New Delhi

Named for its red sandstone walls, the Red Fort located near river Yamuna is Delhi’s most famous monument. It is greatest of Delhi’s Mughal palace-cities, outdoing even Lutyen’s Delhi in majesty. Built in 17th century by Shah Jahan, it recalls the era of Mughal power and magnificence. 

Completed in 1656 after six years of work by 5,000 labourers, it is India’s largest mosque and was the last commissioned by Shah Jahan. An extremely beautiful and delicate Islamic architecture in red sandstone and marble, its courtyard can hold remarkably 25,000 devotees.

This massive sandstone arch was designed by Lutyens in 1931, in memory of the 90,000 soldiers of British Indian Army who fell in World War I and the third Afgan War of late 19th century. At night it glows warmly under floodlights and the gardens that line its boulevard are a popular place to enjoy in the evenings. 

Built in 1570 by widow of Mughal emperor Humayun, this tomb reflects a new architecture era of Persian influence, culminating in the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri. This walled enclosure’s most notable features are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum resting on an immense two-storey platform. 

This lotus flower shaped temple was completed in 1986 and is the last of seven major Bahai's temples built around the world. Built impressively on a rock outcropping and set among the lush green landscaped gardens, this pure white marble temple is an amalgam of architectural styles of Mughals and Guptas. 

Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world named for Muslim sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak is 234 feet high with 376 steps. Its construction began in 1193 and Iltutmish, added the top four stories. It was built by using pillars and other materials from 27 demolished Hindu and Jain shrines. The tower has five distinct stories, and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Quran.