| Best Time to Visit: |
November to March |
| Major Attractions: |
India Gate, Red Fort, Old fort, Lotus Temple,
Jantar Mantar, Qutab Minar, Akshar Dham Temple, Jama Masjid, Parliament
House, Mughul Garden, Suraj Kund, Badlak Lake, Humayun Tomb, Nizamuddin
Shrine, Safdarjung Tomb, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib & Rakab Ganj Sahib |
| Major Entertainment Centers: |
Zoological Park, National Museum, Craft Museum,
Rail Museum, National Science Center, Doll Museum, Shri Ram Centre for
Performing Arts & Dilli Haat |
| Shopper's Paradise: |
Chandni Chowk, Cannaught Place, Palika Bazaar,
Sadar, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojani Nagar, Karol Bagh, South Extention,
Greater Kailash (GK) & Noida (Sec. 18) |
| Near by Places (Excursions): |
Sohna, Corbett National Park, Taj Mahal (Agra),
Mathura & Bharatpur Birds Sanctuary |
| Famous Food & Beverages (Gourmet's Delight) |
Parantha, Kachori, Chaat, Bhel Papri, Gol Gappe,
Samosa, & Pan (mouth freshener) |
| Foreign Embassies & Consulates: |
Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, France,
Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi
Arabia, South Africa, UAE, UK & USA (Being the Capital of India,
Delhi is home to all the international Embassies and Consulates) |
History & Evolution
Delhi is said to be one of the oldest cities of the world, with every stone
of it telling a story. Ruled by many different emperors like Rajputs, Mughal
& Britishers between 900 BC to 1930, Delhi has evolved over the ruins of
eight cities namely, Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Jahanpanah,
Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi (or Shahjahanabad, now
Old Delhi), established by these rulers. The Pandavas as their capital state
found the city, though for much of its history; Delhi was under the power of
various Muslim Dynasties who ruled the city from 12th century onwards. The
eternal Yamuna, which has the city sprawling on its banks is witness to the
glorious and tumultuous 5,000 year old history of Delhi.
Delhi became commercial center and imperial capital of India when British
moved their capital here from Calcutta in 1911. During the partition, the
city received large number of refugees. Thats the reason why, today
very few residents can lay claim to being 'real' Delhi-ites, which further
adds to the diverse culture of the city. After Independence, the city was
the doubtless choice for the title of The Capital State and
political center of India.
Site-Seeing
Delhi has a rich architectural heritage which leaves the foreigners
spellbound. Delhi is a popular destination for businessmen and also a hot
spot for the adventurers owning the civilization as old as itself, which was
nurtured with loving care by several dynasties. Delhi is centerally located
and touches the boundaries of many states making some one the best known
tourist spots easily accessible.
India Gate:
A 42 meter tall monument, India Gate was build around 1921 to commemorate
the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I and the Afghan Wars.
Situated on the Rajpath, the tomb has names of the soldiers inscribed on the
walls, the Amar Jawan Jyoti (The flame of the immortal warrior)
burning under it and a black marble cenotaph with a rifle crested by a
helmet. It is surrounded by large and lush green lawns. It is situated such
that many important roads spread around it. India Gate lit up by lights
after the sunset with picnicking families, couples taking a stroll and
little children playing around with balloons is a treat to watch.
Location: Rajpath (2-3 km from Cannaught Place)
Qutub Minar:
The word 'Qutab Minar' means 'axis minaret'. This 239 ft long red sandstone
tower is the highest tower of India having five storeys, each marked by a
projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone
whereas fourth and fifth floors are made of marble and sandstone. The other
historical ruins in qutub complex like, Quwwatu'l-Islam Mosque, The Iron
Pillar (98% pure iron), Alai Minar & Alai Darwaza are also a must visit.
Though standing proudly from the centuries, this impressively ornate tower
today has a slight tilt, which makes the site more fascinating.
Location: Qutub complex, Mehrauli
Lotus Temple:
Also known as The Bahai Temple, this magnificient structure is
set amidst pools and gardens. Built in the shape of a Lotus flower, the view
of this pure white erection is spectacular before dusk when the temple is
floodlit. People from all the religions and faith are free to visit the
temple and pray or meditate silently.
Location: Kalkaji
Red Fort:
Built in 1648, this extended fort of red sandstone along the river Yamuna
was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The fort has two main entrances,
the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate facing the famous Chandni Chowk market.
It also houses a beauteous Rang Mahal (a water-cooled Apartment) made for
the luxury of royal ladies. An alluring light and sound show is held in the
evening. Large part of the fort used by the Indian Army as their base, which
also increases the strategic importance of the fort.
Location: Old Delhi
Akshardham Temple (Swaminarayan Temple):
Build over an area of 100 acres on the banks of the Yamuna River, the
temple is one of the biggest and most elaborated religious places of worship
ever constructed. This sprawling pink sandstone massive complex costs more
than USD 42 million and yet took less than 3 years for its completion.
Decorated with 234 ornate pillars, 20,000 statues and many arches, the
temple showcases the grandeur of Indian history, art, culture and values.
Besides the temple the complex also consists of exhibition halls, an IMAX
theatre and a musical fountain, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Adding to
the list are restaurant modeled on the Ajanta and Ellora caves and an
ayurvedic bazaar.
Location: Near Nizamuddin Bridge