Delhi's Hidden Heritage: 9 Amazing Monuments You've Not Heard Of But Are Worth All The Attention

With magnificent architecture, decade-old monuments, high-end buildings, old libraries and beautiful temples, Delhi has a rich architectural history and grandeur that people across the globe come to visit. However, there are still a few hidden gems nestled in Saddi Dilli that not many people are aware of including the locals. And that is exactly why today we’ve got you a handpicked list of extremely gorgeous but not-so-popular gems of Delhi's heritage that will blow your mind. Read on! 

1. Jahaz Mahal

Picture Credits: Ameeruddin Javid Bashha

Jhaz Mahal, which translates to ‘ship palace’, is derived from the reflection of the palace on the reservoir, which lends it the appearance of a ship. Built in the Lodi era, the exact nature and purpose of the monument are unclear. While some say it was a Sarai (inn) meant for travellers, others believe it to have been a pleasure retreat of the Mughals.

Where | Jahaz Mahal - In Mehrauli

2. Adham Khan's Tomb

Picture Credits: MUKESH SAROHA

Amongst the lesser-known historical monuments of Delhi lies a stupendous structure commonly known as Bhool Bhulaiya (a labyrinth) because of the structure of its corridors where one may lose their way. Built in the Lodhi-style architecture, the tomb is octagonal with small minarets on each of its eight sides and is a great work of marvel!

Where | Adham Khan’s Tomb - Near Qutub Minar, Mehrauli

3. Khooni Darwaza

Picture Credits: Rippy Bedi

Sometimes also referred to as the Lal Darwaza, it was constructed in Sher Shah Suri’s time and is one of the 13 surviving gates in Delhi. The structure is a typical example of the Mughal architecture of that era, with trademark arches and window sills. It now lies desolate and traumatized by all that has happened over the centuries, rendering its name bloody forever.

Where | Khooni Darwaza - Bahadur Shah Zafar Road

4. Chor Minar

Picture Credits: imagewrighter

Chor Minar aka the Tower of Thieves, is located right opposite Aurobindo Market. It was built back in the 13th century under the rule of the emperor Alauddin Khalji (movie buffs and Ranveer Singh fans will recognise that name). This monument was actually known as the Tower of Beheading and was built to imprison and punish people.  It has 225 holes pierced within that proudly display the heads of executed prisoners. Pretty scary, right? 

Where | Chor Minar -  Karera, 2, Chor Minar Rd, Kaushalya Park, Kausalya Park, Block L, Padmini Enclave, Hauz Khas

5. Khirki Masjid

Picture Credits: not.another.northeastern

Khirki Mosque, was a mosque built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, the Prime Minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq (1351-1388) of the Tughlaq Dynasty. The word 'Khirki' prefixed to the mosque is an Urdu word that means ‘window’ and hence the name means ‘The Mosque of Windows.’ It is currently not a worship place but you can still head over if you want a relaxing and quiet time. Not to mention, the view from the rooftop, which is extremely picturesque. 

Where | Khirki Masjid - A 107, near Khirki Masjid, Malviya Nagar

6. Azim Khan Tomb

Picture Credits: Shahid Abrar

Majestically situated atop a rock, Azim Khan’s Tomb dominates the entrance to the Mehrauli bypass. This square-domed tomb stands on a dressed stone plinth on a rocky mound. Historians date back his architecture back to the 17th century and believe it was probably built during Aurangzeb’s reign. The structure is protected with a coating of plaster, decorated with incised work and consists of features like finials on the domes and kangura patterns at the parapet level. Sounds pretty aesthetic and Insta-worthy right? Well, it absolutely is!  

Where | Azim Khan Tomb -  Anuvrat Marg, Delhi-Gurgaon Road

7. Qudsia Bagh

Picture Credits: blisss.eleven

Hidden in the narrow lanes of  Sham Nath Road, Qudsia Bagh lies very close to the Kashmiri Gate. It's a beautiful 20-acre garden that was built back in 1748 and was named after Qudsia Begum, the mother of Mughal emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur. This one has a dilapidated and tired mosque in the middle along with three arches for the entrance that seem to be enveloped in a silence of its own -  quite eerie and unsettling!

Where | Qudisa Bagh - Prema Kunj, Railway Colony, Civil Lines

8. Rajon Ki Baoli 

Picture Credits: anishclicks

The Rajon Ki Baoli is a stepwell that has its own niche among these monuments, as a relic of the last pre-Mughal dynasty, the Lodhis. It is believed to have been built by Daulat Khan during the time of Sikander Lodhi and is said to have been used for some time by Raj Mistri (masons). Pluralised, that is how the structure got its name. Since most of the structure is subterranean, only the topmost storey is visible above ground. Pretty cool right?

Where | Rajon Ki Baoli - Mehrauli Archeological Park Trail, Mehrauli Village, Mehrauli

9. Kalan Masjid

Picture Credits: indiastretched

Kalan Masjid is popularly known as the 'Black Mosque’ because the lime plaster that covered it becomes black with age. It is a striking mosque that was built in 1387 as a series of seven mosque typologies built by the Tughlaq Prime Minister Khan-e-Jahan Junah Shah. It is the only one out of all 7 that is still in active use and has a gorgeous visage that is admired by all who pass by! 

Where | Kalan Masjid - Chandani Chowk 

So, which of these will you check out first?