Jama Masjid literally means ‘Friday Mosque’. A largest mosque in India and a final architecture extravaganza of Shah Jahan, signifies its name by holding Juna prayer service on Friday afternoons. The Jama Masjid is located in the central of old Delhi, built in yellow sandstone and involved around 5000 workers, Jama Masjid took 20 years to complete.
The Jama Masjid has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40 meters high, which are constructed of vertical strips of red sandstone and white marbles. There are steep steps that lead to the imposing gateway. The opulent Masjid is placed on a high platform and its beautiful facade clearly visible from all around. The podium carved out exquisitely out of a single block of marble, surely the best lineament of the structure. In the north east of Masjid a small pavilion preserve the relics of prophet, attract pilgrims from all over India and abroad. The courtyard of mosque can hold 25,000 people. From the top of the minaret one will have a direct view of Connaught Place ,Sansad Bhavan and whole of old Delhi. The domes, courtyard and minarets of the Jama Masjid lend it a distinct sense of grandeur.
You must not miss the nearby Red Fort , which is a world heritage structure. It is one of the fine relics of Mughal dynasty.
If you really want to feel the old Delhi ambiance, visit the Chandni Chowk. The markets, the crowd and road side joints are excellent.
To satisfy your taste buds visit Karim for their famous kababs, Ghantewala sweet shop near Jama Masjid and paranthewali gali, which serves you some delicious mouth watering junkies.
You can also stroll to chor bazaar for some cheap electronic goods and of you are a book freak
Nai Sarak is must see for you.
Invaluable Suggestions
Jama Masjid is open to all except prayer time.
You should cover your knees as well as your arms before entering to masjid. Removal of shoes is also mandatory.
You have to pay a charge for photography.
Maintain a clean attire while visiting the mosque.
Visiting hours is from dawn to dusk but close during prayer time.
You must beware of fake guides who try to fool visitors into paying an entry fee(mosque admission is free).
You can reach Masjid via important landmark such as ISBT, Connaught Place and ITO.
By Air :Delhi has one national and a international airport. Both are well connected with the major cities of India and abroad respectively.
By Rail : New Delhi railway station is well connected with most of the cities of India.
By Road : You can also take buses from nearby states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh etc.
