Delhi – The National Capital Of India
Delhi, the capital of India, can easily be symbolized with a lotus where each petal represents different eras and milestones of history. Starting from the ages of Mahabharata to British rule, Delhi has been always the most preferred destination for the power-seekers who wished to start their legacy in India. The city is thus studded with mementos and edifice carrying reminiscence of the bygone era.
Being the third-largest city and capital of India, no wonder, Delhi has gained the position of North India`s industrial hub. It presents a nice montage of the modern and ancient life where Old Delhi carries the heritage of the 17th and 19th century and New Delhi boasts of modern city life. Once the capital of Mughals, Old Delhi is adorned with cenotaphs, mausoleums, mosques, and forts all narrating the saga of Muslim history. But if you think this is all about Delhi, then you are mistaken, as the splendor of New Delhi is yet to discover. With the advent of British rulers, a need for the new capital was needed and thus Sir Edwin Lutyens came into the limelight with a new version of Delhi with imperial architecture and government buildings creating New Delhi. Delhi, combining both Old and New Delhi seems to never lose its charming mystery with the passage of time.
The bustling markets of Delhi need special mention to feel the warmth of the city. From traditional jewelry and garments to modern electronic goods, Delhi markets are the dream destination of shop alcoholics. Delhi cuisine is another identity that explores the hidden flavor of Delhi culture. It is said dilwalon ki shahar (city of warm-hearted people) loves to steal the heart of people by feeding them. Be it Mughlai Paratha or Shammi Kabab, the heritage of Delhi cuisine dates back to the Mughal era. The delicious street foods of Delhi vendors find their mention in the pages of history and on the screens of celluloid.
Suggested Read: North Indian Culture
Once you come and taste the fragrance of this heritage city, it’s for sure that you are destined to come here again and again. The warm and melting hospitality of the city will surely steal your heart and you never know when Delhi becomes the most favorite destination of yours in the world.
Several monuments are evidence of this history. Among them: the Qutb Minar (12th-beginning of 13th century) and Humayun’s Tomb (1570) both World Heritage Sites; the Mughal citadel Red Fort (1648); India’s largest mosque, the Jama Masjid; the British-built India Gate and the planned and green area of British New Delhi, now holding political and bureaucratic residences, the Indian Parliament and President’s House. In fact, the Archaeological Survey of India recognizes some 175 monuments in Delhi as heritage sites. Thus, Delhi often forms a visitor’s Golden Triangle with Agra (200 km away) and Jaipur (250 km away), to which it is very well connected.
Delhi is also a shopper’s hub with the centrally located Connaught Place Market, South Extension, and many malls all over town, especially in Gurgaon. All big hospitality chains have hotels here, and restaurants and bars abound.
Delhi has the Indira Gandhi International Airport and is connected to various cities in India and the world. It is by and large thought of as a hot city and a summer visit, up to humid September, is best avoided.
A historical splendor is an exquisite amalgamation of an epic past and a vibrant present. Lutyens designed this royal city for the British Empire. Around 1200 B.C Pandava kings established Delhi originally called Indraprastha.
The bygone center of Mughal Power, Old Delhi treasures ancient monuments, confined streets, and buzzing markets, The Red Fort a colossal in red sandstone, built in 1648, the Jama Masjid, the foremost mosque in India with its magnificent architecture was compiled by Shah Jahan. who also contrived the great marvel of beauty the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. One can luxuriate in Chandni Chok, a great shopping hub, and an eating joint, all these things are covered in a trip to Delhi.
Fast Facts
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Location: North India.
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Famous for: The Capital of India
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Ideal Time to Visit: Winter season: October- March
- Major Cities: New Delhi, Shahjahanabad, Firozobad, near Purana Qila, Jahanpanah, Tughlqabad, Siri, near Qutab Minar
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Places of Interest: Qutab Minar, The Jama Masjid, The Red Fort, India Gate
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State Emblem: Uses the National Emblem of India
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State Animal: Nilgai
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State Bird: House sparrow (Passer domesticus)
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State Flower: Alfalfa
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State Tree: Flamboyant (Delonix regia)
New Delhi
Comprises of imperial government buildings of the British Era, including the India Gate and the Presidential Palace, Parliament House. Continue to enthrall your emotions in the majestic Humayun Tomb and the 5 layers magnificent towering minaret of Qutab Minar.
Attractions in Delhi
Rashtrapati Bhavan
The magnificent structure built over an area of 330 acres was completed in 1929 with an
expenditure of 12,53,000. Lutyens designed this majestic structure as an official residence of the Viceroy of India during British rule. It has 340 rooms.
Moghul Monuments
Purana Quila (Old Fort), Qutub Minar, Tughlaqabad Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar and The Red Fort and many more.
British Monuments
India Gate, The Secretariat Complex, Rashtrapati Bhavan & Mughal Gardens, Parliament House.
Purana Qila (The Old Fort)
The Old Fort, the fortress constructed by Humayun in 1533 and it took 5 years for its completion. Purana Qila had 3 entrances, the Bara Darwaza is the main gateway to the fort. A must visiting site. Sound and Light show at Purana Quila many episodes from the glorious past are depicted in the 62 minutes light and sound show.
Timings: Nov. to Jan 6.00 – 7.00 PM 7.30 – 8.30 PM, May to Aug 7.30 – 8.30 PM 9.00 – 10.00 PM
The Red Fort
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed this magnificent Red fort in 1648 A.D and it took 10 years to complete the construction. It is built in red sandstone and includes many small palaces like Diwana-Aam, Diwana-Khas, Naubat Khana, and the Meena Baazar for the royal family. Red fort show:
Timings: Summer 1900 to 2000 hrs (Hindi) 2030 to 2130 hrs (English) Winter 1800 to 1900 hrs (Hindi) 1930 to 2030 hrs (English).
The Qutab Minar
This Medieval monument Qutub Minar is designated as the highest stone tower in India. Qutub-Ud-Din raised the tower in 1199 up to the height of 72.5m. It took 2 decades to finish this red stone structure. It was damaged by lightning in the years 1326 & 1366. Firoz Shah Tughlaq repaired the damage and added the fifth story.
Suggested Read: Alai Darwaza
India Gate
Located in the heart of Delhi, India Gate is famous as All India War Memorials. The coliseum built by Edwin Lutyens in1921is 42m high. The names of 70,000 Indian soldiers are carved on the walls of India Gate who forfeited their lives battling for the British Army during the First World War.
Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple is located in Nehru Place, Delhi, the capital of India. It is a Bahai worship temple. This temple is a very amazing temple in itself because neither this temple has any idol nor does it have any religious ritual of any kind. The structure of Lotus Temple is like a lotus flower due to which this temple in Delhi remains the center of major attraction. To see whoever follows any religion can come.
Freaking Out in a Trip of Delhi
Connaught Place, Appu Ghar, Ansal Plaza, Dilli Haat, and the various cine complexes are the most popular hangout zones in Delhi. Delhi also has an enchanting nightlife in its various discotheques, eating joints, nightclubs, and pub joints.
Shopping In a Trip to Delhi
Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, and Chandni Chowk Sarojini Nagar, South Extensions, Janpath are the primary shopping areas in Delhi. The Central Cottage Emporium at Janpath is indeed an excellent shopping joint. It authored the whole shebang that one is looking for, furniture to clothes, leather embroidery shoes that are typically Indian, miniature items that could be gifted as souvenirs. Chandni Chowk is famous for jewelry and saris, is the oldest market of Delhi once the renowned shopping hub of the ladies of the coat.
Getting There
Air: Being a Capital Delhi is well connected globally and domestically by Air Ways. Major airlines: Indian Airlines, Air India, some private Airlines like Damania Airlines, East-West Airlines fly domestically.
Rail: Being a headquarters of the Northern Railways, Delhi is well connected to a broad gauge (New Delhi) and meter gauge (Delhi Main) railway line to all the major parts of India.
Road: Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate is the major road head and is well connected to all the parts of India through regular bus services. Taxis and auto-rickshaws can be hired for traveling inside the city.
