If you are looking for a place that combines history, culture, and spirituality in Delhi, then Nizamuddin is the perfect destination for you. Nizamuddin is a historic and vibrant area in the heart of the city, where you can explore the tombs of famous poets, saints, and emperors, listen to the soulful music of qawwali singers, and witness the colorful rituals and festivals of the local community. Nizamuddin is not just a place, it is an experience that will stay with you forever.
In this article, we will guide you through the best time to visit Nizamuddin, how to reach Nizamuddin, places to visit in Nizamuddin, tours and activities in Nizamuddin, and hotels and restaurants in Nizamuddin. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a spiritual seeker, Nizamuddin has something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Nizamuddin
Nizamuddin is a year-round destination that offers different attractions and experiences in different seasons. However, some of the best times to visit Nizamuddin are:
Urs Festival:
The Urs Festival is the annual commemoration of the death anniversary of Hazrat Nizzamudin Auliya, the 14th-century Sufi saint whose shrine is the main attraction of Nizamuddin. The festival takes place in the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which usually falls between December and January. During this time, thousands of devotees from across India and abroad flock to the dargah to pay their respects and seek blessings from the saint. The festival also features musical performances by renowned qawwali singers who sing praises of the saint and God. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, joy, and harmony.
Qawwali Nights:
Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music that originated in India and Pakistan. It is characterized by rhythmic clapping, harmonium playing, and passionate singing. Qawwali nights are held every Thursday and Sunday evening at the Nizamuddin Dargah, where you can listen to some of the finest qawwali singers in the country. The music is mesmerizing and transcendent, and can move you to tears or ecstasy. Qawwali nights are free and open to all, regardless of religion or background.
Basant Panchami:
Basant Panchami is a spring festival that marks the arrival of the season of flowers and colors. It usually falls in late January or early February. In Nizamuddin, Basant Panchami is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by the followers of Amir Khusrow, the 13th-century poet and musician who was a disciple of Hazrat Nizzamudin Auliya. On this day, people wear yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers at the tombs of Amir Khusrow and Hazrat Nizzamudin Auliya. They also sing songs composed by Amir Khusrow in praise of spring and love.
Winter:
Winter is the best season to enjoy the weather and scenery of Nizamuddin East, which is a posh residential colony adjacent to the dargah complex. Nizamuddin East is known for its beautiful gardens, parks, and monuments that date back to the Mughal era. Some of the attractions in Nizamuddin East are Humayun’s Tomb, Mirza Ghalib’s Tomb, Chausath Khamba, Barakhamba, etc. Winter is also a good time to visit some of the nearby attractions such as India Gate, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, etc.
How to Reach Nizamuddin
Nizamuddin is well-connected by various modes of transport from different parts of Delhi. You can choose any of the following options to reach Nizamuddin:
Metro:
The nearest metro station to Nizamuddin is JLN Stadium on the Violet Line. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to reach Nizamuddin Dargah or Nizamuddin East. The fare is around Rs. 50-60 for an auto-rickshaw and Rs. 20-30 for a cycle-rickshaw.
Bus:
There are many buses that ply to and from Nizamuddin from various parts of Delhi. Some of the bus routes that pass through Nizamuddin are 323 (Anand Vihar ISBT - Mehrauli), 419 (Kendriya Terminal - Badarpur Border), 522 (Shivaji Stadium - Sarai Kale Khan), etc. You can get down at Nizamuddin Bus Stop or Nizamuddin Railway Station and walk to the dargah or Nizamuddin East.
Taxi:
You can also book a taxi or a cab from any online app or service to reach Nizamuddin. The fare will depend on the distance and traffic, but it is usually around Rs. 200-300 from central Delhi and Rs. 400-500 from the airport.
Auto-rickshaw:
Auto-rickshaws are easily available from any part of Delhi to reach Nizamuddin. They are convenient and affordable, but make sure to negotiate the fare before boarding. The fare is usually around Rs. 100-150 from central Delhi and Rs. 300-400 from the airport.
Also check out: Lost in ‘Nizamuddin’- The land unexplored!
Places to Visit in Nizamuddin
Nizamuddin is a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and religious attractions that will leave you spellbound. Here are some of the places to visit in Nizamuddin that you should not miss:
Nizamuddin Dargah:
The Nizamuddin Dargah is the shrine of Hazrat Nizzamudin Auliya, one of the most revered Sufi saints in India. The dargah was built in the 14th century and is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The dargah complex also houses the tombs of Amir Khusrow, the poet and musician who was a disciple of Hazrat Nizzamudin Auliya, Begum Jahan Ara, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan, and Mirza Ghalib, the legendary Urdu poet.
The dargah is a place of peace, harmony, and spirituality, where people from all faiths and walks of life come to pay their respects and seek blessings from the saint. The dargah is open from 5 am to 10:30 pm every day, and there is no entry fee. However, you have to cover your head with a scarf or a cap before entering the dargah premises.
Humayun’s Tomb:
Humayun’s Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 16th century by the wife of Emperor Humayun, Bega Begum. It is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and is considered to be the precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tomb is surrounded by a beautiful garden that has fountains, pools, and pavilions. The tomb also contains the graves of several other Mughal emperors and nobles, such as Akbar, Jahangir, Dara Shikoh, etc. Humayun’s Tomb is open from sunrise to sunset every day, and the entry fee is Rs. 40 for Indians and Rs. 600 for foreigners.
Delhi Zoo:
Delhi Zoo, also known as National Zoological Park, is one of the largest zoos in India that houses more than 1300 animals of over 130 species. The zoo was established in 1959 and covers an area of 176 acres. The zoo has various sections such as reptile house, nocturnal house, primate house, etc. where you can see animals such as lions, tigers, elephants, rhinos, bears, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, etc.
The zoo also has a lake where you can see migratory birds such as pelicans, storks, ducks, etc. The zoo is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm every day except Friday, and the entry fee is Rs. 40 for adults and Rs. 20 for children.
India Gate:
India Gate is a majestic monument that was built in 1931 as a memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. The gate is made of sandstone and has an arch that is 42 meters high. The gate also has an eternal flame that burns in honor of the fallen soldiers. India Gate is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi and is a symbol of pride and patriotism. India Gate is open 24 hours every day, and there is no entry fee.
Lotus Temple:
Lotus Temple is a stunning temple that was built in 1986 by the Bahá’í Faith community. The temple is shaped like a lot us flower that has 27 petals and nine pools. The temple is a place of worship for people of all religions and beliefs, and promotes the values of peace, unity, and harmony. The temple has a serene and tranquil atmosphere, where you can meditate, pray, or read the scriptures of various faiths. The temple is open from 9 am to 7 pm every day except Monday, and there is no entry fee.
You may also like to check out: Nizamuddin Dargah - A Walk of Peace And Tranquility
Tours and Activities in Nizamuddin
Nizamuddin offers a range of tours and activities that can enrich your travel experience and give you a deeper insight into the life and culture of Nizamuddin area. Here are some of the tours and activities that you can do in or around Nizamuddin:
Walking Tour:
A walking tour is one of the best ways to explore the hidden gems and stories of Nizamuddin area. You can join a guided walking tour that will take you to the dargah complex, the monuments in Nizamuddin East, the baoli (stepwell), the market, and the local cuisine. You can also interact with the locals and learn about their history, traditions, and beliefs. A walking tour usually lasts for 2-3 hours and costs around Rs. 500-1000 per person.
Cultural Tour:
A cultural tour is a great way to experience the music, art, and literature of Nizamuddin area. You can join a cultural tour that will take you to the qawwali nights at the dargah, the poetry sessions at Mirza Ghalib’s Tomb, the calligraphy workshops at Chausath Khamba, and the art galleries in Nizamuddin East. You can also learn about the legends and anecdotes of Amir Khusrow, Hazrat Nizzamudin Auliya, Mirza Ghalib, and other personalities associated with Nizamuddin area. A cultural tour usually lasts for 3-4 hours and costs around Rs. 1000-1500 per person.
Food Tour:
A food tour is a delicious way to taste the flavors and cuisines of Nizamuddin area. You can join a food tour that will take you to the street food stalls, restaurants, bakeries, and sweet shops in Nizamuddin area.
You can sample some of the famous dishes such as nihari (slow-cooked meat stew), biryani (rice with meat or vegetables), kebabs (grilled meat or vegetables), kulfi (frozen dessert), etc. You can also learn about the history and culture behind each dish and how they are prepared. A food tour usually lasts for 2-3 hours and costs around Rs. 500-1000 per person.
Hotels and Restaurants in Nizamuddin
Nizamuddin has a variety of hotels and restaurants that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the hotels and restaurants that are near Nizamuddin area:
The Lodhi:
The Lodhi is a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms, suites, and villas with modern amenities and elegant decor. The hotel also has a spa, a gym, a pool, a library, a salon, and a lounge. The hotel has three restaurants that serve Indian, European, and Asian cuisines. The hotel is located in Lodhi Road, which is about 2 km from Nizamuddin Dargah. The room tariff starts from Rs. 20,000 per night.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Fabhotel Exotica Greenpark:
FabHotel Exotica Green Park is set in Delhi, 8 km from New Delhi. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Rooms include a TV. Certain rooms include a seating area for your convenience.
Gurgaon is 17 km from FabHotel Exotica Green Park, while Noida is 19 km from the property. The nearest airport is Delhi International Airport, 10 km from the property. Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.0 for a two-person trip. The room tariff starts from Rs. 3000 per night.
To book a stay at this property click here.
Karim’s:
Karim’s is a legendary restaurant that was established in 1913 by the descendants of the royal chefs of Mughal emperors. The restaurant is famous for its Mughlai cuisine, especially its nihari, biryani, kebabs, korma, etc. The restaurant is located in Nizamuddin West Market, which is about 1 km from Nizamuddin Dargah. The average cost for two people is around Rs. 800.
Ghalib Kebab Corner:
Ghalib Kebab Corner is a popular street food joint that serves mouth-watering kebabs, rolls, tikkas, etc. The joint is named after Mirza Ghalib, the poet who is buried near the dargah. The joint is located in Nizamuddin Basti, which is about 500 meters from Nizamuddin Dargah. The average cost for two people is around Rs. 300.
Nizamuddin is a historical and cultural hub in Delhi that offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. From the dargah of Hazrat Nizzamudin Auliya to the tomb of Humayun, from the qawwali nights to the food tours, Nizamuddin has something for everyone. If you are planning to visit Delhi, make sure to include Nizamuddin in your itinerary. You will not regret it.
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