Jama Masjid is one of India's largest mosques, its red sandstone and white marble courtyard capable of holding tens of thousands of worshippers at once, particularly during Friday prayers and Eid celebrations. Built on a raised platform in the heart of Old Delhi, its three great gateways, four towers and two 40-metre minarets dominate the surrounding skyline of the walled city.
Visitors of any faith are welcome outside prayer times, and climbing the southern minaret rewards the effort with sweeping views over the winding lanes of Old Delhi and the Red Fort beyond. The mosque sits at the centre of one of Delhi's most atmospheric and chaotic neighbourhoods, making a visit here naturally combine with exploring the surrounding bazaars of Chandni Chowk.
Commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, the same ruler behind the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 as the principal mosque of his new capital, Shahjahanabad.
October to March; visiting hours are restricted around the five daily prayer times.
In Old Delhi, near Chandni Chowk metro station, an easy walk from the Red Fort.
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