South East Delhi is a district of Delhi which, like South Delhi, is high-income and with easy motorway access to the airport. The current district borders of South East Delhi include a number of important sites near the city centre, including Humayun's Tomb, Purana Qila and Tughlaqabad.
Get in
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Map of South East Delhi
By metro
[edit]Violet 6 , Pink 7 and Magenta 8 lines crisscross the South East Delhi district.
By bus
[edit]The 405 bus service from Mori Gate Bus Terminal goes south across South East Delhi.
See
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- 1 Khan-I-Khana's Tomb, Nizamuddin East (10 minutes from Jangpura metro station. Right north of Barapullah Elevated Rd. Take bus #40, 101, 181, 274, 402, 403, 405, 405A, 408, 409, 410, 411, 429, 436, 438 stop Hazrat Nizamuddin). This is a tomb built by Khan-I-Khana in 1598 after his wife's death. He was later buried here in 1627. Khan-I-Khana was a great composer during Akbar's time and belonged to his Navaratna or nine gems. The motif is similar to that of the Humayun's tomb.
- 2 Kos Minar, Inside National Zoological Park. "Kos Minar," or distance markers are pillars built by Sher Shah Suri in order to measure distance. The distance between the two Kos Minars is roughly 8 km. They are massive pillars, 9 m high, built on a high platform.
- 3 Nila Gumbad (approched from outside the Humayun's Tomb past the Sunder Bagh Nursery and Gurudwara Dam Dama Sahib). The octagonal tomb is crowned with a huge dome, covered with dark blue tiles.
- 4 Sabz Gumbad, Nizamuddin (JNL Stadium metro station about one km). Entry prohibited. Though it literally means "green dome", its dome is nowhere green in colour. The dome is blue coloured and the tower is believed to be built between 1530 and 1535. The tower is an influence of Central Asian architecture. There are blue and yellow tiles on the drum. Moreover, it was used as a police station during British rule.
- 5 Tughlaqabad Fort, Mehrauli Badarpur Road, Tughlakabad (Bus 411 to Guru Ravi Das Mandir. or from Metro Violet Line 'Govind Puri' South 2.5km), ☏ +91 2604 5671. Massive fortress built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in the 14th century and was the third city of Delhi. The monstrous ruins of this complex are now overrun by hordes of Langur monkeys. The mausoleum of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq is opposite the fort.
Humayun's Tomb Complex
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- 6 Humayun's Tomb (Hindi: हुमायूँ का मक़बरा Humāyū̃ kā Maqbarā; Urdu: ہمایوں کا مقبرہ Humāyū̃ kā Maqbarā) (in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station). daily from sunrise to sunset. is one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. - The tomb is in large, immaculately maintained gardens in the Persian Char Bagh (four corners) style that were thoroughly renovated in 2003 with the Aga Khan's help and are probably the best in Delhi. As you pass through the first gate, you will glimpse the dome of the tomb and enter a floral path leading to the second (West) gate, which now acts as the entrance to the giant central garden. - The centrepiece is the eponymous tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. Built starting in 1562, it was the first major Mughal structure in the city and has been described as a predecessor or prototype of the Taj Mahal. The structures are, indeed, stylistically similar, although Humayun's Tomb is built from red sandstone, not white marble, and was built by a wife grieving for her husband, not the other way around. You can climb up to the second level (the stairs on the west side are very steep, those on the south side less so), and on the south side you will find the entrance into the main crypt where Humayun is buried. Before you leave, be sure to visit the South Gate, the original royal entrance, from where you can get picture-postcard views without too many tourists in the way. ₹ 10/600, Indians/foreigners.
The Humayun's Tomb Complex also houses several other tombs and structures, including Isa Khan's Tomb and Mosque, Barber's Tomb, Arab Sarai, Afsarwala Mosque and Tomb and Ba Halim's Garden and Tomb.
- Isa Khan's Tomb — As you enter the Humayun's Tomb Complex, the first major structure on your right is the bulbous, octagonal tomb of Iza Khan, a court noble who built it in his own lifetime, some 20 years before Humayun's Tomb.
- Barber's Tomb —In the southeast corner is the Barber's Tomb, also built in the same style. Historians do not know who is buried in this picturesque tomb made of red and grey sandstone.
Purana Qila
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- 7 Purana Qila (पुराना क़िला Purānā Qilā, Old Fort), Mathura Rd (near Delhi Zoo), ☏ +91 11 2435 5387. 09:00 - 17:00. The walled citadel of Mughal Emperor Humayun. It was later turned into an urban village before becoming a monument. Ruins of the 16th-century city of Shergarh, this complex sits on top of what is believed to be the site of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata epic. The citadel contains several structures which include 3 gateways. Apart from that the complex contain a pavilion, a mosque along with a hammam and step well ₹5 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners.
- 8 Sher Mandal. The two-storeyed library inside Purana Qila. It is in this library that Mughal Emperor Humayun fell from stairs and died.
- 9 Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid. A mosque built by Sher Shah Suri.
- 10 Purana Qila Baoli. A small elongagted stepwell (baoli) located near the Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid and Sher Mandal.
- 11 Hammam (Bath House). Next to the Sher Mandal the ruined hammam (bathhouse) has remains of terracotta pipes and ribber water chutes.
- 12 Bada Darwza (Big Gate). The eastern gateway. This is presently the only functional gate of the fort.
- 13 Humayun Darwaza. A gate built by Mughal Emperor Humayun located in Purana Qila. It is the southeast gate of the fort.
- 14 Talaqi Darwaza. The northern gate of Purana Qila. It has a marble carving of warring lions with a man in front.
- 8 Sher Mandal. The two-storeyed library inside Purana Qila. It is in this library that Mughal Emperor Humayun fell from stairs and died.
Sunder Nursery
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- 15 Sunder Nursery (Central Park, Azim Bagh, Bagh-e-Azeem) (N of Humayun's Tomb Complex). A 16th-century heritage park complex. During British rule, the nursery was established to grow experimental plants. Today the nursey still operates. It is an interesting mix of landscape gardens coupled with wilderness. The park is a favourite among morning and evening walkers and has special play zones for kids. It also has its share of heritage and contains fifteen heritage monuments, of which 6 are
UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Sundarwala Burj, Sundarwala Mahal and Lakkarwala Burj. ₹200 for foreigners.
- 16 Sundarwala Burj. A tomb that stands on a square base and has sloped walls. It is crowned with a dome. It is believed to be a pre-Mughal tomb but nothing is known about its occupant.
- 17 Lakkarwala Burj (northwest of Sundarwala Burj). It has a similar layout to the Sundarwala Burj but stands on a much higher elevated platform. Nothing is known about the occupant and the origin of the name.
- 18 Arched Platform (eastern side of Lakkarwala Burj). Built of rubble masonry and devoid of plaster the ruined structures consist of three arches. The central arch is bigger than the two flanking it. The structure behind the arches is all in ruins.
- 19 Mughal Pavilion.
- 20 Sundarwala Mahal (east of Sunder Burj). The structure dates back to the 16th century and was built during the Mughal period. It is an irregular octagonal structure with four main sides containing five arches each. The oblong sides consist of a single arch.
- 21 Bara Batasha Mahal. (Mausoleum of Mirza Muzaffar Hussain) — This structure houses the tomb of Mirza Muzaffar who was the son of Babur and Gulrukh Begum. The speciality of this structure is that it has 5 arches on each side.
- 22 Chota Batshewala Mahal (East of Bara Batasha Mahal.). It is a ruined structure with two of the eight walls of the octagonal structure surviving.
- 23 Mughal Mausoleum (East of Chota Batshewala Mahal). It is a square structure standing on a high plinth. It is topped with a huge dome. Sadly nothing is known about the origin of the structure and the mortal remains of the persons who are buried underneath it.
- 16 Sundarwala Burj. A tomb that stands on a square base and has sloped walls. It is crowned with a dome. It is believed to be a pre-Mughal tomb but nothing is known about its occupant.
Gardens
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- 24 National Zoological Park (NZP), Mathura Road (Bus 374, 402, 404, 404EXT, 405, 405A, 409, 410, 419, 423, 425, 435, 436, 438, 449 to 'Delhi Public School' or Metro Violet Line 'JLN Stadium'), ☏ +91 11 2435 8500. 9:30AM-4PM (closed Friday). The Delhi Zoo is a very large and sprawling park dedicated to preserving the rich biodiversity of the country. This park may be the only chance of seeing a tiger or elephant for some travellers. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. Foreigner: ₹ 100, Indian: ₹ 20.
Monuments and memorials
[edit]- 25 Atagh Khan's tomb, Nizamuddin Complex (One and a half km E of JLN Stadium 6 ). The tomb of Atagh Khan who was a general in Mughal emperor Humayun's army. Here is also the Nizamuddin Markaz Masjid Free.
- 26 Barakhamba Tomb, Lodi Estate (Nearest Metro Station is Jor Bag, 7th hole of Delhi Golf Course Club). The name is derived from the structure's 12 pillars and 3 domes, it houses tombs of the Lodi time. A 14th-century tomb during Lodi time of an unknown nobleman Free.
- 27 Chausath Khamba, Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti (Nearest metro station is Jangpura). Built by Mirza Aziz Kota, a foster brother of Akbar and an important noble during the time of Jahangir, this building has the tomb of Aziz Kota. The meaning of it is 64 pillars that support the structure. It also has other unidentified tombs. Free.
- 28 Mirza Ghalib Tomb, Dildar Nagar, Nizamuddin West (Right to Atagh Khan's tomb). Tomb of poet Mirza Ghalib (1797–1869) located on the Chausath Khamba margins. Also in nearby is the Makazi Masjid
- 29 Mubarak Shah's Tomb (Tomb of Muizud Din Mubarak Sha), Kotala Mubarakpur (Nearest metro station is Lajpat Nagar (2 km east), from which an auto can be taken. Or 700 m south of Sewa Nagar train stop). This tomb was once a massive and popular structure. Built during the Sayyid rule, it was famous during the times of the Mughals and Lodis and highly vandalized during the Revolt of 1857. Only the west and south gate survive and other gates as well as Quranic inscriptions have disappeared. Located in Kotla Mubarakpur Complex (Hindi: कोटला मुबारकपुर काम्प्लेक्ष्), a medieval village. There are several other tombs of the Lodi Dynasty period such as Darya Khan's tomb, Kale Khan ka Gumbad, Bare Khan ka Gumbad, Chote Khan Ka Gumbad and Bhure Khan ka Gumbad, and also a Baoli (step well).
- 30 Najaf Khan's Tomb, Main Aurobindo Marg, Safdarjung (Opposite to Safdarjung airport. Jor Bagh Metro Station is further 0.5 km south). This is the tomb of Najaf Khan. Najaf Khan was a Persian traveller who came to Delhi during the rule of Mughal ruler Muhammad Shah around 1740. He was later awarded deputy minister of Awadh. His tomb is accompanied by the tomb of his daughter. This tomb is laid in the traditional Mughal Char Bagh or Four Gardens style.
- 31 Sher Shah Suri Gate, Mathura Rd (Opposite Purana Qila). A gate opposite Purana Qila built by Sher Shah Suri. Some historians believe that this marked the boundary of Sher Shah's empire, though others doubt that his empire extended till Shergarh. Nevertheless, it must have marked some boundaries.
Museums
[edit]- 32 Ghalib Museum (गालिब संग्रहालय), Nizamuddin, Nizamuddin West (From Metro Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium 0.8km East or take a bus 374, 404, 404EXT, 419, 423, 425, 430, 435, 449, 490, 727 to stop 'Lodhi Hotel' walk 200 m east), ☏ +91 11 2435 1098. M-Sa 10AM-6PM. This is a museum on the life and times of the 18th-century Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib. On the third floor of the Ghalib Academy building. Also, there is an art gallery where paintings made by famous & eminent artists are on display.
- 33 India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Rd (Bus 47, 440 or 522 to Lodhi Road Crossing), ☏ +91 11 2468 2001. This centre though not a museum in the strictest sense of the word, is most noted for its ever-changing art exhibits, plays and films, as well as an international selection of food items in its food court. Only members can use the Dilli-O-Dilli & the Oriental Octopus restaurant, but the American Diner and Eatopia food court are accessible to all.
- 34 Tibet House, 1 Institutional Area, Lodhi Rd (From 'JLN Stadium' West 0.5km), ☏ +91 11 2461 1515, fax: +91 11 2462 5536, thouse@nde.vsnl.net.in. 10AM-5:30PM. Established by HH Dalai Lama with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of Tibet. There is a museum, exhibition space and library. ₹ 10.
Religious buildings
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- 35 Bahá'í Lotus Temple, Lotus Temple Rd, Nehru Pl, Kalkaji (metro: Kalkaji Mandir 6 8 ). Tu-Su: Apr-Sep 9AM–7PM, Oct-Mar 9:30AM–5:30PM. Shaped like a lotus bud with 27 petals, this stunning temple suspended above milky-blue ponds is surely one of the most magnificent monuments ever made from concrete, however, there is very little to see inside. The lush park around is well landscaped but mostly off-limits. Free.
- 36 Gurdwara Dam Dama Sahib, Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg (near Humayun's Tomb). Sikh place of worship. Built by Sardar Bhagel Singh in 1783. Later a deorhi (Sikh architectural structure) was constructed, including buildings for priests and pilgrims. In 1984, a new building was constructed. Every year thousands of devotees assemble here to celebrate the festival called Hola Mohalla.
- 37 Nizamuddin Dargah. A mausoleum of the Sufi saint Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims every week. The site is also known for its evening qawwali devotional music sessions. The descendants of Nizamuddin Auliya look after the whole management of the dargah.
- 38 Sai Baba Temple, 17,Institutional Area, Lodhi Rd (Metro Violet: JLN Stadium). Temple Opens at 5AM. Kakad Aarti 5:15AM. Mangal SNAN 6AM. Noon Aarti at noon. Doop Aarti evening prayer 6:30PM. Shej Aarti at 9:30PM. Although there are many Shirdi Sai Baba temples in and around Delhi, the one located at Lodhi Road is the oldest.
- 39 Shanti Stupa (Hindi: शांति स्तूप Śānti Stūp; Urdu: شانتی ستوپ Śānti Stūp, Punjabi: ਸ਼ਾਂਤੀ ਸਤੂਪ), Ring Rd, GT Rd, Block A, Ganga Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan. 6AM–7:15PM. A Buddhist monument intended as a symbol of universal brotherhood and peace.
Hindu temples
[edit]- 40 Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir (bus 427). 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.
- 41 Kalka Mandir (कालकाजी मंदिर Kālkājī Mandir), Mahant Niwas, Shiv Mandir Parisar, Kalkaji (metro: Kalkaji Mandir 6 8 ), info@kalkamandir.com. Rituals an Aarti daily 5AM and 7:30PM. Constructed of brick masonry, finished with marble and surrounded by a pyramidal tower. The Central Chamber which is 12-sided in plan with a doorway on each side is paved with marble and is surrounded by a verandah 4 m wide and containing 36 arched openings.
- 42 Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir (ISKCON Temple), 1, Hare Krishna Hill, Sant Nagar. A well-known Vaishnav temple of Lord Krishna and goddess Radha in the form of Radha Parthasarathi. it has robotic shows and multimedia presentations, apart from the traditional temple complex. Lively atmosphere and excellent tasting sweets - and the delicious Govinda's restaurant is on site.
Do
[edit]- 1 Indraprastha Park, Outer Ring Rd, GT Rd, Block A, Ganga Vihar, Sarai Kale Khan. 6AM–7:15PM. It includes a children's park, an amphitheatre and a food court. The park was constructed in 2004 by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
- 2 Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
- 3 Kalindi Kunj, Amrapali Marg (Metro Magenta: Kalindi Kunj). A public garden, named after Kalindi (another name for the river and goddess Yamuna), as it is next to the Yamuna River. It consists of the Delhi Eye, a ferris wheel named after the one in London. Several tourist attractions are visible from the Delhi Eye.
- 4 Waste to Wonder Park. Opened in 2019, this theme park has replicas of the some of the world's wonders including the Colosseum,Taj Mahal, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Great Pyramid of Giza, Eiffel Tower , Christ the Redeemer Statue and the Statue of Liberty. All the replicas are made of industrial waste and scrap.
Buy
[edit]Bazaars
[edit]- 1 Central Market (Lajpat Nagar), Alankar Cinema Rd (M 'Lajpat Nagar' (violet line), 0.5 km ESE). – Mostly clothes, jewellery and homewares. Middle-class Indians do their shopping here. Good prices for clothes, whether ethnic Indian or otherwise.
Clothing
[edit]- 2 Ansal Plaza (in South Delhi). This mall is a favourite shopping haunt for the local middle/upper class. This is a great place to get bargains on international brand clothing and jeans (as these tend to be 30-50% cheaper than in the West depending on the brand and time of year). Also has many Indian and Western restaurants. International brands such as Guess, Marks & Spencer, United Colors of Benetton, Lacoste and Apple have retail outlets here.
- 3 South Extension (in South Delhi). Shopping mecca but it is not a single mall. It is spread out over a large area and many international brands have stores here. International brands include the likes of Mango, Nautica, United Colors of Benetton, Levis, etc.
- Anokhi. Women's clothing, childen's wear, men's wear, and some home goods. In Khan Market and Santushti Shopping Complex with discount store in Nizamuddin East Market (enter gate #9).
Computers
[edit]- 4 Nehru Place. Open M-Sa. An IT hardware market complex and a great place to find gadgets at very cheap rates. It is also a huge marketplace for both pirated and original software. Any computer-related accessory can be found here, but parking is a monumental problem. Beware of congestion and pickpockets.
Eat
[edit]Italian
[edit]- 1 Amici Cafe, 8, Defence Colony Main Market, New Delhi, ☏ +91 11 4557 2003. 11AM-11PM.
- 2 The Big Chill, 5, Khailash Colony, New Delhi, ☏ +91 11 2924 1040. noon-11:30PM. Khan Market and East of Kailash, is popular with a young crowd for great smoothies, ice creams, cheesecakes and Italian food. Expect a waiting line during lunch at Saturdays.
- 3 Diva, M-8A, M Block Market, Greater Kailash-2 New Delhi, ☏ +91 11 2921 5673. 11AM-11PM. Italian style food.
- Flavours of Italy, (near the Moolchand flyover).
- 4 Little Italy, 28 A, Defence Colony Market New Delhi.
- La Piazza, Hyatt Regency. Italian style restaurant.
- San Gimignano, Imperial Hotel, Italian style food.
- The West View, Maurya Sheraton. Italian style food.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under 1,000 rupees |
| Mid-range | 1,000 rupees to 3.000 rupees |
| Splurge | Over 3,000 rupees |
Greater Kailash
[edit]Greater Kailash is an affluent residential area in South Delhi. Most of the accommodation here is a bit of a hike to the metro, but the quality of the houses and calmness makes this area an attractive place to stay.
- Bed & Chaï Guesthouse, R-55, 2nd floor, Greater Kailash 1 (Near DT Cinema GK2; 2km from the Kalkaji Mandir and Nehru Place metro stations), ☏ +91 11 46 06 60 54, contact@bedandchai.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Run by two French women. A cozy and modern accommodation, safe for women. Clean and well decorated. Wifi and breakfast included. Fully-equipped kitchen. Dorm bed: ₹850; Single: ₹2,000-3,300; Double: ₹2,200-3,500.
- Elina Bed & Breakfast, A57, Block K Chittranjan Park Rd, Chittaranjan Park (Near DT Cinema GK2; 2km from the Kalkaji Mandir and Nehru Place metro stations), ☏ +91 9999470502, elinabnbdelhi@gmail.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. Safe for women, all modern facilities. WiFi & breakfast included. Single: ₹2,200; Double: ₹2,500.
- Moustache Hostel, S-25, Greater Kailash Part 1 (near M-block market, 1.5km from the Greater Kailash metro station), ☏ +91 11 40793437, delhi@moustachehostel.com. Check-out: noon. The most recommended hostel in Delhi. Dorms have air-con with showers and lockers (bring your own lock). There is a kitchen, washing machine, common room, water filter, wi-fi, PCs, books and guides. Dorm bed: ₹600.
Mid-range
[edit]- Amar Inn, K 102, Lajpat Nagar - II, ☏ +91 98 1841 0099, info@amarinn.com. Reasonable rooms, free internet, but bathrooms badly in need of a refurbishment. All rooms include air freshening dispenser. Single: ₹2,295; Double: ₹3,045-₹4,495.
- BnB New Delhi Bed and Breakfast, I - 9 Maharani Bagh, adjoining Friends Colony, ☏ +91 98 9909 9042, info@bnbnewdelhi.com. House with a cosy family atmosphere. Free wifi, tea & coffee making tray in room, DVD player with bollywood and hollywood movies, games, children movies. LCD satellite TV, refrigerator. All rooms have private bathroom and western toilet with shower. Breakfast is served in dining room. Library includes books on culture, city guide books and India guide books in lounge area. Single/Double: ₹2,950; Triple: ₹3,250.
- Beaufort Inn, 14 Jangpura Main Mathura Rd (near Nizammudin Railway Stn, in heart of South Delhi), ☏ +91 11 2437 7475, info@hotelbeaufortinn.com. Check-in: noon, check-out: noon. ₹2,500-₹4,000.
- Home@F37, F 37 East of Kailash, South Delhi (200 m from Kailash Colony metro station), ☏ +91 11 4669 0200, info.home@f37.in. Renovated rooms. Single: ₹2,700; Double: ₹3,000, breakfast included.
- jüSTa Greater Kailash, R-53 Greater Kailash I, ☏ +91 9590 777 000. Full service hotel. From ₹3,157, depending on the month.
- Lemontree Hotels, 201, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase III, ☏ +91 11 4165 0101.
- 1 Maulsari Bed & Breakfast, 142 Sunder Nagar, South Delhi (Near Humayun Tomb, India Gate), ☏ +91 9810808281, info@maulsari.com. Maulsari is a B'n'B in the posh colony of Sunder Nagar. Conveniently located near heritage monuments, Delhi High Court, Supreme Court and major markets. From ₹4,500.
- New Haven Hotel, E - 512, Greater Kailash Part-2, Main Rd, ☏ +91 99 1002 4700, newhavendel@hotmail.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Boutique hotel in South Delhi. New deluxe rooms, high speed wifi, nice surroundings. Close to Lotus temple, Opposite JMD shopping mall and Mainland China restaurant From ₹2,800.
- Star Grand Villa, E - 8, East of Kailash (6 km from Nizamuddin Railway Station and 14 km from the airport. The property is also within proximate distance to business, commercial, and entertainment hubs.), ☏ +91 11 45751111. All rooms with LCD TV with satellite channels, telephone, mini-bar, coffee/tea maker and Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. ₹5,500.