15 Secret Monuments in Delhi Revealed Through Walking Tours

Unlike traditional sightseeing methods, walking tours offer a more intimate glimpse into a city's soul. The best thing about Delhi is that every walking tour here will bring you to a lesser-known marvel most guidebooks won't tell you about.

Here are 15 such hidden monuments and the walking tours that will help you find them:

Sultan Garhi Tomb

A corruption of the name Sultan-e-Ghaari ("the king of the cave"), Sultan Garhi Tomb is the mausoleum of Nasir-ud-Din Mahmud, the eldest son of Iltutmish, the 3rd Sultan of Delhi.

Built in 1231, it is popular as the first monumental mausoleum of Delhi, before this became a trend among later rulers. The mausoleum is built by Iltutmish himself. Two younger brothers of Nasir are also buried in the area.

Nasir is still revered by the local villagers, both Hindu and Muslim, as a Sufi—in fact, a big gathering happens here every Friday and on his death anniversary. In the same area, a mosque later came up during the Tughlaq period, and a tank was built in 1361, but only a stone inscription survives today.

Walking tour to discover this on: Sultan Garhi Archaeological Park

Bijay Mandal

Located in the heart of Jahanpanah (modern-day Begumpur village), the fourth ruling capital of Delhi, Bijay Mandal is considered one of the most puzzling historic buildings in the city.

The complex has undergone numerous alterations over time, making it challenging for scholars and archaeologists to untangle its history and understand the original purpose of this ancient structure. It is widely believed that Bijay Mandal was part of Muhammad-bin Tughlaq’s palace.

Walking tour to discover this on: Jahanpanah

Khirki Mosque

The Khirki Mosque, located in Khirki village (near modern-day Saket), was built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah in the 14th century. He was the prime minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq, the famous ruler of the Tughlaq dynasty in Delhi.

It features intricate stonework and large latticed windows, which originally gave it (and the village) the name "Khirki" (meaning windows in Urdu).

Walking tour to discover this on: Jahanpanah

Ashok Lat

Translated as "the Staff of Ashoka", the Ashoka Lat is a tall stone pillar set atop a stepped pyramid within the ruins of Feroz Shah Kotla — the 14th-century fortress city built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq.

Once a symbol of imperial might, the pillar dates back to the Mauryan emperor (322 to 185 BCE) Ashoka and was transported here by Feroz Shah in a grand display of reverence for ancient power and his legitimacy. Today, the site is equally known for its mystical reputation of being inhabited by djinns.

Walking tour to discover this on: Feroz Shah Kotla

Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq

The tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq stands within the enclosure of Tughlaqabad, the first fort city of the Tughlaq dynasty. Designed more like a miniature fortress than a mausoleum, the structure reflects the militaristic taste of the Tughlaqs.

It stands at the edge of a causeway, once linking it to the now-ruined city, and is flanked by high sloping walls and battlements. Inside lies Ghiyasuddin, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty himself.

Walking tour to discover this on: Tughlaqabad Fort

Barakhamba

The Barakhamba Tomb is a 14th-century mausoleum in the Nizamuddin area of East Delhi. Its name derives from the twelve intricately carved pillars that define its open, square structure — a rare example of Tughlaq-era architecture that emphasizes symmetry, simplicity, and solemn grandeur.

Built during the reign of the second Tughlaq ruler, Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the tomb is believed to have housed a high-ranking noble or spiritual figure. Their identity remains uncertain.

Walking tour to discover this on: Nizamuddin Basti

Chausath Khamba

Built during the reign of Emperor Jahangir in the early 17th century, Chausath Khamba served as the tomb of Mirza Aziz Koka, a prominent noble and foster brother of Emperor Akbar. The name "Chausath Khamba" translates to "Sixty-Four Pillars," referring to the structure’s unique architectural design comprising 64 intricately carved white marble pillars that support a flat roof.

The monument is notable for its beauty, symmetry, and the absence of domes, which sets it apart from typical Islamic funerary architecture of the period.

Walking tour to discover this on: Nizamuddin Basti

Jamali Kamali Tomb & Mosque

Built in the early 16th century during the reign of the Lodhi and early Mughal period, the Jamali Kamali complex comprises a mosque and an adjoining tomb in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park area.

The mosque features elegant arches, red sandstone detailing, and intricate stucco work, reflecting the transition between Lodhi simplicity and Mughal ornamentation. The tomb houses the graves of Jamali, a revered Sufi saint and poet, and Kamali, whose identity remains a mystery—often believed to be a disciple, companion, or lover.

Walking tour to discover this on: Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Tomb of Balban

Another understated monument in Mehrauli Archaeological Park is a tomb that marks the final resting place of Ghiyas-ud-din Balban, a powerful ruler of the Mamluk (Slave) Dynasty in the 13th century.

This tomb is historically important as it is believed to feature the first true arch and possibly the earliest use of the dome in Indo-Islamic architecture, though the dome has not survived. Its architectural innovation laid the groundwork for future developments in Islamic architecture in India.

Walking tour to discover this on: Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Tomb of Adham Khan

Built in 1561 by Emperor Akbar, Adham Khan's tomb houses the remains of Akbar’s foster brother and the son of his wet nurse, Maham Anga. Adham Khan was executed by Akbar for the murder of a powerful courtier, Ataga Khan, and his burial in a relatively isolated location is believed to reflect his fall from grace.

The tomb is octagonal in shape—an architectural style often reserved for traitors or disgraced nobles—unlike the square or rectangular designs of honored Mughal officials.

Walking tour to discover this on: Mehrauli Village

Zafar Mahal

Also situated in Mehrauli, the Zafar Mahal stands as the final monumental edifice of the Mughal Empire, embodying its twilight years. Constructed initially in the 18th century by Emperor Akbar Shah II, the palace was later expanded in 1847–48 by his son, Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor. It served as a summer retreat and was intimately connected to the nearby Dargah of Hazrat Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, a revered Sufi saint.

The palace's design includes elements like Bengali domes and Rajasthani arches, showcasing the mixed influences of the period.

Despite its historical significance, Zafar Mahal has suffered neglect over the years. Bahadur Shah Zafar had expressed a desire to be buried within its precincts, but following the 1857 rebellion, he was exiled to Rangoon, where he died in obscurity.

Walking tour to discover this on: Mehrauli Village

Naughara

Hidden in the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, Naughara is not a monument in the traditional sense but rather a neighbourhood that reflects the cultural richness of Old Delhi. The name "Naughara" means "nine houses," referring to a row of beautifully preserved 18th-century Jain havelis owned by a community of merchant families. Tucked behind the chaos of Kinari Bazaar, the narrow lane opens into a serene, picturesque cul-de-sac that feels worlds away from the surrounding crowd.

Each haveli is adorned with intricately carved wooden doors, delicate frescoes, and traditional architectural detailing, offering a rare glimpse into the domestic elegance of Mughal-era merchant life. At the end of the lane stands a small but ornate Jain temple.

Walking tour to discover this on: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi

Ghalib Ki Haveli

Mirza Ghalib’s Haveli in Old Delhi is a tribute to one of India’s most celebrated Urdu and Persian poets. This 19th-century mansion, located in Gali Qasim Jan, served as Ghalib’s residence during the final years of his life, from 1865 until his death in 1869. The haveli was gifted to Ghalib by a local physician and admirer of his poetry

After years of neglect, the Delhi Government acquired a portion of the haveli and, on December 27, 2000—Ghalib’s birth anniversary—opened it to the public as a memorial. The museum houses his handwritten letters, poetry manuscripts, and portraits of his contemporaries. 

Walking tour to discover this on: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi

Bhuli Bhatiyari Ka Mahal

Tucked away in the forested ridge near Delhi Ridge Road is a mysterious 14th-century hunting lodge built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq. Though largely in ruins today, the structure still bears traces of its original grandeur, with arched gateways, thick walls, and remnants of chambers once used for royal retreats.

Its unusual name, "Bhuli Bhatiyari", adds to its intrigue, often linked to folklore about a lost woman or a forgotten queen. Over time, the mahal has gained a reputation for being haunted, drawing both history buffs and thrill-seekers.

Walking tour to discover this on: Central Ridge

Chor Minar

Located in the Hauz Khas area, the Chor Minar is a grim yet fascinating relic from the 13th century, built during the reign of Alauddin Khilji. Literally meaning "Tower of Thieves," this stone structure is believed to have been used as a warning post. Legend has it that the severed heads of thieves and criminals were impaled on the 225 holes that dot its surface.

The minar stands about 15 meters tall and is set in a quiet park, now surrounded by modern residential colonies. While the exact historical use is debated, Chor Minar symbolizes the harsh justice system of the Khilji era.

Walking tour to discover this on: Siri Fort