Delhi is a palimpsest, bearing the complexities, the contradictions, the beauty and the dynamism of a city where the past coexists with the present. Many dynasties ruled from here and the city is rich in the architecture of its monuments. Diverse cultural elements absorbed into the daily life of the city have enriched its character. Exploring the city can be a fascinating and rewarding experience.

Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

The All India War Memorial, popularly known as the India Gate, is located along the Rajpath in New Delhi. The imposing structure of India Gate is an awe-inspiring sight and is often compared to the Arch de Triomphe in France, the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Arch of Constantine in Rome. This 42-meter tall historical structure was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is one of the largest war memorials in the country. India Gate is also famous for hosting the Republic Day Parade every year.

Dedicated to 82,000 Indian and British soldiers who died during the First World War and the Third Anglo-Afghan War, this monument has the names of 13,300 servicemen inscribed on its surface. The premises of India Gate also houses the Amar Jawan Jyoti, which is a kindled structure right underneath the archway. Owing to its rich historical background and astonishing architecture, India Gate has become one of the most popular picnic spots in the city.

As the name suggests, Humayun's tomb is the final resting place of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Located in the Nizamuddin East area of Delhi, it is the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent. This splendid piece of architecture was commissioned for construction by Humayun's chief consort Empress Bega Begum in the year 1569-70 and is one of the very few structures that used red sandstone on such a massive scale at that time. The design of Humayun's tomb is a typical Mughal architecture with Persian influences and was conceptualised by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. Owing to its magnificent design and illustrious history, Humayun's Tomb was featured in UNESCO's World Heritage List in the year 1993.

Qutub Minar is a minaret or a victory tower located in Qutub complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi's Mehrauli area. With the height of 72.5 metres (238 ft), Qutub Minar is the second tallest monument of Delhi. Its construction was started in 1192 by Qutb Ud-Din-Aibak, founder of Delhi Sultanate after he defeated the last Hindu Ruler of Delhi. He constructed the basement, after which the construction was taken over by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish who constructed three additional stories. The fourth and fifth storeys were built by Firoz Shah Tuglak.

An epitome of Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture, Akshardham Temple is a famous Hindu temple and a spiritual-cultural complex. Also known as Swaminarayan Akshardham, it is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. Akshardham has made its way to the Guinness Book of World Records as the World's Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.

The Akshardham Temple is known for its stunning architecture. It has eight ostentatiously carved mandapams while timeless Hindu teachings and flamboyant devotional traditions find their place on the temple's walls. The centrepiece, i.e. Lord Swaminarayan's Murti along with that of 20,000 deities, significant personalities in Indian history and sages showcase the essence of Indian architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual thoughts.

Akshardham complex is home to India's largest step well which is a host to the mesmerising water show; an open garden, Narayan Sarovar, various expeditions, and rituals. The complex is not less than a paradise for spiritual seekers.

Located in the national capital of New Delhi, the Lotus Temple is an edifice dedicated to the Baha'i faith. The magnificent structure of this building unfolds in the form of a stupendous white petal lotus and is one of the most visited establishments in the world. The design of this shrine was conceptualized by Canadian architect Fariborz Sahba and was completed in the year 1986. This temple seeks to propagate the oneness of the Almighty and is open to all regardless of their nationality, religion, race or gender. The Lotus temple is one of the seven Baha'i House of Worship present around the world.

As you enter the complex of the temple, you encounter an enchanting entrance gate, beautiful floral gardens and scintillating pools. The pathway leading up to the temple doors is lined with lush green shrubs and a feeling of tranquillity adorns the atmosphere despite the bubbling crowd. Once inside, the mesmerising architecture will lull you into an introspective silence. You can read and chant religious texts of any faith, and musical renditions of religious texts can be sung without any inhibitions in the temple complex. The Bahai Lotus Temple is without a doubt one of the must-visit places in the capital. Not just for its marvellous architecture but also to experience a new way of meditation in a completely different, blissful ambience.

The Red Fort is a historical fortification in the old Delhi area. Shah Jahan constructed it in the year 1639 as a result of a capital shift from Agra to Delhi. Used as the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty, this imposing piece of architecture derives its name from its impregnable red sandstone walls. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of the Mughal state and the setting for events critically impacting the region. Today, this monument is home to several museums that have an assortment of precious artefacts on display. Every year, the Indian Prime Minister unfurls the national flag here on the Independence Day.

Formerly known as Quila-e-Mubarak or the Blessed Fort, the Red Fort lies along the banks of the river Yamuna, whose waters fed the moats surrounding the fort. It was a part of the medieval city of Shahjahanabad, popularly known today as 'Old Delhi'. The entire fort complex is said to represent the architectural creativity and brilliance of Mughal architecture. With so much history and heritage associated with it, the Red Fort is one of the most popular monuments in India and a major tourist attraction in Delhi. It became a UNESCO world heritage site in 2007. The Archaeological Survey of India is at present responsible for the security and preservation of this magnificent monument.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a Sikh temple as well as tourist places in Delhi. Built to commemorate the visit Guru Har Krishan, the eighth Sikh guru in 1664, this magnificent shrine was built by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. Operating for all 24 hours, the Gurudwara is an example of the large-hearted nature of Sikhs. This place of solace is flocked by more than a thousand people in one single day.

The complex of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib has a main prayer hall, a holy Sarovar or lake, higher secondary school, a hospital, Baba Baghel Singh Museum and a library within its premises. People visiting here get 'Kada Prasad' and free langar or 'community meals' are served at a particular time. Head needs to be covered while entering, shoes have to be deposited near the entrances and feet are washed in warm water before entering. It also has a 'Yatri Niwas' or House for tourists. The Paath and Shabads (the sacred chants) that go almost for 24 hours connects you directly to the divine power.

The 'Masjid-I Jahan-Numa' or Jama Masjid in Delhi is the largest mosque in India built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque hosts thousands of pilgrims each year on the holy occasion of Eid to offer special Namaz in the morning. With a capacity of twenty-five thousand people in the courtyard, Jama Masjid extends for about 1200 square meters in area with three gateways, four towers and two minarets which are forty meters high. Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, an Imam from Uzbekistan, inaugurated the mosque. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not allowed inside the Masjid during Namaz offerings.

Jama Masjid is situated in the older part of Delhi, now called Chandni Chowk and surrounded by beautiful Mughal structures. It took a huge construction cost of one million rupees at the time, five thousand workers and six years (1650-1656) to complete. To reach the entrance one needs to climb 121 steps which are filled with food and bookstalls in the evening. The massive central dome is an outstanding example of Islamic architecture. J Sadaullah Khan who was the Wazir (prime minister) during Shah Jahan's rule supervised the construction of the mosque. Literally meaning "World Reflecting Mosque.", the mosque was the last of Shah Jahan's impressive collection of architectural undertakings, after the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.