Jama Masjid

Towering above the surrounding landscape stands this imposing 17th-century mosque. This impressive example of Mughal architecture is the largest masjid in the city, as well as one of the biggest mosques in the entire India. It also houses a number of important relics, the most important among them being a red hair, which, rumor has it, belonged to the prophet Mohammed.

The mosque, which can house as many as 25,000 worshippers, was built at the command of Emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656. Made out of marble and red sandstone, the mosque shares its layout with another Jama Masjid, located in Agra, which was built roughly at the same time. Although it is commonly called Jama, meaning Friday, its real name is Masjid-i Jahān-Numā, which translates as the 'World-reflecting Mosque.'

When visiting, keep in mind that the mosque still serves as an active place of worship. Visitors are advised to avoid wearing revealing clothing. Tourists are also not allowed to enter the premises during prayer time.