Tripping around New Delhi’s lesser-known places can be really enriching for your child, here’s why

A bustling city like New Delhi is an apt destination for a variety of activities that children and parents can engage in together.

Steeped in history, New Delhi is an amalgamation of cultures from different ruling dynasties that made their capital in this ancient city. Apart from the popular destinations in New Delhi there are many lesser known places that are equally beautiful and worth a visit.

Here are some not-so-known spots in and around New Delhi that you must explore with your child…

• Mehrauli Archeological Park

Take your child down the history lane and get transported back in time when you arrive at Mehrauli Archaeological Park. The site offers massive historical, architectural and archaeological information that will be a true eye opener for a modern day child.

Spread over an expanse of two hundred acres in Mehrauli, it houses over hundred monuments of great historical significance. The architectural relics that can be studied belong to the different dynasties ruling here such as Tomar Rajputs, Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Lodis, Mughals and finally the British.

The place is next to the famous Qutub Minar and offers valuable historical, architectural and archaeological insights that can be a treat for your history-loving child.  

Understanding the history of each of these dynasties and their cultural differences that are reflected through the architectural relics at Mehrauli, can give your child a deep insight into some of the major Muslim regimes that ruled in India.

The differences and similarities as well as evolution in the architecture of these monuments built under the reign of various dynasties can be an interesting learning experience for  your child. Be it the step-wells like Gandhak ki Baoli and Rajon ki Baoli or the tombs of Balban, Jamali Kamali and Khan Shahid or even the guest house of British Agent, Sir Thomas Metcalfe, your child will get to see a variety of monuments in this region.

• Kumhar Colony at Uttam Nagar

Potter families have settled in this location in Delhi many years ago and they practice their traditional business (or art) even today. Of these, twelve potters have received national awards for their expertise in this skill. Right from the art of pottery to getting an insight into the lives of these potters, there's a lot that your child will learn from here. 

There are many available guided tours around the ‘Potter’s Village that can give your child a glimpse into this beautiful art as they try their hands at making a pot or carving or painting on the already made pottery. Experts guiding these tours also narrate interesting stories about the lives of the potters who inhabit here. 

With the prolific use of technology among our young, gadget-savvy generation, it is heartening to see how these potters still preserve their traditional methods of pottery-making. Watching these potters work at their wheels, children can learn a lot about how beautiful earthenware is created with the help of a wheel. 

• Ugrasen ki Baoli

A beautiful step-well named Ugrasen ki Baoli or better known as Ugrasen’s step-well, made of over 108 steps, is fast becoming a popular tourist attraction these days as parts of a popular Hindi movie were shot in this location, highlighting its grandeur. However, it is yet to receive the adulation that it deserves.

Step-wells are a common element of ancient Indian art and architecture and Delhi boasts over ten of these. Some can also be found in and around Mehrauli. These beautiful structures also served as a resting place for travellor in the ancient times. The  monument has steps leading down to the source of water with ample space around.

Ugrasen ki Baoli displays an architectural style called ‘rubble masonry’ wherein uneven stone units are put together. Let your child explore all three levels of the stair-well and gain a deeper appreciation for Indian art and architecture. 

• Sanjay Van

Spread over an area of 783 acres, Sanjay Van brings you close to nature as the cement jungle gets transformed into a beautiful, green forest. You can spend a nice time here bonding with your children as you trek around spotting birds and animals. 

Introduce your child to the rare species of nature’s wildlife as you spot the golden oriole, Asian paradise flycatcher or even Eurasian sparrow hawk. 

Experts say that apart from these rare birds, more commonly found herons and peacocks are also found here. It is a natural habitat for animals such as the Nilgai or blue bulls, golden jackals, large variety of butterflies and snakes. A variety of migratory birds such as the pied crested cuckoo that flies all the way from South Africa also breed at Sanjay Van.

A visit to the Sanjay Van can be highly refreshing and rejuvenating for your child while it will also subtly inform him or her about the local flora and fauna.

• A heritage-walk at the Lodi Gardens is a must…

The Lodi Garden was earlier known as Lady Willingdon Park. Tombs, mosques and bridges built during the Sayyid and Lodi era can be found here. Many guided tours and heritage walks are available to explore the history, art and architecture of these buildings that will enrich your child’s knowledge on the subject. These can even be customised to suit your requirement.

The heritage walk can also be followed while relishing the local delicacies at stalls that can be spotted around this area. Getting in touch with the local people during such heritage walks will allow you and your child to understand the culture more deeply.

If lucky, you could also get to hear some local anecdotes, details, and stories about the history of Delhi, its monuments, the local culture and so on, , that would help your child connect with the people in a better way. 

In case you prefer a quick trip that focuses only on popular tourist spots in and around New Delhi, here are the major ones that cannot be skipped…

Delhi has played an integral part in Indian history and hence a visit to any of these major sites in and around New Delhi will give your child an insight into this subject.

• India Gate

The India Gate is in the centre of New Delhi and commemorates the seventy thousand Indian soldiers who died while fighting for the British during the First World War.

• Red Fort

This building that glows in the setting sun was built in 1639 by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan (of Taj Mahal fame), and is named for its huge walls of red sandstone.

• Jantar Mantar

Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur built this observatory in 1724. The others were built at Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura.

• Jama Masjid

The largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid has the capacity to hold 25,000 devotees at once. It is the last architectural work commissioned by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan.

Some other important places of tourist interest in New Delhi include:

• Lotus Temple dedicated to the B’ahai Faith
• The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib dedicated to the Sikh faith

These places display how people of different faiths, religions and cultures have co-existed in India over centuries, which can be a great learning for your child.

Here are a few important tips when traveling with children…

• Best season to visit Delhi is between October and March.
• Carry basic warm clothes as Delhi gets quite cold in this season.
• You can find all essentials in New Delhi as it is a metro city. However, if you or your children are on any specific medicines, it is advisable to carry them.

Exploring these lesser known places in and around Delhi can definitely prove to be a very special experience for you and your child. So next time you are visiting this city steeped in culture, make it a point to visit these marvellous destinations and enrich your child’s learning.