7 lesser-known monuments in Delhi you need to visit

Delhi's historic surroundings not only fundamentally alter how we feel about where we are, but also connect us to our ancestors and support our sense of cultural identity. While living in the capital, one may have visited the Lal Qila, Jama Masjid and the Qutub complex, yet many other monuments remain shrouded in obscurity.

If you want to learn more about Delhi's unexplored places, here is a list that you can read and plan your journey accordingly.

Wazirpur Monument Complex

They are a collection of five graves that are placed extremely close together. They are probably Lodhi or Sayyid Era tombs from the late 15th or early 16th century based on their architecture. This location has a distinctive atmosphere that will awaken the historian inside you.

Location: Wazirpur Monument Complex - Sector 5, R.K Puram

Hastsal Minar

Lost among the many settlements in the area, the Hastal Minar is regarded as a mini Qutub Minar. The three-storeyed tower is 16.87 meters tall and stands on a raised octagonal platform. If we believe in the oral historic accounts, Hastsal used to be submerged underwater and it was the place where the elephants used to come to bathe. In fact, the word Hastsal translates to the resting place of elephants. That area was a hunting ground for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who was commissioned to build a mini Qutub Minar.

Location: Hastsal Minar - Hastsal Village, Near Nangloi Jat

Qila Rai Pithora

This is one of the last surviving monuments of Prithviraj Chauhan. Archaeologists claim that it was constructed in the 12th century. The monument previously had up to 13 gates serving as entry points into the city, and some of these walls are enormous, measuring 5 to 6 meters wide. Unprotected areas have already been completely encroached upon or perhaps lie underground in some residential areas where excavation is impossible.

Location: Qila Rai Pithora - West End Marg, Off Mehrauli Badarpur Road, Malviya Nagar

Bade And Chote Khan's Tomb

These two identical tombs are stunning and strikingly large. It is believed that they were related in some way, with Bade Khan being an elder, such as a father or a teacher. They are a significant part of the Kotla Mubarakpur complex, which also has several other less well-known tombs, most of which date from the pre-Mughal period and belong to different monarchs and noblemen of the Lodi and Sayyid dynasties. Strengthen your sense of cultural identification by spending the day here. The nearest station is AIIMs.

Location: Bade And Chote Khan’s Tomb - South Ex Part I

Azim Khan Tomb

Azim Khan's identity is unknown, however, the majority of historians believe he served as a general in Akbar's army during the Mughal dynasty. The dome, which rests on an octagonal foundation and is capped with an inverted-lotus finial, is magnificent. Amazing patterns are seen decorating the ornamental arches on the tomb's walls, particularly the one that looks over the steepest cliff face.

Location: Azim Khan Tomb - Sri Aurobindo Marg, Butterfly Park, Qila Rai Pithora, Sainik Farm

Bijay Mandal

It was essentially erected as a fort in the 14th century by Allauddin Khilji. The fort was finished by Muhammad bin Tughlaq. The entire building was constructed on a raised platform that was then topped by an even higher platform. Although Bijay Mandal is a work of excellent craftsmanship, it is currently all but destroyed. An octagonal pavilion with a breathtaking view of the city is accessible via a ramp on the side.

Location: Bijay Mandal - E-12, Block 4, Sarvapriya Vihar

Sadhna Enclave Tomb And Baradari

These are less explored monuments near Panchsheel park and Malviya Nagar. The square-shaped Sadhna Enclave Tomb has the typical domed structure and arched openings on three of its sides. It has a solid base, and the gateways allow for visibility of the burial inside the dome. In an arched hall, seven separate bays are lined up north to south; separate bays are lined up from north to south in an arched hall.

Location: Sadhna Enclave Tomb And Baradari - Sadhna Enclave, Panchsheel Park