Jama Masjid in Delhi’s Old City is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and one of the historic symbols of India’s heritage.
When you first start searching things to do in Delhi; it is undoubtedly one of the first images that pops up in your searches. And for good reason.
Jama Masjid is a stunning 17th century mosque and one of the largest and most historic masjids in all of India. And visiting Jama Masjid is one of the most popular things to do in Delhi.
So, in case you are wondering what sights to see with one day in Delhi, read on to find out why and how to visit the beautiful – and oh-so-iconic – Delhi Jama Masjid. It is well worth a visit.
Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit to Jama Masjid in Delhi.
An introduction – a little bit about Jama Masjid in Delhi
- Structure Type: Mosque
- Architectural Style: Islamic Architecture
- Built: 1656
- Commissioned by: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
- Architect: Ustad Khalil
- Dimensions: Length 80m; Width 27m; Height 41m
- Mosque Capacity: 25,000
- Materials: Red Sandstone and Marble
- Location: Old Delhi
- Address– Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Nearest Metro Station to Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid Station
Why do we recommend Jama Masjid on your itinerary for Delhi?
The Masjid e Jahan Numa, commonly known as Jama Masjid is one of the most iconic landmarks of Delhi and one of the largest mosques in India.
The location of the masjid symbolizes the stretch and power of the historic Mughal Empire (and yes; it was constructed during the era of the Taj Mahal).
Location wise it is near to the busy Chandni Chowk; one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. And right in the heart of Old Delhi.
About the history of Jama Masjid (and why it is one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks)
The name Jama Masjid is derived from the word ‘Jummah’, which is the mass prayer observed by Muslims every Friday.
Jama Masjid was constructed in the 1650s by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. (The same emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal).
Following the death of his wife, emperor Shah Jahan expanded the reign of his kingdom from to Delhi and created what he call Shahjahanabad as the new capital of the Mughal Empire (now Old Delhi).
Jama Masjid was commissioned as the central mosque of Shahjahanabad.
The architecture and style of Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid reflects the best of the Indo-Islamic and Mughal styles of architecture.
It is built with iconic red sandstone and marble.
The site consists of three large entry gates, four towers and two minarets with a height of 40 meters each.
The mosque faces to the west in the direction of Mecca and is constructed on a slight hillock at an altitude of 10 m meaning there are steps leading upwards towards each of the entry gates.
In the centre of the courtyard, there is a large ablution area which is used for washing before the prayer.
Does it cost to enter?
There are no entry fees to Jama Masjid.
- Tip: If you are carrying a camera, it costs 300 Rs. for a foreigner.
When is Jama Masjid open for visitors?
Jama Masjid opening hours:
- Daily from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
What do you need to wear to visit Jama Masjid?
Modest dress is required to enter the masjid.
- For men this means long trousers (shorts are not acceptable) and a shirt with sleeves.
- Ladies need to have shoulders and arms covered as well as full length skirt or trousers. And you will need a scarf to cover your hair.
If you don’t have appropriate attire you can borrow an abaya/gown and scarf from the entrance to the mosque.
A gown is 100 INR per person.
Entering Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is a true marvel of Mughal architecture with influences from Persian empire at the time, blending the vibrant red sandstone and white marble in a timeless and elegant style.
The main gateway is on the east side facing towards the Red Fort and the entrance is decorated with intricate carvings and inscriptions from the Quran.
As soon as you enter the up the flight of stairs the gateway leads to the main courtyard with a marble fountain and ablution block at the centre.
The prayer hall is to the west side, facing Mecca. And the roof is topped with three domes finished with slender stripes and two minarets at each side.
The prayer hall has seven arched entrances with one central and most ornate archway with a high ceiling and golden canopy.
The architecture and atmosphere of Delhi’s Jama Masjid is spectacular.
- There is space inside the mosque for approximately 200 worshippers at a time.
- The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to 25,000 people paying at one time.
Get a bird’s eye view from the minaret of Jama Masjid
So, you might have already taken your time in the beautiful courtyard of the mosque and fed or admired the birds there. But now you do also have the opportunity to view the mosque from a bird’s eye view.
- The price for foreigners to go up the minaret is 100 Rs. per person.
The minaret is 40m high which gives a great view over the mosque and surrounding old Delhi.
Do note it is very narrow going up (and coming down) the stairs to the top of the minaret.
- Did you know there are 121 stairs to the top of the minaret of Jama Masjid?
Getting there – how to visit Jama Masjid
The easiest way to get around Delhi is by auto-rickshaw, taxi (Uber) or metro.
Jama Masjid is well connected to the rest of Delhi.
Located in Old Delhi it is easy to find and most likely if you are traveling in Delhi by rickshaw – or taxi – any driver you wave down will know where the mosque is and will be able to give you a fare. (Unlike some modern shops or malls or locations in Delhi where you might feel like beating your head against the side of the rickshaw as you try to explain and pronounce your desired destination).
The mosque can be reached from Connaught Place in about 15 minutes by taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Humayun’s Tomb is a 20-minute drive away. And from the Lotus Temple it takes approximately 40 minutes drive to Jama Mosque.
Jama Masjid now has its own metro station (after the opening of the Heritage Line and extension of Violet Line).
Or you can take the metro to nearby Chawri Bazaar on the Yellow Line (only 500 meters away).
Auto rickshaws and taxis are easily available to get a return ride from the mosque and wait lined up outside any of the entrances.
Where to stay in Delhi
Finding where to stay in New Delhi is something like finding a needle in a haystack!
We alternate between accommodation in Paharganj (right on Main Bazaar) and a great hotel by the airport that we have found for arriving and departing from New Delhi.
- Near Delhi Airport – Taurus Sarovar Portico Hotel
A great choice only 10 minutes taxi (400 Rs) from New Delhi International Airport.
The hotel two restaurants on site and stays include a delicious buffet breakfast.
- Paharganj – Hotel Hari Piorko
This is one of the largest hotels on Main Bazaar with a range of rooms (some of which have new bathrooms).
The restaurant is not the honestly the greatest but we recommend Hari Piorko simply for the location (and recommend breakfast at Exotic Café on Main Bazaar!).
- Paharganj – Smyle Inn
A great low-cost option down one of the smaller side-alleys off Main Bazaar.
Don’t be expecting luxury; but Smyle Inn is only $20 – $40 USD per night for a family room. Friendly staff, simple rooms and a decent basic breakfast included in the price of the room.
This has become our go-to for an affordable and friendly accommodation in central Delhi.
More about travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. (We love the flexible cancellation policy!).
- Hostelworld– The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
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- How to apply for a Pakistan e-Visa: And can you use it at the Wagah Border?
- Pakistan with kids: A complete guide to travel in Pakistan.
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- Our complete packing list for travel in India.