Tag: New Delhi

Best Things in Life Comes for Free

You can start your day by paying homage to Father of Nation and peace icon of the world, Mahatma Gandhi. His memorial is situated quite near to central Delhi and old Delhi, known as Rajghat (Google Maps). There is also an interesting picture gallery on the other side of the road, near parking known as ‘Gandhi Darshan’. There is a beautiful lake behind Rajghat within the connected gardens and other memorials, a place to sit peacefully and enjoy the nature.

Suggested time to visit: Morning
Nearest Metro: ITO | Delhi Gate (Under Construction)

Akshardham (Map) is the largest Hindu temple in the world. The art on the wall, stonework and stories written along with the art is a reflection of India’s ancient tradition and architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. You cannot take anything inside except purse, wallets and small lady handbag. You need to deposit everything in the locker room near the entrance. So, you cannot click pictures inside, which is good in a way, because you will focus completely on magic created by hands! Everything is so perfect that it is difficult to describe it in words. You need to visit it to feel the immortal beauty. Iron is not used in the construction of this temple as the ancient tradition of construction in India. If you want to see the light and sound show, you need to be there by evening.

Suggested time to visit: 10 am | Closed on Monday
Nearest Metro: Akshardham Metro

Lodi Garden (Map) is considered as one of the most beautiful gardens in India, this garden has something for everyone. With monuments dating back to 1300 AD, to exotic trees and more than 40 species of birds. A perfect place to sit, walk, explore and even to jog. Several ancient tombs and mosques are there in the garden compound. Beautiful place to click pictures and relax. I usually cycle to Lodi Garden early morning and jog around over the trek. Khan market is next to Lodi garden, you can visit the market for food, shopping, books or just coffee. Garden also has an exotic restaurant!

Suggested time to visit: Anytime before sunset
Nearest Metro: Jorbagh | Khan Market

If you really want to visit an amazing offbeat place in Delhi then you have to visit Mehrauli Archaeological Park (Map)! You can call this place the first Delhi of the modern period. The structures over here are as old as 900 AD with the first true arc of Indian architecture in the tomb of Balban. This whole place is covered with the trees and looks like a mini jungle. More than 5 big and several small monuments in the park to visit, this place has everything to amaze you. Suggested to visit with someone, not alone. It’s good even if you are even two people. Don’t miss the step well known as Rajon Ki Bawoli, Tomb of Quli Khan and several other monuments. MAP is quite near to Qutb Minar (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and you can see it from almost all the monuments of MAP.

Suggested time to visit: Morning and Noon | Not Evening
Nearest Metro: Qutb Minar

Hauzkhas District Park (Map) is home to magnificent ruins of an Islamic school as old as 700 years, a lake, an urban jungle and place to experience the beautiful sunset. Just with somewhere in the ruins and see the sunset over the lake. It is amazing to experience that how that back the school used to accommodate students in hostel dorms with the separate room for students. Hauzkhas is also the place to experience the nightlife of Delhi, with some of the best cafes, bars, and restaurants situated at this place. You can choose to be at anyone after the sunset. Just experience that how two different timelines merge at this point, ancient India and the modern one.

Suggested time to visit: Evening
Nearest Metro Station: Hauzkhas Metro | Walk or tuk-tuk for Rs.50