Travel DiariesSightseeingExplore these majestic forts and historical sites around DelhiExplore these majestic forts and historical sites around DelhiMuteNew Delhi is the capital of India and is a known business centre. Hotels in New Delhi are booked year-round with travellers on business, or in the city for an exhibition or conference.But the city is more than just that. The capital region has to its credit one of the most enviable histories in the country. It is visible in the forts, monuments, and archaeological sites in the city.You can witness the glorious past of New Delhi at the following forts and historical sites.Agra FortThe Agra Fort was home of the Mughal emperors before the capital shifted to Delhi. The walled structure built of red sandstone stands on the banks of the Yamuna river. It is surrounded with battlements that helped defend it from enemies. It was designed to be self-sustainable and hold a sizable army inside. A signature feature is that you can see the Taj Mahal from the top of the fort. The noteworthy structures within the Agra fort are Jahangir’s Hauz, Shahjahani Mahal, Babur’s Baoli, Nagina Masjid, Ghazni gate and Akbar’s Mahal among others. Within driving distance from Delhi, finding transportation is never going to be an issue.Distance from The Leela Palace New Delhi: 200 kmFatehpur SikriFatehpur Sikri is not exactly a fort, but a city built by Emperor Akbar in the 1500s. It was abandoned later on. The city, now in ruins, on the outskirts of Agra was designed to have several services and facilities and gardens. Fatehpur Sikri was envisaged as modern and self-sufficient in itself. The place is known for the Timurid style of architecture. Some of the buildings that you need to check out here are the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, the tomb of Salim Chisti, the Diwan-e-aam and the Diwan-e Khaas. You can hire a guide to take you on a tour of the city or look for hotel deals in Delhi that include a tour of the city.Distance from The Leela Palace New Delhi: 220 kmTughlaqabad FortGeneral Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq constructed the Tughlaqabad fort. A striking feature of the fort is the ramparts which are raised 10-15 m high and stretch across the border of more than 6 kilometres. The octagonal structure secured with battlements was built to protect the capital city from pillagers and defend the kingdom against outsider attacks. The stone fortifications stand testimony to the grandeur that once was.Distance from The Leela Palace New Delhi: 14 kmQila Rai PithoraThis is a fortified complex and a military garrison located in Delhi. The citadel is mostly in ruins and is scattered over the present-day neighbourhoods of Saket Mehrauli, Kishangarh, and Vasant Kunj. It houses the present-day Qutub Minar complex. Not much is known about the fort and archaeologists mainly rely on the works of early historians. Recent excavations have revealed more details about the city. Unravelling the mystery that this lost city holds is an experience in itself.Distance from The Leela Palace New Delhi: 8 kmThe Leela Palace New Delhi is perfect for all your business, as well as leisure needs. This 5-star hotel in Delhi offers beautiful hotel rooms in New Delhi with the choicest luxuries, top of the line suites, relaxing and rejuvenating avenues, and some of the best five-star restaurants. This makes it one of the best five star hotels in New Delhi. PREVIOUS ARTICLENEXT ARTICLEKeep ReadingTop 5 getaways on the outskirts of MumbaiDetours from Delhi that are well worth your timeThings travellers should know about the scenic backwaters in Ashtamudi, KollamNeyyar wildlife sanctuaryWatching the sunset over Ashtamudi Lake from a boatEcotourism in Kerala