Introduction

Standing sentinel over Old Delhi, the massive domes and tall minarets of Jama Masjid are conspicuous from the Red Fort. It is the greatest mosque in India, and definitely the largest, with a courtyard capable of accommodating 25,000 worshipers. Work on Jama Masjid began in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal Emperor who built the Taj Mahal and Red Fort.

There are many ways of reaching this great mosque in the Old City; you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi, or set out on foot from the Red Fort. Walk east, along the Meena Bazaar, at the end of which you will find a flight of steps leading to the towering mosque. Veer left from the base of the steps and north until you arrive at the western entrance to the Jama Masjid. Once within the premises, all the hustle bustle of the surrounding area drops completely, and you are in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. This beautifully ornate mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40-meter-high (133 feet) minarets built of red sandstone and white marble.

Enter the lavish, red marble courtyard which swarms with devotees on Id and other Muslim festivals. Just ahead, the bulbous dome of the great mosque looms large. Explore its grand interiors, there is the sacred Koran in a small case, and Arabic inscriptions encrusted in gold in the dome. If you wish to take a panoramic view of Old Delhi, climb up the minarets. The climb is steep and dark, but you are well rewarded with a brilliant view of the Old City and the colorful Chandni Chowk market spilling out onto the surrounding Red Fort area. Take your time to explore the mosque or meditate in silence, just make sure you don’t look too comfortable when sitting down.

Further on, take a stroll around the local area, there are some authentic Mughlai cuisine joints, one such is Karim’s, where you can try out biryani with shorva, and an array of succulent kebabs. In fact, you can spend hours exploring this part of Old Delhi and get a flavor of the local way of life, soak up the din of its traditional market, and maybe, pick up a line or two of Urdu from a shopkeeper.

Special Attributes

The locality surrounding Jama Masjid has some authentic Mughlai cuisine joints; one such is Karim’s, where you can try out biryani with shorva, and an array of succulent kebabs.

Nuisance

Beggars, touts, pick pockets and hawkers

Dressing restrictions

Wear fully covered clothes since it is a religious place. You will need to cover your shoulders and legs with scarves and lungis (loincloth) available on hire.

Connectivity

Interstate bus, train, metro-rail, taxi or auto-rickshaw

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers

Exposure

To arrive at Jama Masjid, you might have to walk a bit. While exploring the structure, you will be both in the sun and shade. Carry some sunscreen lotion, but take off your sunshades once within the premises.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

You can meditate in peace here and get a panoramic view of Old Delhi from the top of the minaret.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Visit during the day, in early afternoon. You can explore better and get a fine view over the bustling Old Delhi. Tourists are not allowed in from 1215 to 1345 hours or 30 minutes before sunset.

Type of site

A 17th century mosque, the largest in India, built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan