Living testament to
the glory of the Mughal days, patron of palaces and tombs and the
capital of India, New Delhi is all of this and more. Situated
about 160 kms south of the Himalayas and on the west bank of the
Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges, Delhi has the distinction
of being the historic hub of politics.
Delhi is as modern or ancient as you want it to be. Today's Delhi
is cosmopolitan, modern and fun-loving. With feasts for art and
theatre lovers, concerts for the musically inclined and food that
can make a gourmet cry with delight. Delhi is a place with
something for everyone.
People from all parts of the country inhabit Delhi. There are
different cultural pockets with Punjabi's being the most dominant
section here. The most common languages spoken here besides
English are Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
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Population: Approx. 12 million
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Climate: Delhi
has a climate of extremes. The summer lasts from mid-March to the
end of June, with average maximum and minimum temperatures of 36º C
and 25º C respectively. The monsoons follow the hot summer,
continuing till the end of September with an average rainfall of
about 26 inches. The winter extends from late November to
mid-February. The coldest month is January, when both the maximum
and minimum temperatures are at their lowest - 21º C and 7º C
respectively.
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| Best times to visit: October to
March.
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| Places
of Interest |
Red
Fort
Also called the Lal Qila, the Red Fort is laid out along the
river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. It is surrounded by a wall
of about 2.4 kms in circumference and is built of red sandstone.
The Mughal ruler Shah Jahan transferred his capital from Agra to
Delhi and after nine years, the fort was completed in 1648. The
fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Formerly
the Vice-Regal Palace, it is the official residence of the
President of India. This 340 rooms palace and its gardens cover
an area of 330 acres. Special permission has to be obtained in
advance to visit the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India was built by
Shah Jahan. The Masjid overlooks the old markets of the city that
are massed around Chandni Chowk and stretches till the great Red
Fort. Walking through this area can prove to be a trip down the
times, where the flavor of old Mughal charm still lingers.
Qutub Minar
The emblem of Delhi, the 72.55 meter high Qutub Minar was
erected in the 13th century by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Within the
complex is an Iron pillar, which has never rusted. This
five-storied tower is visible from a distance of several
kilometers. Which means that you could be visiting a lot of places
in Delhi and the Qutub Minar stays with you.
Rajpath
Rajpath is worth a visit. Every January 26, the grand Republic Day
Parade is held there. At one end, is the India Gate where the
eternal flame burns to commemorate India's war heroes. At the
other end is the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. On
some days in early spring, visitors are allowed to wander around
the building's famed Mughal Gardens.
Diwan-i-am
The hall of Public audiences is where the Emperor listened to
the grievances of his subjects, settled disputes and generally
dispensed justice.
Diwan-i- khas
The hall of Private audiences, a structure of white marble, is
where the Emperor held private meetings and met dignitaries. The
famous peacock throne, studded with precious stones, was in this
hall before Nadir Shah carted it away to Iran.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an observatory. About 300 years old, it can
measure the movement of the earth and the stars. It is also a very
peaceful park in the centre of town.
India Gate
This massive 42m tall structure was built as a memorial to the
90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The
structure has the names of the soldiers engraved on it. An eternal
flame burns here in commemoration of the brave soldiers.
Lodi Gardens
These beautiful gardens have majestic domed tombs of many
Sayyid and Lodi Sultans. The well-kept gardens with fountains,
ponds, flowering trees, blossoming shrubs and bushes are ideal
places for joggers and those who seek solitude.
Humayun's Tomb
Haji Begum, the senior wife of Emperor Humayun built this
mausoleum in the mid 16th century. The tomb is situated amidst
avenues of trees, watercourses and flowerbeds. A magnificent
example of refined early Mughal architecture, the structure
harmoniously blends with nature.
Purana Qila
This is the sixth city of Delhi. Located south-east of India
Gate, it is one of the most prominent monuments in Delhi. Humayun
started the fort's construction but Sher Shah, who drove him out
from Delhi, completed the city during his own reign (1538-1545).
The massive walls and huge gates were constructed by Humayun. The
octagonal Shermandal and the Quila-i-Kuhran Masjid were built by
Sher Shah.
Connaught Place
Connaught Place is an upmarket shopping area designed by Edwin
Lutyens who also designed the whole of New Delhi.
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Special Festival
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Republic Day
One of
the most colourful events in New Delhi is Republic Day, celebrated
on the 26th of January. This day epitomizes the idea of pomp and
splendor, with parades and dances, speeches and floats from all over
India. The Beating Retreat, which marks the end of celebrations on
29th January is a moving ceremony with military bands playing at
Vijay Chowk. The national anthem seldom leaves a dry eye in the
audience. The whole nation watches the televised celebrations.
While most other festivals are celebrated, Diwali, the
festival of lights and Baisakhi, a festival heralding the North
Indian new year are the ones with the Delhi flavor.
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How to get there
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By Road: Delhi is well connected by major National Highways to
almost all parts of the country. Delhi serves as the gateway to the
major tourist destinations of North India.
By Air: Delhi is India's second busiest International Airport
and is served by all major International Airlines. On the domestic
network, Delhi is connected by Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and
Sahara Airlines, to most major cities in India by frequent daily
flights.
By Rail: Regular train services connect Delhi to different
parts of India.
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