Stop At: Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Anuvrat Marg Opposite Qutub Minar Metro Station, New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi 110030
The Mehrauli Archeological Park is located next to the Qutub Minar Complex. Once we enter the park and start our journey, we will be greeted by the most impressive examples of Indo-Islamic architecture - the tomb of Sultan Balban, the ruler of the Slave Dynasty, which is also one of the earliest buildings to use the true arch in construction, dated to the second half of the 13th century.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Jamali Kamali Tomb and Mosque, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi, New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi
Next, we will come across the most striking structure in the park - the Jamali Kamali, a mosque built by Maulana Jamali a poet and a Sufi saint who lived in the 1500’s during the period of the Lodis and, the Mughal rule. This beautiful mosque is a fine example of decorative work in plaster and tiles, adorned with verses penned by Jamali himself.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Metcalfe Canopy, G59Q+X4X, Mehrauli Archeological Pk Trl, Christian Colony, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India
Walk a few steps ahead, to Metcalfe’s canopy, modified and built by Thomas Metcalfe, who was a British agent in the courts of Akbar Shah 2 and Bahadur Shah Zafar 2 – the man was so much in love with Delhi that he bought a country house on the lands of Muhammad Mirza Quli Khan and filled his property with many structures, there were even signs of a dried-up water body close to his house.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Rajon Ki Baoli, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi 110030
to the west of the park is the peaceful three-storey step well, Rajon ki Baoli, which is said to be constructed by a certain Daulat Khan during the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi; Another popular landmark in the park. The grand Baoli has been known to be used as a residence by local masons for some time (Rajon meaning Builders) and hence this name - even now, a sense of serenity and calm pervades the interiors of this wonderful place.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Qutub Minar, Qutb Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi 110030
The Qutab Minar - 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Lotus Temple, Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, Near Kalkaji Temple, East of Nehru Place, New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi 110019
Later, we will visit the Bahai Temple. The Bahá'í House of Worship at New Delhi is one of the marvels of modern architecture. The temple gives the impression of a half-open lotus flower afloat, surrounded by its leaves. The shining pure white marble, the majestic dome, the petals clearly standing out create a sense of grandeur and awe. All around the lotus are walkways with beautiful curved balustrades, bridges and stairs that surround the nine pools representing the floating leaves of the lotus. It is a remarkable tabernacle of peace and beauty and an engineering feat that will set standards for centuries. Capturing the imagination with its simplicity and elegance this monument in marble is dedicated to the purpose of prayer, meditation and spiritual upliftment. From within its hallowed precincts rise in praise and glorification of the Almighty voices in unison, of Hindus and Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists and Zoroastrians people of all castes, colours and cultures. There is no clergy in the temple, no idols, no pictures, no sermons, and no rituals. It is a place for communication between man and his Creator, God. The daily public services include selections from the holy books of all religions.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Humayun's Tomb, Mathura Road, Opp Nizamuddin Mosque, New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi 110013
Next stop on our tour is Humayun’s Tomb (1586), built by the Emperor’s widow Hamida Banu Begam. Also known as Haji Begam, construction of his tomb commenced in 1569, fourteen years after his death. It is the first distinct example of proper Mughal style, which was inspired by Persian architecture.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Isa Khan's Tomb, Mathura Road, Nizamuddin, New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi 110013
Pass by the Isa Khan Tomb located inside the Humanyun's Tomb complex.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Swaminarayan Akshardham, Nh 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi 110092
Akshardham Temple is situated along the bank of the Yamuna River, adjacent to New Delhi. It is a large complex of temples made of pink sandstone and white marble. The Akshardham Temple was built by the Swaminarayan sect as a spiritual center of prayer and learning and as a resource center for the study of Indian Culture.
Spread over 30 acres of the Eastern Bank of the Yamuna, the Akshardham Temple is a synthesis of Indian architectural styles. The design of the Akshardham Temple is inspired by temples from different parts of India. The sources include the temples of Badrinath in North India, Somnath in West India and Konark in East India. With a complex of temples and shrines set amidst sprawling lawns, prayer halls and spaces for meditation and communal gatherings, the Akshardham Temple is a new landmark in the National Capital Region. The Akshardham Temple is a religious and cultural highlight of Delhi.
Duration: 45 minutes
