Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Red Fort, Qutub Minar top tourist draws in Delhi, survey shows

Delhi is known as the ‘City of Seven Cities’ due to its rich history and the layering of various empires and settlements.

Red Fort, Qutub Minar top tourist draws in Delhi, survey shows

The Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb were the most popular historical sites among domestic tourists visiting India, according to a recent Delhi Economic Survey.

These three historical landmarks in Delhi attracted the highest number of domestic visitors (Indians) as of February 2023. Red Fort received the most visitors (22.01 lakh), followed by Qutub Minar (15.24 lakh) and Humayun's Tomb (10.81 lakh).


Delhi ranked fourth among Indian states and territories in attracting foreign tourists with 8.20 lakh visitors in 2022. The top entry points for foreign tourists arriving in Delhi were Delhi Airport, followed by Mumbai Airport, Haridaspur border crossing, and Chennai Airport.

The survey also highlights the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on tourism. While domestic tourist arrivals had been steadily increasing from 2012 to 2019, they witnessed a significant drop in 2021. The domestic visitor numbers reaching 3.65 crore in 2019, up from 1.85 crore in 2012.

The latest Delhi Economic Survey reveals a thriving tourism sector in the city.

qutub-minar-delhi-tourist-attraction The Qutb, Lal Kot was founded by the Tomar Rajputs and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Representative image: iStock)

Delhi's iconic monuments, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb, were the most visited destinations, attracting millions of visitors until February 2023.

The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a historic fort in the Old Delhi neighbourhood of Delhi, India. It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort in 1639.

The fort's design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. The fort is considered the peak of Mughal architecture under Shah Jahan and combines Persian palace architecture with Indian traditions.

Whereas, the Qutb Minar also spelled Qutub Minar and Qutab Minar, is a minaret and victory tower that is part of the Qutb complex. It is made of red sandstone and marble, and its surface is decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy.

This data showcases Delhi's significance as a global city and a gateway to India, offering international visitors easy access and excellent infrastructure.

As the city recovers from the pandemic, the survey's findings offer a positive outlook for the future of tourism. Delhi's unique blend of history, culture, and modernity positions it to reclaim its status as a premier global and domestic tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world.

As Delhi emerges from the pandemic, the survey's findings offer hope for a strong tourism revival. The city's rich  history, culture, and modern life positions it to regain its status as a premier tourist destination, attracting visitors worldwide to its captivating monuments and vibrant streets.

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less