Delhi

A fusion of old and new, Delhi is the capital of India. Delhi is the commercial and business hub of India and is administrative centre for India.

Delhi is the major entry point for the tourists to tour North India. One is thrilled to see its historic past and scintillating present offering various historic sites, big shopping complex and lively traditional market places. The city is sprawled over the Western Banks of the Yamuna River.

The history of the city dates back to ancient and medieval periods. Divided and distinguished into two parts i.e. Old & New Delhi, The legacy still survives in the monuments of Delhi reflecting beauty, dynamism, architecture and culture at its best.

To begin with ancient period, Delhi has been a major political center and comprises of seven cities that were built by different dynasties who ruled over Delhi during different periods

Dating back to great Epic period of Mahabharata, it was the capital of Pandavas and was named Indraprastha. The other names of the city cam up were Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad. When the city was taken over by the British in 1803 A.D, the region of New Delhi came into existence and it was designed by the British architect Lutyens. The New Delhi displays the architecture of British rule.

Known for its various colorful festivals and cultural events, exploring Delhi is always a fascinating and rewarding experience

 

Places to see

Chandani Chowk

Located just opposite the Red Fort, this is one of the main old traditional markets of Delhi. It was built during Mughal rule and was lined with beautiful fountains at that time. This shopping arcade was planned and built in 1650 by Jahanara who was the favorite daughter of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan.

These days, Chandani Chowk is the busiest and crowded market of Delhi. The major attractions in the area are Digamber Jain Temple, Fatehpuri Mosque and Sunheri Masjid.

The variety of food available here today as in those days is one of the major attractions of Chandni Chowk in New Delhi

Jama Masjid, Delhi

Jama Masjid is a lesson of unity in diversity standing tall in the Old part of Delhi showing great harmony irrespective of difference in faith and mental thoughts.
Masjid-i Jahān-Numa or Jama Masjid Facing west is made up of red sand stone & marble and is a constructional wonder on Mughal era. Over 5,000 workers worked day and night over a period of six years and incurred an expense of one million rupees in those times.

Open arched colonnades and central tower of the mosque quiet resembles to the other mosques built by Shah Jahan built all around his realm and the building was completed in 1656A.D. The mosques by the same name in Ajmer, Agra and at other places were constructed by Shahjahan.
Jama Masjid is one of the most fascinating monuments of old Delhi which was called Shahjahanabad and cas capital of mughals. The mosque houses the respect associated with Pagamber Mohammad preserves Quran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprint etc.

Red Fort

One of the most haunting spots for tourists from both India and abroad, Red Fort is a spectacular masterpiece of Mughal Architecture. It took 10years to complete and was completed in 1648.
Situated on the banks of the river Yamuna , The Red Fort or Lal Quila shows great architectural knowledge of that period with and extending wall up to 2kms & the varying height of 18meters on the river side and 33meters on the city side.

The citadel is a significant link between the past and the present, as it was the capital of Mughjal Empire. Also, it is from here that the prime minister of India addresses the nation on the Independence Day on August 15 every year and the National Flag of India is also hoisted here.
The main attractions of the Red fort are domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, Diwan-i-Khas or the hall of Private Audiences, Rang Mahal or the Palace of Colors, hammams or the Royal Baths, the Shahi Burj, used to be king’s private working area, and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for his personal use.
Like the most of Islamic buildings in India, The fortress is octagonal in shape.

 

Raj Ghat

The last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, Rajghat is situated on the bank of the Yamuna River. The place is the spot where he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse and is also a cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, which took place on January 31, 1948.

The simple memorial to the Father of the Nation is surrounded by beautiful park with fountains labeled with trees.

To pay homage to Mahatama Gandhi, an eternal flame, in a copper urn, keeps on burning near to the memorial.

Two museums dedicated to Gandhi consisting a number of possessions along with photographs of Mahatma Gandhi are also situated near to Rajghat.

Rashtrapati Bhawan

A mix of Western and Indian styles, Rashtrapati Bhavan is centered around Modern New Delhi. The building was meant for the Governor General of India and was built by the British. Standing at a height and looks like flowing down to India Gate, it was Inaugurated as the Vice regal Lodge in 1931. When India became republic in 1950, the name was changed to President House and is now resident of the President of India.

The Stretch flowing down towards the India Gate is called Rajpath and the charming structure is designed by the great architect Edwin Lutyens.

The building belongs to the time when British decided to shift their capital from Calcutta to Delhi and New Delhi was born then. It took 20years to complete and an expense of approximately 16 million pounds incurred. The four storey building has 340rooms and is spread in 200,000 square feet of area. By the time, the building was completed, India got independence.

The main attractions of Rashtapati Bhawan constitute “The Jaipur Column” which was a gift from the Maharaja of Jaipur. The column still stands at a height of 145 meters.

Mughal Gardens is another impressive features of the Rashtrapati which comprises of an outstanding garden and is a paradise for lovers of flowers and beauty.

 

India Gate

With lush green lawns in the backdrop, India Gate is an impressive historic monument and a memorial built to commemorate the 90,000 Indian soldiers, died during the Afghan wars and World War I. The names of the martyred soldiers have been inscribed on the walls of India gate.

The 160 feet high with an arch of 138feet, it was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and took 10years to be completed in 1931 A.D.

Built of black marble, depicting a rifle put on its barrel and crested by a helmet of soldier, India Gate is perhaps one of the most breathtaking modern structures built in the capital of India. One can see the eternal flame in the name of “Amar Jawan Jyoti” in the honor of martyrs who laid their lives during the 1971 war.

The 160 feet high with an arch of 138feet, it was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and took 10years to be completed in 1931 A.D.

It is a popular picnic spot and one can always enjoy beautiful evenings at India Gate as it is it is intensely floodlit and the colored lights give new life to the fountains nearby. The arch stands entirely on a low base of red sand stone brought from Dholpur near Bharatpur.

India Gate one can say is an eternal passion to love the mother land reflecting the passion of people of India.

 

Laxminarayan Temple

Dominating the urban skyline of Central Delhi and and showcasing different flavors of spirituality and legends, Lakshmi Narayan Temple or Birla Temple was erected by industrialist B.D.Birla in 1938.

It took approximately 6 years to construct the temple and was inaugurated by the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi confirmed about the inauguration on assurance from the Birla family that people from all castes, especially untouchables be allowed to offer prayer in the temple.

The temple is dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, Lakshmi being the Goddess of good fortune and prosperity and Narayan or Vishnu being the preserver in Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu & Mahesh.

The revered Hindu shrine is located in central Delhi, 1.5kms away from Connaught Place area. The “Birla Temple” is famous for its amazing architecture of Nagra style with modern influence. Full of wonderful carvings which depict scenes from Hindu mythology, the temple is example of aesthetic beauty shown in the spacious corridors, amazing friezes and great artistic sculptures. The temple encompasses a large garden and colorful with fountains making it a charm of Delhi city.

As per records, 101 most skilled architects from Varanasi were deputed for the task of making this beautiful temple. To make it fully correct in terms of myths and religion, a team of most intelligent pundits led by Acharya Vishvanath Shastri, were deputed to describe this magic in stones.

Remember to visit the Buddha shrine, the rippleless walls embellished with fresco paintings depicting the Lord's life and work. Children can also enjoy their hearts out at the miniature rock temples nestling at the backyard of the temple. There is also an arena said to be the erstwhile gym of Bhima, the second Pandava of the Mahabharata fame. An artificial landscape complete with mountains and cascading waterfalls makes for a perfect solitude.

 

Humayun's Tomb

Built in the year 1570 and labeled as a World Heritage monument by UNESCO, Humayun’s Tomb is among the most famous and fascinating site of Delhi. The tomb was designed by widow of Humayun, Hamida Bano Begum and has a distinguished style of garden surrounding the tomb. The garden style of Charbagh, the garden divided into four equal parts, was the first of its kind in India and later was a great inspiration for many wonderful buildings constructed during Mughal Empire.

One can find inspiration of various dynasties on architecture of Delhi as the city was ruled by many powerful kings and was the center of power most of the time. The octagonal chamber tomb is a resting place Mughal Emperor Humayun and is built of red sand stone. Apart from red sand stone, Black and white marble has been used for decoration and carvings on archways.

 

Qutub Minar

The world’s tallest free standing brick tower and a magnificent example of Indo-Islamic Architecture, Qutab Minar is the most famous structure of Delhi city.

Qutab Minar was constructed by Qutb-ud-din Aybak, ruler from the earliest Islamic dynasties of India. The Qutab Minar was built to show the supremacy of the Turkish Muslims. They prevailed over the native rulers and were vanquished comprehensively. The monument has evolved as the tourism symbol in New Delhi.

It is 72.5m tall (237.8 ft) with a base diameter is 14.3 meters and the diameter at the top measures 3.8 meters. It requires 399 steps to reach the top. However, it is not been possible for visitors to ascend the tower now as the upper parts have been damaged for some years and all necessary safety measures have been taken to protect this marvelous monument situated in Qutab complex.

Qutab Minar was the tallest “Skyscraper” in the world of its time i.e. from 1193 to1368. With carvings on the minaret at its best, it has been a meek spectator to the change of power many a time and is still preserved as a breathtaking tower of immaculate beauty.

As per the archaeologists, the top of the tower has been rebuilt twice after earthquakes in different time periods. Even, the base has been strengthened and restored recently to save this monument. The Qutab Minar has been categorized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Due to the condition of the minaret, tourists are not allowed to enter the tower.

 

Akshardham Temple

The ambrosial Akshardham Temple, a grand modern signature of exquisite beauty is nestled on the banks of river Yamuna. The temple is spread over 100 acres of land and this pristine architecture is a hard work of 5 years of non-stop, round-the-clock construction and blessings of the people of India.

One is overwhelmed to watch this immense beauty with exquisitely carved pillars, quadrangle towers, ornate domes, constructed in white marble and red sandstone.

The structure is 141 feet tall surrounded by a lake containing holy waters from 151 rivers and lakes sanctified by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, including Mansarovar in Tibet.

Audio Animatronics Show is the biggest attraction of the temple which allows you to have the real experience of the Akshardham temple.

The temple is a delight for everyone and comes to full life in the night as colorful musical water fountain makes it a treat to watch echoing the Vedic rhymes.

The most intricate religious places of worship and the biggest Hindu shrine ever built.
Built only from sandstone and marble, steel has not been used in the building.
The temple comprises of 234 carved pillars, 9 ornate domes, 20 quadrangle Towers, an extraordinary plinth of stone elephants and 20,000 statues of great sadhus, devotees, acharyas and divine personalities of India.
Artisans and religious gurus from all over India worked for over 300 million man hours to complete the structure.
The Akshardham parikrama (circumambulatory path) has 1,152 pillars, 145 windows and 154 similar towers and amounting to a total of 53,956 stones
It has been recognized as the largest Hindu temple complex in world by the Guinness Book of World Records.