10 free things to do in Delhi (New Delhi)

Recd this forward,I felt this was a perfect place to share this :)

It was quite a head scratching event compiling free places to visit in New Delhi. Some of the places have such nominal entry fees (Rs. 10 – way way less than a dollar) that they almost qualified as free but then there are indeed places in the Indian capital, where one can enjoy an entire day without spending a dime.

1. There might be no free lunches but no one can stop one from taking a stroll in Delhi’s famous paranthewali gali in a bylane of old Delhi’s famous ChandniChandni Chowk. Parantha is an Indian flat bread that is shallow fried in oil. Chandni Chowk in itself is a very busy street filled with hawkers. A stroll around the area means jostling with people but is also a visual treat with colorful saris and clothes hanging from every shop and the sweet smell of Indian sweetmeats in the air. And when you take a turn and enter the Paranthewali gali, you experience a gastronomic burst of delight. On both sides of the narrow street, people are busy frying parantha with various stuffing – from potato to banana! While they are not free to eat – just a stroll around the area can be an experience in itself.

2. ISKCON Temple – ISKCON or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness temple is for people seeking peace and quiet. One of the largest and most lavishly built temple in South Delhi, the temple is a hub of colorful activity. The temple transcends religion and can be a quiet refuge in an otherwise mad city. There is also a museum in temple premise with a great collection of religious works.

3. The Akshardham Temple in another place for quiet contemplation. You can spend an entire day exploring the enormous and gorgeous temple. The architecture of the temple is amazing and is carved from stone with fine details. There are also fantastic gardens and ponds around the temple – where one can spend time with children or just sit around marveling at the vastness of the place.

4. The lush India Gate lawns are great for family picnics and totally free if you pack a picnic hamper. The India Gate in itself is a landmark monument that was designed and constructed to commemorate the memory of 70,000 soldiers who died during the First World War.

5. The Nizamuddin Dargah is a mausoleum, built in memory of one of the world's most famous Sufi saints, Nizamuddin Auliya. It is situated in Nizamuddin West area of Delhi and is visited by thousands of people from all religious backgrounds. Apart from exploring the history attached with the place, you can also soak in some soul stirring music of the Sufi saints.

6. One of the most interesting Museums in Delhi – the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets is the only museum of its kind in India. A stroll around will acquaint you with the history and evolution of toilets. Compare numerous styles and designs of toilets used in different countries in different eras. It has an interesting collection of chamber pots, water closets, and toilet furniture. The special attraction of the museum includes a collection of scatological humor and facts from all over the world. It’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

7. The Lotus temple is located in South Delhi and is the only Bahai House of Worship in the whole continent of Asia. There are only six other in Panama, Kampala, Illinois, Frankfurt, Sydney and West Samoa – all the seven Bahai Houses of Worship world-famous for their architectural beauty and nine-sided design. The one is Delhi is built over a huge expanse of land and is surrounded by pools and gardens. Take a stroll, read up on literature about Bahai faith at the Information Center or watch films on the same. Drive down without a worry – parking is free.

8. The Lalit Kala Academy houses numerous galleries showcasing traditional and contemporary Indian art work. There are often several exhibitions going on at the same time – so you can take your pick or visit all.

9. Crafts Museum - The building is low lying and is supposed to represent a typical village street in India. Stroll around looking at traditional Indian art – rural as well as tribal. The walk will be across open and semi open passages covered with sloping, tiled roofs and lines with old carved wooden work; paintings; terracotta and cane and bamboo work. The museum also has a full-fledged shop selling a whole range of exquisite contemporary handicrafts as well as art books and decorative stationery. Not free but definitely worth a few hours of window shopping.

10. The Jahaz Mahal is a tank built by Iltutmish, a ruler of the Slave Dynasty. It is called Jahaz (ship) Mahal because it is located on the banks of the lake Hauz-i-Shamsi and appears as if is floating on the surface of the vast lake. google_protectAndRun("ads_core.google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad); The beautiful festival of Phulwalon Ki Sair, which started in Protected content , was celebrated here in this palace in which the flower-sellers from Mehrauli paid tribute to the Mughal Emperors. The festival has been revived and is held during the month of October.