Some of the tourist attractions of Delhi are:
- Rashtrapati Bhawan: The president's mansion is situated on
Raisina Hill in the center of Delhi, overlooking the green lawns around
India Gate. This elegant building, is truly worth seeing, for its
architectural beauty and historic significance. The beautiful Mughal
Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan, which are open to the public in spring,
are an added attraction.
- Parliament House: Located in Central Delhi, this elegant
building with its wide pillared walkways and large halls, is worth a
visit, to see the corridors of power where India's lawmakers and
statesmen decide the future of India.
- India Gate: Situated on Rajpath, in the center of Delhi, this
42-meter high arch, was designed by Edwin Lutyens, in memory of the
Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the first World War.
Their names can be seen inscribed on the arch. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an
eternal flame, burns in memory of the unknown soldier, beneath the
shelter of the arch, which is surrounded by green lawns, fountains and
water bodies - an evergreen picnic zone in the heart of central Delhi.
- Red Fort: This grand fort built during the Mughal emperor
Shah Jahan's reign, this majestic building made of red sandstone is the
location from where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation
every Independence Day. The Diwan-e-khas, and Diwan-e-am, the weaponry
museum and the sound and light show are all worth seeing at the Red
Fort.
- Qutab Minar: Built during the reign of Sultan Qutub-ud-din
Aibak in 1199 A.D., this 72.5 m high pillar is a symbol of the Delhi
Sultanate. Near it can be seen the ruins of Kila Ri Pithora, the fort of
Prithviraj Chauhan, and an amazing iron pillar from Gupta times which
has not yet rusted.
- Humayun's Tomb: Built by Humayun's wife, Hamida Begum, in
1556, after Humayun's death, this elegantly proportioned tomb, set on a
platform amidst a garden, is believed to have influenced the design of
the Taj Mahal.
- Bahai Temple: This aesthetically designed monument, commonly
known as the Lotus Temple, because the white marble structure is built
to in the shape of a lotus, set amidst, lakes and green lawns. It is a
serene house of meditation, within which there are no idols and total
silence prevails, so all can meditate in complete peace.
- Jama Masjid: Built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid's large courtyard, onion domes and central tank are built of red sandstone and white marble in the Indo-Islamic style.