Delhi City Guide – Delhi Travel Attractions

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Delhi City Guide – Delhi Travel Attractions

Delhi also officially known as National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT) is the capital of India. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna. The history of the city dates back to 2nd century BC. It has been the capital of several empires before independence. It comprises two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old and the New Delhi. When Delhi became the capital city during the British rule, British architect Edwin Lutyens designed and created the New Delhi also called as Lutyens’ Delhi. It has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Although the annual mean temperature is 25 °C, temperatures could vary anywhere between ?2°C to 47 °C. One preferring a cool climate should visit Delhi and its surroundings during the winter, December to March.

Red Fort – Lal Quila

The Red Fort or the Lal Quila is one of the best known landmarks of Delhi. This 17th century sandstone walls are reminiscences of the great wealth and power of the glorious Moghul Empire. The intricate decorations and the ingenious air-conditioning system will make any onlooker imagine the scenes during the empire’s height. Although its original purpose was to keep the marauding invaders away, it is now show piece of awe. A nominal fee is collected form visitors to enter the fort.

Jama Masjid

On a hill, a few hundred yards away form the Red Fort is the grand structure of Jama Masjid. It is the India’s largest mosque, and it can accommodate around 25,000 people at a time. Shah Jehan the builder of Red Fort is also the architect of Jama Masjid. From the mosque, one can get the complete aerial view of Old and New Delhi. Although entry is free, one cannot get inside with shoes on. As a rule legs should be covered before entering the mosque.

Qutb Minar

The Qutb Minar is a gigantic tower built by Qutab-ud-din to commemorate the victory over the city’s last Hindu kingdom. Verses from Koran are calligraphed meticulously on the walls of Qutb Minar. At the foot of Qutb Minar, stands Quwwat-ul-Islam, the oldest mosque in India. There is an iron pillar at the corner of the mosque and anyone who encircles it with both hands with their back to it will have their wishes come true. One has to pay an entry fee to enjoy the astounding Moghul architecture.

 

Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rashtrapati Bhavan was built by Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, on the gentle slopes of Raisina Hill. This immense palace was originally created for the Viceroy, and it now serves as a residence to the President of India. This building with a strong British accent, like most other monuments of India, is a potent symbol of imperial power. It has wonderful gardens, which are open to the public every year in February and March.

Transportation and Accommodation

There are two airports in Delhi, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) and the Palam airport. The former handles international flights and the latter the domestic services. There are several buses to different states of the country from Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT), Anand Vihar, and Sarai Kale Kha bus terminals. The city is also well connected to most parts of the country by the Indian railways. Buses, auto rickshaws, and taxies are a comfortable means of transport within the city.

Delhi offers a wide range of accommodations to its visitors starting from the expensive five-star hotels of international standards to middle range hotels and low budget tourist lodges. Tie-ups with the international hotel chains like Sheraton, Hyatt, and Hilton have made Delhi the most comfortable place for tourists especially from abroad. The services offered by the Taj and the Oberoi hotels of Delhi are incredibly better than its international counterparts.

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