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Delhi
was known as Indraprastha in ancient times, 'Dilli' during
the Mughal dynasty, 'Delhi' during the British rule, and as
'New Delhi' in the independent era.
Best
Period to Visit:
September - April
Places
of Interest:
Old Delhi-
was the capital of Muslim India between the 17th-19th
centuries. Old Delhi consists of many mosques , monuments
and forts relating to Indian history.
Lutyen's Delhi is a spacious well-planned city with shopping
arcades, government institutions and luxury hotels.
Old city Red fort Popularly known as Lal Qila , the red sand
stone fort extends upto two km. The Diwan-i-Aam has a royal
throne studded with precious stones and a statesque marble
canopy over it. The Rang Mahal and Mumtaz Mahal are also worth
visiting.
Jama Masjid The largest mosque of India is an architectural
masterpiece having a capacity for 25,000 people.
Chandni Chowk A busy bazaar, built by Jahanara Begum, is an
interesting shopping area.
New Delhi-
Rajghat is the memorial for Mahatma Gandhi, in black marble.
The memorials for other Indian prime ministers are located
on the same road.
India gate is a 42 metre high stone arch. 'The triumph' bears
the names of 85000 Indian army soldiers who died in world
war I.
Jantar Mantar Maharaja Jai Singh Observatory was structured
in 1725. It is dominated by a huge sundial to predict movements
of heavenly bodies.
Rajpath The kingsway is another focus of Lutyen’s New
Delhi with India Gate on justify, and President House on right
side.
Sansad Bhavan the big circular structure has a diameter of
171 metres. It’s an imposing building where the Indian
parliament session takes place.
National Museum the National Museum of India has a good collection
of artefacts, and wooden and bronze sculptures of various
ages.
Bahai temple Built between 1980 and 1986, is a massive temple
of Bahai faith having the shape of a lotus flower. This temple
is open for prayers and meditation for all sects and religions.
Other places of interest Connaught Place Janpath Built by
the Duke of Connaught, is a spacious and an interesting shopping
area.
National Gallery of Modern Art It is an excellent collection
of work by both Indian and Colonial artistes.
Lodi Garden encloses tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers. It is
quietly splendid garden.
Safdarjang Tomb : is built on a high terrace in an extensive
garden. It is the last example of Mughal architecture before
the final remnants of the great empire collapsed.
Qutab Minar Work on Qutab Minar was started by Qutbuddin Aibak
in 1199 and was completed by Iltutmish. It is 73 metres in
height, having calligraphed bands of Quranic inscriptions
- breath taking examples of stone craft. Tomb of Iltutmish,
Alai Minar and Alai Darwaza are certainly worth seeing.
Humayun tomb is the finest garden tomb in Delhi. Its 'Charbagh'
is still maintained, and the structure served as a model for
the Taj Mahal.
Nizam-ud-din-Dargah, was built by Humayun in 1539. Lal Darwaza
and Khooni Darwaza are the gateways to Sher Shah's city.
Souvenirs
:
Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Janpath Tibetan stalls
and State Emporia Complex should be visited for Indian Crafts.
Chandani Chowk for its intriguing antiques, gold and silver
jewellery, bronze and brass, cotton and silk, brocades and
leather.
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