Delhi - the capital city of India, is the home to
world's largest democracy, a medieval splendour, an educationalist's play
ground, a historian's wonderland and the most of all a monumental heritage.
The city has seen the rise and fall of so may dynasties that one can still
breathe the dust and fragrances of the past. Legend has it that Delhi was
founded as early as the 1200 BC by the Pandavas, heroes of the great India
epic Mahabharata. Delhi is the central point of India's rich tradition and
historical grandeur. It is the combination of seven cities that were founded
and built by different emperors from time to time.
The city perfectly blends the past and present vividly. It is the melting
pot of Indian diversity. Each part of Delhi has its own distinct character.
Delhi has long tradition of hospitality and offers various attractions as a
multi faceted tourists destinations. The street's of old Delhi are always
crowded but the tour to the historical monuments and the colonial mansions
can be very fascinating. The Delhi, we know and admire today is, of course,
city of dijnns. That mediaeval flavour can be captured in the tempting lanes
of old city. On the other hand the New Delhi is more spacious and orderly.
It was planned by British architects and planners in the 20th century when
the capital was moved from Kolkata.
Embarked on its ambitious plan, the city is coming up with the new plans of
development. The metro is all set to redefine the transport scenes, projects
of more and more flyovers have already been finalized, large number of new
multiplexes and malls are being started, than the restaurants, the coffee
culture has come to the town, monuments are being renovated and gardens
beautified...With more than 15 million residents hailing from different
parts of the country, Delhi can rightly be called as 'Little India'.
Sightseeing Highlights :
Jama Masjid : The reminder of Mughal religious fervour, Jama Masjid
is the largest mosque in Asia, that was built by Shah Jahan in 1656 during
the Mughal regime in India. The mosque stands opposite to the Red Fort.
Red Fort : The impressive Red Fort stands along the eastern edge of
the walled city on the western bank of river Yamuna. The Red Fort was built
as a royal residence by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Some of its main highlights include Diwan-i-khas, a luxurious chamber where
the king used to hold the private meetings while seated on his solid gold
peacock throne, which is now in Tehran.
Qutab Minar : Qutab Minar is the pride of Delhi. This commemorative
tower was built by the Allauddin Khilji in the 13th century. It is five
stories high, each story clearly distinguished by a projecting balcony.
Humayun's Tomb : Near to the Purana Quila, lies the Humayun's Tomb
built by Haji Begum in the mid of the 16th century. It displays
characteristics of the Mughal style of architecture with high arches and
double domes and is considered the forerunner of the Taj Mahal.
Jantar Mantar : This observatory, set amidst a garden of stately
palms a short walk from Connnaught place, aws built by Raja Jai Singh of
Jaipur.
Rajghat : IT is located on the Ring Road, about 4 km from Red Fort.
Memorials to Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, they exude the atmosphere
of peace and tranquility.
Temple Sites :
The city of Delhi is noted for its magnificent Islamic monuments. But it is
a city of temples as well. Some of the major and minor temples that are
scattered all over Delhi are Lotus Temple, Kali Bari, ISKCON temple, Birla
Mandir, Jhandewala and Kalkaji mandirs. But perhaps the most impressive is
the brand new Akshardham temple, located on the banks of river Yamuna. Built
in just five years with the help of 11,000 artisans, the temple is
magnificent tribute to the grand tradition of the Indian temple
architecture.
Museums :
Do not miss the museums in the city. The museums in the city exhibit
objects that range from finds at archaeological sites, miniature paintings,
royal memorabilia to the city's finest traditional crafts. Some of the
renowned museums in the city include National Museum, Rail Museum,
International Dolls Museum, and the National Gallery of Modern art.
Shopping :
Delhi is the shopper's delight. There are markets just every where- some
hundreds years old like Chandni Chowk. It is a vibrant, throbbing,
shrinkingly loud and colourful shopping area amidst narrow cobbled lanes. It
houses the row of jeweller's shop that will see you jewellery so exquisite
as to remind you you of the best shops in New York. In come the Janpath/
Connaught Place - the shopping ad the business centrer. Here you may find
loads of fancy shops and restaurants. From here you can pick up the most
favoured Handicraft items, that you want find anywhere else in the world.
Than you check out the fascinating shopping malls leading all the Indian and
International brands.
History
of Delhi
