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 25oC to 45oC during the summer and 22oC
to 5oC 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.
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.
