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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 the Qutab Minar and other structures from its period.

Get in

The Metro Yellow Line runs north-south in this district, coming reasonably close to most sites of tourist interest.

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

Map
28°29′2″N 77°10′59″E
Map of Delhi/South Delhi

Qutub complex

Qutub Minar
Ala-i-Darwaza (left), Imam Zamin's tomb (right) and Qutb Minar in the background
Intricately carved alcove, Tomb of Iltutmish
Calligraphy, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
  • 1 Qutub Minar (Qutb Minar, Qutab, Urdu: قطب مینار, Hindi: क़ुतुब मीनार) (in Mehrauli, Qutub Minar station on the Metro Yellow Line, bus to DTC Lado Sarai Terminal). daily, sunrise to sunset. This complex 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 show held most nights after 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 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. Qutb Minar (Q187635) on Wikidata Qutb Minar on Wikipedia 
    • 2 Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Delhi's first and grandest mosque, 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. 
    • 3 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. 
    • 4 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 Qutub Minar, but died after a mere 24.5 m was complete. The first story stands to this day. 
    • 5 Ala-i-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. 
    • 6 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. 
    • 7 Smith's Folly. Smith's Folly, which once stood on top of the Qutab Minar, has been removed and put on the south eastern corner of the Qutub Complex (updated Aug 2017)
    • 8 Sanderson's Sun Dial. A marble sun dial (updated Aug 2017)

Mehrauli Archaeological Park

  • 9 Balban's Tomb, Ladha Sarai, Mehrauli (Located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park Trail). It is the tomb of Balban, a ruler of Slave dynasty. It is believed that the first arch, which later became an important part of Indian architecture was built in this masoleum only. The same goes for the dome, which has been destroyed. Beside, his tomb lies the tomb of his son Khan Shahid. Free. 
  • 10 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 British East India Company) bought the structure remodelled it, and became one of the two Metcalfe House also known as Dilkusha. It is in ruins as it was highly vandalized during Revolt of 1857. 

Monuments

  • 11 Adham Khan's Tomb (Alternate Name: Bhool Bhulaiyya. Hindi: आधम खान का मकबरा, Urdu: ادھم خان کا مزار), Mehrauli (Near Mehrauli Bus Stand. - Or from Qutub Minar: before entering Mehrauli, towards your left is the Mehrauli Bus Depot and on the right side is this tomb). Timings: Sunrise-Sunset. 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 for which Akbar built this tomb. 
  • 12 Ahinsa Sthal, Mehrauli (Auto rickshaw from Qutb Minar metro station or ten min walk (1km toward north), just east of Mehrauli Archeological Park.). It is a 4.3 m statue of Jain prophet Mahavira who professed ahimsa (nonviolence) 
  • 13 Bagh I Alam, Bagh I Alam ka Gumbad, Chaudhary Harsukh Marg, Hauz Khas (Nearest Metro station in Green Park (one km norteast, 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. (updated Oct 2016)
  • 14 Balban's Tomb, Ladha Sarai, Mehrauli (Located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park Trail. - Close to Qutub Minar Metro Station). It is the tomb of Balban, a ruler of Slave dynasty. It is believed that the first arch, which later became an important part of Indian architecture was built in this masoleum only. The same goes for the dome, which has been destroyed. Beside, his tomb lies the tomb of his son Khan Shahid. Free. 
  • 15 Biran ka Gumbad, Green Park Extension (About a 0.5 km southwest of Green Park Metro Station). Literally meaning "doomed building of brother", the masoleum has arched niches which are neatly arranged. It was built during Lodi rule. Free. 
  • 16 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 13th century. Here the decapitated heads of chors, or thieves, were displayed through its 225 holes. 
  • 17 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 built 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 reservoit dug. - Auliya Masjid located on southeast corner 
  • 18 Jamali Kamali Tomb, Mehrauli, Delhi. (Mehrauli Archeological Park). Timings: Sunrise - Sunset. -Part f the Complex Mehrauli Archaeological Park Free of charge. 
  • 19 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 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. 
Rajon ki Baoli
  • 20 Rajon ki Baoli, Anuvrat Marg (Opposite Qutub Minar Metro Station). It is a Step well built by Daulat Khan Lodi during the rule of Sikander Lodi in 1516. The complex also houses 12 tombs Free. (updated Jul 2016)
  • 21 Sakri Gumti, 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. 
  • 22 Siri Fort, Siri. Ruined fort of Alauddin Khalji 

Museums

  • 23 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. Tues-Sun', 10:30-18:30. 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 Entry. 
  • 24 Sanskriti Museums, Sanskriti Kendra, Anandagram, Mehrauli–Gurgaon Road (10 km south of New Delhi. - M Yellow 'Arjangarh'). 

Religious buildings

Hindu temples

  • 25 [formerly dead link] Chattarpur Mandir, Dr Ambedkar Colony (M Yellow: Chhattarpur). Huge & beautiful temple complex with a big surrounding campus - located near Mehrauli area of South Delhi. 
  • 26 Jagannath Temple, Green Park (in Hauz Khas, Green Park Metro Station), ☏ +91 11 2696 6978. A modern temple built by the Oriya community of Delhi dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath. The temple famous for its annual Rathyatra festival attended by thousands of devotees 
  • 27 Shani Dham Temple, Shree Shani Tirth Kshetra, Asola (Bus to Shani Dham Mandir Raj Vidya Kendra stop). 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. 
  • 28 Yogmaya Temple (Jogmaya temple), Mehrauli (15km South from centre, bus 717 from M Orange: Delhi Aero City). 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 

Other

  • 29 Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Campus (जवाहरलाल नेहरू विश्‍वविद्यालय), JNU Ring Rd (bus # 615 from Connaught Place. The famous Qutab Minar is very close to the JNU campus), ☏ +91 11 2670 4090. 24/7. 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 includes 24x7, an open aired restaurant. 

Do

Parks and gardens

  • 1 Deer Park (in Hauz Khas Village, Green park metro station 1.5 km east). 5:30am-7:00pm. is 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 deers, 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. Deer Park (Delhi) on Wikipedia 
  • 2 [formerly dead link] Garden of Five Senses, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road (Saket Metro Station). 

Buy

Malls

  • 1 DLF Courtyard, District Centre, Sector 6, Pushp Vihar (From Metro Yellow 'Malviya Nagar' East 1.0 km). 
  • 2 Select CityWalk, MGF Metropolitan, & DLF Place Malls, A-2,Press Enclave Marg, District Centre, Saket (Bus 534, 534A, 548, 581 to 'Khirki Village', or Metro Yellow 'Malviya Nagar' East 1.3km). 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

  • Midland Bookshop, South Extension and Aurbindo Place. Very similar to bookshops in Khan Market, but at better prices. 

Eat

Italian

  • 1 Olive Bar & Kitchen, One Style Mile, Haveli No. 6, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli (near the Qutub Minar), ☏ +91 11 2957 4444. 12:00-15:30 / 19:30-00:30. Italian style food. 
  • 2 T.L.R. Cafe & Kitchen, 2nd Floor, 31, Hauz Khas Village, Near Axis Bank ATM New Delhi, Delhi 110016 (near Green Park and Aurobindo Place in South Delhi), ☏ +91 11 4608 0544. 10:00-01:00. Popular among tourists, expats and locals. Continental menu featuring a variety of pastas and panini sauce. Kitchen open 11:00-23:00 daily. Also Spanish, Moroccan and American styles, plus desserts and drinks. (updated Oct 2016)

Drink

Sleep

Mid-range

Splurge

Connect

This district travel guide to South Delhi is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.


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