Delhi, or better said, Dilwalon ki Dilli, is known for its rich culture, heritage and tourists attractions. Most of which you’ve already probably read about. So, to give you something new to read, we bring to you some unexplored places to visit in Delhi. 

You will hardly find a person who has been to the national capital but has not taken a tour of the tallest masonry tower, Qutub Minar or the Lotus Temple, an edifice built for religious worship, the Red Fort or the India Gate. Well, it is important to visit the famous places, but once you’ve seen them all, what’s next?

Nothing beats the calm and serene vibe that unexplored or less explored places radiate. Don’t you agree! Before you begin packing for a day’s tour around the city, we bet this article will add to your list of places to explore. So here it goes, the hidden gems in Delhi. 

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1. Nizamuddin Dargah

A hub of spirituality, Nizamuddin Dargah is mostly left unseen by most of the explorers. The centre of faith, devotion and cultural heritage is dedicated to the Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. As you approach the divine place, you are greeted with the magic of Mughal architecture with intricate Persian calligraphy.

Surrounded by the hustle-bustle of a market and near to Humayun’s Tomb, the Dargah is a centre of history, architecture, music and spirituality. One of the major highlights of the Sufi centre is Qawwali nights. Every Thursday, the Dargah dances to the melodious tunes of Qawwals. Infact, one of the families performing the Qawwalis has been singing for hundreds of years. 

Nearest Metro Station – Supreme Court, Indraprastha 

2. Yamuna Ghat  

Being called the lifeline of Delhi, the Yamuna river is famous for its serenity, peaceful ambience and the highlight – migratory seagulls. If you are a die-hard lover of photography, Yamuna ghat is a Hidden Gem in Delhi that you must visit. 

Although it was developed by the British, the Yamuna river is a centre for nature lovers. The feeling of being at the centre of the river and watch the birds flying around is meant to be experienced, it can’t be defined in words. 

Additionally, you can also visit a temple, named Nili Chhatri which is believed to be made by Yudhishthira and is located adjacent to the Nigambodh Ghat. 

Nearest Metro Station – Kashmere Gate 

3. Khari Baoli Road

Can you imagine a market full of spices of every texture, aroma and colour? Situated in Delhi 6, the Khari Baoli road is often overshadowed by the very famous markets of Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazaar. Well, the markets do come with a lot of vehicle horns, chaos, and dust but these are really the soul of Delhi, wouldn’t you agree? The traffic due to narrow lanes may drive you crazy but thankfully, there are stations on every corner, for a quick cup of hot masala chai. 

Being touted as Asia’s biggest spice market, Khari Baoli is really a treasure of spices. While you visit the area, you will feel history unfolding its pages literally in front of you. It houses quirky shop names like Chawal Wale 13 or 15 Number ki Dukaan. Also, a fun tip: Old Delhi looks ethreal from here! 

Also Read:- 8 Affordable Kulfi Faluda Places in Delhi

Nearest Metro Station – Chandni Chowk 

4. Mandi House

There may be chances that you have heard of this place a zillion times, but never thought of paying it a visit. Well, a hub of creators and artists, cultural buildings and enthusiastic array of myraid auditoriums, every nook and corner of Mandi house speaks art. 

Home to the alma mater of some of India’s finest actors, National School of Drama, Mandi House is named after the palace of the royal family of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. In colder months, the area is filled with frequent festivals, dramas, and cultural enthusiasts really jamming on tea stalls. If you really want to experience the soul of Delhi, head to Mandi House. 

Nearest Metro Station – Mandi House 

5. Feroz Shah Kotla Fort

Did you know that main reason of building this fort was to address the shortage of water in Tughlaqabad? Well, years of folklore and history has build a mystery around this fortified palace which tells a tale of time.

Constructed by Sultan Feroze Shah Tughlaq, the dilapidated walls and silent corners of the fort are believed to be a home to Djinns, magical beings that grant wishes. People believe that if you visit this fort for seven Thursdays straight, the Djinns would fulfil your wishes.

Well, we can’t really guarantee that it would actually happen, but apart from Djinns, the fort is a classic example of ancient and medieval history meeting each other. If you love to take heritage walks, this fort is a must visit. 

Nearest Metro Station – Delhi Gate 

6. Bijay Mandal

If you are specifically looking to enjoy scenic beauty and peace, Bijay Mandal should be your top pick. Known as the Thousand Pillared Castle, Bijay Mandal offers an unreal panoramic view of the Delhi city. 

Built by Allauddin Khilji during the Mughal dynasty, the fort has been constructed on a relatively high platform which at that time helped spot attackers. You can literally have a bird eye view of the city’s greatest monuments – Qutub Minar, and Lotus Temple among others. 

Step on to the octagonal pavillion to capture the magic of the entire national capital. 

Nearest Metro Station – Hauz Khas 

7. Ghazipur Phool Mandi 

Presenting you some beauty and fragrance. As the first flash of sunlight appears, you see a man carrying fresh bundles of bright red roses and vibrant yellow daisies, while walking through a crowded marketplace filled with similar loads. Just as you enter the market, you feel an aura of ready to bloom flowers.

The Ghazipur Phool Mandi is essentially not a tourist destination, but it captures the reality of Indians who have a habit of holding on to their traditions. The vibe of bargaining voices, sounds of cycles and the fragrance of flowers are somethings you can’t let go of. The rush of the Phool Mandi starts as early as 4am and ends by 8am, the market is empty and people are done with their business for the day in only four hours! 

The largest wholesale flower market of Asia, the Ghazipur Phool Mandi is home to exotic variety of flowers like motia, lotus, sunflowers, gerberas, irises, orchids, anthurims and lilies among others. 

The colours and aroma is a feast to the senses and a visual treat for photographers! 

Nearest Metro Station – Mandawali – West Vinod Nagar 

So, these were some of the places we bet you’ve not read about elsewhere. Oh, and if you come across a hidden gem in Delhi that we haven’t mentioned here, we’ll love to know about it too. Leave your comments and let us know what you think about our little guide to the unexplored places in the national capital.

Also Read:- Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Delhi 2024