Not so long ago, the Seven Wonder of India were unveiled, but I have always felt that Delhi has enough in the way of spectacular architecture and icons, to boast a list of Seven Wonders all on its own. This is a list that to my mind constitutes the Wonders of Delhi:

The Qutub Minar:
I first visited the Qutub Minar at the age of 8 and still remember what an impact it made on me. You were allowed to go up into the tower then. I also remembered the iron pillar that has not rusted in its centuries long existence and which as an adult I tried to get my arms around as millions of others have over the ages. For me, Qutub Minar is the most enduring symbol of Delhi. Incidentally it is also the tallest brick and stone minaret in the world.

The India Gate:
Many is the time my husband and I have cursed the many radial roads that lead from around this magnificent monument which have caused us to get lost in Delhi. But never have we failed to be awed by its splendour or the sentiment behind it; a memorial to India’s brave soldiers.

The Jantar Mantar:
Again an immediately recognisable symbol of Delhi and a testament to the scientific advancements made by Indian society in days of yore and the understanding that we as a society have had of the movements of celestial bodies and their significance.

The Lotus Temple:
I remember the first time I saw this landmark of Delhi, it was from the air, and I instantly resolved to go and see it in person. When I did, I was awed by the beauty and serenity of the structure as well as by the tenets of the Baha’i faith that embraces and draws from all others in an attempt to bring all of them together.

The Red Fort:
A proud witness to India’s historical past, the Red fort is a must visit for any tourist that visits Delhi. It is impressive not only as a testament to the times it was built but even today as Indian successive Indian Prime Ministers have delivered their address to the nation from there.

The Jama Masjid:
To me this is not only a piece of marvellous architecture, it is also a symbol of the way that Indians of different faiths live cheek by jowl with one another in peace harmony and tolerance. For the most part, that is.

The Delhi Metro:
The Delhi metro and its success is, to me an example for the rest of the nation and also a modern icon of this city that citizens are justly proud of.