Places to visit in Delhi
Delhi is fondly known as the ‘City of Cities’. The bustling capital of India successfully brings together in its fold- the old and new presenting a unique melting-pot that fascinates all. Experience the coming together of the ancient and the modern, co-existing in harmony with each other, enhancing the appeal of Delhi for travellers from far ends of the globe. The gateway to the country, Delhi enjoys a strategic location. It is well-connected internationally as well as domestically. While Delhi itself presents lots to see, do and experience, it also helps access Rajasthan, the central India, North India and almost every city of the country. So, it comes without surprise, that it is the most-popular tourist circuit in India, the Golden Triangle with Delhi as its starting point cover Agra and Jaipur.
As fascinating as Delhi, is the history of the land. Over centuries and eras, the city has been the centre of the many ruling dynasties who chose it as their seat of power. Unsurprisingly, what constitutes Delhi today, is a conglomerate of seven cities. Lalkot was built in the mid-11th century with very few ruins left now. Siri established by Allauddin Khilji has some remains which find its place among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Tughlakabad and Ferozabad built by the Tughlaks which have now become interesting ruins. Then came the city of the Lodis which too has fascinating architecture left to marvel at. Lastly, among the last of the glorious bygone days came with Shahjahanabad, magnificent capital of the Mughals under Shah Jahan. New Delhi, also known as Lutyen’s Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind with many interesting monuments. Every nook and corner you visit, you will inadvertently come across the glorious past.
Besides the touch of the old, the modern is not far behind as the city matches pace with the world. Fine-dining restaurants, business centres, shopping malls, museums & art galleries, internationally- acclaimed hotels, etc. that put the city on the world map. Some important places worth visiting in Delhi include the Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar Archaeological Complex, the Jantar Mantar, the Bahai temple, Raj Ghat, India Gate, among many others.
Besides the amazing sights, Delhi is also a great shopping destination. Be it the road side stalls of Connaught Place or the swanky shopping malls in the suburbs, shopping is a major attraction for visitors to Delhi. Same goes for the food. Be it the street food of Old Delhi bylanes or the luxury restaurants, every dish is a treat for your taste buds.
Red Fort
The Red Fort is a historic fort in the city of Delhi in India that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors. Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1638, when he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Originally red and white, its design is credited to architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal. It was constructed between May 1639 and April 1648. On 15 August 1947, the first prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate. Every year on India's Independence Day, the prime minister hoists the Indian "tricolour flag" at the fort's main gate and delivers a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts.
India Gate
The India Gate is a war memorial located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of the "ceremonial axis" of New Delhi, formerly called Kingsway. It stands as a memorial to 70,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who died in between 1914–1921 in the First World War, in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa, Gallipoli and elsewhere in the Near and the Far East, and the third Anglo-Afghan War. 13,300 servicemen's names, including some soldiers and officers from the United Kingdom, are inscribed on the gate. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the gate evokes the architectural style of the triumphal arch such as the Arch of Constantine, in Rome, and is often compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Following the Bangladesh Liberation war in 1972, a structure consisting of a black marble plinth with a reversed rifle, capped by a war helmet and bounded by four eternal flames, was built beneath the archway. This structure, called Amar Jawan Jyoti, has since 1971 served as India's tomb of the unknown soldier.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House): Rashtrapati Bhavan is the authorized residence of the President of the country. It was designed by Lutyens and was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar This outstanding building in the Southern part of the capital was built by the Muslim King; Qutab–ud–din Aibak in 1199 A.D. The Minar (tower) is 72.5 meters tall and its base is a mosque
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of the country’s major mosques where hundreds and thousands of Muslims offer their prayers even today. Jama Masjid was constructed by Shah Jahan as an architectural extravaganza in 1658. The wonders of construction in Jama Masjid are seen in the long stretches of stairs and the hefty courtyard
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb Nine years after the death of Humayun, Haji Begum (widow of Humayun) built this tomb in 1565-66 in his memory. The garden tomb is one of the world heritage sites inscribed by UNESCO and is said to be the motivation behind the 'wonder of the world' Taj Mahal
Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple, located in Delhi, India, is a Bahá'í House of Worship that was dedicated in December 1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it has become a prominent attraction in the city. Like all Bahá'í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all, regardless of religion or any other qualification. The building is composed of 27 free-standing marble-clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides, with nine doors opening onto a central hall with a height of slightly over 34.27 metres and a capacity of 2,500 people. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards and has been featured in many newspaper and magazine articles
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk (Silver Street): Chandni Chowk is well-known for its flamboyant streets with the famous shopping spots of Old Delhi. It also has the country’s best known extensive market for textiles, electronic goods, and watches.
