LUXURY CAR, MINI BUS & COACH OPERATOR, AIR/HOTEL BOOKING, TOUR ORGANISER
DELHI
FACTS & FIGURES
Area
1470 Sq. Kms
Altitude
239 Mts
Languages
Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and English
Std Code
011
PLACES TO VISIT
Qutab Minar: Perhaps the most facinating feast for the tourist's
eye is this magnificent structure int eh soutern part of the capital. Minar (which
means tower) was built by a Muslim King, Qutab-ud-din Albak, as early as 1199 A.D.
and a part of it which he could not finish was completed by another Muslim King,
IItutmish.
The tower is 72.5 metres high and has at its base a mosque. In front of the imposing
structure is an iron pillar believed to have been built in the 5th century A.D.
It's uniqueness lies in the fact that it has not caught rust ever since it was built.
Tourists are not permitted to climb the tower.
Red Fort: Another marvel of architecture is the Red Fort and it
could perhaps be singled out as yet another monument, which should not escape the
tourist's eyes. Known as lal qila (lal means red and qla means fort), it is laid
out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. It is surrounded by a wall of
about 2.4 Kilometers in circumferance and is built of Red Sandstone. The Mughal
king Shah Jahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and the fort was completed
in 1648, nine years after the king shifted to this city. The fort has two main enterances,
the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market. Shah
Jahan, incidentally was also the king who built the Taj Mahal of Agra. The fort
has the Diwan-e-am, where the king would grant audience to the public to listen
to their problems. The other feature is the Diwan-e-Khas (khas means special) where
the king would grant
audience to important people. Besides this, is the Rang Mahal, the water cooled
apartment for the royal ladies. In the basement of the fort is a market where several
traditional Indian goods can be purchased at nominal rates. Another attraction is
the Light and Sound Show held in the evenings.
Jama Masjid: Is the country's largest mosque where thousands of
Muslims offer prayers even today. It was built in 1656 and is a tribute to the values
of the Mughal Kings as also their commitment to religon and prayer. It lies opposite
the Red Fort and is surrounded b a large number of shops which deal in a variety
of goods. The
flight of stairs and its large courtyard are something to be admired.
Besides this there is a variety of the choicest non-vegetarian food available in
several restaurants located around the comples.
Purana Qila (Old Fort): The ruins of the fort are located on a
small hill which once stood on the banks of the river Yamuna. Legend has it that
the fort marked the site of Indraprastha, the magnificent capital of the Pandavas,
though the construction was carried out by Sher Shah Suri any time between 1538
to 1545 A.D. The structure houses a mosque which has a double-storeyed octagonal
tower. It is said that the Mughal king Humayun fell from the tower accidentaly and
died. At the foot of the hill is a lake where the Delhi Tourism has arrangements
for boating.
Jantar Mantar: Within the Connaught Place area is the Jantar Mantar observatory
built by the Rajput king of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh in 1724. It was believed to
have been built with masonary instruments for observing the movements for the stars
and the planets. The samrat of the uantra supreme instrument, the largest structure
in the comples which is in the shape of a right-angled triangle, is actually a huge
sun-dial.
Humayun's Tomb: This tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun's
wife, took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the early Mughat
archetecture. The emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the structure
is the first of its kind built in the centre of a well-planned garden. The combination
of white marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecure.
It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.
Safdarjang's Tomb: The garden tomb was built in 1753-54 soon after Safdarjang
died. It is a red and brown sandstone with double storeyed towers in the corners
and is one of the last examples of Mughal architecture.
Chandni Chowk: It was the eyes and 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 area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's
favourite daughter and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families oft he time.
There is however a word of caution and that is that there are several elements who
are believed to be selling duplicate goods and the tourist needs to be careful about
this.
Parliament House: A marvellous piece of architecture which can be admired
only from outside on account of security restrictions. Close to Tashtrapathi Bhavan,
it is a domed almost circular structure almost a kilometer in circumference, and
was designed by the famed architect Lutyens. It is the seat of the Indian Parliament
and during the sessions of Parliament there is a flurry of activity in and around
the structure.
Rashtrapati Bhavan: Almost a stones' throw away from Parliament House is
the Tashtrapati Bhavan which is the official residence of the President of the country.
Designed by Lutyens, it was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British
ruled India. With 340 rooms and an area of about 330 acres. It is an imposing structure
and tourist's delight. The pillars and the porticos are an architect's marvel and
so are the Durbar Hall and the Ashoka Hall within the complex. Although special
permission has to be obtained to visit the complex, the Mughal Gardens within the
complex are a treat for the eyes and are open to the public during certain periods
of the year.
Mughal Gardens: Situated within the Presient's Estate, these gardens boast
of the finest varieties of roses in the country besides other flowers which are
maintained with the utmost care and thought. The lawns of the gardens is the place
where the President hosts tea parties. Besides this there are several artificial
ponds where one can get to see a variety of fish and perhaps one of tthe most interesting
sights are the almost romantically designed fountains illuminated with multicoloured
lights.
India Gate: Straight down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan along
a magnificent view and totally unhamnpered drive is India Gate which is primarily
a memorial to the unknown soldier. Designed by Lutyens, the 42 metre high structure
is a war memorial in honour of the soldiers who died during the second world war.
The imposing structure from where stretch massive lush green lawns has an eternal
flame (amar jawan jyoti) to honour the memory of the unknown soldiers. A popular
picnic spot, one can see hoardes of people moving about the area and on the lawns
on summer evenings.
Connaught Place: One of Delhi's most popular shopping canters built as early
as 1931 there is nothing that one cannot buy here and it also has several eating
houses which are for a large part of the day dull. The state emporia buildings are
also located in this area so are the head offices of major banks, airlines and other
such things of importance to the tourist. The complex, popularly referred to as
C.P. is an important meeting point for all sections of people and is something which
no tourist should miss if for nothing else then for its architecture and the humdrum
of everyday life.
National Gallery of Modern Art: Located very close to India Gate, the building
was the palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It has around 4,000 paintings of modern
artists and also included are graphics and sculptures. The gallery arranges special
exhibitions for those who wish to exhibit their works. The gallery also houses a
library which can be used by museum, which is open from 1000 hours to 1700 hours,
is closed on all holidays and observes Monday as its weekly off.
National Museum: The National Museum is another interesting spot located
very close to India Gate. The museum has a rich variety of all facets of ancient
Indian history and alsoof central Asia. In fact the museum takes one through a fascinating
journey of what ancient India was all about, rare coins, pottery, and numerous such
things including art and architecture, costumes are for all to see. It's something
every tourist should find time to visit even if the schedule is tight.
Birla Mandir: is another landmark close to Connaught Place and was built
by industrialist Raja Baldev Birla in 1938. The temple is an important prayer site
and contains idols of several deities. Interestingly Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated
the temple, was also a regular visitor to it and would often pray there.
Rail Transport Museum: Located in the south of Delhi close to the diplomatic
area of Chanakayapuri it traces, through exhibits, the 140 year-old history of the
Indian Railways. The museum, established in 1977, and spread over a ten acre area,
is the first of its kind in India. The highlights include the Fairie Queen of 1885
the oldest workign steam locomotive, the luxury saloon of the Prince of Whales and
the saloon of the Maharaja of Mysore. Timings
Summer 0830 to 1130 and 1600 to 1730 hours
Winter: 0900 to 1730 hours.
It is closed on Mondays.
Pragati Maidan: The venue of the annual India International Trade Fair where
thousands of businessmen and visitors come from all over the world in November.
It is a massive complex with well laid out roads and close to the zoo as ITO. The
complex also hosts all the international trade fairs. It also has permanent buildings
for pavillions of all the states of the country. It is ideal to visit in the winter
months. Timings Weekdays: 0930 to 1730 hours; Sundays and public holidays: 0930
to 2000 hours.
Lotus Temple: Is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai
faith and is visible from several spots in south Delhi. Located in Kalkaji in the
south of Delhi, it is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It is made
of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place
for meditation and obtaining peace and tranqillity.
HOW TO REACH
Air: Delhi has an extensive network of international and domestic flights.
All the major airlines in the world fly through Delhi and it is easily accessible
from anywhere in the world. Domestic air links cover Delhi from all the major cities
in the country.
Train: The Indian Railway with their modern and organized network connects
Delhi to major and minor destination in India. There are three important railway stations in Delhi to all major and minor destinations in India, namely New Delhi
Rly. Station, Old Delhi Rly. Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Rly. Station. Trains
run from all the parts of the country to Delhi. For nearby places like Chandigarh,
Dehradun, Gwalior, Bhopal, Lucknow and Kanpur, the Shatabdi Express is recommended.
Bus: Delhi is
well connected by road to all major destinations in North India.
The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) is located at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan
and Anand Vihar. Delhi Transport Corporation and Road Transport Corporations of
the neighboring States provide frequent bus services through Air Conditioned, Deluxe
and Ordinary Coaches. Buses from all the major places in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab,
Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting
to Delhi. During summer months, air-conditioned coaches are recommended.
Airports: Delhi has two airports. Indira Gandhi International Airport, is
20km away towards city in the same area. Palam is city bound Internal Terminal Airport.
Indira Gandhi links Delhi with the whole world.
