Jama Masjid or Masjid-i Jahan-Numa: A major tourist attraction in New Delhi

The Masjid-i Jahan-Numa or Jama Masjid is a Tourist Hot Spot in New Delhi, India. Built of red sandstone and white marble this 17th-century mosque is a brilliant example of Islamic faith, art, architecture and the Mughal’s Legacy.

The Jama Masjid in New Delhi is located to the west of Lal Quila or Red Fort. It has 3 gates, 4 towers and 2 minarets 40 m in height. The northern gate has 39 steps, the southern gate has 33 steps and the eastern gate has 35 steps. At the northern gate, you can hire robes and dress like a local.

The courtyard can accommodate 25000 worshippers. The floor is built of white and black marble and looks like a Muslim's prayer mat. At the north gate, you can see the cabinet which is a collection of relics of Muhammad – the Quran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints implanted in a marble block.

The Badshahi Masjid at Lahore, Pakistan has similar architecture.

The Jama Masjid New Delhi was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656 AD and inaugurated by an Imam from Bukhara, now Uzbekistan.

Travel Tips

The Jama Masjid New Delhi is located to the west of Red Fort in the Old Delhi area. The nearest metro station is Chawri Bazar and from here its 10 minutes walk to reach to Jama Masjid. Mosque is open all 7 days of the week. However, tourists are not allowed during prayer hours. Tourists can take the photograph of the Mosque. A nominal fee of Rs. 200 is charged for catching glimpses of the mosque. You can bring your own camera.

How to Reach

You can reach to India Capital New Delhi through all means of transport i.e. Air, Rail and Road from all major cities on the globe. Since Jama Masjid is situated in Central Zone of Delhi hence accessible from all parts of the city through all types of transport i.e. Metro Rail, Local Bus Service, Taxi, Auto Rickshaw etc.


By Air

Are you coming from abroad or from another Indian city? Upon reaching to IGI Airport in New Delhi, you can hire a taxi (AC/Non-AC) or an Auto Rickshaw to reach to Jama Masjid mosque. All major International Airlines connects to Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi The domestic airport Palam is located at a distance of 5 km from International Airport.


By Rail

The capital New Delhi is well connected to the railway network. The major Railway Stations in New Delhi are Old Delhi Railway Station and New Delhi Railway Station. From both these railway stations, you can walk to reach to Jama Masjid or hire a taxi or auto rickshaw. If you are arriving at Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station or Anand Vihar Railway Station please hire an auto rickshaw or taxi to reach to Red Fort. City buses called DTC Bus are also available in plenty.

By Bus

Delhi is well connected by road network to all major cities of India. The major Inter State Bus Terminus in Delhi are Maharana Pratap ISBT at Kashmere Gate, Delhi; Swami Vivekanand ISBT at Anand Vihar, Delhi; Vir Hakikat Rai ISBT at Sarai Kale Khan, Delhi. From any of the ISBT, you can take city transport like Metro Rail, Bus, taxi or auto rickshaw to reach to Jama Masjid. Always hire taxi or auto rickshaw from a Pre-Paid Booth. In case, you hiring otherwise ask your driver to run the vehicle at metered rates.


Warning:

1. While traveling during the night it's better to take public transport or taxi instead of an auto rickshaw. Beyond 8 PM traveling in an auto rickshaw is not advisable especially if you are the first-time tourist and traveling alone.

2. Beware of cheats and anti-social elements. In the case of suspicions do not hesitate to Dial 100, its Delhi Police Helpline.

Activities

Watching in and around Jama Masjid in Delhi will take some 2 hours. Then walk towards Chandani Chowk and enjoy Indian and Mughlai Cuisines, shop antiques, fashion and jewelry. Normally shops open at 9 AM and closes at 7 PM. Chandani Chowk is the commercial and residential area. Also, here you can find some best hotels in Delhi. Streets are busy and vibrant throughout the night. Opposite to Jama Masjid lies another Historic Monument, the Red Fort. Here you can enjoy watching Light and Sound Show during evening hours.

Timings & Season

Best time to visit Delhi is from October till March. However, if you want to enjoy some budget stay in Delhi summers are advisable i.e. April to September. July and August or rainy months; parks and sounding areas are full of greenery during monsoon weather.

Location: Off Netaji Subhash Marg, west of Red Fort
Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar
Open: All days of the week
Timings: 7am to Noon, and 1.30pm to 6.30pm.
Tourists not allowed during prayer hours
Entry Fee: Free
Photography: Rs. 200 You can bring your own Camera

History

The History of Jama Masjid is as old as Mughal era in India. It's the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who built the mosque during 1644 and 1656. The estimated cost of building the Mosque was Rupees 1 million. The floor plan of the mosque is similar to the Jama Masjid of Agra. This Mughal Architecture is not only a prayer hall for Islamic faith but a witness of India's rich heritage and culture.