Roberta Aguirre
Delhi, the capital city of India, is a city steeped in history with a plethora of attractions, including temples, gardens, museums, churches, and historical monuments. If you find yourself with a few hours to spare at Delhi Airport, there are several must-visit places nearby. The Indian Air Force Museum, for instance, is located near the airport and showcases the history of the Indian Air Force with a collection of planes, photographs, weapons, artefacts, and memorials. The National Rail Museum is another great option, where you can discover the history of Indian Railways and enjoy a toy train ride. The famous market of Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest bazaars in India, is also just 18 kilometres from the airport. For those interested in historical monuments, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lal Qila, or the Red Fort, is a mere 16 kilometres away, and the Qutub Minar, a stunning example of Indo-Islamic architecture, is also nearby. These are just a few of the many fascinating places to visit near Delhi Airport.
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The National Rail Museum
The museum was officially renamed the National Rail Museum in 1995 and is located in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. It was originally intended to be a part of a larger museum covering the history of railways, roadways, airways, and waterways in India. The National Rail Museum has something for all age groups, making it a perfect spot for a day out with friends or family. It is also a great location for photography, with numerous train models on display.
The museum houses a state-of-the-art auditorium with a seating capacity of 200 persons and an air-conditioned conference hall that can accommodate 20 to 25 people. The Rails, a restaurant within the museum, offers a unique dining experience. It is housed in a replica of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus main building dome and depicts the formation of Indian Railways. The restaurant's atmosphere is enhanced by a silver model train, reminiscent of the one used by the Maharaja of Gwalior to serve food to royal guests.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Patiala State Monorail Trainways, a unique steam monorail built in 1907. This train system, designed by Orenstein & Koppel of Berlin, operated between the town of Bassi and the city of Sirhind-Fatehgarh until 1927. The engine and the chief engineer's inspection car were restored to working condition and are now on display. The museum also features a fully functional John Morris-Belsize fire engine from 1914, showcasing the evolution of fire-fighting equipment.
If you are visiting Delhi Airport and have some time to spare, the National Rail Museum is definitely worth considering. It offers a fun and educational experience for all ages, combining history, culture, and interactive exhibits. With its convenient location and unique attractions, the museum is a great way to spend a few hours during your layover in Delhi.
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Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is a must-visit place near Delhi Airport. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its outstanding testimony to the architectural and artistic achievements of Islamic rulers in the Indian subcontinent. The Qutub Minar is an immense tower, standing at a height of 72.5 metres, built with fluted red and grey sandstone and decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy representing verses from the Koran. It is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with five stories that taper from a diameter of 14.32 metres at the base to 2.75 metres at the peak. The tower consists of a spiral staircase of 379 steps, with projecting balconies for calling the Muadhdhin to prayer.
The Qutub Minar is located in the Mehrauli area of South Delhi, within a vast archaeological complex that includes two mosques and other buildings, such as the Alai-Darawaza Gate, considered a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art, and the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the oldest in northern India. The surrounding area also contains funerary buildings and beautiful step wells. The complex is a popular spot for picnics and offers a grand view of the Qutub Minar and a large part of South Delhi from its rooftop restaurants.
The Qutub Minar was built over the ruins of the Lal Kot, the citadel of Dhillika, and the oldest fortified city of Delhi, founded by the Tomar Rajputs. It was constructed between 1199 and 1220, with further modifications in subsequent centuries. The tower was initiated by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, to mark the beginning of Islamic rule in the region after defeating Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu ruler of Delhi. However, only the first level was completed during his lifetime, with successive dynasties continuing the construction. The Qutub Minar was damaged by earthquakes in 1505 and 1803 and underwent repairs and renovations by various rulers, including Sikander Lodi and Major Robert Smith of the British Indian Army, who added a sixth story to the structure.
The Qutub Minar is a popular attraction for photographers and history enthusiasts, with its blend of intricate carvings, architectural details, and lush gardens providing a perfect backdrop for capturing timeless photos. The site is well-maintained, with clear pathways, ample space, and surrounding greenery, making it a comfortable and peaceful experience for visitors.
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Indian Air Force Museum
The Indian Air Force Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in aviation and military history, conveniently located just a 5-7 minute drive from Delhi International Airport. As the only museum of its kind in India, it showcases the rich history of the Indian Air Force and offers a unique insight into military aviation.
The museum is situated next to the Technical Area Gate of Air Force Station Palam and is easily accessible to the public. It boasts an impressive collection of aircraft, with both indoor and outdoor displays. Visitors can admire the planes that played a significant role in defending the country, hung at flying altitude with murals depicting the era and atmosphere of their time of operation. The outdoor area also includes a children's section, where kids can explore the cockpits of the display aircraft.
The indoor annexe of the museum houses a wealth of historical artefacts, photographs, weapons, and memorials. Visitors can view magnificent portraits of pioneering officers, such as Wg Cdr (later Air Marshal) S Mukherjee and Sqn Ldr (later Air Commodore) Mehar Singh. The first section of the annexe features a photographic journey through the history of the Air Force, from its early days in Risalpur (now in Pakistan) to recent group photographs of its leaders.
The museum also displays models of aircraft used by the Indian Air Force and other countries, as well as small arms seized from Pakistan during operations in 1966 and 1971. Visitors can see old uniforms of Hawai Sepoys and Air Force Officers from the 1930s, as well as photographs and paintings depicting aircraft in action during conflicts. One notable photograph captures the surrender of Lieutenant General Niazi of the Pakistan Army during the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
The Indian Air Force Museum is a tribute to the hundreds of individuals who have contributed to its glorious tradition. It honours the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in various operations and conflicts, with a Roll of Honour inscribed in golden letters on one of the walls.
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Jama Masjid
Delhi, the capital of India, is a city steeped in history with a plethora of tourist attractions, including temples, gardens, museums, churches, and historical monuments. One of these must-visit places is the Jama Masjid, located just 18 to 19.9 kilometres from the Delhi airport.
The main courtyard of the mosque features a marble tank where devotees perform ritual ablutions before prayers. The courtyard also houses two sundials, indicating the time for Namaz, an essential aspect of Islamic prayer. The mosque's proximity to the airport and its architectural grandeur make it a popular destination for tourists visiting Delhi.
To reach Jama Masjid from the Delhi airport, you can take the metro. The metro station is conveniently located in front of Terminal 3 (International). From there, you can take the Airport Express line to New Delhi and then transfer to the Yellow line towards Chawri Bazar. The mosque is just a 10-minute walk or a short pedicab ride from the Chawri Bazar metro station.
In addition to the Jama Masjid, other notable places to visit near the Delhi Airport include the Qutub Minar, a 72.5-metre-tall tower and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Indian Air Force Museum, showcasing the history of India's air force; and the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of sanitation.
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Lal Qila
Delhi, the capital city of India, is a melting pot of history, culture, and architecture. One of the most famous tourist spots near Delhi Airport is Lal Qila, also known as the Red Fort. Located just 20 kilometres from the airport, this majestic fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the cultural, political, and architectural grandeur of the Mughal Empire.
History and Architecture
The Red Fort was built in the 17th century during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, the eminent Mughal Emperor, and grandson of Akbar. It was originally referred to as the "Qila-i-Mubarak" or the "Blessed Fort" and served as the residence of the imperial family. The fort is constructed of red sandstone, which gives it its distinctive hue, and it spreads across a vast area of 256 acres, overlooking the Yamuna River. The river once fed the moats that surrounded most of the fort's massive walls. The design of the Red Fort is attributed to the renowned architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also designed the iconic Taj Mahal. The fort is adorned in red and white, the favourite colours of Emperor Shah Jahan.
Attractions and Activities
Transportation and Accessibility
To reach Lal Qila from Delhi Airport, it is recommended to take the subway due to the often saturated roads in the city. Aim for the exit "Lal Quila" on the Purple Line, heading towards Raja Nahar Singh. When entering the fort, visitors should use the "`Foreigners` lane on the left." Additionally, there is an entry fee for the light and sound show, priced at 60 rupees for adults and 20 rupees for children. The fort is closed on Mondays.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several must-visit places near Delhi Airport, including:
- Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous tourist attraction.
- Lal Qila (Red Fort), a Mughal fort and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Rashtrapati Bhawan, the president's house, which is one of the most prominent buildings in the national capital.
- Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, built by Mughal Emperor, Saha Jahan.
- Indian Air Force Museum, which showcases the history of the Indian Air Force and houses a collection of planes.
There are several historical spots near Delhi Airport, including:
- Humayun's Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The National Museum of India, which is home to antiques dating back 5000 years and historical remains from across the country.
- The National Rail Museum, where you can learn about the history of Indian Railways and take a toy-train ride.
Yes, there are plenty of good places to eat near Delhi Airport. One option is to visit the famous market of Chandni Chowk, located just 18km from the airport. It is one of the oldest bazaars in India, constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, and is a foodie's heaven.
Yes, if you need a place to rest, Sam's Snooze at My Space offers an avenue to sleep on an hourly basis. It provides all the luxuries of a hotel and offers comfort and convenience for travellers.
Delhi is India's tourism capital and is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some other must-visit places in the city include:
- Connaught Place, built in the Georgian style with a unique structural design.
- The Lodi Art District, a trendy office location with amusement venues and businesses.
- Akshardham Temple.
