Arguably the city’s oldest monument, the 12th-century Qutub Minar towers over the neighbourhood of Mehrauli. It has been years since visitors have scaled its 379 stairs, but gazing up the tapering sandstone tower reveals intricately carved bells, flowers, and calligraphy. Other structures in the complex include the Alai Darwaza, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, the tomb of kings Iltutmish and Alauddin Khilji, and the rubble of Alai Minar, which Khilji had aimed to make twice as tall as the Qutun Minar. New attractions have renewed public interest, from evening laser shows to curated heritage walks. Parul Tanwar, co-founder of The Delhinama which hosts a ‘Qutub Beyond The Minar’ walk, calls the structure a representation of “Delhi’s diverse heritage”.
Timings: 6am-9pm (everyday)
Tickets: Rs35 for Indians; Rs550 for foreigners
To book a heritage walk with The Delhinama, call +919773930889 or check Instagram
Mehrauli Archaeological Park and Shopping Area
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Located next to Qutub Minar, the 200-acre Mehrauli Archaeological Park offers a glimpse of the neighbourhood’s rich history. The 16th-century Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb has been a longstanding attraction, and medieval ruins spring like surprises around the area. Recent renovations have also transformed structures such as the Rajon Ki Baoli, and the Quli Khan’s Tomb and Circular Monument which were part of Thomas Metcalfe’s 19th-century Dilkusha Complex.
Following a tour of the park, head towards the back of the neighbourhood lined with shopping hotspots like One Style Mile, 1AQ, Ambawatta One, and The Kila at Seven Style Mile. India’s top couturiers and design labels have set up flagships here, from Sabyasachi and Gaurav Gupta to Shanti Banaras and Sahil Kochhar. Bars and restaurants punctuate the stores, including Olive Bar & Kitchen, Rooh, Bo Tai, Qla, and Dramz Delhi, among others.
Timings: 5am-6:30pm (everyday)
Entry: Free into the park; Rs35 for the Quli Khan Tomb and Metcalfe Boathouse Cafe
Fine Dining Restaurants
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Delhi’s fine dining restaurants bring a world of flavurs to the table. The ITC Maurya in Chanakyapuri houses two long-standing icons: Dum Pukht, known for its biryani, and Bukhara which has introduced presidents and A-list celebrities to its Dal Bukhara. At the Taj Palace, in the same neighbourhood, the vintage train setting of Orient Express draws as much attention as its risotto and Duck Asparagus Soup. For a modern classic, turn to Indian Accent in The Lodhi (Lodhi Road) whose inventive Indian cuisine has won numerous accolades and number one ranking in the Condé Nast Traveller Top Restaurants Awards 2023. Among the city’s many Japanese restaurants, Megu at The Leela (Chanakyapuri) stands out for its lush decor and private dining rooms, and delicacies that incorporate ingredients imported from Tokyo. Meanwhile Indo-Japanese fusion restaurant Inja offers a new-age take with items such as an Aam-Papad Tuna and Gulkand Mochi. The city is also home to a number of casual fine dining spaces, of which Fig and Maple (GK-II), Tres (Lodhi Colony), and Plats (Malviya Nagar) offer wide-ranging menus served with imaginative use of ingredients and techniques.
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