Things to Do in New Delhi, India

Quick facts: The complex covers an area of 254 hectares and includes walls 33 meters high. It served as the main palace of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years.

Highlights: At nightfall, a sound and light show illustrates the imperial history using speakers built into the red sandstone walls. The name "Lal Qila" means "Red Fort" because of the intense color of the walls made from sandstone.

Quick facts: The tower measures exactly 73 meters in height, making it one of the tallest brick structures in the world. Over 2 million visitors walk through it each year to admire its carved details.

Highlights: The Arabic calligraphy inscriptions carved on each level tell captivating stories of conquests and ancient architects. You can even hear the unique echo inside the minaret, a rare acoustic phenomenon to experience.

Quick facts: This 42-meter-high arch honors Indian soldiers who fell during World War I. It attracts around 3 million visitors each year, especially in the evening for its spectacular night lighting.

Highlights: An eternal flame burns beneath the arch, dedicated to unknown soldiers, creating a solemn and moving atmosphere. The structure displays the names of more than 13,000 soldiers, engraved in bronze, paying tribute to their sacrifice.

Quick facts: At this site is the tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. This monument inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal. It combines Persian and Indian architectural elements with charbagh gardens divided into four distinct parts.

Highlights: What is truly fascinating is the perfect geometry of the garden surrounding the tomb, divided into 16 sections, each bearing symbolic plants. You can also observe the early use of the double dome, a technique reused in several Mughal mausoleums.

Quick facts: Each white marble petal of this structure reaches a height of 40 meters and reflects the symbolic purity of the lotus flower. Each year, more than 6 million visitors come to admire the nature-inspired architecture that has no altar or religious images.

Highlights: The 27 petals of the flower are grouped into three sections of nine petals, creating a visual effect of perfect symmetry and natural harmony. Inside offers a deep silence incredibly rare in the heart of the busy city, inviting meditation and personal reflection.

Quick facts: This temple attracts about 6 million visitors each year thanks to its grand architecture. Its vast complex covers 100 acres, offering gardens, fountains, and interactive exhibits.

Highlights: A stunning detail is the giant 14-meter-high statue of Swaminarayan, carved from a single block of rose rock. In the evening, the water, light, and sound show authentically transports visitors on a unique spiritual journey.

Quick facts: This mosque can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers during major prayers. Its two minarets reach a height of 40 meters, offering a spectacular view of the old city.

Highlights: A often forgotten secret is that the central courtyard can hold over 20,000 people, making it one of the largest open spaces in the capital. The large wooden doors, inlaid with floral patterns, were forged with a blend of wood and iron that dates back several centuries.

Quick facts: A simple memorial with a black plaque marks the cremation site of a major leader who shaped modern India. Every day, an eternal flame burns in a peaceful garden surrounded by trees.

Highlights: A unique practice is to light a commemorative flame every day at the exact hour of the leader's death, creating a solemn and moving ritual. The scene is enhanced by the total absence of an imposing structure. Only a polished black marble rests on the ground, reflecting the sky and surrounding trees.

Quick facts: It houses more than 200,000 objects covering 5,000 years of Indian history, from ancient sculptures to decorative arts. Its impressive collection includes rare manuscripts and precious textiles.

Highlights: In the Indian civilization gallery, you can see an ultra-detailed model of the Konark temple, with its 24 carved wheels evoking a colossal chariot. An entire room is dedicated to traditional costumes, where each piece tells a unique story of cultural diversity.