Delhi/Central Delhi

Central Delhi is a district in Delhi. The district contains (in its southern part) the historic core of Delhi, also known as Old Delhi. The northern parts of the district were developed mainly during the days of British rule, and are known for their Raj era buildings and institutions. The most important attractions here are the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid.

Get in

By metro

• Yellow Line - Chandni Chowk Station.
• Violet Line - Jama Masjid Station

By bus

Kashmere Gate is the major bus terminal in Delhi. There are buses to/from Kashmere that go to much of Northern India and Nepal.

See

Red Fort

Lahore Gate of the Red Fort

Inside the Diwan-i-Am

Diwan-i-Khas

The Mahatma's glasses - inside Gandhi Smriti

Khuni Darwaza

Razia Sultana's tomb

Feroz Shah Kotla panorama, Ashokan Pillar (Left) and Jmai Masjid (right)

Jama Masjid

• 🌍 Red Fort (Lal Qila) (Lal Qila metro station (Violet Line)). is one of Delhi's top tourist sights and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also built Agra's Taj Mahal) as his ruling palace. Completed in 1648, the years since have not treated the buildings kindly: the rooms have long since been stripped of all objects, the marble inlays are long gone and quite a few buildings are off limits. Still, the scale remains imposing and the gardens are kept lush and green even in midwinter. The Red Fort buildings within include  
  • 🌍 Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar). True to the name, this is a covered bazaar between the gate and the fort itself, now filled with souvenir hawkers. 
  • 🌍 Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience). This building separates the outer court from the inner court, and has a marble platform for the emperor's throne. 
  • 🌍 Hayat Bakhsh Bagh (Life-Bestowing Gardens). Once a grand garden of full of fountains and streams, now sadly all dry — only dry channels and acres of green grass remain. Near here will you find the Sawan Pavilion 
  • 🌍 Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience). Built completely of marble, this is where the emperor received special visitors. 
  • 🌍 Khas Mahal (Private Palace). The Emperor's main residence. The octagonal Mussaman Burj tower looks out toward the Yamuna River, and is where the Emperor used to appear before the public for each morning. 
  • 🌍 Rang Mahal (Colour Palace). The residence of the Sultan's main wife. 
  • 🌍 Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel Palace, Persian/Urdu ممتاز محل [mumˈt̪aːz mɛˈɦɛl]; meaning "beloved ornament of the palace"). Contained six apartments for the Sultan's harem. Now used as a museum of court textiles, carpets, weapons, etc. free. 
  • 🌍 Daawat Khana (at the northmost end of the Fort). A minor palace, this was originally the residence of a prince, but it was converted into a tea house by the British, a function it continues today. Basic meals cost around ₹ 60, drinks ₹ 10-20, and it also has the cleanest toilets around. (updated Oct 2016)
  • 🌍 Swatantra Sangrama Sangrahalaya (Museum of the Independence Movement). To the left after the Chatta Chowk, this is a reasonably well-presented museum on the history of independence activism in India, starting from the Mutiny of 1857 all the way to Gandhi. 

The only open entrance is Lahore Gate, on the west side. Security in and around the Fort is very heavy, as it was the scene of a terrorist attack in 2000 that killed three people. Bags are allowed, but they'll be X-rayed and you'll be patted down. Tickets cost ₹ 30/500 for Indians/foreigners, photography free, video cameras ₹ 25 extra. Open sunrise to sunset daily except Monday. Allow for 3-4 hr in your schedule in case of long weekends and national holidays as lot of tourists flock around then. The most scenic way of reaching the fort is to take the Metro to Chawri Bazaar and then a cycle-rickshaw through the incredibly packed bazaar to the Fort (price negotiable, aim for ₹ 20).

The fort has a light and sound show (₹ 50) in the evenings from 19:30-21:00, depending on the season.

Be careful buying tickets at the booth, as the ticket sellers will attempt to shortchange you. Try to have a small bill. Due to enhanced security the parking can be a bit tricky as the walk from the now distanced away parking at nearby alternative slots is quite a bit. The congested traffic makes crossing the road even trickier.

Feroz Shah Kotla

Feroz Shah Kotla is the Delhi's cricket stadium. It also houses the ruins of the fifth city of Delhi Feroz Shah Kotla or Ferozabad. It was founded by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. The are also houses the notorious Khooni Darwaza.

• 🌍 Feroz Shah Kotla. 
• 🌍 Khuni Darwaza (Bloody Gate), Bahadur Shah Zafar Road (Opposite Feroz Shah Kotla Palace. Metro: Delhi Gate (Violet)). It is here in this gate that Major William Hodson beheaded last Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar's sons Mirza Mughal and Mirza Khizr Sultan as well as grandson Mirza Abu Bakr after the defeat in Revolt of 1857 forcing him to go to Yangoon. It is also believed that the beheaded heads of criminals were put on display in this gate. Here Jahangir ordered the killing of two sons of Rahim Khan-I-Khana who was a Navaratna in Akbar's court. 

Mahatma Gandhi sites

These three sites are located in close proximity, 5 minutes walk east of Delhi Gate metro station (Violet Line).

• 🌍 Raj Ghat, Satyagraha Marg, Gandhi Smriti. 09:30-17:30. Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi at the site of his cremation. Check for closure dates/security checks around national holidays/Gandhi's death anniversary.  
• 🌍 Gandhi Smriti, ☎ [phone]. 10:00-17:00 (closed Monday). This estate is the site of Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom. Includes a museum celebrating his life and the room he lived in during his final days. 
• 🌍 National Gandhi Museum (தேசிய காந்தி அருங்காட்சியகம்), Vikram Nagar. 

Kamal Nehru Ridge (Delhi North Ridge)

• 🌍 Mutiny Memorial (Ajitgarh). (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Ashokan Pillar. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Pir Ghaib. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Hindu Rao Hospital Baoli. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Chauburja Mosque. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Southern Gurad House. (updated Sep 2017)
• 🌍 Flagstaff Tower, Kamla Nehru Ridge, Civil Lines New Delhi (Half km East of North Campus. Bus #212 stop 'University of Delhi' (300m west.). - Eastwards 300m to Vidhan Sabha Metro Station). It was built in 1828 as a signal tower. This one storey tower was used to take shelter for European people during Revolt of 1857. - The Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir is 100 m to the west. 

Monuments and museums

• 🌍 Razia Sultana's Tomb, Sitaram Bazar (The surrounding area is called Pahari Bhojla. Turkman Gate is the nearest landmark (North of it).). 08:30 - 18:00. This is the tomb of only woman ruler of Delhi Raziya Sultana. It consists of a two tombs, one of Raziya's and another of Sajiya's without any roof. 
• 🌍 Roshanara Tomb, Dronacharya Guru Hanuman Marg, Roshanara Garden (Nearest metro station is Pratap Nagar.). Tomb of Aurangzeb's sister Begum Roshanara. 
• 🌍 Turkman Gate, Asaf Ali Rd (Jawaharlal Nehru Marg), Katra Chobey Lal, Old Delhi (From New Delhi (Orange Line, Yellow Line) metro station walk ten min eastward. East 200 of Hanuman Vatika (Temple)). This gate is named after Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani, located in southern edge of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). Include the tomb of Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani 
• 🌍 International Doll's Museum, 4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Nehru House, New Delh (Metro: ITO (Violet)), ☎ [phone]. T-S 10:00-18:00. A museum of dolls from all over the country. You get to see the costumes and art from all over India, as well as some nice crafts. Entry Fee ₹10. 

Religious buildings

Churches

• 🌍 St James' Church (Skinner's Church) (Near to Tikona Park). Worship at p8:30 (Apr-Sept.): Worship at 09:00 (winter). It is an Anglican church, built in 1836 by Colonel James Skinner. It is one of the oldest churches in the city. (updated Oct 2016)
• 🌍 St Stephen's Church, Church Mission Road (Old Delhi Junction station). Built in 1862, by Anglican missionaries and Department of Public Works Engineers in the style of Italian Gothic architecture, highly influenced by the Romanesque style. Apart from its ornate walls and ceilings the Church has a unique feature which is the stained glass rose window which is exclusive in Delhi. The baroque styled church has arched windows which allow the sunlight to brighten the interiors. the interiors are well maintained with motifs, pictures, carvings and beautiful furniture. A series of fine plasters form arcade on either side lined with beautiful carvings columns made of sandstone. (updated Oct 2016)

Gurudwaras

• 🌍 Gurdwara Mata Sundri, Mata Sundri road (Behind JP Nayak Hospital. Metro: Barakhambha Road (Blue), 15 min walk). The temple is a tribute to Mata Sundri, the wife of the 10th Guru – Guru Gobind Singh (1666–1708). The Guru was a Warrior, Poet and Philosopher. The Gurdwara built in brick and lime mortar, on the farther end of the hall is a marble-paved gallery. The carved weed beam of the gallery bears an inscription in Gurmukhi script in bold letters. There is a marble slab in the center which surrounded by the inscribed sacred emblem of the Sikhs. It has a standard square-domed sanctums, arched copings and a traditional styled entrance. 
• 🌍 Gurdwara Nank Piao, Rana Pratap Road (also known as Grand Trunk Road or GT Road) (north Delhi, bus 19, 19A, 62, 102 to Nanak Piao Gurudwara stop, or from Metro: Model Town (Yellow) 1km South). Built at the site, in the garden where Guru Nanak Dev camped when he visited Delhi in 1505 during the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi. 
• 🌍 Gurudwara Sis Ganj, Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi) (Metro: Chandni Chowk (Yellow)). An important Sikh place of worship. Built on the spot where their ninth guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded on the orders of the mughal emperor Aurangzeb, it is an oasis of calm in the chaos of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk. You will need to cover your head (scarves provided for free) and stash your shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers (also free). 

Hindu temples

• 🌍 Nili Chhatri Temple, Yamuna Bazar, Kashmere Gate (On the banks of the Yamuna river). A Hindu temple is the tomb of Naubat Khan. Naubat Khan was a mansabdar (state official) during the time of Akbar. He built it during his lifetime in 1565. The tomb stands almost midway between Purana Qila and the tomb of Nizamuddin Auliya. It is built in an enclosure of several acres. Though the walls of the tomb are not extant in its entirety, some portions of it can still be seen in the surrounding area. But the gateway is relatively in good shape. At the entrance of the tomb is written the inscription, the letters of the inscription are of black marble inlaid on sandstone. 

Mosques

• 🌍 Fatehpuri Masjid (Metro: Chandni Chowk (Yellow), then rickshaw or 10 minutes walk). 
• 🌍 Jama Masjid (Opposite the Red Fort. Metro: Jama Masjid (Violet), Chawri Bazaar (Yellow)). 07:00-sunset, tourists are not allowed in from 12:15-13:45 or in the half-hour before sunset.. – The largest mosque in India and a must-see while in Delhi. Entry is officially free, although if you have a camera with you (even if deep in your bag) the aggressive "guards" will not let you go in without paying the ₹ 300 fee, and this includes camera phones. If you just walk in they will grab you and "carry" you out. Beware of dishonest guides who will try and convince you that a tour guide is mandatory and is included in the ₹ 200 camera fee; they will give you an extremely hurried 'tour' of the mosque and then demand a further payment of ₹ 200-300 for the tour. You can climb to the top of the minaret for ₹ 100 (locals maybe ₹ 20). The climb is steep, dark and somewhat claustrophobic, but you'll get great views over the complex and the city. You'll need to cover up your shoulders and legs (scarves and lungis available for rental - about ₹ 10), and take off your shoes (expect to tip the shoe minder, ₹ 5 is plenty, or carry your shoes with you in your own bag). - Pictures should not be taken during prayer hours. If you're going to sit down don't look too comfortable. Certainly don't eat or become too engrossed in any reading material you may be carrying, the rule is that non-Muslims must make their visits brief and guards will usher along visitors who linger. Free, ₹ 300 if you have a camera, (this is include the ₹ 100 minar climb). (updated Oct 2016)

Other

• 🌍 Majnu ka Tilla Tibetan Colony, Outer Ring road (Bus 53, 169). One of the more accessible Tibetan resettlement areas in India. A nice piece of variety for Delhi, and a popular backpacker hangout. To get there head north along Ring Road just past Majnu ka Tilla Gurudwara, or take the Metro to Vidhan Sabha station, and a cycle-rickshaw is ₹ 15 from there. 

Do

Buy

Bazaars

• 🌍 Chandni Chowk, Chandni Chowk Rd, Chatta Pratap, Chandni Chow (Next to Gurudwara Sis Ganj. Metro: Chandni Chowk). This is the place to go for the full-on Indian experience of crowded, twisting alleys and tiny shops. The Fountain serves as a useful orientation point, and there are great Delhi-style snacks to be found in the vicinity too (see Eat).. 
• 🌍 Kamla Nagar, Kamla Nagar, Shakti Nagar (next to Delhi University's North campus. - Bus 19A, 62, 92, 100A, 102, 106, 114, 115, 116, 125, 127, 128, 131, 133, 136 to stop 'Kamla Nagar'. Near Pulbangash Metro Station.). Popular with college students and known for its spicy street food. 
• 🌍 Khari Baoli (Naya Bazaar), Khari Baoli (Local train: Sadar Bazar, then walk 300m east. Metro: Chandni Chowk (Yellow), then walk 600m southwest), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone]. walking away from the Red Fort through Chandni Chowk will lead you here, which is the main spice market in Old Dehli where most restaurants shop from. Great place to buy individual spices (especially cardamom in bulk), masala chai mix, and various masala mixes for vegetables, meat, fish, meat, chicken, and rice. Afghan Store (lot# 6553). - Reputed to be the largest outdoor, pedestrianized shopping area in Delhi. Huge bargains on all sorts of western and Indian wear. If you are lucky, you can also get many reputed western brands as export surplus. It is also a great market for fresh fruits, vegetables and household goods. 
• 🌍 Meena Bazar, Meena Bazaar (Eastward from Jama Masjid). a popular flea market with antiques (and not-so-antiques) — it's also known as Chor Bazar or "Thieves' Market," so hold onto your wallet and don't believe every claim you hear. 

Books

• 🌍 Nai Sarak Bookshop Area (near Chawri Bazaar. Metro: Chawri Bazaar or Chandni Chowk (Yellow)). Narrow alleys where most publishers are based. This is very popular with students, particularly college students as course books are available here. They carry books in nearly all major languages spoken in India. Don't expect bargaining to work here as shopkeepers are too busy to argue. The shopkeepers do more business than any proper branded shop, selling at least 5,000 books daily. There are also many wholesalers. Very few books will be on display and you need to ask for a particular type of book as the variety of books sold is huge. Most books are original and the shopkeepers get very irritated if you question the book's genuineness. You can either take a rickshaw or walk. One of Delhi's oldest shopping complexes, you can find any book there after a day of searching. Also good areas for sightseeing. 
• 🌍 Daryaganj and Asaf Ali Road. Similar to Nai Sarak, but a little better organised. Hindi Book Centre on Asaf Ali Rd is well known, stocks many Hindi books, and has a good website. (updated Oct 2016)
• Kamla Nagar Bookshops, F-Block (opposite to Birla Mills compound and on the road leading to Roop Nagar roundabout). This shop provides a range of books and stationery. 

Tea

• 🌍 Aap ki Pasand, Sterling House, 15 Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj (Opposite the post office, walking distance from Red Fort), ☎ [phone]. Tea Shop, A great place to sample Indian chai and the exotic Darjeeling and Assam teas and buy tea in handcrafted fabric bags. Located in an old colonial era building, its teas have been savored by Bill Clinton, Gorbachov, Koizumi and are taken as official state gifts of India. 

Eat

Mid-range

• 🌍 Karim's, ☎ [phone]. Jama Masjid, Gali Kababian. As you'd expect from a restaurant on Kebab Lane, the main dish is Mughal-style meat (mutton and chicken), served up since 1913. Is down a little alley just South of the Jama Masjid southern entrance (past the auto supplies market). Favourites include badam pasanda (boneless mutton cooked with yogurt, almonds and spices) and chicken noor jahan, but if you're really hungry, try Tandoori Bakra; an entire stuffed goat for ₹4,500, 24 hr notice and down payment is required. Some of the dishes have huge puddles of oil on top, which you're supposed to drain off before eating. Under ₹200 at the original; more at the branches.. (updated Oct 2016)

Drink

Sleep

• 🌍 Maidens Hotel. A Raj era hotel. (updated Jan 2017)

Budget

• 🌍 Rail yathri Niwas, New Delhi Railway Station (Metro: New Delhi - Line 2), ☎ [phone]. ₹450. (updated Jun 2015)
• 🌍 Ivory Palace, 14A/27 WEA, Channa Market, Karol Bagh, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. From ₹1,200. 

East of New Delhi Railway Station

• Hotel Broadway, 4/15A, Asaf Ali Road (across from Maulana Azad Medical College & Hospital, just 5 minutes away from Connaught Place), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. India's first hotel to get ISO 9002 certification. ₹1,800. 

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is located in Old Delhi and is close to historical sights such as the Red Fort and Jameh Mosque. It is served by the Chandi Chowk metro station.

• 🌍 Tara Palace, 419 Old Cycle Market, Chandni Chowk (opposite Delhi Parade Ground, near the Red Fort), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. Friendly budget hotel, free breakfast and free airport pickup. From $40. 

Majnu ka Tilla

Majnu ka Tilla is a compact Tibetan settlement and the place of departure and arrival for buses to/from Dharamsala, the home of the Tibetan Government in Exile and the Dalai Lama. Stay here if you have an interest in Tibetan culture, politics and religion, or if you need something quieter (and just slightly more expensive) than Paharganj. Rooms are mostly doubles averaging ₹700, but some ₹400 singles can be had (2015). An auto-rickshaw from New Delhi train station should cost around ₹ 50 (use the prepaid stand). The Vidhan Sabha metro station is also nearby and popular. From there cycle-rickshaws charge ₹ 15 and take about five minutes.

• Ama Rabsel House, House No 47, New Aruna Nagar (Behind Dolma House restaurant), ☎ [phone], [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Check-out: 12:00 checkout. A surprisingly large and modern hotel, hidden down a dark alleyway next to Dolma House restaurant. Friendly staff appear to be constantly cleaning. The attached restaurant, on the other hand, is of low quality. ₹500-1,000. 

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