Crumbling palaces, medieval tombs, picturesque lakes and stepwells, an iconic victory tower and a grand old fort—south Delhi is dotted with numerous heritage sites that transport you into the past. Start with a visit to the Qutab Minar complex, which contains the 13th-century victory tower that defines Delhi’s skyline, as well as the city’s earliest Sultanate monuments. The nearby Mehrauli Archaeological Park houses a series of stepwells, tombs and mosques, and is close to the palaces of Jahaz Mahal and Zafar Mahal. The picturesque Hauz Khas complex lies on the banks of an artificial lake and is adjacent to the hip market named after it. In contrast, the 14th-century Tughlaqabad fort is mostly isolated, but deserves a visit for its grandeur. The impressive architecture of these historic buildings—and the stories and legends behind each of them—are guaranteed to leave you charmed.

1. JAHAZ MAHAL

2. ZAFAR MAHAL

3. TUGHLAQABAD FORT

4. HAUZ KHAS COMPLEX

5. BIJAY MANDAL

6. QUTAB MINAR

7. MEHRAULI ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

8. SAFDARJUNG’S TOMB