The Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort, with a circumference of over 2.2 kilometers, was built by the banks of the river, Yamuna in the 17th century.

The fort is a delight to one's imagination. Imagine the Naqqar Khana (Drum room) also called Naubat Khana (Welcome Room), where once drums loudly heralded the arrival of the emperor and the Diwan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience) resounded with the incantations of the people. Amazing, isn't it? There's more to see - Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal (Palace of Colours), Khas Mahal (Emperor's Palace), Diwan-e Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Hammam (bathing area) and Shah Burj. The fort has two main entrances - Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate. The latter get its name from the fact that it faces Lahore in Pakistan. A light and sound show recreates the history of Delhi and the Red Fort.

Summer timing : Hindi - 7 pm to 8 pm, English - 8 pm to 9 pm
Winter timing : Hindi - 6 pm to 7 pm, English - 7 pm to 8 pm


Purana Quila, Delhi
In 1538, the Mughal emperor Humayun laid the foundations of his city named Dinpanah, or the Refuge of the Faithful. The inner citadel of this city is today called Purana Qila or the Old Fort. Excavations near the eastern wall of the fort reveal that the site had been occupied since 1000 B.C.The Purana Qila has three gates - Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. The present entrance is the Bara Darwaza, an imposing red sandstone gate on the western wall. Inside the Purana Qila is the Sher Manzil, a two-storied octagonal pavilion in red sandstone, built by the Afghan ruler, Sher Shah Suri. Timings: 6 am to 6 pm Tickets: Available at the site and Delhi Tourism office


Qutub Minar, Delhi
The highest stone tower in India, the Qutub Minar was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the Viceroy of Mohammed Ghori in 1192. It was built to celebrate Ghori's victory over the Rajputs.
The Minar is a five-storey building with a height of 72.5 metres. The first storey of the Qutb Minar was completed in the lifetime of Qutb-ud-din. His son-in-law and successor, Iltumush, added the next three storeys.

Within the complex, is the famous Iron Pillar which has stood the test of time without rusting. Quwwat-ul-Islam,was the first mosque built in India, and the Alai Darwaza, the gateway to the complex was erected by Alauddin Khilji.

Qutb Minar is a successful tribute to architecture, as it captures one's attention, owing to the delicate and almost ethereal carvings. Address: Mehrauli, Delhi-Gurgaon Road Timings: 6 am to 6 pm


Iron Pillar
The 7.2 metre high pillar, standing within the Qutb Minar complex, is a proof of India's advanced knowledge of metallurgy 2000 years ago. It stands even today, rust-free.
It was erected in memory of King Chandragupta Vikramamditya who ruled from 375 to 413 AD.

Address: Qutb Minar Complex, Mehrauli, Delhi-Gurgoan Road Timings: 6 am to 6 pm


India Gate, Delhi
Formerly known as the All India War Memorial,this solemn monument was built in 1931 in the memory of the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Names of 13,516 soldiers are inscribed on its walls. Later in 1971, an eternal flame was lit here in memory of the unknown soldiers who died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. India Gate stands at the end of Rajpath, and is a popular picnic site especially during the hot summer evenings. At night, the gate and the fountains are brightly lit. It is indeed a beautiful sight.


Rashtrapati Bhavan
The official residence of the President of India,can boast of having welcomed the most powerful men in history. The Rashtrapati Bhavan was designed by Edwin Lutyens and built in 1931, to be the central point of the British power in Delhi. Originally called the Viceroy's House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan has 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies and loggias, 18 staircases and 37 fountains.

The most magnificent room in the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Durbar Hall, which lies directly beneath the main dome. All important Indian State and Official ceremonies are held here. To the west, is the famous and beautifully landscaped Mughal Gardens, designed after the terraced gardens which the Mughals built in Kashmir. The garden is called the 'Butterfly Garden' as the numerous butterflies visit the varied flowers. It is open to the public only in February.

Change of Guard Ceremony:
April-October : 8:30 am
November-March: 10:35 am


Teen Murti Bhavan
It was designed by Robert Tor Russel as the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in India. After independence, it was occupied for 16 years by the first president of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Since his demise,the house was converted into a national memorial comprising a library and a museum. The library is one of the finest with information on modern Indian history.Pandit Nehru's love for roses is well known and the rose garden in full bloom is a sight to behold. A light and sound show,'Tryst with Destiny', every evening depicts his life and the independence movement.


Rajghat
Rajghat is the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, the 'Father of the Nation'.It is situated only 4 kms away from Janpath, on the banks of the river, Jamuna. His last words -'Hey Ram' are inscribed on the simple, square, black marble plaque. Every Friday (the day of his death) a prayer service is held, except on Mondays. Projecting Gandhi philosophy in pictures and sculpture form is a regular feature between 10-00 am to 5-00 pm. at Rajghat. Gandhi Memorial Museum projects the life and the philosophy of Sarvodaya Movement in film from 9-30 am.to 5-30 pm. every day, except Thursday and Sunday at 4-00 pm. in Hindi. Extensive lawns create a peaceful atmosphere.


Shanti Vana
It is the cremation site of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.


Vijay Ghat
This is the tomb of the second Prime Minister of India, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. Beautiful landscaped gardens and national monuments built in the memory of the founders of the nation stand here.