World Heritage Sites in Delhi: UNESCO Sites You Have to See
Delhi is one of the oldest cities in the world and home to 3 UNESCO world heritage sites: the Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and the Red Fort.
There is history everywhere in Delhi. India’s capital city has been continuously occupied for over 3,000 years.
Most visitors don’t realize India was one of the richest countries in the world and visiting these monuments will give you a glimpse into that glorious past, before British rule.
Since I lived for years in Delhi I visited these world heritage sites multiple times. They never cease to amaze me.
What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A UNESCO world heritage site is the designation given to places that are deemed to have outstanding universal value for humanity, and should be protected for future generations.
World Heritage Sites in Delhi
Delhi was ruled by a series of dynasties for hundreds of years.
The Mughal empire ruled Delhi the longest, and are responsible for two of Delhi’s world heritage sites, Humayun’s Tomb and the Red Fort. The Slave dynasty built the Qutub Minar, the oldest of the world heritage sites.
Because these dynasties came from Afghan and Persian rule originally, you will see a lot of Persian and Indo-Afghan elements in the architecture and design of these monuments.
1. Qutub Minar Complex
The Qutub Minar is part of Delhi’s second medieval city, Siri. It’s my personal favourite of the heritage sites. The site is named for the famous brick minaret, Qutub Minar, but there’s much more.
The complex contains ruins of a madrassa, mosque, tombs of former Sultanate rulers, an unfinished minar that was to be even bigger than the Qutub, and a mysterious 1,600 year old iron pillar that never rusts.
Parts of the complex date back to 1192 and were built over the ruins of ancient Hindu and Jain temples. Pieces of the ruined temples are visible in the columns of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. If you look closely you’ll see Hindu and Jain deities and designs.
There are two notable tombs at Qutub Minar, belonging to Sultanate rulers Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji. Iltutmish was a well liked ruler, and his tomb is beautiful and well preserved. Alauddin Khilji was feared and despised, and his tomb is in terrible condition even though it’s newer.
Open 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, daily; entrance fee is INR 600.
2. Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb, built in 1571, was the first garden style tomb built in India. It set the precedent for many grand tombs that came after, including the Taj Mahal. It’s part of the 6th historic city of Delhi, Dinpanah.
Humayun was one of India’s most famous Mughal emperors. He came to power at the age of 22 in 1530, lost the empire, spent 15 years in exile and then returned to re-take the empire and restore the Mughals to power.
He died in 1556 when he tripped on his robe and fell down a flight of stairs while rushing to prayers.
The tomb of Humayun is the most impressive of the monuments at the complex, but there are several smaller tombs, and the graves of over 150 royals and their entourage.
Humayun’s Tomb has been at the centre of a lot of history. At the time of the Rebellion in 1857 the last Mughal ruler took refuge here from the British. After Partition in 1947 it became a refugee camp for the displaced.
Open 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, daily; entrance fee is INR 600.
3. The Red Fort
The most famous of Delhi’s world heritage sites is the Red Fort. It is located in Old Delhi, the 7th historic city of Delhi, then called Shahjahanabad.
The Red Fort was built in 1639 by Mughal ruler Shah Jahan, the same ruler who built the Taj Mahal. It remained the main residence of all Mughal rulers until the British expelled the last Mughal ruler in 1857.
Designed to be a world unto itself, about 3,000 people lived inside the walls of the Red Fort. It had its own covered bazaar (you can still shop there today), inner and outer audience halls, a small royal mosque, royal baths, several palaces, a stepwell, canals, fountains and gardens.
Visitors can see many of these today, but much of the Red Fort was severely looted and destroyed in 1857 by the British army. Despite this, the Red Fort is still worth visiting.
Open 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, daily; entrance fee is INR 600.
How to Visit the World Heritage Sites in Delhi
These suggestions will help you get the most of your visit.
Delhi’s world heritage sites are major attractions, and they are spread out. It would be challenging to see all 3 in one day.
It is possible to see Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar in one day. But the Red Fort takes more time. It’s located in Old Delhi – a very congested, but historically important part of Delhi. You will probably want to (and should) explore Old Delhi while you’re there.
Buy your tickets in advance on the official ASI website. You will save time, and online tickets cost INR 50 less. If you have to buy tickets onsite there are separate lines for foreigners and Indians.
Buy tickets on the Archeological Survey of India website
Go early in the day. These are Delhi’s most visited sites, and they get busier as the day progresses.
Take water, sunscreen and a hat. There are toilet facilities at all 3 Delhi world heritage sites.
Tentative World Heritage Sites in Delhi
Delhi has two sites currently on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the city of Delhi and the Bahai Lotus Temple.
Delhi – A Heritage City
There are 4 areas of Delhi collectively being considered for UNESCO status as a heritage city: Mehrauli, Nizamuddin, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi), and New Delhi.
Bahai Lotus Temple
The Bahai Lotus Temple is one of the most visited religious buildings in the world. It is made entirely of white marble in the shape of lotus flower. It is one of Delhi’s most famous temples.
How to Get to the World Heritage Sites in Delhi
The best ways to get around to see Delhi’s world heritage sites is by metro, Uber, auto rickshaw, or any combination of these.
The Delhi metro is really good – don’t be nervous about using it. And auto rickshaws are everywhere and super convenient. Uber is also good in Delhi, and very cheap.
I go into more detail in this article on how to get around Delhi.
Last Words on World Heritage Sites in Delhi: UNESCO Sites You Have to See
It’s always a good idea to see the UNESCO sites wherever you may be. These are usually the most special and culturally rich places. That is certainly the case in Delhi, and I’m sure you’ll be impressed by these amazing world heritage sites.
