Delhi is known for its lively nightlife, bustling markets, delicious food scene, historic and chaotic vibe, and cultural diversity. One more thing that India’s capital boasts is the plethora of religious places, including Hindu, Jain, and Sikh temples, churches, and mosques. Rich in architectural charm and fascinating history, the sacred sites in Delhi offer an insightful look into the different cultures and customs of the city and the country. Thus, attracting thousands of visitors from far and wide every year. Just keep in mind to dress modestly. Check our rundown of the best religious places in Delhi, India.
1. Jama Masjid
Also known as Masjid e Jahan Numa, which translates to a mosque that commands a view of the world, Jama Masjid is a traditional Indo-Islami architectural wonder featuring three domes, two 40-meter (131-feet) red sandstone, and white marble built minarets. Dating back to 1656, it is one of the last edifices dating back to the Mughal era. Today, it serves as a reminder of the glorious and complex history of the city and the country. It is still functional, and on the day of Eid al-Fitr, at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, it is filled to the brim with devotees who come to offer special prayers. It can accommodate up to 25,000 worshippers.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
The early evening would probably be the best time to visit, as the streets come to life, filled with vendors and people enjoying their meals. Also, since the streets in this region are narrow, and the place is usually crowded, you'd like to dress as comfortably as possible to have the best experience without much hassle.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
When I got to know that the mosque allows visitors to go up one of the minarets for an additional charge, I had to visit Jama Masjid and check out the bird's-eye view for myself. Even though the air quality was bad and the day wasn't clear, the 360-degree view was something to behold. The tiny houses and the maze of narrow lanes of Old Delhi, along with the few taller buildings of New Delhi that were visible, made for a magnificent sight.
2. Shri Kalkaji Mandir
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Skmpsc on Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali (an embodiment of Goddess Shakti), the Kalkaji Mandir is one of the most historic and recognizable places of worship in the city. Built with marble, plaster, and brick masonry, the central chamber of the temple houses a stone image of the goddess. According to lore, the image belongs to Satya Yuga, when the goddess Kali had incarnated and destroyed all the demons. Although it is a popular place of worship year-round, it is packed especially during Navratri (a nine-day Hindu festival) with devotees who gather and sing hymns of praise to the Goddess. We recommend visiting at 6am or 7:30pm to attend the aarti (a prayerful ceremony of light).
Shri Kalkaji Mandir
Address: Metro Station, Near, Ma Anandmayee Marg, NSIC Estate, Block 9, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
Website: Kalkaji Mandir
Opening hours: 4am – 11:30am, 12pm - 3pm, 4pm - 11:30pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
3. Lotus Temple
If you’re looking for a quiet and gorgeous place to reflect, Lotus Temple is the place to go. Dedicated to Baha'í faith, the temple is open to all, no matter their religion. The most remarkable feature of the temple - besides its ethos that everyone is equal - is its unique architecture. Built out of white marble, it is in the shape of a floating lotus flower, hence the name. The structure is composed of 27 free-standing marble petals arranged in a circle. The temple is surrounded by manicured gardens and ponds, thus adding to the charm. Short prayer services are held three times a day, but there is no religious ritual or sermon performed here. Visitors are advised to remain silent and just soak in the peaceful atmosphere. The temple is especially pretty at night when its exterior is attractively lit up.
Lotus Temple
Address: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019
Website: Lotus Temple
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free entry
4. Akshardham Temple
While this religious and cultural sanctuary has only been around for a decade and a half, it attracts numerous Hindu devotees, as well as tourists from across the globe every year. The temple complex is huge, featuring exhibition halls, a thematic garden, a water show, and a cultural boat ride that takes you through 10,000 years of Indian history and culture. The centerpiece of the temple, however, is the 3.4-meter (11- feet) gold statue of 18th-century yogi Swaminarayan.
New Delhi Tour Guide
Farman Guia Turstico
Hello Travelers! People call me Farman. I am an experienced freelance tour guide. I work with several Free Tours company and we would love to show you around and give you the best tips and recommendations. If you travel to India you will discover a new aspect of this wonderful city. If it is your first visit i warn you of just one thing: you will fall in love with India and will end up comi... Read more
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New Delhi Tour Guide
Rajeev Sikarwar
Hello and Namaste! I am a full-time licensed tour guide living in Agra, India. I received my Regional Level Guide certificate in 2007 from the Ministry of Tourism now I have a Pan India license. Before I discovered the tourism industry, I worked in the law, medical and insurance fields. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology and Organic Chemistry. After achieving my Masters of... Read more
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5. Chhatarpur Temple
Belonging to Hindu Goddess Katyayani, the sixth form of Goddess Durga, Chhatarpur Temple is one of the largest temples in the city. It is completely built from marble and adorned with the latticed screen or perforated stonework - which is characteristic of the Vesara architectural style. Apart from the shrine of the presiding deity, there are also several small and large temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Rama within the temple complex. Religious discourses and songs are held regularly. During the Navratri celebration (nine-day festival), thousands of people throng the complex to seek blessings from the goddess. The area surrounding the temple is rich in biodiversity, which makes it all the more appealing.
Chhatarpur Temple
Address: Main Chhatarpur Rd, Block A1, Dr Ambedkar Colony, Chhatarpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110074
Website: Chhatarpur Temple
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
6. Sacred Heart Cathedral
Dating back to the 1900s, Sacred Heart Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the city. The exterior of the church is beautiful, with a red-and-white facade adorned with circular turrets that rise above its roof. The towering and arched roof and polished stone floors inside are even more breathtaking. But what really makes this church stand out is its main marble altar, with a beautiful fresco depicting the last supper and towards its left is the statue of the Virgin Mary. The church holds daily services and Sunday mass, along with various cultural and social programs.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Address: 1, Ashok Place, Sector 4, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: Sacred Heart Cathedral
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
7. Hanuman Temple
This is an ancient religious sanctuary that is believed to date back to the Mahabharata period. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It also has idols of other Hindu gods and goddesses including Ganesha, Santoshi Mata, Lakshmi Narayan, and Durga. Entry to the temple is through a set of marble steps from Baba Kharak Singh Marg, which leads to the entrance hall, adorned with paintings of Hanuman and the scenes of the epic Ramayana. One of the unique features of this temple is its spire that has a small crescent moon, an Islamic symbol, instead of Sun or Om, Hindu symbols more commonly seen in temples.
Hanuman Temple
Address: Baba Kharak Singh Rd, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: Hanuman Temple
Opening hours: Sun - Mon, Wed - Fri: 5am - 11pm, Tue: 4am -2am, Sat: 4am onwards (24 hours)
Price: Free entry
8. Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
Located near the historic Red Fort, Sri Digamber Jain Lal Mandir is the oldest and the most popular Jain pilgrim center in the city. Built out of red sandstone, the temple complex has several shrines of the Jain deities, but the main shrine is of Lord Mahavira, who was the 24th and the last spiritual teacher (Tirthankara) of the Jain religion. The temple also has a bookstore with materials on Jainism, plus a one-of-a-kind bird hospital.
Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat: 6am - 12pm, 5:30pm - 9pm; Fri & Sun: 6am - 1pm, 5:30pm - 9pm
Price: Free entry
9. Laxminarayan Temple
Laxminarayan Temple, otherwise known as Birla Mandir, is one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in the city. Constructed in Nagara-style architecture, it has three levels filled with shrines of many Hindu gods and goddesses. However, it primarily belongs to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Narayan, an incarnation of Vishnu and considered as preserver of the universe. The striking feature of the temple is the carvings that depict scenes from the Golden Age. There are also man-made waterfalls and a huge garden where you can spend some time in peace.
Laxminarayan Temple
Address: Mandir Marg, Near, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Opening hours: 4:30am - 1:30pm, 2:30pm - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
10. Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is a mausoleum dedicated to one of the most influential Sufi mystics in India, Nizamuddin Auliya. Not only Muslims, but people of all faiths come to this shrine to seek blessings and enjoy the qawwali performances (Sufi devotional songs) organized every night. The ambiance during the qawwali is unparalleled, and you can easily spend hours listening to the melodious Sufi songs. Inside the dargah complex, there are also tombs of Sufi poets as well as of Mughal princess, Jahanara Begum. It is worth noting that only men are allowed to enter the main shrine.
11. ISKCON Temple Delhi
If you’re interested in spirituality and Indian Vedic culture, ISKCON Temple is the perfect place to be. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple features multiple shrines, a Vedic museum, an art gallery, numerous bookstores, a light and sound show depicting the story of the historic epic Mahabharata, and an animated video about the sacred text of Bhagavad Gita. Spiritual workshops and prayers are held daily, and visitors can take part in it.
12. Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
Sri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara is primarily a site of worship for the Sikh community, but it is open to all - regardless of the social status, religion, nationality, or gender. Thousands of people of all faiths visit this sacred site to witness its grandeur and learn about the principles of Sikhism. The day here starts with “Hukamnama,” which is the recital of the first order of the day. As the day progresses, recitals and rituals are carried on, and ‘Karah Parshad (holy offering)’ is given to the devotees. The Gurudwara - besides its serenity and melodious hymns - is also known for its langar, which is a free meal served to pilgrims every day. There is also a holy tank in the middle of the complex, which is believed to have healing properties. It is advisable to cover your head with a scarf or bandana (available at the entry gate) and wash your feet before entering the complex, as this is considered as a sign of respect.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Check the langar timings if you're planning to visit. If you have a sweet tooth, do try out their "Kada Prasad" or "Karha Prasad," which is made from wheat flour, Ghee (Clarified butter), and sugar. The offering is simple yet rich and is provided to everyone who visits this sanctuary. It's the taste of that dessert that will feature in your core memory when you think about this place later on.
Explore the religious sites in India's capital city
As a city that prides itself in cultural and religious diversity, Delhi is home to numerous places of worship for all faiths. These religious places in Delhi, India, are worth a visit at least once in your lifetime.
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