South Delhi
South Delhi contains many upmarket neighbourhoods of Delhi. It has a high concentration of hotels and guest houses, shopping malls and markets, and restaurants. It is also quite accessible from the airport, with numerous overpasses constructed in 2011 making it easy to get around by car or taxi. Major tourist attractions in this area include Hauz Khas and the Qutb Minar and other structures from its period.
Get in
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Map of South Delhi
The Yellow Line 2 runs north-south in South Delhi, coming reasonably close to most sites of tourist interest. The Magenta Line 8 runs east-west in South Delhi and intersects with the Yellow Line at Hauz Khas.
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.
See
[edit]- 1 Ahinsa Sthal (auto rickshaw from Qutb Minar 2 or ten min walk (1 km toward the north), just east of Mehrauli Archeological Park.). It is a 4.3 m statue of Jain prophet Mahavira who professed ahimsa (nonviolence).
- 2 Tilpath Valley Biodiversity Park. A biodiversity park northwest of Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. It was developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) from 2015 to 2018.
Qutb complex
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The Qutb complex (metro: Qutb Minar 2 ; bus to DTC Lado Sarai Terminal) houses structures dating from the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) and is designated as a 
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are kept in excellent shape, making this a popular relaxation and picnic spot. Light-and-sound shows are held most nights after sunset.
- 3 Qutb Minar (Hindi: क़ुत्ब मीनार Qutb Mīnār, Urdu: قطب منار Qutb Mīnār). daily, sunrise to sunset. 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. ₹ 20/250 Indians/foreigners.
- 4 Ala-i-Darwaza (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.
- 5 Ala-i-Minar (Alai Minar) (North of Iron Pillar). 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.
- 6 Iron Pillar. 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.
- 7 Quwwat ul-Islam Mosque. 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.
- 8 Sanderson's Sun Dial. A marble sundial
- 9 Smith's Folly. 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.
- Tomb of Alauddin Khalji.
- Tomb of Iltutmish.
- Tomb of Muhammad Quli Khan.
- 10 Tomb of Imam Zamin (Outside the main complex, next to the Ala-i-Darzawa). this octagonal tomb commemorates a Turkestani iman who was based in the mosque during the reign of Sikandar Lodi.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park
[edit]- 11 Gandhak ki Baoli.
- 12 Metcalfe House (Dilkusha, Quli Khan's Tomb), Mehrauli Archaeological Park. 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.
- 13 Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb. 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. Free.
- 14 Rajon ki Baoli, Anuvrat Marg. It is a stepwell built by Daulat Khan Lodi during the rule of Sikander Lodi in 1516. The complex also houses 12 tombs. Free.
- 15 Tomb of Balban, Ladha Sarai, Mehrauli. 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. Free.
- 16 Wall Mosque.
Mehrauli (outside Mehrauli Archaeological Park)
[edit]- 17 Garden of Five Senses. 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.
- 18 Moti Masjid (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.
- 19 Sanjay Van. 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.
- 20 Tomb of Adham Khan (Hindi: आधम ख़ान का मक़बरा Ādham Khān kā Maqbarā, Urdu: ادھم خان کا مزار Ādham Khān kā Maqbarā; Bhool Bhulaiyya), Mehrauli (Near Mehrauli Bus Stand. - Or from Qutb Minar: before entering Mehrauli, towards your left is the Mehrauli Bus Depot and on the right side is this tomb). 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.
Hauz Khas Complex
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The Hauz Khas Complex Hauz Khas ( 8 and 2 ) houses a water tank, an Islamic seminary, a mosque, a tomb and pavilions built around an urbanised village with medieval history traced to the 13th century. The monuments of the park can be divided into two areas, namely: the Deer Park area and the lake area.
Lake area
- 21 Hauz Khas Fort.
- 22 Hauz Shamsi (Shamshi Talab), Hauz Shamsi, Mehrauli (Half km north of Chhattarpur (Yellow Line) Metro station). 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.
- 23 Munda Gumbad.
Deer Park area
- 24 Bagh I Alam, Bagh I Alam ka Gumbad, Chaudhary Harsukh Marg, Hauz Khas (Nearest Metro station in Green Park (one km northeast, Yellow line). - 300 m nortwest of Jagannath Temple.). 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.
- 25 Kali Gumti (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.
- 26 Tohfe Wala Gumbad. 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.
Green Park
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Green Park (metro: Green Park 2 ) an upscale affluent neighborhood in South Delhi adjacent to the Hauz Khas Park. In spite of being an upscale neighborhood, it does contain 5 monuments of national importance. These are medieval period tombs and can be visited during a trip to the Hauz Khas Park.
- 27 Dadi Poti's Tomb (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).
- 28 Bara Khamba (Located west of the Dadi Poti’s Tomb and on the other side of the road.). 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.
- 29 Sakri Gumti (Narrow Dome), Green Park (Near Khareha Village, From Green Park metro station about one km south. 200 m east of Jagannath Temple). Timings: Sunrise - Sunset. Tombs belonging to the Lodi age. Tombs dating back to 15th and 16th centuries.
- 30 Choti Gumti (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).
- 31 Biran ka Gumbad, Green Park Extension (About a 0.5 km southwest of Green Park Metro Station). Literally meaning "doomed building of brother", the mausoleum has arched niches which are neatly arranged. It was built during the Lodi rule. Free.
Siri
[edit]- 32 Siri Fort, Siri. Ruined fort of Alauddin Khalji.
- 33 Chor Minar, Aurobindo Marg (North of metro station Hauz Khas. Close to Chor Minar Road corner.). 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.
Begumpur
[edit]- 34 Begumpur Mosque.
- 35 Lal Gumbad (Red Tomb), Maharishi Dayanand Marg (Located opposite the retail outlets in Maharishi Dayanand Marg). 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.
- 36 Bijay Mandal.
Malav Nagar
[edit]Forts
[edit]- 39 Jahanpanah. 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.
- 40 Qila Rai Pithora (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 Qutab Minar and Mehrauli.
Museums
[edit]- 41 Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, 145 DLF South Court Mall, Saket (bus to Khirki Village Bus Stop, Nearest Metro Malviya Nagar), ☏ +91 11 4916 0000. Tu-Su 10:30AM-6:30PM. 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. Located in the popular tourist destination of Saket. Free.
- 42 Sanskriti Museums, Sanskriti Kendra, Anandagram, Mehrauli–Gurgaon Road (10 km south of New Delhi. - M Yellow 'Arjangarh').
Religious buildings
[edit]Hindu temples
[edit]- 43 Chattarpur Mandir (Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peetham), Dr Ambedkar Colony (metro: Chhattarpur 2 ). Huge & beautiful temple complex with a big surrounding campus - located near the Mehrauli area of South Delhi. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani.
- 44 Jagannath Temple, Green Park, Hauz Khas (metro: Green Park 2 ), ☏ +91 11 2696 6978. 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.
- 45 Shani Dham Temple, Shree Shani Tirth Kshetra, Asola (Bus to Shani Dham Mandir Raj Vidya Kendra stop), ☏ +91 99587 94885. 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.
- 46 Yogmaya Temple (Jogmaya temple), Mehrauli (15km S from centre, bus 717 from Delhi Aero City Airport Express ). 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.
Do
[edit]- 1 Deer Park (Aditya Nath Jha Deer Park), Hauz Khas (metro: Green Park 2 1.5 km east). 5:30AM-7PM. 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. Free.
- 2 Garden of Five Senses, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road (Saket Metro Station).
Buy
[edit]Malls
[edit]- 1 DLF Courtyard, District Centre, Sector 6, Pushp Vihar (from Metro Yellow 'Malviya Nagar' East 1.0 km).
- 2 Select CityWalk, MGF Metropolitan, & DLF Avenue Malls, A-2,Press Enclave Marg, District Centre, Saket (Bus 534, 534A, 548, 581 to 'Khirki Village', or Metro Yellow 'Malviya Nagar' East 1.3 km). 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 930 m2. 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 Cinemas multiplex, which comprises six screens. There is also a 9,300 m2 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. - extraphone=+91 74 28 367518.
Books
[edit]- Midland Bookshop, South Extension and Aurbindo Place. Very similar to bookshops in Khan Market, but at better prices.
Eat
[edit]Budget
[edit]- Egg parantha Wala, Lajpat Nagar, (opposite to Surya hotel). This guy owns a shack and has been running the parantha business for ages.
Italian
[edit]- 1 Olive Bar & Kitchen, One Style Mile, Haveli No. 6, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli (near the Qutub Minar), ☏ +91 11 2957 4444. noon-3:30PM, 7:30PM-12:30AM. Italian style food.
- 2 T.L.R. Cafe & Kitchen, 2nd Floor, 31, Hauz Khas Village, Near Axis Bank ATM New Delhi (near Green Park and Aurobindo Place in South Delhi), ☏ +91 11 4608 0544. 10AM-1AM. 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.
Splurge
[edit]Thai
[edit]- Turquoise Cottage, A 5 , Green Park , Main Aurobindo Marg, South Delhi, ☏ +91 11 2685 3896, info@turquoisecottage.com. True to the name, the decor is turquoise and stylishly rustic, but the food is Thai-Chinese and, while somewhat adapted to Indian tastes, quite tasty. Also check out the popular The Other Side bar downstairs. Reservations recommended. ₹ 500.
Korean
[edit]- Gung The Palace, Ground floor. D-1B, Green Park, South Delhi. 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.
Afghani
[edit]- Afghan Restaurant, H-7, Krishna Market, (near Gurdwara, Lajpat Nagar I). Owned &: run by members of the Afghani community settled in the area. Very tasty biryani.
- The Lazeez Hotel And Restaurant, I-87, Afghan Restaurant, (near Central Market, Lajpat Nagar II). Owned &: run by members of the Afghani community settled in the area.
Iraqi
[edit]- Iraqi Food - E-178, Lajpat Nagar-I.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Mid-range
[edit]- 1 Fortune Park DJ Avenue, 417 M.G. Road, Ghitorni (4 blocks from the Ghitorni metro station), ☏ +91-11-39884422, djavenue@fortunehotels.in. Beautiful façade and open spaces. Single: ₹4,950; Double: ₹5,850.
- jüSTa Panchsheel Park, S-362 Panchsheel Park, ☏ +91 9590 777 000. Full service hotel. From ₹3,157, depending on the month.
- Shantigriha Bed and Breakfast, 12 A, Lane W-16, Sainik Farms, ☏ +91 98 1814 9019, info@shantigrihabnb.com. Calm peaceful, near Asola wildlife sanctuary and Qutab Minar. Free wifi, private toilet.
- Thikana, A-7 Gulmohar Park, ☏ +91 11 4604 1569, info@thikanadelhi.com. 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. Single: ₹5,000-₹5,500; Double: ₹5,400-₹6,600.
- Urban Ashram, D-12 Hauz Khas, South Delhi, ☏ +91 11 4615 1818, urbanashram@gmail.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: 11AM. Warm, intimate and cosy family-operated boutique bed and breakfast. Friendly and hospitable service. Nice new rooms. Free wifi. Close to GK-1, defence colony, saket with many restaurants and bars. ₹3,500-4,500.
Splurge
[edit]- 2 ITC Sheraton New Delhi, District Centre, Saket, ☏ +91 11 4266 1122, reservations@itchotels.in. From ₹6,400 during low season and ₹8,000 during high season.