Jama Masjid, Delhi

Just adjacent to Red Fort lies one of the largest mosques of India, Jama Masjid. It is yet another tourist delight of Delhi to divert your attention in one go. It is also red in color originally erected as a primary mosque of Shah Jahan. Extensive use of white marble & interiors prepared of strips of black, it is believed that the formation of masjid took six years to complete, and was raised on a high platform to look distinguished from others. Jama Masjid is an elegant monument also famous by another name, "Masjid-i-Jahan Numa" visible to the world. The then sculptor Ostad Khalil is behind the flawless structural designing of this muslims place of worship. But, it is also observed that its layout resembles with the Moti Masjid in Agra. Consequently, it has three entryways to the courtyard, 130 ft high two slender minarets on both sides and four towers to make it look imposing for your eyeballs. The most astonishing feature of Jama Masjid is its pulpit, made of a single block of marble. As the mosque stands on a hillock so you will have to climb 774 steep stairs to access the mosque. Besides, this 17th century construction also offers a pool whose water is considered holy. Plus, also use the water of the pool for drinking, washing their face, hands and feet. Even there is also a ground for pigeons where they are fed, and they also like to splash into the pool. You may be surprised to know that there is no entry fee but you might have have to pay Rs 200 for just clicking a photo. Also note that the prized possession of the mosque are a hair of the beard of Hazrat Muhammad, his used chappal footwear, the canopy of his tombstone, the footprint of Muhammad on the stone and a chapter of Quran taken from its original holy book. Non-muslims are allowed to visit the mosque between 1230 pm to 200 pm. Best way to take a metro reach the nearest station which is Chandni Chowk station. From here just spend Rs 25 for a paddle Rickshaw ride.