Not being from a city makes me over-research as I always feel short of time to visit new places in just 3-4 days. Even to get acquainted with the city's culture, it needs one to get some planning done beforehand. And those who end up doing planning a lot always search for off the track places to visit along with all the well-known ones.
Before visiting Delhi, I searched up, discussed with people around me and those I know share the same kind of interests about recommendations for places. So, doing this homework introduced me to the places which are obviously less crowded and lesser touristy than the Red Fort and like-wise places.
All that we found out is that Delhi is draped throughout with history and culture even after all the infamous news to which it came in the recent times. Hence here is our recommendation to some of the photogenic different angles to Delhi's Tourism. For all the newcomers to the city and the ones who have been here for years, find your time out over a short weekend and get a visit to these places.
Directly went to Rashtrapati Bhawan as the flight was late by 1.5 hours. Sometimes I feel when I am in a hurry, the whole Earth assembles to make me more impunctual.
Anyways, with luggage and walking from the main gate (since the auto rickshaw had to drop us there), we were already too sweaty and tired.
The process of making ID pass was not too long – Aadhar or any photo identity card (passport for foreigners) is a must.
As we were shifted to the 4 pm slot, we had some time to cool down. We visited Circuit 1 only.
It comprises of the Durbar Hall, Ashoka Hall (which was the most splendid of all), the Banquet Hall, the Museum and other few areas.
Pre-plan beforehand if you want to visit on a weekend – slots get fulfilled quickly.
All information is given in this portal and Booking facilities available here. Booking can be done only through online payment. Registration charge is of Rs. 50/- per visitor.
Circuit 1: Rashtrapati Bhavan Main Building and the Central Lawn will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Circuit 2: The Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex [RBMC] comprising the Clock Tower, the Stables, and the Garages will be open on all days except Monday.
Circuit 3: The Mughal Gardens and other Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open from August to March on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Timing will be from 9 AM hrs to 4 PM.
Washrooms are available inside the Presidential Complex for visitors.
You cannot take photographs inside the tour area.
Even side bags/ lady's purses and electronic gadgets are not allowed inside. All will have to be kept at the security check/luggage deposit counter.
Photography is only allowed outside the area.
At the heaven of Spices, it is a paradise for the photographers to document the activities and the varieties of spices stacked in a shop. For the complete experience, you can check here – Our Visit to the Khari Baoli.
Located near the crossing of Mathura road and Lodhi road, this magnificent garden tomb is a great example of Mughal architecture in India. built in 1570, it was the first garden tomb in Asia.
|| The door to Wanders || – At the complex of Humayun's Tomb, lies the Nila Gumbad and other tombs.
Patterns and lights – through the intricately designed latticed windows of Isa Khan Tomb. The Jali/ latticed window helps in lowering the indoor temperature by compressing the air through the holes and giving it the velocity for diffusion.
Consisting of Mohammed Shah's Tomb, Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad, this city park is well kept between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb.
A great place to sit in the afternoon and admire the nature and the historical architectures, before independence it was known as The Lady Willingdon Garden. One can relax, take a stroll or do nothing or do some people watching as the park is completely a different world away from the otherwise busy streets of Delhi.
In the middle of Lodi Gardens lies the Bada Gumbad. It's architecture dates back to the 15th century, before Babur defeated Sikander Lodi. Still the detailings over the reminescences are so mesmerizing!!
The Bada Gumbad, located centrally to the park, is not a tomb, but a gateway to three mosques attached adjacently. Opposite to the Bara Gumbad is the Shisha Gumbad ("Glass dome"). The name is for the glazed tiles used in its construction. It contains the remains of an unknown family. Both of these structures were built during the reign of Sikander Lodi.
Nearest is the Jor Bagh metro station. It will take 15-20 minutes of walking. Or you can get an auto that will cost about 50-60 INR.
Entry is Free to the garden.
Located at the intersection of Safdarjung Road and Aurobindo Marg, this serene enclosed tomb of Safdarjung is a small pleasure with a right dose of Mughal Architecture. Nowhere overworked yet royal enough, this is a must visit for some great photos as well as some good times.
The main entry gate to the Safdarjung tomb is two-storied and its front side has very elaborate ornamental murals over plastered surfaces in ornate purple colour.
At one of the by-lanes of old Delhi near Chandni Chowk, this 19th century home of the famous Ghalib is located at 5 minutes away from BalliMaran.
Renovated under the joint venture of Indian Council of Cultural Relations and the Government of Delhi, this Museum of Mirza Ghalib has been designed by Showcraft, they have kept the place in accordance to the historical shreds of evidence and with the parity to a Sufi poet's house.
From Bali Maran Junction, start walking and follow the Google Maps.
Even on a weekend afternoon, the place was quiet and peaceful.
Located adjacent to the Delhi Zoo on Mathura Road, this place was shown in the movie of Love Aaj Kal. Built on the site of the most ancient Indraprastha, Purana Quila is roughly rectangular having a circuit of nearly two kilometers.
Another door to the past – closed and at peace with its own stories. Sometimes the doors to the past needs to be kept closed for venturing forward. Traveling to different places, getting familiar and leaving cities and towns – doors to great stories are also kept secret and protected many times.
The massive gateway and walls of Purana Quila were built by Humayun and the foundation was laid for the new capital, Dinpanah. The later work was carried out by Sher Shah Suri, who had defeated Humayun.
Sher Mandal at Purana Quila – the double storeyed octagonal building, used as observatory and library by Humayun. This is the spot where Humayun fell from the second floor to his death.
Located away from the other historical places of Delhi on the Mehrauli-Badarpur road, this Fort is said to be abandoned due to the curse of a saint as Ghiyas -ud-din Tughlaq forced all labors to work for his Fort stopping the other works. This had stopped the construction of the step well of the famous Sufi mystic, Nizam-ud-din Auliya. He then cursed its construction by uttering: "Ya rahe ujjar, ya bassey gujjar". It means, 'either it stays occupied or taken by Gujjars'.
Ancient, yet so perfectly aligned with time. At Tughlaqabad fort – which is mostly in ruins now, mellow winds passing through the structures seemed to carry stories of the by-gone era. It's on the visitor to find them all over the place. As such there is only a guiding map at the entrance of the fort. Till today, it is yet a less explored place in Delhi.
The Fort was built in four years as a defense from the enemies but never fully populated and abandoned in 15 years. Now the ruins of the huge walls give the place a haunting atmosphere.
Station Govindpuri on the Violet Metro line is 5km away from the fort. From there, you can take a local auto rickshaw for Rs 50 of minimum fair.
Local drivers did not understand the place by the name of the Fort, so we had to ask for taking us to the nearby village. Rest we depended on the Google Maps.
Climb up the pathways and the stairs to get a view of the landscape.
Also, check the hidden ways at the fort area to explore and understand the histories.
Hope you liked our recommendations. Let us know your recommendations too!!
Btw, Visit to Agrasen ki Baoli coming soon!! Be tuned!