Must-see in Delhi: a first-timer's guide

A brief history Delhi is a layering of at least seven historic cities, from 12th-century Mehrauli under the Delhi Sultanate to Shah Jahan's walled Shahjahanabad of 1648. The Mughals built its mosques, forts and tombs; the British moved the capital here in 1911 and Lutyens laid out New Delhi's avenues. Partition in 1947 reshaped its population overnight, and today the capital region holds more than 30 million people. 10 must-see attractions 1. Red Fort — Shah Jahan's red sandstone citadel, from whose ramparts independence is marked each year. 2. Jama Masjid — India's largest mosque, with a courtyard for 25,000 and a minaret climb. 3. Qutub Minar — a 73-metre 12th-century victory tower beside an iron pillar that will not rust. 4. Humayun's Tomb — the garden tomb that was the design blueprint for the Taj Mahal. 5. India Gate and Rajpath — the war memorial arch at the end of the ceremonial avenue. 6. Lotus Temple — a serene Bahai house of worship shaped like an opening flower. 7. Akshardham — a vast modern Hindu temple complex of carved stone, with evening water show. 8. Chandni Chowk — Old Delhi's chaotic bazaar; take a rickshaw and eat parathas. 9. Lodhi Gardens and Lodhi Art District — 15th-century tombs in a park, plus large street murals. 10. Raj Ghat and the Gandhi Smriti — the memorial where Gandhi was cremated and the house where he died. Tip: use the metro to skip traffic, and visit monuments early to avoid heat and crowds.