Delhi
Facts and figures
»
Location from Major Metros : Mumbai (1407 km), Chennai (2095 km),
Calcutta (1461 km).
» Known for : Delhi is the capital of India and
also owns some beautiful monuments.
» Climate & Best time to visit : Delhi has an
extreme climate, the city is hot and humid in the summers, and cold in the
winters. Delhi witnesses warm weather with temperature in summer rising up
to 45 degree Celsius and the winters are also quite cold with temperature
dropping as low as 5 degree Celsius. The monsoon arrives towards the end of
June. Best time to visit Delhi is during the months of February to April and
August to November, when the climate is pleasant.
The city
Delhi is the capital of India, situated in the northern region and is the
third largest city of India. A fusion of the ancient and the modern,
standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, Delhi, revels a picture rich
in culture, architecture and human diversity. It has rich history,
monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows, truly representing
India. Delhi consists of Old Delhi and New Delhi, both very different from
each other and giving Delhi a rich blend of past and the present. The city
has many monuments built by Mughals and British. Delhi has many markets and
bazaars, where you can find all sorts of goods and items. This well-planned
city is decorated by trees that line the spacious streets and imposing
buildings that tell us about its advancement.
Come to Delhi and experience an amalgamation of power, politics, invasions,
and conquests & of free India. It is one of the most enchanting cities
in the world, pulling visitors from all over the world to explore and
discover the essence of India.
Attractions in the city
» India Gate : India gate is the 42 meter high, free
standing arch. It was designed by Luytens and built in 1911. Earlier it was
called All India War Memorial in memory of the 90,000 Soldiers of the Indian
Army who died in World War I. The names of the soldiers are inscribed all
along the walls of the arch. In1971, an eternal flame was lit here to honor
the Amar Jawan (immortal soldiers).
» Parliament House : This grand building signifies
the great democracy of India. It is a marvelous piece of architecture which
can be admired only from outside on account of security restrictions. It is
located near the President's House and was designed by the famed architect
Luytens.
» Bahai Temple : The Bahai temple is better known as the Lotus
temple due it's lotus flower like shape. Located in south of Delhi, it was
built between 1980 and 1986. It is set amongst pools and gardens, and
adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate,
according to their own religion and faith.
» Rashtrapati Bhawan (President's House) : This is
the official residence of the President of the India and was again designed
by Luytens. It was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British
ruled India. It is spread over an area of 330 acres and has 340 rooms. The
Mughal Gardens within the complex are a treat for the eyes and are open to
public during certain periods of the year.
» Jama Masjid : Jama Masjid is the country's
largest mosque where thousands of Muslims offer prayers every day and is
located in old Delhi. It took over 14 years to complete and was built in
1656. It lies opposite the Red Fort. The flight of stairs and its large
courtyard are marvels of architecture. It has three gateways, four angle
towers and two minarets standing 40 meters high. Earlier, the eastern
gateway was only opened for the emperor, but now it remains open only on
Fridays and on Muslim festival days.
» Qutub Minar : Qutub Minar is located in the
southern part of the capital and was built by the Muslim King, Kutab-ud-din
Aibak in 1199 AD. Minar(tower)is 72.5 meters high and tapers from 15
meter-diameter base to just 2.5 meter at the top. The tower has distinct
stories, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three stories are
made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone.
Other places of interest
» Neemrana : It is situated 122 km from New Delhi,
on a rocky outcrop just above an unspoilt village. This is the site of a
majestic fort built in 1464 by Prithviraj Chauhan III. The Neemrana Fort, as
it is known, has now been converted into a heritage resort.
» Kesroli : A three-hour drive from New Delhi, will
take you to Kesroli in Rajasthan. It is the site of a seven-turreted fort
built in the 16th century. It is believed to have been built by the
Yaduvanshi Rajputs, the fort commands splendid views of the surroundings
from its ramparts.
» Surajkund : Surajkund is situated 11 km from the
Qutab Minar, in Delhi, on the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road. It is the site of a
perennial lake surrounded by rock-cut steps. The remains of the Sun temple,
built in 1000 AD by a Tomar chieftain, named Surajpal, can also be seen. It
is also the venue of the famous annual Surajkund Crafts Mela, where
craftsmen from all over the country assemble during the first fortnight of
February to participate.
» Badhkal Lake : This panoramic lake is situated in
the Faridabad district of Haryana, around 30 kms from Delhi. It is a natural
pool surrounded by vast lawns and lush greenery. The lake is a popular
picnic spot and also offers boating facilities to tourists.
How to reach
» Air : All the major National and International Air
Lines have their flights operating from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International
Airport.
» Rail : The Indian Railway with their modern and
organized network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in
India. There are three important Railway Stations in Delhi namely New Delhi
Rly. Station, Old Delhi Rly. Station and Hazarat Nizamuddin Rly. Station.
» Bus : Delhi is well connected by road to all
major destinations in North India. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) are
located at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan and Anand Vihar.