DELHI
Delhi is the capital city and the third largest city of India. Delhi has traditionally been the seat of administrative powers of India. It is a bustling metropolis which is known to be devastated and rebuilt many a times in written history dating back to Ashokan period (273-232 B.C.). Delhi’s glory lured one conqueror after another, several dynasties rose and fell for centuries and left monumental bounty to progeny.
Delhi is a combination of the ancient and modern. It is a type of twin cities Old Delhi and New Delhi. It is the oldest and one of the most modern cities of the world. Today Delhi is as lively as its glorious past. Delhi city, the showcase cafes, yoga centre, technological institution, imposing universities, modern stadia, ancient monuments and towering concrete-glass structures. The inhabitants are also an interesting conglomeration of many cultures. Young girls and boys clad in the latest fashion apparel, old men with flowering beards, fortune telling parakeets, sputtering auto-rickshaw and horse drawn carriages, fashion and life styles.
The union territory of Delhi is located at an altitude of 239 m above sea level in the middle of “The Great North Indian Plain”. Spread over area of 1487 sq. km. Delhi is surrounded by Uttar Pradesh on the east ad Haryana on the west. The rocky ridges on the north-west frontiers act as natural barriers of the city. The Yamuna, second most Holy River in India flows through the western part of Delhi.
This vibrant city is rich with culture, architecture, and deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and human diversity. This city is a travel hub of Northern India. Portraying the city’s Mughal past, the old Delhi is not one but the seven cities Hindu and Muslim emperors gave India, takes you through intricate streets, lively colorful bazaars that boast to cater to all sorts of goods & items, formidable mosques, monuments and forts. The imperial city of New Delhi, the eight Delhi, Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker gave India. Lutyens planned New Delhi with its geometrical symmetry. It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well- composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and tall and imposing government buildings. Today’s Delhi blends its historic past with a vibrant present thus the city is a real delight for the tourist who wish to learn about the past and present of India and Indian people.
Place of tourist’s interest:
India Gate – The all India War Memorial, popularly known as India Gate was built in the memory of 90,000 India soldiers killed during World War-1 (1914-18). Their name is inscribed on the stone of the arch (42 m high), was designed by Lutyens and took 10 years to build after the foundation stone was laid in 1921. A war memorial to the immortal soldier is constructed here with a helmet on the butt of a rifle surrounded by eternal flames. It has become a popular evening spot with the monument and fountains dramatically illuminated after sun set.
Humayun’s Tomb – The mausoleum is built with sandstone and marble, situated on Delhi- Mathura Road, it was built by Haji Begum the widow of Emperor Humayun, who died in old Fort in 1556 AD, was buried here. Haji Begam was the mother of Akbar. The mausoleum is surrounded by avenues of trees, flower beds and water courses. It is generally regarded as a prototype of epitome of love Taj Mahal of Agra.
Qutub Minar – One of the most fascinating feasts for the tourist’s eye and towering 72.5 meter high and has at its base as a mosque. It has 5 storeys, built by a Muslim King, Qutab-ud-din aibak, as early as 1199 A.D and part of it, which he could not finish, was completed by another Muslim King Iltutmish, Qutubuddin’s successor built 2nd and 3rd storeys, and Firozshah Tughlak added the topmost storeys in 1368. From its height the landscape of Delhi and New Delhi is worth seeing. The visitors very much feel pleasure to see its carvings, structure and grandeur, other monuments in Qutab complex are : 1) Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque 2) The Alai Darwaza 3) The Alai Minar 4) Tomb of Iltumish 5) Allauddin Khilji’s Tomb 6) Adam Khan’s Tomb 7) Hauz-I-Shamshi 8) Jogmaya Temple 9) Qutub Sahib-Ki- Dargah.
Red Fort – This massive fort is the most splendid of all Indian Royal Palaces. Built out of red sandstone building with mighty walls surrounded by fine towers. The fort was built by famous Mughal Emperor Shahjahan at the right bank of Yamuna on the eastern side of the city near Chandni Chowk.
Lodhi’s Tomb – The tomb is in the midst of the famed Lodi Garden and believed to have been built by rulers of two dynasties the Sayyaids and the Lodis. Lodi garden is beautiful garden and hub for picnic lover.
President House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) – It is the official residence of the President of India, formerly the Viceregal Palace. The Palace and gardens cover 330 acres of area. The spectacular building is located on Raisina Hill. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It has 240 rooms, 12 acre of gardens, 17 km corridors, 227 columns, 37 fountains and 74 lobbies and loggias. It also consists a central block surrounded by a copper dome and 4 wings.the magnificent Durbar Hall, with its massive 8m dome and marble walls, is now used for formal ceremonies. The Ashoka hall and the impressive state rooms. Mughal Garden in the back, which is open for public in February every year. Special permission has to be obtained in advance to visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Parliament House (Sansad Bhawan) – It is circular colonnaded building 171 m in diameter and has 144 pillars surrounding it, each 8.3 m high, housed the Parliament house, Legislative Assembly, Hindi and English committee rooms, ministerial and other offices, and the Parliament Library are part of this magnificent building. The foundation stone was laid by his Royal highness the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and was opened by Lord Irwin on 18th January, 1927.
Gandhi Smriti- In the compound of Bilra house-a stone memorial marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhiji was assassinated on 30th Jan 1948 when he was on the way to his evening prayer.
Hauz Khas- The great reservoir (Hauz) was built by Alauddin Khilji around 1303 for the use of the people of SIRI. Later cleaned and repair by Firoz Shah Tughlak. There is madarsa on the south and west banks. Scholar’s cells built on an L shaped plan with mosque. Nowadays it has become a picnic spot.
Connaught Place-One of Delhi’s most popular centers built as early as 1931. The complex is popularly known as CP and it is the only modern commercial centre and market in Delhi. It is an important meeting point for all section of people and something which no tourist should miss. The two concentric circles of colonnaded buildings enclose the central Fountains Park and house 14 Blocks of shop, restaurants and offices. The Inner circle is Connaught Circus and the outer Connaught Place. Nowadays Connaught place offers you a glimpse of modern but post colonial India and nobody can leave Delhi without visiting it at once.
Raj Ghat – A simple square platform of black marble marks the site where Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation was cremated. His last voicing ‘Hey Ram’ is inscribed at the base. Extensive lawns create a peaceful atmosphere. Other important shrine gardens are – Shanti Vana (the Forest of Peace), where Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India was cremated and Vijay Ghat, where Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister was cremated.
Religious Places in New Delhi:
Lotus Temple – It is kind of lotus shaped shrine. It is made of marble cement dolomite as sand. It is an ideal spot for meditation and getting unwind and peace.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir) – This is the largest and most popular Hindu temple of Delhi, situated on Mandir Marg, west of Connaught Place. It was built by famous industrialist Raja Baldev Birla in 1938. The main deities are Narayan and Laxmi.
Akshardham Temple – Swaminarayan Akshardham temple is known for its remarkable architecture and it is a famous Hindu temple and spiritual cultural complex having largest step well which host fascinating water show, an open garden, Narayan Sarovar, various expeditions, and rituals. This temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan and made its way to the Guinness Book of World Records on 17 Dec 2017 as the World's Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple. Akshardham temple is an epitome of Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. Akshardham temple complex is a paradise for spiritual seekers.
Jama Masjid – It is situated opposite Red Fort at a distance of about ½ km. is India’s largest mosque built by Shahjahan in 1650 AD. It’s a largest Masjid in the country, where more than 20,000 people can worship at a time. There is a marble tank in the middle of the mosque where devotees wash their hands before attending prayers. The rectangular prayer hall has a magnificent façade of arches decorated with marble frames and inscribed panels. The area round Jama Masjid is an important commercial and shopping centre and the restaurants and Meena Bazar serve excellent tandoori and Mughlai food.
Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia- The sacred Muslim pilgrim site is dedicated to Sheih Nizamuddin Chisti, fourth in the line of Chisti saints. He died in 1325 and soon after his burial at this spot the adjacent area became the coveted cemetery of Muslim nobility.
Famous Markets in Delhi:
Janpath and Tibetan Market – One of the most famous shopping centre in Delhi, this market does have something to every shopper ranging from traditional Gujarati attire to Tibetan goods. It opens at 10:30 AM and closes at 9 PM daily, although the Tibetan markets are often closed on Sunday and Monday. You can buy here ethnic clothes, handicrafts, leather goods, embroidered handbags and jholas, Pashmina shawls, carpets, junk jewelry, paintings and artworks, Kolhapuri chappals, brass trinkets and winter clothing at affordable cost.
Location: New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
Closed on: Sunday
Chandni Chowk – It is the famous main bazaar of old Delhi. Designed by Jahanara Begum, the favorite daughter of emperor Shahjahan in 1648. The old building and landmark of 4 centuries of history are still evident. Doubtlessly the most famous and oldest shopping hubs in Delhi since the Mughal era, Chandni Chowk is divided into various sections like Moti Bazaar, Chor Bazaar, Paranthe Wali Gali, and Moti Bazaar. You can purchase textile, silver jewelry and accessories, leather, jewelry, spices, and electronic goods and many more.
Location: Central Metro Station
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk Metro
Closed on: Sunday
Sarojini Nagar – This market is popular for vibrantly colored clothes spread all over, tiny food stalls throngs in every corner. A loud cacophony of the sales boys - welcome to Sarojini Nagar, the most hep and trendy market of Delhi. This market is considered shopping paradise for women as this place has more to offer than men in terms of clothing, footwear, kitchen utensils, accessories and cosmetics; even you can haggle over the price of stuffs. The market remains open daily except on Monday.
Location: South Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Sarojini Nagar Metro Station
Closed on: Monday
Dilli Haat – It is located opposite INA market on Aurobindo Marg. It is a showcase of Indian crafts and culture activities. The 62 stalls with thatched roofs, giving a village market ambience, selling handicrafts are allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen who come from all corners of the vast & varied land of India.
Location: South Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: INA Metro Station
Closed on: Open All Days
Karol Bagh – It is most famous and loved market in Delhi, situated in western part of the city. This market is considered most popular for wedding shopper, offering all sorts of lehenga cholis and other trinkets and accessories. Other than regular shopping,the market is also a wholesale bazaar and extends in the neighbourhood to Gaffar Market where you can buy Electronic Appliances, Home Accessories, and Jewellery
Location: Central Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Karol Bagh Delhi Metro Station
Closed on: Monday
Khan Market – This market is regarded as Delhi’s one of the posh and top of the line spot to shop and also considered as a oldest and costlier market in the city. This market is popular for its amazing bookstores, fashion boutiques, opticians, home wares, cafes, Ayurvedic food and cosmetics. This place is paradise for shopaholics and foodies as this place is full of showrooms offering varieties of brands textile and restaurants providing lip-smacking food
Location: Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi
Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market Delhi Metro Station
Closed On: Sundays