Purana Qila
Just south-east of India Gate and north of Humayun's Tomb and the Nizammudin railway station is the old fort, Purana Qila. This is the supposed site of Indraprastha, the original city of Delhi. The Afghan ruler, Sher Shah, who briefly interrupted the Mughal Empire by deafeating Humayun, completed the fort during his reign from 1538-45, before Humayun regained control of India. The fort has massive walls and three large gateways. Entering from south gate you'll see the small octagonal red sandstone tower, the Sher Mandal, later used by Humayun as a library. It was while descending the stairs of this tower one day in 1556 that he slipped, fell and received injuries from which he later died. Just beyond it is the Qila-I-Kuhran Mosque, or Mosque of Sher Shah, which, unlike the fort itself is in a fairly reasonable condition. There's a small archaeological museum just inside the main gate, and there are good views of New Delhi from a top of the gate.

Zoo
The Delhi Zoo, on the south side of the Purana Qila, is not terribly good. The cages are poorly labelled and in winter many of the animals are kept inside. There are a number of white tigers though. The zoo is open daily except Friday, in summer from 8am to 6pm and in winters from 9am to 5pm.

Humayun's Tomb
Built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, senior wife of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, this is an early example of Mughal architecture. The elements in its design- a squat building, lighted by high arched entrances, topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens-were to be refined over the years to the magnificence of the Taj Mahal in Agra. This earlier tomb is thus of great interest for its relation to the later Taj. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red-and-white sandstone, black-and-yellow marble tomb. Other tombs in the garden include that of Humayun's barber and the Tomb of Isa Khan, a good example of Lodi architecture.

Nizamuddin
Across the road from Humayun's Tomb is the shrine of the Muslim Sufi saint, Nizammudin Chishti, who died in 1325 aged 92. His shrine, with its large tank, is one of several interesting tombs here. Other tombs include the later grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan, who stayed with her father during his imprisonment by Aurangzeb in Agra's Red Fort, Amir Khusru, a renowed Urdu poet, also has his tomb here as does Atgah Khan, a favourite of Humayun and his son Akbar. Atgah Khan was murdered by Adham Khan in Agra. In turn Akbar had Adham Khan terminated and his grave is near the Qutab Minar.

It's worth visiting the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as it is a popular time for worship, and qawwali singers a start performing after the evening prayers.

Lodi Gardens
About 3 km to the west of Humayun's tomb and adjoning the India International Centre are the Lodi Gardens. In these well kept gardens are the tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers. Mohammed Shah's Tomb (1450). Other tombs include those of his predecessor Mubarak Shah (1433), Ibrahim Lodi (1526) and Sikander Lodi (1517). The Bara Gumbad Mosque is a fine example of its type.

Safdarjang Tomb
Beside the small Safdarjang airport, is the Safdarjung Tomb. It was built in 1753-54 by the Nawab of Avadh for his father, Safdarjang, and is one of the last examples of Mughal architecture before the final remnants of the great empire collapsed. The tomb stands on a high terrace in an extensive garden.

Hauz Khas
Situated midway between Safdarjang and the Qatar Miner, this area was once the reservoir for the second city of Delhi, Siri, which lies slightly to the east. Interesting sights here include Feroz Shah's Tomb (1398) and the remains of an ancient college. It was around this area that Timur defeated the forces of Mohammed Shah Tughlaq in 1398.

Also part of the old city of Siri is the Moth Ki Masjid, which lies some distance to the east of Hauz Khas. It is said to be the finest in the Lodi style.

Bahai Temple
Lying to the east of Siri is this building shaped like a lotus flower. Built between 1980 and 1986, it is set amongst pools and gardens, and adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. It looks particularly spectacular at dusk when it is floodlit. The temple is open to visitors from Apr. to Sept, daily except Monday from 9am to 7pm, and Oct to Mar. from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Sound & Light Show:
Each evening an interesting sound & light show re-creates events of India's history, particularly those connected with the Red Fort. There are shows in English and Hindi.. It's well worth making the effort to see this show.

Qutub Minar
Built in 1199 by Qutub-ud-Din, Qutub Minar is one of the most visited tourist spot of Delhi. It believes Qutub Minar was built as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. It is 72.5 metres high and one has to climb 379 steps to get to the top. Qutub Minar is the highest stone tower as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised in India. This Minar also served as a minaret to the adjoining mosque and was used by the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer.