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Red Fort |
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 Red Fort was the palace for Muslim Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's new capital, Shahjahanabad, the seventh Muslim city in the Delhi site. He moved his capital from Agra in a move designed to bring prestige to his reign, and to provide ample opportunity to apply his ambitious building schemes and interests. The Red Fort stands at the eastern edge of Shahjahanabad, and gets its name from the massive wall of red sandstone that defines its eight sides. The wall is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long, and varies in height from 60ft (16m) on the river side to 110 ft (33 m) towards the city. Measurements have shown that the plan was generated using a square grid of 82 m.The fort lies along the Yamuna River, that fed the moats that surround most of the wall. The wall at its northeastern corner is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh, a defense built by Islam Shah Sur in 1546. |
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India Gate |
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 The India gate in Delhi, originally called the All India War Memorial is a majestic high arch monument, built to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the First World War and the Afghan Wars. This 42 meters tall monument, built on the Rajpath in Delhi, is the point from where many important roads spread out. Roads passing around India Gate are now closed to the public due to continuous terrorist threats. The India Gate lit up at night is a spectacular sight and the place is thronged by hundreds of tourist all year through .It is a perfect place for picnic and having a good time with friends and family, in the lush green lawns in front of the India Gate, munching on the snacks from the vendors around.The India Gate in Delhi is a 42 meter tall monument made in honor of the Indian Soldiers. The shrine is a black marble cenotaph with a rifle placed on the barrel crested by a soldier's helmet. The words 'amar jawan' are inscribed in gold letters on either sides of the cenotaph. The Immortal flame that burns day and night under the arch is a reminder to honor the soldiers who fought and died in the Indo-Pakistan War in 1971. |
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Old Fort |
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| Old Fort or Purana Quila is a must visit place during your trip to Delhi. Old Fort is located just south-east of India Gate and north of Humayun's Tomb and the Nizamuddin Railway Station. Mughal Emperor Humayun laid the foundation stone of this impressive fort in 1538 but he couldn't complete it as Afghan warrior Sher Shah Suri defeated him in 1541. Later, Sher Shah Suri made essential modifications in the fort and named it as Shergarh. When the fort was built, there were canals on three sides and the remaining side was banked by the river Yamuna. Old Fort was flanked with massive walls and there were three main entrances to the fort. Old Fort is located in the pre-historical Indraprastha of the Mahabharata, which has been surveyed and proved in findings of 1955. From 3rd B.C to pre-Mughal period, there was a fort in Indraprastha. Mughal Emperor Humayun built a new fort here and Old Indraprastha became Dinpanaha. Sher Shah Suri defeated Humayun in 1541 and occupied the power. In 1548 Sher Shah Suri died, eventually Humayun recaptured Delhi in 1555 by defeating Sher Shah's son Islam Shah. Humayun also destroyed Sher Shah's capital Shergarh. |
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Qutub Minar |
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 Qutub Minar is known as the tallest brick minaret in the world. The basic foundation of the Qutub Minar was laid by Qutubuddin Aibak AD 1199. People believe that the motive behind establishing the tower was to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. While some others believe that it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer.Qutab-ud-din Aibak could only finish the ground floor, to which were added three more storeys by his son-in-law Shamsuddin Iitutmish in 1368. Later, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey. All the five storeys are marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. The place is also visited for the famous Ashoka Pillar dating back to the 5th century. This 13th century minar rises to 72.5 mts (about 238 feet) and is covered with intricate carvings and deeply inscribed verses from the holy 'Quran'. Qutab Minar has a diameter of 14.32 m (47 feet) at the base and about 2.75 m (9 feet) at the top. |
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Jantar Mantar |
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 Jantar Mantar is the first of the five observatories that he Jantar Mantarbuilt with large masonary instruments. The observatory has the Samrat Yantra, a simple equal hour sun dial, the Ram yantra for reading altitudinal angles; Jai Prakash for ascertaining the position of the sun and other celestial bodies, and the Misra Yantra which is a combination of four scientific gadgets.Jantar Mantar is not only a sundial of celestial bodies, but it also symbolizes the technological achievements under the Rajput kings and their endeavor to resolve the astronomical mysteries. The Jantar Mantar of Delhi is only one of the five observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The other four Jantar Mantar are located at Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura. All of these were built as far back as AD 1724-1730. The period marked as the dark age of Indian history, pertaining to the downfall of the Mughal Empire. Delhi's Jantar Mantar is the first of the five observatories that Maharaja Jai Singh built with huge masonry instruments. |
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Jama Masjid |
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 Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India, and stands across the road from the Red Fort. Built in 1656, it is an eloquent reminder of the Mughal religious fervour. Its spacious courtyard holds thousands of the faithful who offer prayers.The area surrounding Jama Masjid is like another World. Located in the centre of the old city, the Mosque sits on top of a large hill, projecting high into the Old-Delhi skyline. You can hire a guide who can explain the history, show you the footprint of Mohammed the Prophet. You can climb the tower of Jama Masjid and get a great view over the city as well as you can hear the sounds of Indian street-life. Jama Masjid Mosquee was built by 5000 artisans, with red sandstone and marble. At the bottom of this facades spreads a 100 meters sq esplanade where up to 25000 prayers group on the pray days. Once you are out on the streets, you can see various small and beautifully designed rikshaws. The ride is inexpensive and very cost effective, but always watch your bags. Inspite of this, you should still not miss the experience of a rikshaw ride as you can relish and have fun, while watching the various places of Old Delhi. |
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Rashtrapati Bhavan |
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 Rashtrapati Bhawan was formerly known as 'Viceroy's House' and was occupied by the Governor-General of India, until independence. Also known as President's House, the building holds a prominent position in New Delhi. Designed by the British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, this classical building uses colors and details peculiar to Indian architecture. It was completed by 1929 and was officially inaugurated in 1931. It was in 1950 that President started living in this ceremonial building and the 'Viceroy's House' was renamed as 'Rashtrapati Bhavan.' It has 340 decorated rooms and a floor area of 200,000 square feet.It presents a blend of Mughal and European architectural styles. While Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India, Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament House is the center of political power in India Parliament House is one of the most magnificent buildings in New Delhi. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, it took six years to be constructed. It was inaugurated on 18th January, 1927 by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin. The massive circular edifice has a circumference of about one-third of a mile and stretches across six acres. |
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Akshardham Temple |
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 Akshardham temple located in Delhi is a great destination for a day trip. Built on the banks of Yamuna River, this temple was built on 100 acres of lush gardens with water fountains and carved pavilions. Also known as the Disneyland devotional India, the temple has a high-tech sound and light show and a study of 3-D animation to add to his greatness.A visit to the Akshardham temple takes you through a unique journey through India's glorious art, values and 10,000 years of Indian culture. Tourists can also experience the traditions and timeless spiritual messages of ancient India here. The design reflects the style of temple architecture of Hindu temples in India - especially Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Mughal and Jain. Built entirely of marble and red sandstone, the temple has been built without the use of steel. |
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Laxmi Narayan Temple |
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 Laxmi Narayan Temple is located west of Connaught Place and was build by Raja Baldev Das in 1938. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of prosperity and good fortune & is commonly known as the Birla Mandir.
It is modern in concept and construction and attracts several devotees and international tourists. The presiding deity here is Lakshmi Narayan, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The walls of the temple are decorated with various Hindu symbols and quotes from the Gita and the Upanishads. This temple was built over a six-year period (1933 - 1939) and was inaurgated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes especially untouchables would be allowed in. It was built in the 20th century by the Birla family of industrialists known for its many other temples in India. |
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ISKCON Temple |
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 Iskcon Temple is a magnificent shrine, one amongst the 40 temples made by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in India. Located at Sant Nagar in East of Kailash, Iskcon Temple dominates the skyline of the southern part of Delhi. Initiated by Acharya Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISCKON is a society that belongs to Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult. The original name of this temple is Sri Radha-Parthasarthy Temple. Being made by the ISCKON, the temple is popular by the name of Isckon Temple. Built in 1998, Iskcon Temple can be easily reached by taking local buses, auto-rickshaws or by hiring taxis from the city.The huge temple looks majestic with its outer appearance, while it appears celestial from inside. The colossal temple complex spreads in a vast area of Hare Krishna Hill. The three tall spires (shikhars) look awesome when they are brightly lit in the night. In order to reach the main shrine, one has to take a flight of steps. This flight of steps has various halts that lead to other destinations of the temple complex. On the way, there are shops on one side and on the other side, fountains add to the mysticism of this shrine. |
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Humayun's Tomb |
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 Humayun's Tomb of Delhi is the first garden tomb in India. A complex commissioned in 1562 CE by Hamida Banu Begum Humayun's wife and designed by Mirak Mirza a Persian architect this monument is one of the first specimens of Mughal architecture in the Indian subcontinent. Located on the banks of the River Yamuna this structure was declared a UNESCO Heritage site in 1993.The famous Humayun's Tomb of Delhi is considered to be the precursor of the 'Taj Mahal' as far as the architectural structure is concerned. It represents the Mughal style of architecture at its best. One of the major attractions in the city this mausoleum serves as the burial ground of several Mughals apart from the emperor himself. |
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Lotus Temple |
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 Lotus Temple is situated 12 km to the southeast of Connaught Place. Architecturally one of the most splendid temples of India, Delhi Lotus Temple is called so because it is built in the shape of a Lotus flower. The temple got completed in the year 1986 and rises to a height of more than 40 m. Located on Bahapur Hills, it is the seventh and the latest Baha'i houses of worship in the world. Bahai Temple of New Delhi is a white marble monument designed like a half-opened lotus.Twenty-seven giant lotus petals of white marble spring out from nine pools and walkways of the temple. These walkways represent the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith. Exquisitely manicured lawns surround the building of the Lotus Temple. Silence is a prerequisite inside the New Delhi Lotus Temple. Also, one needs to take off the shoes while entering inside. Made up of marble, cement, sand and dolomite, this temple is often equated with the Sydney Opera House. Baha'i Temple in Delhi is often compared to the Sydney Opera House. |
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Gandhi Smriti |
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 Gandhi Smriti Museum is one tourist draw you can not miss. As you visit this museum you can get a detailed knowledge of the personal relics, documents, photographs, manuscripts, books, journals and audio-visual materials related to Gandhiji. Get an insight into the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi as you explore the various sections of the museum. This is the best opportunity to gather information on the greatest freedom fighter of the nation.Besides, Gandhi Smriti Museum, New Delhi holds regular exhibition of dolls that depict significant landmarks in Gandhiji's life. Gandhiji had popularized the use of Khadi and other village products. The museum comprises a khadi and village industry products shop to commemorate this aspect of bapuji. You can even buy some khadi products available in these shops at a reasonable price. |
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National Museum |
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 The largest museum of New Delhi, the National museum at Janpath, offers a unique insight into the history and culture of India. It has a wide array of exhibits, depicting the 5000 years of Indian history. The three floors of the museum offer splendid and priceless pieces of Indian art and sculpture that have been arranged in galleries, according to the period to which they belong. The famous sculpture of Dancing Girl from Mohenjodaro belonging to 2,500 BC, the Moghul period paintings & Arabian manuscripts are some of the prized possessions here.The silk banners, sculpture and wall paintings that were a part of Sir Aurel Stein's collection in the Central Asian gallery are worth seeing here. A collection of Indian miniature paintings, from Mughal, Rajasthani and Pahari schools, and simple stone Neolithic Tools, dating back to 3,000 -1,500 BC, are simply outstanding. Then, there is shell and bone jewelry belonging to Indus Valley Civilization of Mohenjodaro and Harappa and also the carved pillars and statues of the Mauryan dynasty. | |
Chandni Chowk |
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 One of the main markets of Delhi, Chandni Chowk was once lined with beautiful fountains. It was the eyes and the ears of the Mughal's commercial instincts and is today one of the country's best known wholesale markets for textiles , electronic goods and watches. The entire arc was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter and was the inhabited by the well to do famlies of the time.But today the place is very crowded and congested. Chandni Chowk is located opposite the Red Fort. The Area has got the Digamber Jain Temple which houses the Birds hospital. On one end of Chandni Chowk is the Fatehpuri Mosque which was erected by the wives of Shah Jahan. Opposite the old police station or the Kotwali is the Sunheri Masjid from where Nadir Shah ordered his troops to plunder and massacre Delhi. |
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Lodi Gardens |
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 Lodi Garden of Delhi is situated on the Lodi road, near the famous Safdarjung Tomb. Earlier known as Lady Willington Park, the Lodi garden boasts of splendidly landscaped lawns. Small water bodies, fountains, a jogging track, etc, are the main features of this garden. Lodi Garden at Delhi was re-landscaped by JA Stein and Garrett Eckbo in 1968. Numerous trees are planted inside the garden, which also consists of a special Rose Garden and a Green House. Lodi Garden is also a bird watcher's paradise where one can see exotic birds like babblers, parakeets, mynahs, hornbills, kingfishers, etc.A popular picnic spot, the Lodi garden is also the venue of yoga classes that are held every morning. |
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Indira Memorial |
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 The Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum is housed in the former residence of Indira Gandhi. Exhibits include photographs documenting her life from her childhood to time as Prime Minister, her personal belongings such as the sari she was wearing at the time of her assassination, news clippings and letters.An enclosed garden with mature trees and flowering plants surrounds the building. Indira Gandhi governed India for almost 20 years until her own Sikh bodyguards assassinated her in 1984 as she walked through her garden. The pathway is now a memorial with the spot where she collapsed marked with clear glass. Several rooms have been dedicated to her son Rajiv Gandhi who was assassinated in 1991. The library and living room have been kept as she left them - they are not open to the public but can be viewed through windows in the garden. |
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Natural History Museum |
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 A prehistoric animal greets the visitor to the National Museum of Natural History preparing him for the collections of botanical, zoological and geological objects on view within. Some of the interesting pieces displayed are natural history specimens like stuffed animals, butterflies, birds as well as information about rare plants and endangered species. It was opened for the people on 5th June 1978. The museum was the brain child of former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. There is a Discovery and Activity Room for kids, where Children can participate in creative activities, such as animal modeling. It is maintained by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, with an aim to promote environmental education and create awareness among the people. The motto of National Museum of Natural History is 'Educating while entertaining'. It aims at educating people about the rich flora and fauna of the country, while keeping them entertained. The museum comprises of four theme-based galleries and a number of hands-on activity areas. The first gallery provides a basic idea about the evolution of life, along with the brief introduction of the flora and fauna, their natural habitats and the threats they are facing. The second gallery is based on our ecosystems and the dangers they face. |
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