed on its barrel. This rifle is crested by a soldier’s helmet. The words- “Amar Jawan” (Immortal Warrior) is inscribed in gold on each face of the cenotaph which is placed on an edifice. The edifice has four torches on its four corners, these torches are kept alive.This shrine of the India Gate in Delhi was uncovered on January 26, 1972 by the Prime Minister of India during that time- Indira Gandhi. Since then, it is customary for the President and the Prime Minister to pay homage at the site during State ceremonies. Even while guests visit the state, they come here to visit the India Gate in Delhi India and pay homage at the site.
Entry Timings: Any Time
Open On: All days, (at times closed during Republic Day, Independence day due to security purpose)
Entry Fee: Free
Photography: Allowed
Videography: Allowed
5. Red Fort(Lal Qila):-
To Shahjahan belongs the glory of having beautified Delhi with magnificent buildings – the Jama Masjid (the largest mosque in India) and the Mughal Palace Red Fort.Lal Qila or Red fort is one of the most magnificent palaces of the world. It was the residence of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.Delhi regained its lost glory when, in 1938, Shahjahan, after a reign of 11 years at Agra, transferred his capital to Delhi, thus giving birth to Shahjahanabad in Delhi. Later in 1639, the northern end of the town laid foundation to the Red Fort on the right bank of the Yamuna, which was completed after 9 long years.
Shah Jahan ordered the engineers and architects to prepare plans for a palace similar to those at Agra and Lahore. The construction of the buildings began under the superintendence of Izzat Khan. Alah Vardi Khan succeeded him as ‘Superintendent of Works’ and he in turn, were followed by Makramat Khan. The construction works of Red Fort were finally completed on 6th of April, 1648 A.D.The Red Fort witnessed many alterations when under the rule of different era Mughal rulers. After the end of Bahadur Shah Zafar period in 1857, Red Fort was further modified. The British after capturing the Red fort used it as their Army Cantonment.
Architecture:
The Red Fort is built very different from the Agra fort and was planned way better. Shape wise it is an irregularly shaped octagon, having two main gates (on the west and south, named as Lahori and Delhi gates respectively).Its two long sides are one the east and west while six smaller ones are on the north and south. It has a total length of around 915 meters and a breadth of 518 meters. It has a circumference of 2.4 km facing the river the walls rise to a height of 18.2 meters while on the land side they are 33.5 meters high.A ditch, 22.8 meters wide and 9.1 meters deep, run around the walls of the Red Fort, except on the river face. According to Francois Bernier, the ditch was in Mughal period filled with water and stocked with fish. The walls of the fort are built of red sandstone and are covered with a succession of turrets, kiosks, domes, balconies, windows and perforated screens, which make the exterior of the fort extremely picturesque.
The towers and kiosks lend charm and grace to the walls, which glow in the soft rays of the setting sun.Red sandstone and marble has been used to construct the fort in general. Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Naubat Khana and Khas mahal are some of the important parts of the fort.The Diwan-i-Am with its courtyard is the central feature, and from the lesser courtyard in front of the Naubat Khana or Naqqar Khana. The roofs, walls, and colonnades of the Diwan-i-Am were hung with brocaded velvet from Turkey and silk from China. A gorgeous canopy was supported by silver columns. Another splendid canopy (for the throne) was supported by golden pillars, wreathed with bands of studded germs. Such was the pomp and glory of the inauguration ceremony of the fort, which was estimated to have been built at a cost of 10 million rupees.
Lahore Gate and Delhi Gate are the two gateways that gives a finishing touch to the citadel. The Lahore Gate faces the end of Chandni Chowk. It is very imposing, especially with its splendid side towers and great central arch, 12.4 meters in height by 7.3 meters. The gate is protected by a barbican, which was built in the reign of Aurangzeb. Its walls are 12.1 meters in height. The wooden draw-bridge of the barbican was replaced by bridges built by the Mughal emperor, Akbar II.The Delhi Gate of the Red fort is considered inferior in architectural merit to the Lahore Gate.The Chhatta Chowk is behind the Lahori Gate. It is 70.1 meters in length and 8.2 meters in width, with a central octagonal court open to the sky. On each side of the arcade are 32 arched noblest entrances known to any existing palace.
The arched rooms were originally used as shops. In the Mughals times this bazaar (market) hummed with activity. The arched vestibule leads into the rectangular (6.9 meters x 42.6 meters). On the the centre of the eastern side is a well-proportioned building. It was known as the Naubat or naqqar khana (music hall). The royal band played here five times daily, except on Sundays and the king’s birthdays.The Diwan-i-Am, or Hall or Public Audience, stands in the centre of a court, which was originally 164.5 meters x 128 meters. This hall is designed in a stately manner to suit the solemn functions that were held here. It is built of sandstone, but was originally covered with shell plaster, polished to the smoothness and whiteness of ivory. It is a colonnade hall open on three sides and enclosed at the back. It is 24.38 meters x 12.19 meters or 297.2 m2. The richly carved and inlaid marble platform, where the emperor sat in state, is still there. In the recess behind this marble platform can still be seen some specimen of Italian pietra-dura work.
Independence day ceremony:
The Red Fort has become the symbol of India’s freedom. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India had unfurled the Tri-colour Indian National flag in Red Fort on the 15th of August 1947 to mark the end of the British rule in India. From then onwards, every Independence day sees the Prime minister repeating the same tradition amidst national rejoicings.World heritage site: The UNESCO declared world Heritage Site- Red Fort is a must visit place in the country’s capital city Delhi. Its architectural beauty and historic significance attract hundreds of tourists on a daily basis. A guided tour enlightens the tourists (old and young alike) about the lifestyle and kingdom related details from the Mughal times.
Entry Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Open On: All days except Monday
Entry Ticket: Book Online & Skip Queues
Indian: Rs- 30
International :Rs- 500
For Museum: Rs- 5
Photography: Allowed
Videography: Rs- 25
6. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib:-
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, formerly the bungalow-sized residence belonging to Raja Jai Singh, was locally known as ‘Jaisinghpura Palace’. Later, his home was converted into a gurudwara. It was named after the 8th Sikh Guru, Guru Harkishan Sahib, as a tribute. It stands as a significant pilgrimage site for all Sikh devotees. Located on ‘Baba Kharag Singh Marg’, close to Connaught Place, this golden domed gurudwara is visited by people of various religions, races, and nationalities. It comprises the main gurudwara, the Sarovar, the Yatri Niwas, and a school. Interestingly, there is one hospital, one museum, and also one art gallery, functioning in its basement.
Room Facilities for Stay:
There are 39 AC-fitted rooms and 8 non-AC rooms. Each of these has an attached bathroom. There are 2 large halls that can accommodate about 500 persons, each.
Traveler Tips:
•Keep your head covered with any scarf, dupatta, saree-pallu, or handkerchief when present inside the complex.
•Shoes are forbidden on the gurudwara campus. Leave them on a shoe rack available at shoe-counter, near its entrance.
•Wear clothes that aren’t supposedly revealing or indecent.
•Photography is prohibited within the gurudwara.
•Maintain silence when you are venturing inside.
•Keep vigil over and take care of your personal belongings.
Things to Do:
•Attend the prayer sessions conducted inside, to gain spiritual experience.
•Book a room of your choice in the ‘Yatri Niwas’, for an extended stay.
•Get Karah (Holy) Prasad for yourself and your family.
•Eat langar with other visitors, in its dining hall. The langar’s menu includes chapaati, vegetable-based curry, dal, and kheer.
•Learn about various historical events of Sikhism by visiting the Baba Baghel Singh Museum & Art Gallery.
•Tour its Khalsa Girl’s School and operational basement hospital.
•Enjoy the surreal beauty of its on-campus ‘Sarovar’ during sunrise and sunset time.
Availability of Guides:
Hire a guide or get information about the place and other details from the gurudwara’s officials.
How to Reach:
Shivaji Stadium metro station (its Airport Express line), Rajiv Chowk metro, and Patel Chowk metro are the closest metro stations. However, you can take a stroll or a vehicle to reach this place from the metro stations. The ‘New Delhi Railway station’ is the only railway station nearest to it.
Interesting Trivia and Information About the Gurudwara:
Guru Harkishan Sahib Ji died of small pox, on 30th March, 1664 AD, here. He was seventy-years-old at that time.Nishan Sahib, the tall flagship pole, is its landmark structure and visible from afar.You can volunteer to clean campus floors, serve in the kitchen, or take care of visitors’ shoes near the gate counter.Gurbani, religious hymns in Sikhism, is played all the time in the background.Gurudwara ‘Sarovar’ is an artificial lake and a home to many fishes.The ‘Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee’ or DSGMC established the basement-level charity hospital.It has a multi-storey vehicle-parking facility, cool drinking water facility, and clean public washrooms, on its campus.A basket containing head-scarves is placed near its entry point. Visitors can pick up and return back these scarves without paying a fee.
Entry Timings: Any Time
Open On: All days
Entry Fee: Free
Photography: Not Allowed
7. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid of Delhi, Jama Masjid also spelled Jāmiʿ Masjid, Jama Masjid of Delhi also called Masjid-i Jahānnumā, mosque in Old Delhi, India, constructed in 1650–56 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahān, a noted patron of Islamic architecture whose most famous work is the Taj Mahal, in Agra. Jama Masjid, now the second largest mosque on the Indian subcontinent, is also an impressive example of Mughal architecture.
Jama Masjid is Delhi’s principal mosque, the place where the city’s Muslims traditionally gather for Friday communal prayer; Jama Masjid is Arabic for “Friday mosque.” The mosque is near the Red Fort, yet another of Shah Jahān’s buildings. Jama Masjid and its courtyard stand on an outcropping more than 30 steps higher than the street, giving the mosque a commanding view of the surrounding area. The longer name, Masjid-i Jahānnumā, translates to “world-reflecting mosque” or “world-displaying mosque.” The mosque was built by a crew of some 5,000 workers.
The principal construction material was red sandstone, but some white marble was also used.In the 21st century Jama Masjid was the scene of two violent incidents possibly connected with terrorism. In 2006 13 people were injured when two bombs went off in shopping bags left in the courtyard, and in 2010 two people were wounded in an attack by gunmen on a tourist bus parked outside the mosque.
Entry Timings: 7:00 am – 6:30pm
Open On: All days except prayer hours
Entry Fee: None
Photography: Allowed
8.Dilli Haat (INA):-
The History of dillihaat tells us that it was established and opened in 1994 with the joint venture of Delhi Tourism (DTDC), D.C (Handicrafts), NMDC, D.C. (Handlooms) and Ministry of Tourism and Textile, Government of India.In 2003 this market became accessible to all the tourists and it also had bathroom that was made accessible at the same time.Delhi has two such markets one is Dillihaat and another one is Pitampura. Both the markets are developed by DTTDC.
The Dillihaat, is an open aircraft bazaar cum food plazasituated in Delhiand run by Delhi tourism and transportation development corporation (DTTDC). There are two similar bazaars in Delhi, one is placed near the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Sri AurobindoMarg that is opposite to INA Market on Sri AurbindoMarg and it was established in 1994.The second one that is DilliHaat,is situated in Pitampura location in North Delhi at the NetajiSubhashPlace and it was establishedin 2008.Dillihaat has mant stall of food that represent each and every state of India and it offers variety in taste and dishes that are available throughout India. The craft stall of the haat keep on changing every 15 days.
The craftsmenregistered with D.C.Handicraft are only eligible to place their stalls in DilliHaat. In all 62 stalls for selling handicrafts are allotted on rotational basis to the craftsmen and they comprisefrom all over the state of India. The mere payment of INR.100/- is taken from the craftsmen for the period of 15 days to place their product in the stall.The tourist and visitors can get the product at the price that is not burdened with the maintenance cost. Since the DilliHaat is located at the heart of the India that is South Delhi attracts many international and national tourists and visitors throughout the year. The best time to visit the place is during evening time as the haat gets glittered with the lights, which increases the charm of the village and even you can enjoy the diversity that is offered inIndian culture.
Entry Timings: 7:00 am – 6:30pm
Open On: All days except prayer hours
Entry Fee:
Adult: Rs-20, Child: Rs-10
Photography: Allowed
9. Rashtrapati Bhawan:-
Located on the western end of the Rajpath in New Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India. It was originally built with the intent of serving as the Viceroy’s House. With its 340 rooms in the main building covering 5 acres on an estate of 330 acres, it is one of the largest residences of any head of the state in the world.
This majestic piece of architecture was conceptualized by renowned architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The construction saw completion in the year 1929 and now stands today as a magnificent symbol of all that India is. Its current inhabitant is President Ram Nath Kovind who assumed office in July 2017.
Architecture of Rashtrapati Bhawan:
Undoubtedly, the Rashtrapati Bhawan is an imposing and admirable work of engineering. It consists of four floors with 340 rooms and the floor area spans over a massive 200,000 square feet. Lutyen’s design was essentially classical with inspiration drawn from Indian architecture. A number of classical Indian motifs find an appearance in the architecture, ranging from imperial elephants to circular stone basins. The main building has a drawing room, ballroom, library, dining room and private apartments. The Durbar Hall, which is a major venue for all the ceremonies inside the Rashtrapati Bhawan has a dome that measures 22.8 meters in diameter and is marked with various coloured marbles. The Viceroy’s throne is also present in the hall and is quite a spectacle to behold.
Entry Timings: 9:00 am – 4:00pm
Open On: Fri, Sat & Sun
Entry Fee: None
Photography: Allowed
10.Hauz Khas:-
Hauz Khas Village Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants:
With an uncountable number of pubs dotting the whole area of Hauz Khas, it is visited frequently by hundreds of youngsters every single day and is a party paradise. Not a weekend goes by when Hauz Khas is quiet. The Mughal village of old times has been converted into a haven for party lovers of Delhi. Hauz Khas Social is the most sought-after place. It screens all major sporting events and has an impressive menu. Summer House Cafe is another famous cafe with an indoor, outdoor and rooftop arrangements. Raasta is another impressive cafe with live music and electronic performances every night. Imperfecto, Rabbit Hole, High5 Cafe and Bar, Rehab Gastropub, Levels and Out of the Box are few other places you might enjoy visiting.
Hauz Khas has an extensive and excellent range of cuisines from Himalayan to Continental dishes. The first floor is filled with restaurants and cafes. Yeti on the is a small and cosy place with exquisite Himalayan and Tibetan food on the menu. Matchbox, Ali Baba Caves, Lord of the Drinks Meadow, CAPSULE by Hinglish, Beer Cafe, Turquoise Cottage, Summer House Cafe, Kylin Sky Bar, Chemistry and Theobroma are other famous options in the area.
Hauz Khas Village Social:
One of the most visited and popular places in the Hauz Khas Village is the Hauz Khas Social, more commonly known as “Social Offline”. It is developed as a collaborative workspace that blends the best of office and cafe. It has an unparalleled vies of the Hauz Khas along with scrumptious comfort food and pretty awesome bar. It has two floors each of it having a distinct look. The lower floor serves as a casual hanging spot while the upper floor is perfect for the freelancers looking for places to relax and work. However, after 6:00 PM, the Social is converted into a buzzing drinking pub with youngsters letting their hair down and dancing to the groovy music.
The food at Hauz Khas Social is entirely conducive to the environment, having a menu full of comfort food and all day breakfast options. Some of the must-try delicacies here include the Mutton Dhansak, Kheema Pav, Baida Roti, Chilli Potato, Toaster Mountain and Death Wings. This place is crowded most of the time, hence you might need to wait a little to get a table. Those who want to trade their cubicle for the cool Hauz Khas Social can book a table on a monthly rent of INR 5000 which can be redeemed against food and drinks.
Hauz Khas History and Layout:
Hauz Khas which translates to the “Royal Lake” in English is the name of the lake which is now a part of much expanded Hauz Khas complex. The reservoir, commissioned by Allaudin Khilji, had a primary task of supplying water to Siri Fort. The lake is surrounded by a mosque, a tomb, and a seminary. The Hauz Khas Complex was developed by DLF in the sixties and is scattered as different blocks from A to Z. Blocks E, F and G are the major market blocks.
Hauz Khas Village Deer Park:
The Hauz Khas Village has a Deer Park located in it which is a popular weekend picnic spot for families. This park is known as A.N Jha Deer Park after its founder Aditya Nath Jha. This green hub has several attractions located in its compound like the Duck Park, Rabbit Enclosure, Picnic Spots making it an ideal place for families. You can also spot walkers and joggers here who come to this park daily to get a whiff of the fresh air. It is one of the largest green areas in Delhi as the Deer Park is connected with the District Park and Rose Garden. Together they are called as “Lungs of Delhi” providing fresh air in the otherwise polluted metropolitan.The Deer Park is divided into four wings – Rose Garden, Old Monument and Hauz Khas Market, Deer Park and Fountain and District Park. It also houses a restaurant named ‘Park Baluchi’ after the very famous Pind Baluchi (though it does not have any connection with it whatsoever). The entry to the Deer Park is free and timing is 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM in summers and 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM in winters.
Hauz Khas Village Timings:
The Hauz Khas Village remains open from Monday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The restaurant and pubs remain open till 1:00 AM in the night. However, you will spot police and PCR van patrolling the Hauz Khas Village after 12:30 PM to maintain security.
