Old Delhi | New Delhi | Old Delhi Architectures | Qutub Minar | Red Fort | Jama Masjid | Iron Pillar | Kashmere Gate | Chandni Chowk | St James Church | Humayun Tomb | Purana Qila | New Delhi Architectures | India Gate | Rashtrapati Bhawan | Sansad Bhavan | Jantar Mantar | Lodhi Gardens | Connaught Place | Lotus Temple | National Museum
Old, majestic, royal, grand, and filled with breathtaking architecture. If we say this for a city, only some people will go right in, guessing it to be the capital city. It rests at the country’s centre, and Delhi is for the Dilwala. Its rich historical significance comes from its numerous ancient forts, tombs, mosques, temples, monuments and other historic structures.
Mughal rulers and Hindu kings established Delhi as their capital. They adorned it with jewels in these architectures, which continue to stand tall even after so many decades.
Not only is architecture, in terms of land size and population too, but it is also the most significant capital of the country. With time the city has aged and changed. It is rapidly growing with its industries and transport system, and changes are visible in every part of the city.
Over the years, the city has seen changes in architecture, transport systems, and culture but continues to shine with its grandiosity. New Delhi and Old Delhi have their share of grand architecture. Let us take you on a picture tour through Old Delhi and New Delhi.
Also, have a look at the old and new Mumbai pictures.
Old Delhi
Delhi has a magical aura. It was initially called Indraprastha. Old Delhi and New Delhi date back to the Mughal ruler Shahjahan. He was a patron of architecture. Shah Jahan, built the most eminent architecture.
New Delhi
The British entered Delhi after capturing Calcutta. After shifting their capital where they did not build any new structures in Old Delhi. However, they chose a new major part of the city. Sir Edwin Lutyens, a British architect, redesigned this and called it New Delhi. New Delhi screams prestige, power and life. It continues to be a political hub.
Architectures in Old Delhi
1. Old Delhi Qutub Minar
Standing tall at 73m, the towering building marks a monument of power and victory. Built entirely of marble and sandstone, it continues to stand the test of all time. A famous tourist spot without which your Delhi tour picture is incomplete. Long ago, in 1193, Qutub Minar was a watchtower. It is the tallest tower in India, with five storeys and beautiful balconies.
The Famous Qutub Minar
A Close-Up View Of The Intricate Design Of The Minar
A Beautiful Angle Of Qutub Minar
2. Old Delhi Red Fort
Ustad Ahmad Lahori built Lal Qila, under the rule of Mughal ruler Shahjahan in the mid-17th century. In 2007, UNESCO declared it to be a site for world heritage. L:al Qila is built entirely of red sandstone. It gives it its name. It encloses palaces, halls, balconies, gardens and a mosque. One of the most visited spots on this fort is the Diwan-e-aam which is for the public audience.
Every year on August 15th, the prime minister gives an address here before hoisting the national flag.
The Historical Red Fort
An Inside View Of The Red Fort
3. Old Delhi Jama Masjid
The famous Jama masjid or Jami masjid is the city’s most historical and visited mosque. The Jama Masjid attracts people of all faiths and is a popular tourist destination. It is situated near the Red Fort. Also, it stands at a commanding position 30 steps higher than the street. With an accommodation capacity of 25000 people, it gathers massive commemorations every Friday. They consecrated every stone used to build this famous architecture before use. This makes the Jama masjid one of the most expensive architectures.
The Beautiful And Serene Jama Masjid
Congregation Of Delhiites At The Jama Masjid On The Occasion Of Eid
4. Old Delhi Iron Pillar
Weighing 6.5 tonnes, the famous Iron Pillar dated back 1600 years ago. Constructed under the rule of emperor Chandragupta II, it is situated in the same compound as the Qutub Minar; it is one of the magical pillars as it never rusts. You are considered lucky if you can put your arms around the Iron Pillar. However, to avoid contamination of human sweat, the government has made strict laws against trespassing on its premises.
The Well-Protected Pillar
The Detailed Work On The Pillar
A Close-Up View Of The Iron Pillar
5. Old Delhi Kashmere Gate
Delhi was once upon a time enclosed by massive walls. Kashmere Gate is one of the five gates that have not perished. The gate gets its name from the travel route of Mughal emperor Shahjahan, who used it to travel to Kashmir. It used to look out to the area once Delhi’s commercial and fashion hub. It has a lot of significance in India’s fight against the British in 1857.
Pre-British picture of the Kashmere gate
An Old Picture Of The Kashmere Gate
A Recent Picture Of The Kashmere Gate
6. Old Delhi Chandni Chowk
Located close to the railway station in Old Delhi, it’s also known as Moonlight Square. The market was created in the 1800s by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. His daughter Jahanara designed it. It was designed with canals to reflect the moonlight. It remains one of the world’s busiest wholesale and retail markets.
The Famous And Busy Chawri Bazaar Market
An Old Picture Of The Busiest Market
Spice Market In Chandni Chowk, Delhi
7. St. James Church
Skinner’s Church, also known as St. James Church, is one of Delhi’s oldest churches. The British Viceroy once used it as his official church.
Renaissance-Style Church In Delhi
A Recent Picture Of The Famous St. James Church
8. Humayun’s Tomb
This was the first tomb called the garden tomb of India. The Humayun’s Tomb is a beautiful blend of Persian architecture and houses one of the most intricate designs. Before this, no mausoleums were built for any Mughal emperor.
A Look Into The Beautiful Humayun Tomb
The Beautiful Reflection Of The Humayun Tomb
9. Old Delhi Purana Qila
Remains of the oldest fort in Delhi continue to stay here from the pre-Mauryan period. Double-storey gates are built in sandstone and intricately detailed balconies. Depicting Rajasthani architecture, its towers have pillared pavilions.
A Side View Of The Purana Qila, A Site For Many Movie Shoots
Inside View Of The Purana Qila
An Architectural Remain Inside The Purana Qila
Architectures in New Delhi
1. New Delhi’s The India Gate
The well-known India Gate, formerly known as the All India War Memorial, is also called the Delhi memorial. It stands as a war memorial for the soldiers who died in battle. Between 1914 and 1919, it was built as a memorial to King George the Fifth. It serves as a memorial to all Indian soldiers who died while serving in the British army during World War I. It stands 138 feet tall and is one of Delhi’s most popular tourist attractions.
The Famous India Gate All Lit Up On The Eve Of Independence Day.
A Daylight View Of The India Gate, Brimming With Tourists.
2. New Delhi Rashtrapati Bhavan
Originally the house of the Viceroy, the Rashtrapati Bhavan later became the house of the government. Built-in a conflict between Lutyen and Baker, it is often said that it’s a miracle that this building continues to stand tall. It was constructed when the British sought to relocate the country’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi. It consists of four wings and a central block. The dome is made of copper. It is a beautiful blend of old and new architecture.
The Largest House Of Any Head Of State
Inside Look Into The Rashtrapati Bhavan
3. New Delhi Sansad Bhavan
There are two Sabhas: The Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. It is not openly allowed for public viewing, but a special pass needs to be acquired from parliament security forces.
The Sansad Bhavan
The New Image After The Renovation Of The Sansad Bhavan
Peep Inside The Sansad Bhavan, Where The House Speaks
4. Jantar Mantar
A magical collection of 19 astronomical instruments, the Jantar Mantar is a piece of a scientific mystery. Even before the advent of Universal standard time, it had tools for different noon timings in other parts of the world. It stands to be one of the most accurate observatories of pre-modern times.
A Magical Science Miracle Of Its Kind
The Full View Of The Jantar Mantar
5. Lodhi Gardens
The Lodhi Garden, one of New Delhi’s city parks, contains several tombs. Octagonal in shape, it has several chhatri-shaped domed structures, balconies and turrets, adding to its grandeur. This is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture.
The Famous City Garden Of Delhi
Architectural Heritages In The Lodhi Graden
6. Connaught Place
It’s one of the most significant commercial places in Delhi. It has two concentric circles built in the classical renaissance style. This place is filled with tall buildings hosting various international brands and luxury shops for an ethereal shopping experience.
The Look And Feel Is Luxurious, Too, Along With The Brands
The Famous Connaught Place
Nightlife At Connaught Place, New Delhi
7. Lotus Temple
Dedicated to the Baha’i worshipers, the Lotus Temple is noted for its unique Lotus shape. People of all religions come to this famous tourist spot. Built by an Iranian architect, it still stands unique in shape to date. It has been featured in many articles and won numerous awards for its form and structure.
The Beautiful Lotus Temple All Lit Up
Interior View Of The Beautiful Lotus Temple
8. National Museum
Built-in 1949, this is the largest museum in India. It contains numerous items covering from the prehistoric to the present eras. It has beautiful work and encases more than two hundred thousand artifacts of mixed origin over 5000 years.
The Largest Museum Of India
Collection Of Arts From Artists Around The World
Old Delhi or New Delhi, Delhi continues to be the ruling capital, and now you know why. Its beautiful architecture not only enhances the city’s beauty but also pulls in tourists worldwide.
Delhi is flooded by tourists and people from the country itself who come in to find a livelihood in this city. The city is filled with warm, welcoming people and no matter which part of Delhi you are in; you will feel welcomed.
Another huge aspect of Delhi is the food. Food lovers fly in from different corners of the world to dive into this city’s delicacies. You’ll find delicious options from vegetarian to non-vegetarian cuisine around every corner.
If you are someone who loves to tour beautiful historical places and are an admirer of intricately detailed architecture, this is the best place for you. You can easily find homes near these beautiful architectures and peek at them as per your wish and convenience.