5 Historical Places to Visit on Independence Day in Delhi

With India prepping up to celebrate her 73^rd Independence Day, the josh is at an all-time ‘High, Sir’! By the start of August, you will find the colours of the Indian National Flag dominating every corner of the capital. In fact, shopkeepers also clear out some space in their shops to sell flag pins, miniature national flags, wrist bands, and many such things to uplift the spirit of independence even more.

Now, it is a national holiday, which, for most of us, means lazing at home. But what about stepping out to travel on such days?! Trips on Independence Day have a charm of their own, and what better place to do it than Delhi.

The capital of India is known for its magnificent heritage and monuments that make you feel proud. Here are 5 places that you can go to for making the most of your trip on this day of freedom: -

Rai Pithora

This place is known to be the first city of Delhi. It was built by the mighty ruler, Prithviraj Chauhan, after defeating the Rajput of Tomara Dynasty in the 12^th Century. Though this city does not exist anymore, you can find a fortified complex of Qila Rai Pithora wherein you can visit the gateway of Lalkot, various bastions, Statue of Prithviraj Chauhan, Tomb of Azim Khan, and many such remains of the historical city.

Qutub Minar

Mehrauli is known for its archaeological area which encompasses India’s tallest monument – Qutub Minar. This 73-metre tall structure is one of the best places to visit on Independence Day in Delhi. Qutub Minar is not only known for its height but also the intricate designs and artwork done on it. Boy oh boy, it is brilliant! Apart from this, the Qutub complex also has other significant structures like the Iron pillar, unfinished minar, and tomb of Iltutmish, tomb of Imam Zamin, Alai –Darwaza, and a mosque.

Wait, there’s more. Mehrauli also has other monuments like Jahaz Mahal, Hauz-i-Shamsi, Zafar Mahal, and many such historical places.

Red Fort

This is at the heart of this matter.

Old Delhi is the hub of historic forts and monuments. And one of the iconic forts of India is situated here – the Red Fort. Constructed by Shah Jahan in the year 1639, this is an absolute must-visit place in Delhi. Since the Prime Minister addresses the people of India from Red Fort on Independence Day, the area around this place will be closed for a particular period of time. You can visit the fort either a day before or after the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort have concluded. Other places to visit in Old Delhi include Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan, and Salimgarh Fort, to name some.

India Gate

Your Independence Day weekend getaway will be incomplete if you don’t visit India Gate. India’s glory lies here with the names of the 70,000 undivided Indian Army soldiers who fought the First World War. With the Amar Jawan Jyoti burning with all its pride, India Gate looks spectacular in the evening when the entire structure is lit up with the arch of gate lit in the tricolour.

Recently, the premise of India Gate has seen an addition to its glory in the form of National War Memorial. This war memorial is built to honour the officers and soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who laid their lives fighting for India in the wars that took place post-Independence. It doesn’t matter if you are visiting on I-day or after, the enthusiasm and patriotic vibe around India Gate is always high.

Raisina Hills

Last but not least, one of the best places to visit on Independence Day visit is the Raisina Hills. Encompassing the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhawan, North Block, South Block, you will not have a better place than this to feel what patriotism contemplates.

Though the Rashtrapati Bhawan remains closed during the Independence Day week, you can still visit the area up to north and south block. You will get a glimpse of this beautiful structure from there but if you want to visit beyond that area, you can always visit later once the Independence Day celebrations are over. In fact, when you visit the India Gate, you can quite fairly see the dome of the Rashtrapati Bhawan with the Indian Flag waving high gloriously. In the evening, with the entire facade lit up, the premise of Rashtrapati Bhawan looks stunning when the colours of the national flag make their way through the lighting phenomena.

With Independence Day falling on Thursday this year, there won’t be a better time window to plan a weekend getaway along with the Independence Day. Explore each and every one of these places, and walk with pride and your head held high! Our Independence is a fact that needs to be appreciated, thanked for, and celebrated every year; Jai Hind!