Welcome To DELHI The CAPITAL Of CULTURE

ABOUT DELHI

            

          Delhi, the capital of India, has a rich history. The city is dotted with spellbinding mosques, forts, and monuments left over from the Mughal rulers that once occupied the city. The contrast between rambling Old Delhi and well planned New Delhi is immense, and it's interesting to spend time exploring both. If you feel in need of some relaxation, just head to one of Delhi's flourishing landscaped gardens.

Delhi, the capital of India has a strong historical background. It was ruled by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history.

           

The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. The town was known as Indraprastha, where Pandavas used to live. In due course eight more cities came alive adjacent to Indraprastha: Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad.

Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. It was ruled by the Mughals in succession to Khiljis and Tughlaqs.

In 1192 the legions of the Afghan warrior Muhammad of Ghori captured the Rajput town, and the Delhi Sultanate was established (1206). The invasion of Delhi by Timur in 1398 put an end to the sultanate; the Lodis, last of the Delhi sultans, gave way to Babur, who, after the battle of Panipat in 1526, founded the Mughal Empire. The early Mughal emperors favoured Agra as their capital, and Delhi became their permanent seat only after Shah Jahan built (1638) the walls of Old Delhi.

From Hindu Kings to Muslim Sultans, the reins of the city kept shifting from one ruler to another. The soils of the city smell of blood, sacrifices and love for the nation. The old 'Havelis' and edifices from the past stand silent but their silence also speaks volumes for their owners and people who lived here centuries back.

In the year 1803 AD, the city came under the British rule. In 1911, British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi. It again became the center of all the governing activities. But, the city has the reputation of over throwing the occupants of its throne. It included the British and the current political parties that have had the honour of leading free India.

After independence in 1947, New Delhi was officially declared as the Capital of India.

The Culture of Delhi

Delhi is the traditional and present day capital of India. Delhi stands in a triangle formed by the river Yamuna in the east and spurs from the Aravali range in the west and south.Delhi is not only the largest commercial centre in Northern India, but also the largest centre of small industries. The IT sector, handloom, fashion, textile and electronic industry contribute a lot to Delhi's economy.

Delhi is bounded by four states namely Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab that have a strong influence on the lifestyle of Delhi. Delhi is a cosmopolitan city where people are open to embracing new ideas and life style. People from all parts of the country live here. Alll major festival of Inida are celebrated and the Unity in Diversity is evident in social and cultural gatherings. Be it Holi, Diwali, Id, Guru Purab, Buddha Purnima or Christmas, you will find the same vigor and bliss among people from different communities.

Climate

Delhi's has an extreme climate. It is very hot in summer (April - July) and cold in winter (December - January). The average temperature can vary from 25^oC to 45^oC during the summer and 22^oC to 5^oC during the winter.

            In summer adequate precautions need to be taken, to avoid the intense heat, such as wearing light cotton clothing, wearing a hat or sunshade while going outdoors and drinking plenty of liquids. In winter, wearing warm or woolen clothing will protect you from the cold. 

Must See Places In Delhi

1. Red Fort

Delhi's most famous monument, the Red Fort, stands as a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who ruled India. Its walls, which stretch for over two kilometers (1.2 miles), were built in 1638 to keep out invaders. However, they failed to stop the fort being captured by the Sikhs and the British. To take your imagination back to the ancient era, a one hour sound and light show of the fort's history is held each evening.

Location: Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.

Entry Cost: $5 or 250 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.

Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset. Closed Mondays.

Sound & Light Show: In English at 7.30 p.m from November to January, 8.30 p.m. from January to April and September to October, and 9 p.m. from May to August.

2 India Gate

The towering archway of India Gate at the center of New Delhi is a war memorial, built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army in World War I. At night it glows warmly under floodlights, and the gardens that line its boulevard are a popular place to enjoy a warm summer's evening.

Location: Rajpath, near Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Entry Cost: Free.

Opening Hours: Always open

3. Bahai (Lotus) Temple

The Bahai Temple is commonly referred to as the Lotus Temple, as it's shaped like a lotus flower. It's particularly pretty at night, when it's attractively lit up. Made out of white marble, the temple belongs to the Bahai Faith, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions. Everybody is welcome to worship there. The tranquil gardens and ponds surrounding the temple are also a great place for a relaxing picnic.

Location: Near Nehru Place, south New Delhi.

Entry Cost: Free.

Opening Hours: Daily, from 9.00 a.m. until sunset.

4.Chandni Chowk (Sharell Cook)

Chandni Chowk, the main street of old Delhi, is a shocking contrast to the wide, orderly streets of New Delhi. Cars, cycle rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians, and animals all compete for space. It's chaotic, crumbling and congested, but completely captivating as well. As one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, its narrow winding lanes are full of inexpensive jewelry, fabrics, and electronics. For the more adventurous, Chandni Chowk is an excellent place to come to sample some of Delhi's street food. The renowned Karim Hotel, a Delhi dining institution, is also located there.

Location: Old Delhi, near the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

5.Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world, is an incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture. It was built in 1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India, while others say it was used to call the faithful to prayer. The tower has five distinct stories, and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Quran. There are also a number of other historic monuments on the site.

Visit the India Travel Forum for an interesting set of photos of Qutab Minar, posted by one of the members.

Location: Mehrauli, south New Delhi.

Entry Cost: $5 or 250 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.

Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset, daily.

6.Garden of Five Senses

The Garden of Five Senses is another peaceful place to come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. However, it's no ordinary garden. As its name suggests, the Garden of Five Senses has been specifically designed to awaken all five senses. The sprawling 20 acre site beckons with a vibrant display of thoughtfully landscaped plants and flowers, waterfalls, rocks, quirky sculptures, murals, ceramic bells, and spiral walkways. The amphitheater often has live music. There are also restaurants and bars (check out the groovy Zoo at night) to relax in.

Location: Said-ul-ajab village, M.B. Road, close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi. Near Saket.

Entry Cost: Free.

Opening Hours: Daily from 6.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.

7. Humayun's Tomb

If you think Humayun's Tomb looks a bit like the Taj Mahal in Agra, that's because it was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal's creation. The tomb was built in 1570, and houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. It was the first of this type of Mughal architecture to be built in India, and the Mughal rulers followed it up with an extensive period of construction all over the country. The tomb is part of a greater complex that's set amongst beautiful gardens.

Location: Nizamuddin East, New Delhi. Near the Nizamuddin train station, off Mathura Road.

Entry Cost: $5 or 250 rupees. Free for children under 15 years.

Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset, daily. It's best viewed in the golden light of the late afternoon.

8. Lodi Gardens

Lodi Gardens provides a serene retreat from city life, and is the place to come if you're feeling tired and worn out. The vast Gardens were built by the British in 1936 around the tombs of 15th and 16th century rulers. Joggers, yoga practitioners, and young couples all enjoy this park.

Location: Lodi Road, not far from Humayun's Tomb.

Entry Cost: Free.

Opening Hours: Daily, but Sundays are particularly busy.

9. Gandhi Smriti

A visit to Gandhi Smriti will show you the exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately referred to as the Father of the Nation, was assassinated on January 30, 1948. He lived in the house for 144 days up until the time of his death. The room that he slept in, kept exactly how he left it, and the prayer ground where he held a mass congregation every evening are both open to the public. Plenty of photos, sculptures, paintings, and inscriptions are also on display.

Location: 5 Tees January Marg, central New Delhi.

Entry Cost: Free.

Opening Hours: From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.

10. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is another marvelous treasure of the Old City, and is the largest mosque in India. Its courtyard can hold an incredible 25,000 devotees. The mosque took 13 years to build, and was completed in 1650. A strenuous climb to the top of its southern tower will reward you with a stunning view across the rooftops of Delhi. Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the mosque or you won't be allowed in. This means covering your head, legs and shoulders. Attire is available there.

Location: Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. Near the Red Fort.

Entry Cost: Free, but a camera fee applies.

Opening Hours: Daily, except when prayers are being held from 12.15 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. It closes just before sunset.

How To Reach

By Air

Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights, to all the major cities within and outside India. Almost all the major airlines have their flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi. Domestic Airport connects Delhi to the major cities in India.

By Train

The railway network connects Delhi to the all major and, nearly, all the minor destinations in India. The three important railway stations of Delhi are New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station.

By Road

Delhi is well connected, by a network of roads and national highways, with all the major cities in India. The three major bus stands in Delhi are Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus. Both the government and private transport providers provide frequent bus services. One can also get government as well as private taxis here.