Delhi Tourism

New Delhi, the Vibrant Capital of India

There is famous saying that goes?One who knows Delhi is a loser and one who doesn't know Delhi is also a loser, which is very true. Because, a person who has known Delhi, finds it very difficult to adjust and accept any other place while a person who has not known Delhi at all is simply missing out all the fun that Delhi has to offer.

Actually, Delhi is a small mirror that reflects India. Over the millennia, the capital of the world's largest democracy has wooed rulers who just could not resist its charm. The best way to know about the glorious heritage of Delhi is to know its monuments. They stand as a mute witness to the city?s century old history filled with the rise and fall of dynasties that ruled the land. Delhi Tourism is not just a mere sightseeing in the National Capital; it is a combination of rich past and thriving present. A city, where ancient and modern combine to narrate endless stories and experiences.

Location: Delhi, also known as New Delhi, lies in the northern part of India. It is the capital of India.

Delhi Tourist Attractions

There are a number of attractions for the tourists on New Delhi tour. A must visit is the India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb and many more.

Qutab Minar

The Qutab Minar is located in a small village called Mehrauli in South Delhi. It was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a red sandstone tower, standing tall at a height of 72.5 metres and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an. Qutub-ud-din Aibak began constructing this victory tower as a sign of Muslim domination of Delhi and as a minaret for the Muslim priest, the muezzin, to call the faithful to prayer.

However, only the first storey was completed by Qutb-ud-din. The other storeys were built by his successor Iltutmish. The two circular storeys in white marble were built by Ferozshah Tughlaq in 1368, replacing the original fourth storey. The projected balconies in the tower are supported by exquisite stalactite designs. The tapering tower has pointed and circular flutings on the first storey and star-shaped on the second and third storey. The bands of calligraphic inscriptions are amazing in perfection with the exquisite stalactite designs seen on the exterior of this tower.

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb was built by his wife Haji Begum, nine years after Humayun's death. Designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, and completed in 1565, the edifice was a trendsetter of its time. It is said that all later Mughal monuments, including the Taj Mahal, followed its design.

Red Fort

Situated in Old Delhi, where the lanes are narrow and always filled with people, Red Fort stands tall and proud-a great witness to history, a mute spectator of the present. The decision for constructing the fort was taken in 1639, when Shahjahan decided to shift his capital to Delhi. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel)-Delhi's seventh fort, ready in all its magnificence to receive the Emperor. Much has changed now because of large-scale demolitions by the British; its important structures have survived. Though its glory has faded with age, it continues to look impressive and serves venue for flag hoist during Independence Day by Prime Minister.

Purana Quila

The Purana Quila is a good example of medieval military architecture. Built by Humayun, the Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward and every inch a fortress. It is different from the well-planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of the later Mughal rulers. Purana Quila is also different from the later forts of the Mughals, as it does not have a complex of palaces, administrative and recreational buildings, as is generally found in the forts built later on. The main purpose of this now-dilapidated fort was its utility, with less emphasis on decoration.

Baha'i Temple (Lotus Temple)

Made out of white marble, the Lotus shaped temple is the Bah?'? House of Worship. People of every faith and religion come here to meditate and connect to their gods.

Rashtrapati Bhawan

Rashtrapati Bhawan is architecturally a very impressive building, with the India Gate standing opposite to it. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. The imposing plan of this area, conceived by Lutyens, attracts lots of tourists as well as the residents of Delhi who make it a point to visit the place often.

India Gate

India Gate is a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war. The green, velvety lawns at India Gate, particularly, are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. People come here to enjoy picnic while children enjoy boating and play around the place. Amar Jawan Jyoti inside is an eternal flame that burns day and night as a mark of respect to these soldiers.

Other places to visit in Delhi:

• Raj Ghat (Mahatma Gandhi Samadhi)
• ISKCON Temple
• Jantar Mantar
• Akshardham Temple
• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
• Jama Masjid
• Laxmi Narayan Temple
• Garden Of Five Senses
• Lodi Gardens
• National Gallery of Modern Art
  

Best Time to Visit

Spring season (February to March) is considered as the best time to visit Delhi when the weather stays pleasant. Delhi experiences extremely hot and humid summers (April to June) which sometimes make day tours difficult. Also, winters (December to January) of Delhi are also popular provided you are ready to face chilly breezes. Winter months bring loads of festivities in the city with Diwali falling in October/November, Lohri in January, and New Year & Christmas falling in December. Rainy season (July to Mid-September) is also considered as an off-peak season in Delhi as most of the areas in the city remain drenched due to excessive rainfall.

How to Reach

By Air: Delhi is conveniently connected to all the major cities of the world. Delhi has two airports catering to domestic and international flights, located 4? km apart in Palam. The international airport (known as Indira Gandhi International Airport) is situated 20 km from the city center. Taxis and coaches are available. The booking offices are mostly situated in and around Connaught Place.

By Rail: Delhi is connected to almost all the cities in the country by super-fast and express trains. 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 Delhi Cantonment railway station. Rajdhani Express trains connect Delhi from the state capitals. Shatabdi Express trains connect Delhi to the neighboring cities.

By Road: New Delhi is connected to all the major cities of the northern India through road. Buses can be taken from the inter-state bus terminals at Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Kale Khan.

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