Unveiling the 5 Timeless Charms of Old Delhi
Updated: May 25
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As a traveler, I've always been drawn to the timeless beauty of a city's historical essence rather than its contemporary, however if the past gracefully intertwines with the present, then that's icing on the cake ! It's like a tourism haven for explorers, who would love to immerse themselves in the city's authentic experiences, from savouring its diverse cuisine to engaging with its dynamic locals, traditions, and culture. This is where North Delhi, particularly Old Delhi, comes into play! With its unique blend of residential, touristic, and commercial districts, North Delhi encapsulates the classic charm that every Delhiite can vouch for. From the iconic streets of Chandni Chowk to the historical landmarks of Red Fort, North Delhi has it all. The area encompassed within this part of Delhi include Kashmere Gate, Civil Lines, Model Town, Kamla Nagar, Rohini, Pitampura, Shalimar Bagh, and beyond. Let's explore.
The 5 Timeless Charms of Old Delhi 1.1 Red Fort 1.2 Jama Masjid 1.3 Chandni Chowk 1.4 Raj Ghat 1.5 Yamuna Biodiversity Park |
1.1 Red Fort (Lal Qila)
Calling all history enthusiasts! I have a remarkable monument hidden away that combines elements of Islamic, Hindi, Timurid, and Persian architectural styles. Journey to the center of Old Delhi and prepare to be awestruck by the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive structure, made of red sandstone, represents the grandeur of Delhi and its rich history. If you’ve watched the Independence Day celebrations on television, you will instantly recognize this fort, which hosts the annual celebration on 15th August in its premises.
Quick tips:
Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, it served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. However, even the mighty Mughal emperors sought refuge inside its walls to escape the fiery wrath of Delhi summer 😜 If you wish to avoid melting like a popsicle in the treacherous heat of Delhi, it’s best to tour this fort in the cooler months from October to February.
For an unforgettable adventure at the Red Fort, I highly recommend enlisting the services of a knowledgeable tour guide. They'll unveil captivating tales of yore, revealing the secrets behind the legendary Lahori Gate, the bustling Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the exclusive Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the beautiful gardens.
Trust me, it's the perfect way to unlock the hidden gems of this historic marvel!
If you want to book your Red Fort tour with a professional guide and skip-the-line to buy your tickets, book your ticket here.
Opening hours: Tue - Sun - 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Monday is closed.
1.2 Jama Masjid
Situated near the Red Fort, Jama Masjid is one of the largest and most renowned mosques in India. I was anyway fascinated seeing the grand architecture from the exterior with its imposing red sandstone structure and intricately designed minarets, now I was more fascinated by the opportunity to explore the interior of the mosque. Upon arrival, I was provided with a black abaya, as it was required for women to be fully covered before entering. Men, on the other hand, were given a sarong to cover their lower body if they were wearing shorts. Constructed by Shah Jahan during the 17th century, this magnificent structure has the capacity to accommodate a multitude of worshippers simultaneously (approximately 25,000). This fact became evident as I stood in the vast central courtyard, surrounded by a sea of countless worshippers. Visitors can climb the minaret to enjoy panoramic views of Old Delhi. There is no entry fee.
Opening times: Sun - Sat - Open from 7 AM to 12 PM and then again at 1.30 PM and closes at 6.30 PM.
1.3 Chandni Chowk
Have you ever seen Hollywood movies depicting India with its noisy streets, bustling markets, and honking autorickshaws, while pedestrians roam carefree and vendors sell their goods? That's what I experienced when I visited Delhi's Chandni Chowk in 2010. However, those days are now gone, my friend. You must visit and witness the transformation of Delhi's Chandni Chowk, where not only the facades but also its 400-year-old legacy have been beautifully restored.
Chandni Chowk, an iconic neighborhood in Old Delhi, home to landmarks like the Jama Masjid and the Gauri Shankar Temple, is a vital part of Delhi's rich history and culinary heritage. It has undergone a remarkable makeover, with its 1.3-kilometer-long street now pedestrian-only between 9 am and 9 pm. This transformation makes it more accessible for tourists and locals to explore, shop, and enjoy the diverse street food offerings in a safe, clean and a less congested surrounding.
Fun thing to do: You can explore the chowk by opting for a tuk tuk (cycle-rickshaw) ride, not only adding fun to your experience but also supporting the livelihoods of the rickshaw riders, contributing to their well-being and satisfaction.
1.4 Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat in Delhi is like a peaceful park where people remember and honor Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation of India. It's where he was put to rest following his assassination on on 31st January 1948, when he was on his way for a meeting at the Birla House. There's a special black marble platform and a forever-burning flame that remind us of his important work for India.
People from all over the world come here to show their respect to him. On Sunday, September 10, 2023, World leaders of G20 nations visited Raj Ghat where they paid their tributes at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi.
Things to note:
The memorial carries Mahatma Gandhi's final words, 'hey ram,' as an inscription.
To the north of Raj Ghat, you can find Jawaharlal Nehru's resting place, known as Shantivana.
A special prayer gathering is held at Raj Ghat every Friday at 5:30 PM.
Visitors are kindly asked to remove their shoes before entering Raj Ghat as a sign of respect.
Address: Gandhi Smriti, Raj Ghat, New Delhi - 110006
Opening Times: Mon -Sun - 6:30 am – 6:00 pm
1.5 Yamuna Biodiversity Park
You will be surprised by the number of serene havens nestled in and beside the bustling city. One such nature's hidden gem is the Yamuna Biodiversity Park in Delhi. A lush haven located on Yamuna river front tucked amidst the bustling metropolis. In a 9770 hectares biodiversity area, Mother Nature decided to showcase her finest botanical talents, with rare and endangered plant species strutting their green stuff. There is an educational part of this park at play, where the primary focus of the park has been on biodiversity conservation, herbal medicine education, and promoting ecological awareness. So, if you want to swap the city's chaos for a serene stroll among some of the plant kingdom's who's who, this park is your VIP pass to a botanical VIP party.
Address: Main Jagatpur Rd, Wazirabad, New Delhi, Delhi, 110084, India
Opening Times: Mon -Sat - 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
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