District of Delhi in India
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South Delhi (दक्षिण दिल्ली Dakshiṇ Dillī) contains many upmarket neighbourhoods of Delhi. It has a high concentration of hotels and guest houses, shopping malls, markets and restaurants. It is also quite accessible from the airport, with numerous flyovers making it easy to get around by car or taxi.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
It is a 4.3 m statue of Jain prophet Mahavira who professed ahimsa (nonviolence).
क़ुत्ब मीनार / قطب منار Qutb Mīnār
The most famous structure on the grounds is the Minar itself. At 73m tall, it is the second tallest minar in India (after Fateh Burj in Mohali), and was the tallest "skyscraper" in the world when built (1193-1368). It is often visible from the air when flying into IGI airport. It was constructed on the orders of Qutb-ud-din Aybak, founder of the Slave Dynasty, and named after him. Delicately carved and inscribed with Arabic inscriptions, its red sandstone and marble have been astonishingly well-preserved, and it is still an awe-inspiring sight today. The top of the tower has twice been rebuilt after an earthquake, and the base has been restored more recently. While entry into the tower itself is no longer permitted, for ₹10 per 5 min you can view the scenery via a little webcam on top.
Alai Darwaza
This square, domed building once acted as the entrance to the mosque but is now tucked away behind the minar. Inlaid marble decorations and latticed stone screens.
Alai Minar
Sultan Ala-ud-din (ruled 1296-1316) of the Khilji dynasty set out to build a tower twice as high as the Qutb Minar but died after a mere 24.5 m was complete. The first story stands to this day.
In the centre of the mosque. True to its name, this is a 7 m iron pillar erected in 400 AD by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, also known as "he, by the breezes of whose prowess the southern ocean is even still perfumed" according to the inscription carved on the base. Alas, Chandragupta II's perfume has long since faded, but to the amazement of metallurgists everywhere, his pillar is still going strong, after 1,600 years. The corrosion resistance results from a layer of crystalline iron hydrogen phosphate forming on the high phosphorus content iron, which protects it from the effects of the local Delhi climate. The pillar is 7.21 m high, 1.12 m of which is below ground. The base rests on a grid of iron bars soldered with lead into the upper layer of the dressed stone pavement. It is estimated to weigh more than six tonnes.
Delhi's first and grandest mosque is now mostly in ruins, but many parts of the complex are still standing and the sandstone decorations are still impressive. Check out the extraordinarily ornate carvings near the tomb of Iltutmish on the west side of the complex.
A marble sundial
Smith's Folly, which once stood on top of the Qutb Minar, has been removed and put on the southeastern corner of the Qutb complex.
this octagonal tomb commemorates a Turkestani iman who was based in the mosque during the reign of Sikandar Lodi.
Dilkusha, Quli Khan's Tomb
It was originally the tomb of Quli Khan who was the brother of Adham Khan and in turn foster brother of Akbar. Later Sir Thomas Metcalfe (who was a negotiator between Mughal Empire and the British East India Company) bought the structure remodelled it, and became one of the two Metcalfe Houses also known as Dilkusha. It is in ruins as it was highly vandalized during the Revolt of 1857.
It consists of a mosque and a tomb of Jamali and Kamali. Jamali was the alias given to Shaikh Jamali Kamboh, a renowned Sufi saint who lived during Lodi and Mughal dynasties. Kamali was an unknown person who was Jamali's disciple and his lover, according to the oral stories and traditions.
It is a stepwell built by Daulat Khan Lodi during the rule of Sikander Lodi in 1516. The complex also houses 12 tombs.
It is the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Balban, a ruler of the Slave dynasty. It is believed that the first arch, which later became an important part of Indian architecture was built in this mausoleum only. The same goes for the dome, which has been destroyed. Besides, his tomb lies the tomb of his son Khan Shahid.
Pearl Mosque
An 18th-century Mughal mosque is the last example in the Mughal tradition of providing small marble-faced mosques. Named for its white marble, the mosque was constructed during the reign of Bahadur Shah I, in the vicinity of the dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki. The mosque is surrounded by enclosure walls; one of these walls is shared with that of the dargah, while the southern wall opens to the burial enclosure, also made of marble.
Lal Kot
Founded in perhaps the 11th century as a city named "Lal Kot" under Hindu rule, in the current Mehrauli area. In around 1180, Hindu ruler Prithviraj Chauhan expanded this city and renamed it Qila Rai Pithora. Some of the ruins of the fort ramparts from this period are still visible around Qutb Minar and Mehrauli.
A ridge forest and part of the Aravalli Range. There are multiple entry and exit points, but the ones at the Qutub Institutional Area and Neela Hauz Bridge near Vasant Kunj provide the easiest access and the least confusion. You are advised to wear shoes and full-length trousers as protection against the thorny shrubbery and to take sufficient fluids and snacks, as there is no kiosk or shop in the quiet of the woods.
Hindi: आधम ख़ान का मक़बरा Ādham Khān kā Maqbarā, Urdu: ادھم خان کا مزار Ādham Khān kā Maqbarā; Bhool Bhulaiyya
This is the tomb of Adham Khan who was the son of Akbar's wet nurse Maham Anga. After Adham Khan killed Atagha Khan, a general in Akbar's army, he killed Adham Khan by dropping him from the top of Agra Fort. After this his mother was depressed and Akbar built this tomb.
Shamshi Talab
It is a water reservoir built by Iltutmish in 1230 AD. It is believed Iltutmish had a dream in which Prophet Muhammad asked him to build a water reservoir in the place where a winged horse would leave a hoof. It is said that he found the hoof here. It is here he then built a reservoir dug. - Auliya Masjid is located on the southeast corner.
Bagh I Alam ka Gumbad is a tomb belonging to the Lodi era. It is a mixture of local stones, red sandstones and blue ceramic tiles. It is surrounded by lush green scenery of gardens with a variety of birds and deer flocking. The interior is full of sunlight filtered through the framework. It also houses three tombs, whose identities are unidentified.
Black dome
This small tomb topped with a dome stands just a few yards away from Bagh-i-Alam Ka Gumbad, Attached to it is a small wall mosque.
This is the third tomb in the dear park area. It lies further north of the other two tombs. The Tohfe Wala Gumbad is a small tomb standing on a raised platform, with a domed ceiling and a battlement, and houses several graves inside.
Tomb of grandmother and granddaughter
The complex houses two tombs of different sizes. The larger one is known as the tomb of dadi (grandmother) and the smaller one is the tomb of poti (granddaughter). Sadly nothing is known about the famous grandmother and granddaughter duo. The bigger tomb, which seems three storied from the outside, is actually a single-story tomb housing several graves. According to architectural evidence, it belongs to the Tughlaq period (1321–1414). The smaller tombs have sloping walls and the dome is crowned with a lantern. Architectural evidence shows it to be of the Lodi period (1451–1526).
Bara Khamba, literally means twelve pillars. It is a domed structure supported by 12 pillars. Although this building is a tomb, no cenotaphs remain inside it but you can still see a number of gravestones outside the Barakhamba. The building probably belongs to the Lodi period (1451–1526). There are a few other scattered structures in the compound.
Narrow Dome
Tombs belonging to the Lodi age. Tombs dating back to 15th and 16th centuries.
Small dome
Literally meaning the small tomb it is a small stout structure topped with a large dome. It houses a grave but no one knows whose it is. Architectural evidence shows that it was constructed during the Lodi period (1451–1526).
Literally meaning "doomed building of brother", the mausoleum has arched niches which are neatly arranged. It was built during the Lodi rule.
The fourth medieval city of Delhi, established in 1326–1327 by Muhammad bin Tughlaq. The area consists of Adilabad Fort, Begampur Mosque, Bijay Mandal, Serai Shaji Mahal and so on.
A mosque built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, the prime minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
Red Tomb
Lal Gumbad is the tomb of Shaikh Kabir–ud-Din-Auliya who was buried here in 1397. It is one of the earliest examples of architecture in Delhi, built during Mohammad bin Tughlaq's rule. Little is known about the saint, except that he lived during Tughlaq rule. It is made up of Red Sandstone from which it gets its name.
A remarkable ancient water harvesting dam. Its construction is credited to the reign of Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq.
Ruined fort of Alauddin Khalji, built to defend the city from the onslaught of the Mongols.
It is a minaret built by Alauddin Khilji in the 13th century. Here the decapitated heads of chors, or thieves, were displayed through its 225 holes.
The tomb of Azim Khan, a general of the Mughal Army. Commissioned in 17th century, the tomb was built in the typical square-shaped structure with a crowned dome coated with plaster and decorated with carvings.
Hindi: सुल्तान ग़ारी Sultān Ġārī, Urdu: سلطان غاری
The first tomb built in Delhi, built by Sultan Iltutmish in 1231 for his son Prince Ghiyasuddin Muhammad. This was later renovated by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. It is in the form of a fortress with a courtyard-like layout, not common among tombs. The octagonal grave–chamber with the crypt has an underground opening. The western prayer wall has a mihrab, decorated with marble in exquisite Turkish and Afghan design and includes some inscriptions from the Quran. The front, marble facade, dated to Feroze Shah's rule (1351–88). The prayer chamber depicts a base slab of a Linga. - Events: # Thursday is a special (tolerance) day for worship when devotees both Hindus and Muslims. # Every year, on the 17th day of the Islamic month between Ramadan and Eid festivals, the “Urs of Nasiruddin Shah” (death anniversary) fest is held.
Established at the initiative of avid art collector Kiran Nadar, KNMA opened in January 2010, as the first private museum of art, exhibiting modern and contemporary works from India and the subcontinent. The core corpus of KNMA highlights works by F.N. Souza, M.F. Hussain, S.H. Raza, V.S. Gaitonde, Tyeb Mehta, Akbar Padamsee, Ram Kumar, A. Ramachandran, Rameshwar Broota and several others.
JNU; जवाहरलाल नेहरू विश्वविद्यालय Javāharlāl Nehrū Viśvavidyālay
Not usually considered a "place of interest" for tourists, this one-of-a-kind campus of the premier National University of India remains a hidden gem of the city. The campus is hilly and rocky and some areas look more like a jungle with peacocks. The hostels represent the geographical vastness of India as they are named after Indian Rivers. For instance Godavari and Ganga. Specific areas of the campus are named after a particular geographical region in India. For instance Uttarakhand and Dakshinapuram. Some of the non-scholarly attractions of India's best University include 24x7, an open aired restaurant.
A biodiversity park northwest of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. It was developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) from 2015 to 2018.
Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peeth
Huge and beautiful temple complex with a big surrounding campus, dedicated to Goddess Katyayani.
It is a forty-year-old temple complex and Bengali community cultural centre. The compound has three temples - that of Lord Shiva and Radha Krishna and the Main temple in the middle. Built on a small hill, it started as a Shiva temple, which still stands within the complex, the larger shrines dedicated to Kali, Shiva and Radhakrishna were added in 1984. The temple also hosted its first Durga Puja in 1977, the tradition that continues to date.
A modern temple built by the Odia community of Delhi dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath. The temple is famous for its annual Rathyatra festival attended by thousands of devotees.
This is a place similar to a temple and any devotee can visit there. This place is famous for Swamiji devotees visiting New Delhi.
Contains the world's tallest natural rock statue of Shani. Idol of Lord Shani is a chief Hindu deity. Shani is one of the nine Navagraha or primary celestial beings in Hindu astrology, embodied in the planet Saturn. Shani is the Lord of Saturday. The word Shani also denotes the seventh day or Saturday in most Indian languages.
Tamil: உத்தர சுவாமி மலை கோவில்; Malai Mandir (Hill Temple)
The main temple within the complex, formally called Sree Swaminatha Swami Temple, houses the sanctum of Lord Swaminatha. The temple is built entirely of granite and is reminiscent of the Chola style of South Indian temple architecture.
Jogmaya temple
This ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Yogmaya, the sister of Krishna. Built in early 19th century and is a descendant of a much older Devi shrine. Adjacent to the temple lies, a water body, known as 'Anangtal', after King Anangpal, and covered by trees from all sides.
Aditya Nath Jha Deer Park
A fantastic park for a relaxing. There are some good restaurants near this park and has Tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq at one of its corners. Has a boating lake. It is also the home to many deer, peacocks, monkeys, ducks and other wildlife. It's a paradise for morning walkers and has picnic huts. It is near Delhi Lawn Tennis Association.
Partly built over a rocky terrain, the garden has various theme areas, including a section on the lines of Mughal Gardens, plus pools of water lilies, bamboo courts, herb gardens and a solar energy park.
A stadium built for the 1982 Asian Games.
A very up-market place with good food. 1st floor features a live karaoke, but the ground floor is the place to be. Book in advance for the ground floor.
Popular among tourists, expats and locals. Continental menu featuring a variety of pastas and panini sauce. Kitchen open 11AM-11PM daily. Also Spanish, Moroccan and American styles, plus desserts and drinks.
Italian style food.
Italian style restaurant.
Italian style food.
Calm peaceful, near Asola wildlife sanctuary and Qutab Minar. Free wifi, private toilet. As of January 2026 closed for renovations per their website.
Family-operated boutique hotel in south Delhi. Very friendly and hospitable service. Nice new rooms. Free internet. Close to GK-1, defense colony with many restaurants and bars.
390-room business hotel generally not for tourists. Opulent lobby, modern rooms, pool and spa.
Huge and slightly aged, but still 5 stars, outdoor pool, small gym and spa, 3 restaurants, and all the usual amenities. Halfway between the airport and Connaught Place.
Boutique bed and breakfast with premium rooms, hot-tub suites, lake-view terraces, a private bar, and modern amenities.
The largest commercial and retail hub in South Delhi with numerous malls, restaurants and office buildings and plenty of parking space.
Another large commercial centre in South Delhi.
It is perhaps India's most luxuriant mall. You'll find 3 floors of international designer brands, as well as a number of Indian designers. Emporio also houses one of New Delhi's most popular new restautrants, Set'z (formerly Zest), a chic dining experience with over seven different cuisines to choose from.
It is one luxury malls. The mall has been designed by architect Mohit Gujral and Chandu Chadha in Italian marble, burnished wood, and gleaming brass detailing. DLF Emporio has four floors including ground floor and comprises an area of 3 ha. The mall features over 170 brands including 75 international brands. The promoters also run a 180-seater, high-end restaurant called Setz.
Features the only 7-screen multiplex in Delhi.
The mall is divided into three broad zones: Staple Traditional (family), Celebration (centre-stage) and High Voltage (youth). There are eight anchor tenants including Goodearth Verandah, Pantaloons, Crossword Bookstore, Mothercare, Arcelia, and Home Stop. The mall also has 125 stores representing over 500 major Indian and international brands of clothes and apparels. The mall has a . multi-cuisine food court, Food Talk, on the second floor, along with several restaurants including The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Pizza Hut, Chicago Pizza and KFC. The mall also houses a PVR multiplex, which comprises six screens. There is also a outdoor open plaza, Sanskriti, for art festivals, fairs, exhibitions, performances, and al fresco dining. The plaza is landscaped extensively in timber, water, stone and steel and has an open–air amphitheatre, along with trees and water features.
Very similar to bookshops in Khan Market, but at better prices.
By car
If driving by car or in a taxi/auto-rickshaw, Mandi Road is the main road of South Delhi and is close to most major attractions.
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