Things to see in Delhi

Constructed by the great Mughal builder Shah Jahan between 1639 and 1648, the mammoth Red Fort in Delhi represents the peak of the Mughal dynasty's power. Today the imposing sandstone walls and battlements continue to dominate Old Delhi's skyline, but the fort is a mere shadow of its former self. The fort's main gate, Lahori Gate, so named because it faces towards Lahore now in Pakistan, was a potent symbol in the fight for independence. It continues to serve as the backdrop to the prime minister's address to the nation on Independence Day (15 August).

The colossal Akshardham Temple is rather inconveniently located on the city fringes but is well worth the trip - set aside at least a couple of hours. The stunning pink sandstone and marble Hindu temple, completed in 2005, incorporates an attractive mix of traditional Indian design styles including Mughal, Orissan, Rajasthani and Gujarati. The soaring domes, beautifully carved pillars and 20,000-plus carved deities are the temple's star attractions. Cameras and mobile phones are not permitted inside.

Beautiful Humayun's Tomb is a stunning example of Mughal architecture. Built in the mid-16th century, the tomb reflects the traditional Persian style. And though you’ll see Taj Mahal-esque forms and shapes, the use of red sandstone sets this tomb apart. The tomb is set in 12 hectares (30 acres) of gardens designed along Persian lines; shaded and geometric, criss-crossed with waterways and paths. There are other smaller tombs too, including that of the emperor's favourite barber.

Better known as the Lotus Temple, the stunning Baha'i House of Worship was designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariburz Sahba in 1986 as a tribute to the lotus flower (a divine flower in many Eastern religions). Giant white petals of marble open out from nine pools and walkways in the shape of an unfolding lotus, symbolising the nine spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith. Inside, the central hall rises to a height of over 30m (98ft). Photography is not permitted inside the temple and visitors are also requested to refrain from talking. Lines may be long, and while the inside is stunning, it may be better to drive by and snap a photo, using your time to see other sites rather than waiting to enter.

It takes a good few hours to even skim the surface of Indian culture at Delhi’s National Museum. Highlights include excavations from Indus Valley civilisation sites, carved pillars and statues from various Indian empires, Central Asian antiquities and Tibetan manuscripts. But there's much, much more. One gallery houses over 300 musical instruments while another displays Mughal clothing, tapestries, ornaments and weapons. The admission ticket includes an informative audio-guide in English, Japanese, Hindi, German or French (you will need ID to obtain an audio-guide).

The crumbling remains of the Purana Qila are known as the sixth city of Delhi and represent a brief interruption in Delhi's Mughal history when the Afghan ruler Sher Shah defeated Emperor Humayun. Of the buildings still standing within this oldest known structure in Delhi, the Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid (Mosque of Sher Shah), is quite stunning. The Sher Mandal is an octagonal observatory and library. The north gate, Talaqi-Darwaza, has been partially rebuilt and gives a good impression of how formidable the fortifications would have been in their heyday.