Delhi: India'S Heart Of Tradition, Culture And Modernity
This financial and political capital of the country does
not boast of the concoction of traditions and modernity of the country it
represents, rather it embraces people from all regions, religions and faiths
to visit and appreciate the beauty and bounty it always offers.
Quick Facts
- Location : Located in the north of the country nestled between the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
- Climate : Extreme temperatures ranging from 47 degree Celsius in summers to 4 degree Celsius in winters. The months of June-September are marked by wet monsoons.
- Known For : Historical Monuments like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Kashmiri Gate in the Old Delhi area Places of worship like Lotus Temple, Akshardham temple, Birla Mandir and Jama Masjid Metropolitan Culture showcased by the malls, Knowledge and IT parks, Metro railways and flyovers of New Delhi.
- Best Time for Visit : Winter Months of October to March.
Historical Attractions
Red Fort :This gigantic rose-hued monumental fort was built in the year 1639 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who named the city Shahjahanabad as his administrative centre. An exclusive piece of Mughal architecture, it houses several palaces, shops and the signature Mughal stlye of architecture in Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khaas, the Rang Mahal, the Hammaam.
Qutub Minar :The red sandstone tower stands 239 ft tall in Mehrauli and is the tallest brick minaret in the World. It has witnessed centuries of historic happenings. Built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty that ruled in India in the 12th century AD. The 4th century Ashoka's Iron Pillar and the Alai Darwaza inside the complex are also worth an observation.
India Gate :The majestic gate overlooking the Rajpath was built in the memory of soldiers who died in the World War I. It has a continuously illuminated torch called Amar Jawan Jyoti and a soldier's helmet atop a rifle, to immortalize the soldiers. The beautiful lawns are filled with families in the evening who come for a picnic, to watch the floodlit arch and to savor the delicious snacks sold by vendors.
Places Of Worship
Lotus Temple : The Bahai temple of worship is known for its half lotus structure, symbolising unity,peace and love exhibiting the remarkable integration of religious and science as the interiors present the calm religious atmosphere and the external facade presenting the modern architecture and engineering skills.
Birla Mandir :The temple devoted to Hindu Lord Lakshminarayan was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1938 and is one of the most famous and visited temples of India. It is styled in the Orissan fashion and the exteriors are made of red sandstone and marble of the Mughal style of architecture. The carved walls, statues and jaalis on the interiors and fountains and gardens at the posterior lends splendor to the temple.
Akshardham Temple : Spread over an area of 100 sq mt, the radiant temple with its huge courtyards, lush green gardens and soothing fountains, is unique and appealing to the senses. The main feature of this temple is its murals, stone carvings, 20,000 statues and the main statue of Hindu Lord Swaminarayan which stands 141 ft tall.
Shopping At
Chandni Chowk : This famous market of the old Delhi area is on the opposite side of the Red Fort. It is the best place to shop for ethnic and traditional wear with gota and zari work, decoration pieces, jewelery and antiques to carry home at affordable prices. The tangy, soulful street food is the specialty of the place, famous all over India.
Cannaught Place : The commercial hub of the city has a British style in its framework with an inner, outer and middle circle. Right from the top-notch brands to handicrafts, from hotels to food joints, you name it and you have it in this market. The underground market, Palika Bazaar and the market famous for ethnic jewelery and garments, Janpath within close proximity to the Cannaught Place market, also pep up the shopping expedition.
Festivals And Celebrations
To enjoy the actual ingredients that make up this city, one has to witness the style and grandeur of celebrations during the festive season that is eagerly awaited. With people of diverse faiths and religions residing here, festivals ranging from Id-Ul-Fitr to Christmas and from Baisakhi to Dusshera, all are celebrated with equal charm and enthusiasm. Each festival has a deep faith behind it and a history to appreciate and celebrate be it the festival of lights Diwali to the festival of colors Holi, from the festival of harvest Makar Sankranti to the national festival Republic Day, there is a unique style of celebrating each festival or parva and adds zest to the routine lives.
How To Get There
Air : Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Domestic Airport connect the city to major destinations of the country and the world.
Rail :The New Delhi Railway station and the Hazrat Nizammuddin Railway Station connect the city to almost all the destinations of the country via the rail routes. The Metro Railways also offers an excellent service for local travel.
Road :Delhi has a well-defined network of roads and highways to connect it to major cities and places around the city.
Red Fort :This gigantic rose-hued monumental fort was built in the year 1639 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who named the city Shahjahanabad as his administrative centre. An exclusive piece of Mughal architecture, it houses several palaces, shops and the signature Mughal stlye of architecture in Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khaas, the Rang Mahal, the Hammaam.
Qutub Minar :The red sandstone tower stands 239 ft tall in Mehrauli and is the tallest brick minaret in the World. It has witnessed centuries of historic happenings. Built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty that ruled in India in the 12th century AD. The 4th century Ashoka's Iron Pillar and the Alai Darwaza inside the complex are also worth an observation.
India Gate :The majestic gate overlooking the Rajpath was built in the memory of soldiers who died in the World War I. It has a continuously illuminated torch called Amar Jawan Jyoti and a soldier's helmet atop a rifle, to immortalize the soldiers. The beautiful lawns are filled with families in the evening who come for a picnic, to watch the floodlit arch and to savor the delicious snacks sold by vendors.
Places Of Worship
Lotus Temple : The Bahai temple of worship is known for its half lotus structure, symbolising unity,peace and love exhibiting the remarkable integration of religious and science as the interiors present the calm religious atmosphere and the external facade presenting the modern architecture and engineering skills.
Birla Mandir :The temple devoted to Hindu Lord Lakshminarayan was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in 1938 and is one of the most famous and visited temples of India. It is styled in the Orissan fashion and the exteriors are made of red sandstone and marble of the Mughal style of architecture. The carved walls, statues and jaalis on the interiors and fountains and gardens at the posterior lends splendor to the temple.
Akshardham Temple : Spread over an area of 100 sq mt, the radiant temple with its huge courtyards, lush green gardens and soothing fountains, is unique and appealing to the senses. The main feature of this temple is its murals, stone carvings, 20,000 statues and the main statue of Hindu Lord Swaminarayan which stands 141 ft tall.
Shopping At
Chandni Chowk : This famous market of the old Delhi area is on the opposite side of the Red Fort. It is the best place to shop for ethnic and traditional wear with gota and zari work, decoration pieces, jewelery and antiques to carry home at affordable prices. The tangy, soulful street food is the specialty of the place, famous all over India.
Cannaught Place : The commercial hub of the city has a British style in its framework with an inner, outer and middle circle. Right from the top-notch brands to handicrafts, from hotels to food joints, you name it and you have it in this market. The underground market, Palika Bazaar and the market famous for ethnic jewelery and garments, Janpath within close proximity to the Cannaught Place market, also pep up the shopping expedition.
Festivals And Celebrations
To enjoy the actual ingredients that make up this city, one has to witness the style and grandeur of celebrations during the festive season that is eagerly awaited. With people of diverse faiths and religions residing here, festivals ranging from Id-Ul-Fitr to Christmas and from Baisakhi to Dusshera, all are celebrated with equal charm and enthusiasm. Each festival has a deep faith behind it and a history to appreciate and celebrate be it the festival of lights Diwali to the festival of colors Holi, from the festival of harvest Makar Sankranti to the national festival Republic Day, there is a unique style of celebrating each festival or parva and adds zest to the routine lives.
How To Get There
Air : Indira Gandhi International Airport and the Domestic Airport connect the city to major destinations of the country and the world.
Rail :The New Delhi Railway station and the Hazrat Nizammuddin Railway Station connect the city to almost all the destinations of the country via the rail routes. The Metro Railways also offers an excellent service for local travel.
Road :Delhi has a well-defined network of roads and highways to connect it to major cities and places around the city.
