My Top 6 Places to Visit in New Delhi, The Magic of New Delhi A Visual Feast – Pauli in India Part 3

In between building up and training our team in India and helping them get started, I nipped over to Delhi to see what its all about. I had a full month in India so I had every opportunity to see more of it and felt that It would be great to bring you with me on a visual feast. Prepare to be amazed as you and I check out my top 6 places to visit in New Delhi, if you please…
I continued my quest for the architectural and touristic monuments all those places to visit in New Delhi ad surrounds, that every visitor tries to see on a tour of India. I visited outstanding monuments like Humayun’s Tomb, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Lotus Temple, India Gate and the Qutub Complex. TripAdvisor gives you 10 top things to do in New Delhi to keep you busy too. So lets go….
HUMAYUN’S TOMB
One of the must go places to visit in New Delhi is this monument. Its an eye-catching mausoleum believed to be the first example of Mughal architecture in India. Apparently several years after its construction, Humayun’s tomb became the main inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal.
This wonderful structure was built by Humayun’s widow. According to my guide, Hamida Banu Begum from 1565 to 1572. Humayun was born in 1508 and died in 1556. He was the second Mughal emperor who ruled from 1530 to 1556. It was designed by a Persian architect called Mirak Mirza Ghiyath and he used red sandstone and white marble together with a double dome with a high neck drum.
Humayun’s Tomb has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. So I hope it will be one of your places to visit in New Delhi soon too!
We accessed the complex via the Bu Halima Gate and then moved onto the West Gate
The West Gate is the main entrance to the World Heritage Site of the Emperor Humayun’s Tomb-Garden. It stands 16 meters high and has rooms on either side of a central passage together with small courtyards on the upper floor.
When I walked through the West Gate, I was greeted by a magnificent sight; Humayun’s mausoleum in the middle of a Persian-style garden divided into four main quadrants separated by walkways or flowing water in channels and fountains. These four main parts are in turn separated by channels to 36 parts. Honestly one must see this to understand the sheer magnitude and beauty! I believe its one of the best places to visit in New Delhi!
Still in awe, I headed for the mausoleum which was constructed from red sandstone on a huge base of about 7 meters high. This lower part of the rectangular base is decorated with arches located all around the perimeter of the building. If stairs aren’t your bag, you may struggle; it takes a flight of steep stairs to the top of the base. The view of the garden from the mausoleum top is absolutely beautiful. So asymmetrical, clean edges, well kept!
The two-storied mausoleum is crowned with white Persian style marble dome. The breadth of Humayun’s Tomb is 91 metres and the height is 47 meters. Breathtaking measurements at the time when you think about it, minimum technology, yet the beauty is undiminished…They don’t build them like this anymore…More is the pity!
The cenotaph of Humayun is located in the central octagonal chamber directly under the main dome. There are corner-chambers that house the graves of other members of the royal family.
The Dome ceiling has intricate design patterns that would blow your mind away.
The Persian architectural influence is evident in the arched alcoves, Jaali vents corridors and the high double dome.
RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
One of the must see places to visit in New Delhi India is the official home of the President of India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
It was built by the British Viceroy after the decision to move the capital of India from Calcutta (Kolkata) to Delhi. It was built from 1911 to 1916 on a massive plot of land…as you do.
It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, a famous British architect who also designed the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool, UK.
Apart from the official residence of the president, enclosed within the perimeter walls, the complex has offices, guest rooms, halls and beautiful presidential gardens (Mughal Gardens).
As you can see above I couldn’t leave New Delhi without stopping at one of the most popular places to visit; The Lotus Temple, the official place of worship for the Baha’i. We got there to find long queues in the sweltering heat, but the distant views of the beautiful flower-like building were too compelling for anyone to leave without getting to the temple.
The Lotus Temple is the world’s seventh Baha’i House of Worship. It was designed by Fariborz Sahba and constructed from 1980 to 1986. The design of the temple is like that of a lotus flower. It has 27 free-standing “petals” clad in marble, grouped in clusters of three, making up nine sides. It has got a height of 40 meters and a sitting capacity of about 2500 people. Would you say its one of the places to visit in New Delhi or indeed in the world?
It is surrounded by nine beautiful ponds that reflect the blue sky in the bright sun.
The Temple is set in wonderfully designed gardens and the inside of the temple didn’t disappoint! And now it was time to go see some more wonders and places to visit in New Delhi….off to the….
INDIA GATE
A magnificent archway called India Gate, stands elegantly in the middle of a crossroad at a height of about 42m. Its one of the most popular places to visit in New Delhi. I must say I enjoyed photo bombing. The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and it was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869 – 1944) who also commissioned to design the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool, UK.
India Gate was built in memory of the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the first World War, fighting for the British Army. This memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers who were killed in the Afghan war of 1919.

The arch stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone and its cornice has inscriptions of the “Imperial Suns” while both sides of the arch have “INDIA”, with the dates “MCMXIV” or 1914 on the left and “MCMXIX” or 1919 on the right.
THE QUTUB COMPLEX
The sheer height of the Qutb group of monuments located at the Qutub Complex is superb. Another UNESCO world heritage monument, protected for world cultural and natural heritage. The complex is located in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. This is surely one of the places to visit in New Delhi if yo love old world architectural ruins!
Its has one of the most outstanding monuments called the Qutb Minar which is the second tallest stone tower in India. It stands at a height of 72.5 meters. It was constructed out of red sandstone and marble, tapering upwards from a base with a diameter of about 14 meters to the top where the diameter reduces to 2.75 meters. There is a circular staircase with 379 steps that leads to the top inside the tower, if you have no fear of heights unlike my Julie…OMG she is gonna kill me for disclosing that!
Another quick history lesson: The Qutb Minar was constructed by Qutbud-Din Aibak from 1192 to 1210 as a tower of victory. Qutbud completed the 1st floor. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors were constructed by successor Iltutmish. In 1368, the minar was struck and damaged by lightning. Firuz Tughluq (1351 – 1388) dismantled the fourth floor and added two floors made of red sandstone and white marble, making it a five-storey structure.
Other monuments at the Qutub Complex include the Ala’I-Minar and the Ala-I-Darwaza.

THE ALAI MINAR
The Alai Minar (1311) is named after Ala ud-Din Khalji (1296-1316) who intended to construct another minar twice the size of the Qutb Minar. Unfortunately he died before it was completed and remained at a height of 24.5m and construction was abandoned. still an amazing sight to behold and one of the monuments or places to visit in new Delhi, time permitting!
I went past and admired architectural work and structural designs of walkways constructed out of stone slabs and stone columns section, delicately placed upon each other to create a covered path. I could not stop myself from drifting away to recall the construction techniques of the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.

ALA-I-DARWAZA
The Ala-I-Darwaza I was advised was another of the places to visit in New Delhi India, so off we went. And what a magnificent gateway in the complex. Apparently built over 100 years after the Qutb Minar by the first Khilji sultan of Delhi, Ala ud din Khilji. It showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the Turkish artisans who worked on the gateway with inlaid marble decorations and latticed stone screens.
Alai Darwaza is built of red sandstone with white marble used liberally on the exterior walls. It has beautiful both geometric designs and inscriptions as ornamentation. The Images below don’t half do justice to this monument and my past but not least of the places to visit in New Delhi!
I can only say, that if you ever have the time, and the resources and you have India on your bucket list…Head over and check out the above popular places to visit in New Delhi!
I hope I have ignited some fire under your belly to Dream again and revived your hunger to see the world. Take a dreamtrip, become a world tourist and live a little!
Have you enjoyed my tour of places to visit in New Delhi? Did you feel the magic of new Delhi, because I sure did on this visual journey with you! So if you did then by all means do share, like and let me know which place or monument pulled at your heart strings the most!
I know and believe you do deserve to live more so why not…
If you have got the travel itch and wish to see more shores in style, have more fun, freedom and fulfillment, heck just shout out to Julie & I by Using This Link Here!
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Pauli Kalungi
Skype: Julie.Kalungi1
Email: julie@Juleskalpauli.com
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the lotus temple reminds me of the opera house in sydney. of course they don’t look identical but they are similar which is great as the opera house was one of the best places i went to in australia. new delhi has some great places to see
Hi Michelle,
We thought so too and they are both amazing structures. 🙂
Pauli~
I’m fascinated by the Alai Minar structure. And I have to see those Tomb Gardens. That is incredible!
Wow, I’m so jealous! This looks like such an amazing place to visit. thank you such an inspiring travel post.
Awww Dont get jealous Amber, Get Travelling and yo can do that for FREE with our Travel club!
You might like to take a peek at it 🙂
PKJW~
wow thanks for sharing all these places to visit in india
My Pleasure Sheena. Thanks for stopping by!
Pauli
I am so jealous.. I love all of these places! I hope to visit these locations soon!
Dont be jealous,
Join in the fun 🙂
Join our Elite Club of world travellers Morgan and others will be jealous of you 🙂
Thanks for your comment!
Pauli
What a gorgeous place. I never would’ve thought to travel there but I might have to add it to my list!
It is an amazing place to visit Christine. Hope you can too!
Pauli
That lotus temple is everything. Looks like a fun time!
It sure is something special Rocio! Thanks for swinging by!
Wow. Amazing. You went everywhere!!
Absolutely Brittany, I had a full Month to enjoy the Magic of Delhi!
well damn, I didnt really have the urge to visit india really… until now – looks absolutely amazing!!!!! definately moved up on my list of places to see – thanks heaps for this.
Glad I got you considering India Alex, ad Thanks for taking the time.
where have you been my man!
Yes you can 🙂
Pauli
My favorite places you have shown are ALAI MINAR and the stone walkway! I would love to see those in person. Great photos! The you should be here images cracked me up 🙂
Glad I brought a smile to your face Joely 🙂
It was an amazing DreamTrip. So….
Soon as you get a chance, go see those places Life is too short and yes #YSBH
Pauli
A month in India! You are so lucky! New Delhi looks like a fantastic place to go. Thank you for sharing your pictures and the review of all interesting buildings there!
Yes just about 5 weeks,
You are most welcome, I could have pinched my self. And I loved every moment of it.
I wish I was there, with our cold UK weather coming on strong!
Pauli
Wow–I will probably never get to New Delhi but after seeing all these sites I would truly like to go!
Well Michele,
Never say Never. I Simply dream it, Plan it and Action my plan…Bingo!
Thanks for your comment!
Pauli
what a beautiful place to visit. I must add this to my travel list as a must see. So much beauty happening here.
So much beauty or so much beauty Rebecca, I was spoilt for choice as to what to eat, where to Go what to see,
and its so Cheap compared to many European Countries.
Do go if you can
Pauli
I would love to visit New Delhi one day! I would have way too much fun with my 360 video camera.
Ohh yes you would, I left our GoPro back in UK…I kicked myself Cyndi!
Thanks for your comment
Pauli
I have definitely thought about New Delhi travel before – looks quite amazing!
It Is Amazing GiGi and you must go if the opportunity presents itself!
Pauli
Thank you for this wonderful trip – virtual. India is definitely on my bucket list and more so now!
My Absolute Pleasure Claudette!
thanks for your comment
Pauli
Truly magnificent — What a GREAT opportunity and I love that you are able to post your photos and share you experience…
Hi Michelle,
It truly was a magical Visit. I doubt I did it justice.
I simply love to share because whats the point of hiding such an amazing experience
when you can help someone else see it or light a fire and they go and experience it too!
Pauli
Beautiful photos and what an experience. May have to add this to my bucket list!!
Ohh Cathy, I believe you would love it, esp as you love to meditate and reflect.
This is the land of reflecting.
You would specially love the Lotus Temple!
Pauli
This is awesome! I love to travel so I will definitely have to check out New Delhi one day. Also loved how you gave some history and info on the various locations!
Hi Philip,
Thanks for your comment, I sure did take some notes from my Personal tour guide.
It really is affordable to have one too.
You will love it and if you ever need some pointers, just shout out!
Pauli
I would love to see all these places.
Hey Saundra,
We would be honored to help you point you in the right direction. Life ie meant to be lived
enjoyed, touched, tasted, felt and experienced.
Just Holler if you need more info 🙂
Pauli