New Delhi Sightseeing: Tombs, Forts, Gates

New Delhi’s sights fall into three groups: the Mughal tombs and forts of the old city, the broad ceremonial avenues designed by Edwin Lutyens, and a few quiet gardens and stepwells. Distances are large, so group stops by area and use the Metro. Amounts are in Indian rupees, and foreign visitors pay much more than Indian visitors at ASI-run monuments.

Red Fort

The Red Fort, built by Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, was closed on Mondays until an ASI order dated 13 February 2026 opened it every day, as Business Today reported . Foreigners pay Rs 600 at the counter or Rs 550 online. Daytime hours are generally given as roughly 09:30 to 16:30, and the fort shuts for Independence Day preparations in July and August and for Republic Day events in January.

India Gate and Kartavya Path

India Gate is the arch Lutyens designed, dedicated in 1931, and its walls carry more than 13,000 names of soldiers. The boulevard running from it towards Rashtrapati Bhavan is Kartavya Path, renamed in September 2022. Both are open at all hours and look best at dusk. Behind the gate stands a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, unveiled in September 2022.

National War Memorial

Opened in February 2019 beside the India Gate complex, the memorial lists the names of more than 26,000 service members who died. It is a solemn place: speak quietly, do not climb on the structures and follow the guards’ directions.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

The President’s residence stands on Raisina Hill and was completed in 1929. The exterior can be seen from the avenue at any time. Interior tours run Tuesday to Sunday except gazetted holidays, cost Rs 50 for foreigners per circuit, and must be booked on the official portal with passport details.

Jantar Mantar, Lodhi Garden and Safdarjung’s Tomb

Jantar Mantar on Parliament Street is an observatory built in 1724 by Jai Singh II, with a giant sundial called the Samrat Yantra. Lodhi Garden is a free park with 15th and 16th century tombs. Safdarjung’s Tomb, from 1754, is the last great Mughal garden tomb in Delhi. Agrasen ki Baoli, a stepwell near Connaught Place, is free and quick to visit.

Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar

Both are open daily with no weekly closing. Humayun’s Tomb was completed in 1572, and Qutub Minar is a 72.5 m brick tower begun around 1200; the inside staircase is closed, so you view it from the ground. Check Delhi Tourism for current hours.

Tips

  • Keep Monday and Friday in mind: museums such as the National Museum are closed on Mondays, and the Delhi Zoo is closed on Fridays.
  • Plan the Red Fort and Old Delhi for the morning and the Lutyens area for late afternoon.
  • From about mid-October to January, air quality is often poor, so check the index before long outdoor days.

Compare guided sightseeing on GetYourGuide . Read more: walking tours in New Delhi , attraction tours in New Delhi and the 2-day itinerary .