30 Hidden Gems & Experiences That Lay Bare The Architectural And Cultural Heritage Of Delhi

Delhi is a good mix and match of the old and the new. This city never disappoints you; where on one hand we have the magnificent architecture, monuments and buildings, old libraries and beautiful temples that remind us of our cultural roots, on the other hand there are the metros, the cafes and clubs and the fashion houses which exhibits the changing modern times we live in. So, here we are to take you on a journey of all the hidden gems left forgotten in almost every corner of this glorious city!

A Tale Of Palaces

1. Mirza Ghalib Ki Haveli

Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan was a famous Urdu and Persian poet renowned for his literary works such as ghazals, poems & couplets. Mirza Ghalib lived in this haveli and spent the later stages of his life here. The palace still preserves some of his belongings including handwritten ghazals and a last photograph of him!

Where | Mirza Ghalib Ki Haveli - Gali Qasim Jaan, Ballimaran, Chandni Chowk

2. Chunnamal Haveli

This place was built by a Khatri textile merchant known as Rai Lala Chunnamal known for his loyalty to the Mughal rule. The haveli, now more of a shopping mart, has become a tourist spot for those who make their journey to the heart of the city to get a glimpse of what the imperial period had to offer.

Where | Chunnamal Haveli - Katra Neel, Chandni Chowk

3. Begum Samru Ki Haveli

Begum Samru had several palaces in Chandni Chowk, Sardhana and Gurgaon but only the one at Sardhana remains. The one in Chandni Chowk, famed to be the most enviably resplendent, was built on Samru Bagh, a garden gifted to her by King Akbar Shah. Now, a portion of it is completely razed to the ground, while the other is completely transformed into unappetizing looking electronics shops.

Where | Begum Samru Ki Haveli - Bhagirath Palace, Chandni Chowk

4. Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal

This palace is located on the central ridge and brims over with tales from the days of yore. The building was constructed as a hunting lodge by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th Century and forms a part of the three hunting lodges that were built by him over the ridge, Pir Ghaib & Malcha Mahal being the other two.

Where | Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal - Jhandewalan, Near Jhandewalan Metro Station

5. Jahaz Mahal

Jahaz Mahal, which translates to ‘ship palace’, is derived from the reflection of the palace on the reservoir, which lends it the appearance of a ship. Built in the Lodi era, the exact nature and purpose of the monument is unclear. While some say it was a sarai (inn) meant for travellers, others believe it to have been a pleasure retreat of the Mughals.

Where | Jahaz Mahal - In Mehrauli

Monumental Musings

6. Jamali Kamali Tomb & Mosque

Jamali Kamali Tomb & Mosque lie adjacent to each other. The mosque is situated in an enclosed garden area whilst the tomb is a decorated 25 ft. square structure with a flat roof, located adjacent to the mosque on its northern side. The magic of its history, intricate architecture and greenery of landscapes leaves one spellbound!   

Where | Jamali Kamali Tomb & Mosque - Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Mehrauli

7. Begumpur Mosque

Begumpur Mosque is like a twin to its counterpart at Jama Masjid, similar in size but completely opposite in its present state to the Old Delhi mosque which is still in use. It has a huge courtyard with elements of the Timurid architecture. The view of Bijay Mandal on the West and the creeping cityscape all around makes the roof worth a visit!

Where | Begumpur Mosque - Geetanjali Marg, Malviya Nagar

8. Bijay Mandal

Having survived many transformations, Bijay Mandal stands in the midst of ruins with imposing remnants of the palace, a peculiar dome and two chambers. The palace is also famed to house ‘the hall of a thousand pillars’ (Hazar Sutan). Drop by for a taste of the bygone era!

Where | Bijay Mandal - Kalu Sarai

9. Khooni Darwaza

Sometimes also referred to as the Lal Darwaza, it was constructed in Sher Shah Suri’s time and is one of the 13 surviving gates in Delhi. The structure is a typical example of the Mughal architecture of that era, with trademark arches and window sills. It now lies desolate and traumatized by all that has happened over the centuries, rendering its name bloody forever.

Where | Khooni Darwaza - Bahadur Shah Zafar Road

10. Adam Khan’s Tomb

Amongst the lesser known historical monuments of Delhi lies a stupendous structure commonly known as Bhool Bhulaiya (a labyrinth) because of the structure of its corridors where one may lose their way. Built in the Lodhi style architecture, the tomb is octagonal with small minarets on each of its eight sides and is a great work of marvel!

Where | Adam Khan’s Tomb - Near Qutub Minar, Mehrauli

11. Nicholson’s Cemetery

Brigadier General John Nicholson who led the Delhi assault during the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny died due to injuries and this cemetery is named after him. This cemetery is one of the oldest, dating back to the British era. The graves that lie amid the overgrown grasses with names and Bible verses engraved on the tombstones have scores of stories to tell!

Where | Nicholson’s Cemetery - Club Road, Civil Lines

12. Satpula Bridge

Satpula, literally means 'seven bridges' and is rightly named as it is built upon seven arches. The main structure lies hidden away but is very much intact and the seven arches are clearly visible. Built by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq to tap the local stream feeding on the river Yamuna, the stone masonry is distinct and the structure well planned.

Where | Satpula Bridge - Near Malviya Nagar Metro Station, Saket

13. Hijron Ka Khanqah

Hijron Ka Khanqah houses the graves of eunuchs from the time of the Lodi rulers who preceded the Mughal emperors. The complex also features a mosque, built at the Western end. It is still favoured as a spiritual retreat and is indeed an oasis of calm amid the madness of the city!

Where | Hijron Ka Khanqah - Ward No. 6, Mehrauli, Near Qutub Minar

Offbeat Shopping Bonanza

14. Majnu Ka Tila

Popularly known as Mini Tibet, Majnu Ka Tila is located near the North Campus. Here you can find the Tibetan market which is popular amongst the students and tourists alike. Besides getting really cool tees with pro-Tibet slogans, you can also find uber stylish bags, bandanas and flip flops under Rs 250 here!

Where | Majnu Ka Tila - Near ISBT Kashmere Gate

15. The Lanes Of Paharganj

For all those who've been meaning to take a break from the city malls, resto-bars and other fancy restaurants, the bylanes and streets of Paharganj are a perfect getaway. With the cool hippie goods ranging from harem pants to t-shirts with Om written on them and varied accessories, which you can pick from the flea market for anything between Rs 300-500, the amazing food and artefact pieces to brighten up your place, Paharganj is a favourite amongst the tourists!

Where | Paharganj - West of the New Delhi Railway Station

16. Yashwant Place Complex

Yashwant Place Complex is one of those places which you’ve always heard accolades of but never really made an effort to visit. But once you’re there, its simplicity bowls you over. Majorly a shopping spot, famous for its shops selling brilliant leather material, the complex also houses beauty salons and some best of the best Chinese restaurants!

Where | Yashwant Place Complex - Chanakyapuri, Near CP

17. Amar Colony Furniture Market

This makeshift market is where several traders and dealers display second hand, recycled items transported from places like Jodhpur & Calcutta and imitations of furniture which are manufactured by the dealers. You can find pretty much anything and everything in terms of furniture right here. Do make sure to discover this treasure trove!

Where | Amar Colony Furniture Market - Main Market, Lajpat Nagar IV

18. Ghazipur Phool Mandi

Delightfully fragrant and a treat for the eyes, this wholesale market of Delhi supplies flowers to an array of buyers ranging from event managers, wedding planners and designer florists to small scale vendors. It's fairly accessible via the Anand Vihar Metro station, making its exquisite and exotic merchandise available to everyone.

Where | Ghazipur Phool Mandi - Ghazipur

In The Lap Of Nature

19. Aravalli Biodiversity Park

The Biodiversity Park is spread over a large area covering JNU, the Mehrauli-Mahipalpur road & Vasant Vihar and makes for a wonderful site for all the flora and fauna lovers. The most attractive feature of the sanctuary is the tranquil green lake which runs across it. If walking through green trails, bird watching and a serene atmosphere is your thing, then this is the place to head to!

Where | Aravalli Biodiversity Park - Vasant Vihar, Rama Krishna Puram

20. Mangar Bani

Apart from being a little parcel of paradise at the edge of the big city, the Mangar Bani forest provides the much-needed fresh air to the heavily populated National Capital region, lying as it does alongside the highway connecting the two satellite towns of Gurgaon & Faridabad.

Where | Mangar Bani - Mangar Village Check Post, Faridabad

21. Delhi Ridge

The Delhi Ridge, an extension of the Aravalli Hill Range in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi is a rocky hilly, forested area which lends a unique geographic character to Delhi. It is also called the green lungs of the city, lowering the effects of pollution & providing a natural green belt to the city.

Where | Delhi Ridge - Timarpur

22. Rajokri Protected Forest

Rajokri is where one can see urban development slowly encroaching upon the sacred green lungs of the city. The air smells fresh inside the forest though & the scrubby, Keekar vegetation of the Aravallis gives little respite from the heat. This is your go-to place to find some peace and quiet away from the city!

Where | Rajokri Protected Forest - Near Ghitorni

23. Garden Of Gandhi King Plaza

This small pool garden tucked away in one corner of the India International Centre (IIC) is where both Mahatma Gandhi & Martin Luther King, the black rights activist of America, came together on a pillar with their famous quotes inscribed on it. This little secretive garden has not been tormented by the unruly crowds of people, left alone by itself in solitude & peace.

Where | Garden Of Gandhi King Plaza - 40, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Estate

Experiences

24. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah

It is dedicated to Nizamuddin Auliya, one of the greatest saints of the Chishti order in India. The two tombs and the dargah together make it a very serene place and the Sufi music performed here on Thursday evenings is a memorable affair. Go and experience some local colours here!

Where | Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah - Nizamuddin West

25. Dhauj Camp

Located in Faridabad in the area of Mangar village, this hidden gem offers scenic views surrounded by the Aravallis and is a great mix of farm life coupled with a set of thrilling activities such as bird watching, Tarzan Swing, Burma Bridge, Commando Net, Machan Climb, Monkey Crawl, natural mountain climbing, rappelling and many other things!

Where | Dhauj Camp - Dhauj Bandh, Village Selakhari, PO Dhauj, District Faridabad

26. Segway Tours

They offer the most fun way to discover Delhi - on a Segway PT i2 which is both an exciting and exhilarating experience. The Segway Tour explores the Secretariat area, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate and the various ministry buildings on Rajpath. There is a weight criteria for this tour - you need to be more than 45 Kgs but not over 100 Kgs. Moreover, children below the age of 12 cannot participate in these tours.

Here's Their Website |https://www.birdres.com/segwaytour/

27. DelhiByCycle

DelhiByCycle was founded in 2009. Discovering Delhi on a cycle is a unique experience; moreover, it is environment friendly. Their four tours on offer are Shah Jahan Tour, Yamuna Tour, Haveli Tour, Raj Tour and Nizamuddin Tour. They show you Delhi as it is and it’s quite a learning experience.

Check Out Their FB Page |https://www.facebook.com/delhibycycle/
Here's Their Website |http://www.delhibycycle.com/

28. Masterji Kee Haveli

Their tours are conducted on foot and on cycle rickshaws. They focus on the Old Delhi bazaar and the haveli itself besides a range of activities including kite flying and pigeon rearing. Discovering Old Delhi with them is fun because their tours not only include sightseeing but also a complimentary traditional dinner at the Haveli!

Here's Their Website |http://www.masterjikeehaveli.com/

Eat Treats

29. Beautiful Campuses – JNU,IIT & DU

These places are the intellectual hub and the Mecca of knowledge and intelligence here in the capital. And as much-hyped as these colleges are, the campuses stand up to the mark too! They are huge, housing many small dhabas, cafes and chai shops, in and around them.

Where JNU campus is more of a wild, untouched beauty with greenery found all around, IIT campus looks more modern, cleaner though green like its contemporary. If in JNU, don’t miss the delicious food in 24×7 and TEFLA canteen where quantity and quality are guaranteed and that too within 100 bucks. And we don’t think we even need to tell you all just how awesome Hudson Lane and Satya Niketan are!

Where | Delhi University, JNU & IIT

30. Matia Mahal

This place can safely be called the ‘food capital’ of Delhi. It is considered a paradise for all the bhukkads of Delhi. A visit to this place is definitely not enough as you would want to keep coming back for more & more each time. You can’t take away the vibrancy & excitement of Matia Mahal, a street in the walled city that never sleeps!

Where | Matia Mahal - Near Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk