All About Delhi

Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. In Old Delhi, a neighborhood dating to the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 people. Nearby is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls.

Delhi combines the traditional and the modern in its own unique way. While traveling in Delhi one can see a range of tourist attractions-from historical monuments to modern architectural marvels, from traditional bazaars to mega malls and from parks to spiritual centers. The major historical tourist attractions in Delhi, which one should not miss out while traveling in Delhi, are the Qutb Minar, Humayun's Tomb, the Red Fort and Purana Quila. Among the colonial tourist attractions in Delhi are the Rashtrapathi Bhavan and India Gate. There are also modern tourist attractions in Delhi like the Lotus Temple, and Dilli Haat. There are many memorials and museums in Delhi like the National Museum, Raj Ghat, Shanti Van, Jantar Mantar and so on.

Delhi is part of the famed Golden Triangle circuit that includes Agra and Jaipur . Many tourists who travel to Delhi make excursions from Delhi to these tourist destinations on their India tour. Agra is the home of the world-renowned architectural marvel in marble, Taj Mahal. The best time to visit Delhi is from the month of October to the month of March as the weather is very pleasant and helps tourists enjoy the various sights of the city. The temperature in Delhi during the summers goes up to 45 degrees Celsius and travelers are advised not to travel to Delhi during the summers, as the chances of being affected by a heatstroke are considerably high.

Delhi is one of the most important cites in India from the point of business and tourism. It is visited by many tourists throughout the year. New Delhi is home to numerous top end hotels, deluxe as well as budget hotels. The hotels in Delhi are suited for all tastes and pockets. From the luxury comfort point of view, Delhi has first-class Indian and international chains to accommodate tourists from all over the world. Some of the top end hotels in Delhi are; The Leela Palace, The Imperial, The Oberoi, Taj Mahal Hotel, ITC Maurya, Hilton Garden, Le Meridien and Shangri-La's Eros Hotel amongst others. Standard budget hotels and moderately priced guesthouses to economy youth hostels and lodges, Delhi has all kind of accommodation. The Paharganj locality near the New Delhi Railway Station is lined with budget hotels and lodges. Many foreigners prefer to stay here as these hotels are money savers. Just check the hotel and room thoroughly before checking in these hotels. Apart from these there are many hotels through out Delhi which cater to all travelers budget.

“HOW TO REACH DELHI"

By Air

Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is connected to all the important cities of the world with almost all the major international airlines operating from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Palam Domestic Airport connects Delhi to the major cities in India.

By Rail

The Indian Railway with their modern and organized network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in India. The city has three major railway stations at New Delhi, Old Delhi and Nizamuddin. Luxury trains like the Palace-on-Wheels, Fairy Queen, and Royal Orient Express can be taken from New Delhi Cantonment railway station. Rajdhani Express trains connect New Delhi from the state capitals. Shatabdi Express trains connect New Delhi to the neighboring cities.

By Road

Delhi is well connected to all the major cities of India by a network of highways and roads. The three major bus stops in the state are Inter State Bus Terminuses (ISBT), at Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar. There are several other points in the city from where various state-managed and privately run transport facilities like air-conditioned, deluxe and ordinary coaches operate.

Travel In Delhi

For travel in Delhi there are buses, the Metro train, auto-rickshaws and cycle- rickshaws. Tourist taxis ply interstate while the yellow and black taxis can be used to commute anywhere within the city Delhi and are safe but relatively expensive. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses go anywhere in the city and are the cheapest mode of transport. Auto rickshaws are another option, but it is always important to bargain for a reasonable fare. Luxurious special tourist buses are also available with packaged tours to all the tourist attractions in Delhi. The recently introduced Delhi Metro railway line is a convenient and efficient mode of transport connecting all major places within the city Delhi.

“ PLACES TO SEE IN  & AROUND DELHI "

Tourist Places in Delhi

Delhi officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), is a city and a union territory of India. It is bordered by Haryana on three sides and by Uttar Pradesh,The foundation stone of the city was laid by George V, Emperor of India.Delhi's history begins with the onset of the Delhi Sultanate in the 12th century. Since then, Delhi has been the centre of a succession of mighty empires and powerful kingdoms, making Delhi one of the longest serving Capitals and one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. New Delhi, the capital of India is visited by a large number of tourists all through the year. Reaching the city is not a mammoth's task, given its stature as the largest metropolis in the country. There are several continuous flights, trains and buses to the city from different parts of the country and abroad.

Akshardham Temple

India being the land of temples, finds its true reflection in Delhi. Akshardham is one of the most important religious sites in Delhi, which has claimed to fame for its piety and spirituality. One of the most important Delhi Monuments, it is also known for its architectural magnificence with its 234 pillars, 9 domes and 20 quadrangled shikhars-all displaying fine artistry and craftsmanship. Built on the lines of Sthaapatya shastra of India, the Akshardham in Delhi is the ideal example of a designers creativity and an engineers ingenuity.Built by carving 6000 tons of pink sand stone brought from Rajasthan, the craftsmanship lies in the temple's design, which has nothing to do with metals like steel and iron. The beauty of the temple is encaptured in the fine filigree on the walls and the pagoda, which display the sadhus and saints in various meditative postures.

India Gate

India Gate is a stone monument dedicated to the memory of the Indian soldiers who fought and died in the First World War It ranks as one of the primary places of interest in Delhi. The Indian soldiers were part of the British army and represented the military might of the British Empire at the height of its powers. India Gate was designed by Edward Lutyens and took 10 years to complete. The structure of India Gate is a triumphal arch, which is 42 meters high.

Rashtrapati Bhawan

The Rashtrapati Bhawan is a renowned monument in Delhi. It is said to be the palace of the then Viceroy of India. At present, the Rashtrapati Bhawan is house of the President of India. The building was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The construction began in 1911 and it took 19 years to finish its construction. There is a wonderful Mughal garden towards the west of Rashtrapati Bhawan. It opens up to public every spring. Tours to Rashtrapati Bhawan and Mughal Gardens are available with a nominal registration fee of Rs.25.

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

This red sandstone fort extends 2 km wide and differs in height from 18 meter on the river side to 33 meter on the city side. The fort was constructed by Shah Jahan in 1638 and was completed in 1648. Inside there are buildings, including the Hall of Public Audiences, the Drum House, the white marble all of Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Palace of Color and the Royal Baths.Decorated with Persian, European and Indian art forms the fort is one of the brilliant pieces of architecture.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid located in Old Delhi is one of the principal mosques of Delhi. One of the last architectural extravagances of Emperor Shahjahan this is one of the largest mosques in India and its courtyard can hold around 25000 people. Construction of this mosque began in 1644 and was completed in 1658 by 5000 artisans. The Jama Masjid has three great gateways and four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high and is constructed of alternating strips of red sandstone and white marble.

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

These were the words of a gentle holy man who fiercely fought against the atrocities of the Mughals over Hindus. He became the ninth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The brave Guru, who was a symbol of valor and conviction, was beheaded by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb while protecting the religious faith of the non-Muslims in India. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is an insignia of the martyrdom of this brave guru.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in New Delhi is worth a view at the occasion of all the gurupurabs and Guru Nanak Jayanti is no exception. The gurudwara is illuminated beautifully for the occasion and special kirtan programmes are held to culminate two day long Akhand Path. The entire atmosphere of the place is absolutely serene. If you happen to be in Delhi around the time, don't miss the opportunity to pay a visit to the place.

Jantar Mantar

Located on Sansad Marg in Connaught Place, this structure is one of Maharaja Jai Singh 2's observatories. This ruler from Jaipur constructed this observatory in 1725 and is dominated by a huge sundial known as the Prince of Dials. Other instruments in this observatory follow the course of heavenly bodies and predict eclipses. It was built in 1724 by Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in Delhi. Jantar Mantar of Delhi, is an astronomical observatory with masonry instruments. Jantar Mantar has instruments that can graph the path of the astronomical universe.

Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar located in Delhi is the world's tallest brick minaret, standing at a height of 72.5 meters. Commissioned by Delhi's first Muslim ruler, Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1193, Qutub Minar then had only a basement. Three more towers were added to the structure by his successor and son-in-law Shamsu'd-din Iltutmish. The Qutub Minar is known to be the earliest and most evident example of Indo-Islamic architecture and is surrounded by several other ancient structures collectively known as the Qutub Complex.

Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple)

The Bahai Temple or the Lotus Temple as it is popularly known because of its flower-like shape is located in the southern part of Delhi. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariburz Sahba in 1986 it has 27 immaculately white petals. This temple is a Bahai house of worship and is also among the popular tourist attractions in Delhi; winning many architecture awards and being featured in many magazines and newspapers. The best time to visit the Lotus Temple is between October to March as the weather is Delhi is very pleasant for sightseeing during these months of the year.

Bijay Mandal

Deciphering the archaeological history of Delhi is really a hard task to do! You never know what is camouflaged in those silently standing mystical structures which were built centuries ago. Recently, I somehow stumbled upon a similar puzzling structure of which no one had any clear knowledge about. After having researched for hours, I found out that it was the "thousand pillared" palace of the most eccentric ruler, Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. The huge complex of the fort is a part of Jahanpanah, one of the four cities of Delhi Sultanate.

Sunehri Masjid

Having been the golden sparrow in ancient times, India was often invaded by a number of rulers. History has a huge account of the atrocity of these rulers who not only plundered the wealth of the country but also led to a massive loss of blood. The outrage of one such ruler is recorded in a small mosque in Delhi. Built by a noble Mughal called Roshan-ud Daula Zafar Khan, the mosque resides in the Chandni Chowk area and is popularly known as the Sunehri Masjid.

Indira Gandhi National Center

Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts, New Delhi is a premier government-funded arts organization in India. It is an autonomous institution under the Union Ministry of Culture.Inaugurated by the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on 24 March 1987, it was established by him in the memory of his mother, Indira Gandhi.

Jamali Kamali Mosque

Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb,Located in the Archaeological Survey of India Park in Mehrauli, the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb is yet another ancient structure in the vicinity of Delhi. The unusual name of this piece of history finds its meaning in the names of two people for whom it was built, Shaikh Jamali Kamboh and his mate Kamali.

Lal Kot

Chauhan Rajputs had taken over the city of Delhi, from Tomar Rajputs. It also incorporated, much older Lal Kot built earlier by 8th-century Tomar Rajput ruler, Anang Pal I. Qila is a Persian word meaning a fort or castle.One must visit the fort to get a glimpse of the city's historical majesty. The Lal Kot was the first defensive construction of its time, erected by Anangpal I, the Tomar ruler in, AD 731. It has been built in oblong shape, and spreads over a circumference of 2.25 km.

Mutiny Memorial

The Mutiny Memorial is a memorial situated in front of Old Telegraph Building, Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi.Over a century ago, when India was struggling under the British Raj, some brave hearted rose against the colonial rule and started what is now called the "First battle of Independence". It wasn't easy; thousands of soldiers lost their lives battling the cruel Britishers. Their heroism and sacrifice is what the Mutiny Memorial now commemorates.

Begumpuri Masjid

The Begumpuri Masjid in the Begumpur Village in South Delhi is an ancient mosque which traces its history back to the Tughlaq era. Built during the 14th century, it finds it place in the seven renowned mosques built by the Prime Minister of Feroz Shah Tughlaq's court, Khan-i-Jahan-Junan Shah.

The National Zoological Park

The National Zoological Park is a 176-acre zoo near the Old Fort in Delhi, India. A 16th-century citadel, a sprawling green island and a motley collection of animals and birds, all in the middle of a burgeoning urban Delhi.The National Zoological Park Delhi or "zoo", as we call it, should be visited at least once in a lifetime. Zoo is one of the most interesting picnic spots in the town and can be visited any time around the year.

Tomb Of Mirza Ghalib

Ghalib born Mirza Asadullah Beg Khan, on 27 December 1797 – died 15 February 1869, was the preeminent Urdu and Persian-language poet during the last years of the Mughal Empire. He used his pen-names of Ghalib and Asad.He was a well-known poet in the imperial courts of the Mughal Empire and was closely related to the emperor Bahdur Shah Zafar. Ghalib held Delhi very close to his heart and called the city the soul of the world.

Kalka Ji Temple

Our capital city also boasts of a number of ancient Hindu temples that were constructed hundreds of years ago. Kalkaji Mandir, also known as Kalkaji Temple, is a Hindu mandir or temple, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali.

National Science Center

The National Science Centre established in 1992, is a science museum in Delhi, India. It is part of the National Council of Science Museums, an autonomous body under India's Ministry of Culture. It is the National Science Center in New Delhi. The National Science Center is a science museum set up with an aim of inculcating scientific awareness among people and to evoke interest in the field of science.

National Science Center

Popular as the Lal Mandir, the Digambar Jain Temple is the oldest Jain Temple in Delhi. The temple has its association with the Mughal Era. Since then, it has been altered and maintained to how it looks today.Dedicated to the Parashvanath, the temple complex has a Manastambha, a column of honour. The temple is made of red sandstone and its interiors are adorned with beautiful carvings, pure gold artwork and paintwork. There is a devotional hall at the first floor of the temple. The temple complex also has a book store where a wide collection of Jainism literature is available.

The Garden Of Five Senses

The Garden of Five Senses is a park spread over 20 acres, in Saidul Ajaib village, opposite Saket, near the Mehrauli heritage area in Delhi, India.It has been developed by Delhi Tourism Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). An alluring escape from the chaos of the city, the splendid lush greens of the garden and the majestic rocks around are well maintained.

Nizamuddin Dargah

Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is the dargah of one of the world's most famous Sufi saints, Hazrat Khwaja Syed Nizamuddin Auliya. It is among the popular attractions of Delhi.he grand Hazrat Nizamuddin tomb has lattice screens called jalis, marble arches and courtyards. Devotees tie red threads to these screens with a belief that their wishes would be granted. Inside the tomb, the shrine is covered with scented dark green cloth. Devotees offer prayers, shower rose petals and light incense sticks before the shrines.

Purana Quila (Old Fort)

Purana Qila is one the oldest forts in Delhi. Its current form was built by Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur Empire. Sher Shah raised the citadel of Purana Qila with an extensive city-area sprawling around it. There is a small archaeological museum just inside the main gate and there is a good view of New Delhi from atop the gate. A Sound and Light Show is held here every evening.

Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Originally it was the name of a historic ghat of Old Delhi on the banks of Yamuna river. Close to it, and east of Daryaganj was “Raj Ghat Gate” of the walled city, opening at Raj Ghat on Yamuna River.Raj Ghat in Delhi is the sacred sight where the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on 30th of January, 1948, his body was cremated in Raj Ghat the next day. Raj Ghat is located on the western bank of River Yamuna, and therefore was considered to be the best place for the creation of the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.The Samadhi of Jawaharlal Nehru was also constructed to the north of Raj Ghat in Shanti Van.

Lodhi Garden

Once called the Lady Willingdon Park, the Lodhi Garden contains tombs of Mubarak Shah, Ibrahim Lodi and Sikander Lodi among its well kept lawns and trees. The garden is a favored spot for early morning fitness freaks and those seeking solitude. Lodhi Gardens is a city park situated in New Delhi, India. Spread over 90 acres, it contains, Mohammed Shah's Tomb, Tomb of Sikandar Lodi, Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad, architectural works of the 15th Century.

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's son Akbar in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega Begum.Located near Mathura road, this magnificent garden tomb is a fine example of Mughal structural design in India. It was built in 1565 by his widow Hamida Banu Begam, after the death of Humayun.

Connaught Place

Connaught Place is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centres in New Delhi, India. It is often abbreviated to CP and houses the headquarters of several noted Indian firms. One of the biggest commercial areas in Delhi, Connaught Place has lots of variety of shops, businesses, restaurants and emporiums for every taste and budget.

Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat is an open-air food plaza and craft bazaar located in Delhi, run by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation. Unlike the traditional weekly market, the village Haat, Dilli Haat is permanent.One can see a mixture of crafts, food and cultural activity. It's a place where Indian culture and ethnic cuisine come together, a unique bazaar that exhibits the affluence of Indian culture.

Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)

The Laxminarayan Temple is a Hindu temple up to large extent dedicated to Laxminarayan in Delhi, India. Laxminarayan usually refers to Vishnu, Preserver in the Trimurti, also known as Narayan, when he is with his consort Lakshmi.

ISKCON Temple

Popularly called as the Hare Krishna temple, it's a famous temple with idols of Sri Sri Radha Krishna. Located in South Delhi, the temple is mainly built with red stone is acknowledged for its distinctive architecture that blends the traditional Vedic style with modern style.

Tughlaqabad Fort

Tughlaqabad Fort is a ruined fort in Delhi, stretching over 6 km, built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of Tughlaq dynasty, of the Delhi Sultanate of India in 1321.It is the most massive and spectacular fort even in its ruined state. Within its walls, bastion and huge towers are impressive palaces, marvelous mosques, and grand audience halls.

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk assembly constituency is one of the seventy Delhi assembly constituencies of Delhi in northern India. Chandni Chowk assembly consutituency is a part of Chandni Chowk. It is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi and Asia's largest wholesale market. Created by Shah Jahan, the market stretches in the old city from the Red Fort to Jama Masjid

National Agricultural Science Museum

National Agricultural Science Museum is Situated in the National Agricultural Science Centre campus of ICAR, it is the first of its kind in the India. A specially designed double storey building of 23,000 sq ft floor area depicts the development of agriculture in India since ancient time and the current state-of-the-art technology in agriculture in our country with future prospects. NASC Complex, Dev Prakash Shastri Marg Opp. Dasghara,, Pusa Campus, New Delhi, Delhi 110012.

National Rail Museum

The National Rail Museum is a museum in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi which focuses on the rail heritage of India it opened on the 1 February 1977. It is located in over 10 acres of land with both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Mathura

Mathura, the birth place of Lord Krishna, is located in Uttar Pradesh on the west of the river Yamuna. Besides being a Hindu pilgrimage, this north-Indian city is the centre for administration of the Mathura District. Mathura encompasses a total area of 3,800 sq. km. Mathura is popularly known as the "Brajbhoomi", the sacred land of Lord Krishna. The city lies 145 km to the south east of Delhi and 58 km to the north west of Agra, Uttar pradesh. Mathura attracts many tourists and pilgrims through out the year. Every nook and corner of the city reverberates with the music of flute that was played by Lord Krishna in his youth. Mathura has many legendary and historical stories attached to it which makes the place all the more special.