The ancient city of Delhi has remained the capital of many empires for centuries. Delhi has a number of forts and monuments built by the Mughals and the Britishers. Apart from the forts and monuments one can find several beautiful tombs, mosques and buildings that have interesting history and legends linked to them.

The Red Fort
The Red Fort or Lal Qila was built by 5th Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in between 1638 and 1648. Made of red sandstone, this magnificent fort has a circumference of over 2.2 kms with the height of the wall varying from 18 m to 30 m. The fort was built in a unique pattern and the almost octagonal shaped fort was surrounded by 11 m deep canal. When the Red Fort was built river Yamuna used to flow on its one side. Today Yamuna has changed its course and flows almost 1 km to the east of the fort. The main entrances of the Fort are Delhi Gate at the south, Lahore Gate at the west and at the South-west was Kashmiri Gate. Through the Lahore Gate one will reach the Meena Bazaar, which was only open to women of Mughal era on Thursdays. Today only women sellers are not there, men and women of different community selling different antiques. On the entrance gate there are semi-circular arch and marble stone tomb.

The Naubatkhana (Welcome Room) and Naqqar Khana (Drum room) is situated further, where the musicians used to play drums on the arrival of Emperors or Empress. Just above the Naubatkhana is the Indian war memorial museum which houses the armours, guns, swords and other items. Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) had a wall paneled with marble in laid with precious stone which were removed during the mutiny of 1857. The Mughal Emperor used to stay here for two hrs daily to attend the appeals of the masses. Diwan-i- Khas (Hall of Private Audience) is a single storeyed marble building where the emperor used to hold meeting with his ministers. Close to the Hall is Rang Mahal or the Begum Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal, Khas Mahal. Next to Diwan-i-Khas are the Hammams (bathing area) and Shahi Burj which are closed for public viewing, To the North-west of Diwan-i-Khas is the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) which was built by Aurangzeb for five time prayers. Delhi Tourism organizes a light and sound show every evening which narrates the history of Dehi.

Old Fort (Purana Quila)
The Old Fort is located in the pre-historical Indraprashta of Mahabharata. The foundation of this fort was laid by Humayun in 1530 but remained incomplete as he was defeated by Sher Shah Suri in 1541. The fort was completed by Sher Shah Suri and he named the fort as Shergarh. After the death of Sher Shah Surin in 1548, Humayun recaptured the fort in 1555 defeating Sher Shah's son Islam Shah.

On the three sides of the fort there were canals and remaining side was flanked by the river Yamuna. The Old Fort was surrounded with high wall having three main entrances - Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. The Bara Darwaza, an imposing red sandstone gate is the present entrance to the fort. Inside the fort is the Sher Manzil, a two-storied octagonal pavilion. Founded by Sher Shah, the Sher Manzil became Humayun's library. It was here where the emperor is said to have fell down from the staircases and died three days later. Bheind the Sher Manzil is the Field Museum which has the collection of anthropological exhibits. The Sound & Light show held by the Department of Delhi Tourism every evening is the added attraction of the Old Fort.

Qutub Minar
The five-storey building with a height of 72.5 m stands as a victory stand of Qutub-ud-din Aibal in India. Qutub Minar was to celebrate Ghori's victory over the Rajputs. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started its construction in 1199 and was completed in 1236 by Iltutmish, the son-in-law of Qutub. The monument was built in Afghan style underwent repairing and remaking many times. Beside Qutab Minar, within the complex is the Chandra Verma's 7.2 m high Iron Pillar, which has stood for centuries without rusting. Other attractions in the Qutab Minar complex are Quwwat-ul-Isalm mosque and Alai Darwaza, the entrance gate of the Alai Minar.

India Gate
India gate is the War Memorial Arch built in memory of 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in 1st World War and Afghan War in 1919. The 42 metre high arch was built in 1931 and was designed by Sir Lutyens. The names of the soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the gate. Down below, Amar Jawan Jyoti - a memorial foundation - made in memory of the Jawans who died in the Indo-Pak of 1971. A canal is opened to make a water link with the Secretariats. One can enjoy boating in this canal. India Gate is a popular picnic site. At night the Gate is brightly lit and the fountains near the gate make the sight delightful.

Rashtrapati Bhawan
President of India's residence is located opposite to India Gate in the Raisina Hill. The Palace was founded between 1921-1929 as the residence of British Viceroy Lord Hardinge. The Rashtrapari Bhawan was designed by Edwin Lutyens in Mughal and Western style. The copper made ash colour H Shape Tomb of the Rashtrapati Bhawan is like the Buddhist Stupa of Sanchi and the arches are like Hindu Temples. The Rashtrapati Bhawan spreads over an area of 4.5 acres and it has 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies and loggias, 37 fountains and 18 staircases. The Durbar Hall is the most magnificent room in the palace which is made of colourful marbles. To the west of the Rashtrapari Bhawan is the beautifully landscaped Mughal Gardens with artificial mountain, gardens, falls and reservoir. The Rashtrapati Bhawan becomes attractive on the occasion of festivals with lighting.

Rajghat
Situated at Ring Road on the bank of Yamuna river, Rajghat is the place where last rites of Mahatama Gandhi was performed. The memorial stone is square in shape is made of black stone and the last word of Gandhi 'Hey Ram' is inscribed on it. Large number of people come here to pay their homage to Mahatama Gandhi. Gandhi Memorial Museum is also situated here projecting his life and the philosophy of Sarvodaya Movement in film.

Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb was built by his wife Queen Haji Begum in the mid 16 th century. The octagonal sculptural monument is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The tomb is one of the best example of Mughal architecture. Humayun's tomb is 38 m high at its peak and the balcony of the curved structure supporting floor of the monument is 12.2 m high. Queen Haji Begum was also buried here.

Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar was founded by Mahara of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh II in 1725. This observatory is one of five astronomical observatories built by the Maharaja. Jantar Mantar is a space observatory - a house that is instrumental in observing astronomical movements of sin, moon and other stars and planets. The massive Prince Dial is the unique feature of this observatory.

Safdarjung Tomb
The Safdarjung tomb was built in 1753-54 by the Nawab of Avadh for his father. The marble domed mausoleum was the last popular Mughal monument.

Tughalkabad Fort
Tughalkabad was founded between 1321-25 by Giasudding Tughlak. The Tughalkabad Fort is encircled with the 10-15 m high walls having 13 gates. The 6.5 km diameter wall is excellent in its construction, well built, strong and safe.