Recently updated on July 31st, 2023 at 01:57 pm
Delhi is an incredible city, filled with ancient architecture, beautiful parks and historic neighbourhoods. While you’ll want to tick off the famous attractions like the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and the Bahai (Lotus) Temple, it’s also worth getting away from the crowds and uncovering the city’s best-kept secrets. From a Tibetan village to an incredible 90-acre nursery, here are some of the stunning hidden gems of Delhi you can’t miss.
Agrasen Ki Baoli
This is one of the most incredible stepwells in Delhi. Dating back to the 14th century, it was originally built to preserve water and offer a resting place for travellers. Today it sits among the towering buildings and bustling streets of Connaught Place and is one of the most peaceful hidden gems of Delhi.
When you visit the stepwell with Trafalgar, you can spend a few quiet moments soaking up the intriguing architecture. Be sure to explore the ornate arches and ancient stone steps that have inspired countless artists, poets and photographers.
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Sunder Nursery
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Sunder Nursery may be a hidden gem of Delhi, but we’ll take you here with a Local Specialist to discover the fascinating Biodiversity Zone and stunning gardens like the Paradise Garden, Sunken Garden and Water Garden.
Head out across the 90-acre complex to explore a trove of natural wonders including 300 plant species and 80 resident bird species flitting around marble fountains. The nursery is also home to several Mughal-era UNESCO World Heritage monuments dating back to the 16th century. It’s the perfect scenic respite from bustling Delhi.
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Mehrauli Archaeological Park
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Often overlooked in favour of the adjacent Qutub Minar World Heritage Complex, Mehrauli is a fantastic hidden gem of Delhi and well worth a visit. Dating back to the 12 century, Mehrauli stretches over 200 acres with over 100 historic monuments and important relics.
Some of the top sites are the Lal Kot ruins, the oldest extant fort in Delhi, built by Tomar Rajputs in 1060 CE. There’s also the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb. The structure is an excellent example of Mughal mosque architecture, with beautiful red sandstone, a single high dome, intricate arches and walls inscribed with religious verses. It’s located right next to the popular Qutub Minar, so you can’t miss it!
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Majnu-ka-tilla
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Get a glimpse of Tibet at Majnu-ka-Tila, a Tibetan colony. Also known as ‘Little Tibet’, it was established in 1959 as a refugee camp for Tibetans. Today it’s one of the most wonderful neighbourhoods to visit in Delhi.
You’ll find local markets with Tibetan trinkets and handicrafts, plus authentic Tibetan delicacies in the many cafes and restaurants. Wander the narrow lanes brimming with Tibetan culture and Buddhist temples, and be sure to indulge in a few streetside momos. Delicious!
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Dilli Haat INA
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If you want to go shopping in India, it’s got to be Delhi. And when in Delhi, you can’t miss Dilli Haat INA, an open-air food plaza and craft bazaar stacked high with traditional foods and handicrafts.
You can find everything from carvings and fabrics to jewellery, beading, brassware and metal crafts from every state in India. You might even catch some cultural performances as you wander the vibrant stalls on a Trafalgar trip to Delhi.
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Jahaz Mahal Fort
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Jahaz Mahal means ‘Ship Palace’ and the structure got its name due to an illusion it created. Surrounded by a reservoir, the reflection of the palace looks like a ship floating on the lake.
It’s thought to have been built during the Lodi dynasty period between 1452 and 1526. It was most likely used as an inn for travelling pilgrims, or a summer retreat for emperors. Today, it’s a gorgeous Delhi gem, located in the northeast of the city.
Hauz Khas village
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Located in south Delhi, Hauz Khas Village was built on the ruins of the former medieval city Siri. Today, it’s the perfect blend of medieval remnants and modern culture.
You’ll find some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, galleries and boutiques, surrounded by old-world charm. You can see the Hauz-i-Shamsi , a 13th-century water storage reservoir, then enjoy lunch at a sophisticated cafe.
While it may be a hidden gem for visitors, it attracts a lively local crowd every weekend and it’s one of the most fun places in Delhi!
Bara Gumbad
The Lodi Garden is one of the most popular Delhi attractions, however visitors often miss the hidden gem: the Bara Gumbad or the ‘Big Dome’. Built during the 15th-century reign of Sikander Lodi, this architectural wonder is the entryway to the three-domed mosque.
It’s located in the centre of Lodi Garden along with its twin tomb, Sheesh Gumbad. Other popular monuments include the Mohammed Shah’s tomb and the walled complex of Sikander Lodi’s tomb. You can also look out for Athpula, an eight-piered bridge stretching across a tranquil lake, built during Emperor Akbar’s reign.
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Satpula Bridge
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The Satpula Bridge is an incredible hidden gem of Delhi, but visitors often pass the bridge without even noticing! Built in 1343 AD by Sultan Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, this medieval bridge has seven arches aligned with water tunnels in the Yamuna River fed stream.
Standing two storeys high, the bridge was not only a water harvesting dam but also a wall of defence. Today, it’s a peaceful place to enjoy the greenery and relax in the nearby trendy neighbourhood of Saket.
What are your favourite Delhi attractions? Do you know any fun places or unusual things to do in Delhi? Let us know in the comments below!