Connaught Place
Connaught Place is the commercial centre of Delhi that was built in 1931, and its architecture has a Victorian touch to it. The glitz and glamour of CP attracts everyone for two reasons – their love for shopping and want for entertainment. All the shops in Connaught place are divided in inner and outer circle. A few years back, the famous Connaught place has been renamed as Rajiv Chowk. One must always remember that the market remains open on all six days of the week except for Sundays. Connaught Place is well connected by all means of transport.
The Bahai Temple
The Bahai temple is located in Kalkaji,south of Delhi and stands out because of it’s unique lotus shape and exquisite architecture. This temple was inaugurated for public visits and worshippers in December 1986.The lotus flower stands for purity and peace, and is believed to be inspired from the preachings of the Oneness of God, Oneness of Religion and Oneness of Mankind.The Bahai faith believes in the welfare of the society, through the individual and social transformation.To reach there one needs to hire an auto or cab or avail the Central Secretariat Metro station and take an auto from there. The temple can be visited on all six days of the week except for Mondays.
ISKCON Temple
This temple is commonly known as the Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple. It is located in East of Kailash, South Delhi. This temple It is mostly visited for the breathtaking interior architecture and robot shows put forward by the International Society For Krishna Consciousness. The most appropriate time of the year to visit this temple would be during the Festival of Janamashatmi, which is attended by a million devotees. Even the Annual Ratha yatra of Lord Krishna and Balaram is worth a watch. The temple is open every day but the best day to visit would be Sunday. Being located in the heart of New Delhi, the ISKCON temple is easily accessible from all parts of the city. It is about 45 minutes from the Indira Gandhi International Airport whereas it is just 25 minutes from Nizammuddin Railway Station, which is the nearest station. Apart from these, public transport is easily available in plenty including DTC and private buses, rickshaws and taxis at all hours of the day.
The place is proof of serenity and stands for purity. The temples has been put in place by the colonizers of old colonial India and the tradition of worshiping here had continued ever since.
Raj Ghat
Ordinary people visit Raj Ghat mainly to pay their fidelity to Mahatma Gandhi, whose last rites were performed here. The memorial stone of Gandhi which is square in shape is made of black stone. His last ward- ‘Hey Ram’ is inscribed on it. Nearest Railway Station is the Old Delhi Railway Station. Indira Gandhi International Airport is the closest and the nearest Metro Station which should be approached is the Kashmiri Gate.
Not only the ordinary, but influential people too visits the place in search for peace and see the place where the great leaders lie in an eternal sleep.
Karol Bagh
Being a residential-cum-commercial neighborhood in Delhi, Karol Bagh is famous for its shopping streets, like the Ghaffar Market and Ajmal Khan Road. It’s central location and proximity to the major places and monuments of the city makes it a visitor’s dream come true. Delhi’s gold and silver smiths are the world famous, infact, a street in old Delhi is still called the ‘silver street’. Therefore, Delhi’s traditional jewellery street is a must visit for all the shopaholics out there. Karol Bagh is about 2 km away from New Delhi Railway Station and the distance between ISBT and Karol Bagh is 9 km. (approx.)
Old Fort
The afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri partly raised the old fort also known as the Purana Qila. It is a profound example of medieval military architecture. Archaeologists have found out that there was a village within the fort called Indraprastha that lays the foundation to the belief that Purana Qila was built on the ruins of Indraprastha. The Sound and Light show at the Old Fort succeeds in constructing an almost fantastical atmosphere thereby attracting tourists, enlivening the rise and fall of Delhi since the Indraprastha era to the Mughal period. Buses, cars, taxis are available in plenty.
Chattatarpur Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple is located on the Mahrauli-Gurgaon road in Delhi.A blend of North Indian and South Indian architecture can be seen here draped in polished white marbles and surrounded by well trimmed gardens.One cannot find any other stone used in the construction but for marbles. The Chhatarpur Temple becomes the center of attraction during the annual Navratri festival. It is about 4km from Qutub Minar, and can be easily accessed via local cabs, buses and auto rickshaws.
The place has an extensive area under its wing and houses a very peaceful environment. The temple also provides evidence of beautiful works on marble.
Safdarjung Tomb
Safdarjung’s tomb was built by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah, the son of Safdarjung. He was the governor of Awadh. The tomb which lies on the Lodi road is set in the middle of a garden, which spreads over an enormous area of approximately 300 sq m. The garden of Safdarjung’s tomb is arranged on the pattern of the Mughal Charbagh style. The Safdarjung tomb shares more or less the same pattern of Humayun’s tomb. Safdarjung’s tomb, built in red sandstone and buff stone, represents the last phase of the Mughal style of architecture. An auto or cab can be availed to reach there, or one can disembark at Central Secretariat Metro station.
India Gate
This mammoth structure was built as a tribute to the 90,000 soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the unfortunate events of the World War 1.therefore it is better known as the All India War Memorial. Located at Rajpath, New Delhi, the gate stands tall at a height of 42m. Serving as a relaxation spot during summer evenings and a popular picnic site during winters, it is quite the weekend choice for many in and nearby Delhi. Located centrally India Gate is easily accessible. DTC and private buses serve as the best and economically viable mode of transport from any location within Delhi. Buses to India Gate can be availed from the Inter State Bus Service or the ISBT. Metros can also be availed to reach India Gate, the nearest station being the Central Secretariat.
Gurudwara Rakab Ganj
The main aim behind building Gurdwara Rakab Ganj was to memorialize the event of performing the last rites of the martyred Guru Teg Bahadur. In those days the area was a market for stirrups – the ‘stirrup’ which was also known as ‘Rakab’ , ‘market’ as ‘Ganj’ which is where it got its name from. The enormous Gurdwara took 12 years to build, at a gigantic cost of 25 lakh. The gurudwara is located at the centre of Delhi, which is connected with most of the other metros. It is equally convinient to come by road, rail or air to Delhi.
Jantar Mantar
The ‘jantar mantar’ was constructed between 1727 and 1734 by Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur . The structure is basically an amalgam of five astronomical observatories in west central India. The gorgeous structure is an outstanding example of Indian architecture which shows the scientific brilliance of the people living in ancient India. Jantar Mantar is situated at Parliament Street near Connaught Place. The whole stone and marble structure is a lavish display of engraved astronomical scale with each of them. . The Delhi Jantar Mantar is open for public visit from 10 am to 6 pm. The entry is free, which is a huge plus point for this particular site which is easily approachable ensuring easy access by all.
Gurudwara Bangia Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib which is the most famous Sikh gurdwara is situated in the centre of New Delhi’s famous Connaught Place .This gurudwara was built as a tribute to Guru Hari Krishan Sahib, the 8th Sikh Guru .The two striking features which makes it stand out are its glittering golden dome and tall flagpole called the Nishan Sahib. Tourists can either take local buses to reach this monument, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis. From Connaught Place one can take a walk to this sacred site.
The place provides serenity to numerous devotees who come a long way for a glimpse of the place.
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar, stands out as one of the most popular sightseeing attractions in Delhi. The Iron Pillar inside it is a great example of the metallurgical interests of the world. This tall monument was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later finished by his successor Iltutmish. Qutub Minar is a World Heritage Site. Thus the development of the varied architectural styles over the decades is quite prominent in the minar. DTC bus service to Qutub Minar is available in plenty from all the major bus stands in Delhi. If one is willing to travel by metro, even that is possible. Private cars and taxis can also be availed.
Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk, which literally means moonlit square, is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, now in central north Delhi, India. The market lies in the once important city of Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi, in between the Lal Qila and Fatehpuri Masjid .Local buses can either be availed from near the Interstate Bus Terminus at Kashmere Gate in the centre of New Delhi, or, alternatively, they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis for the purpose. Other places from where buses are easily available would be Interstate Bus Terminus at Sarai Kale Khan and Connaught Place to Chandni Chowk.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid, located in old Delhi stands as the oldest of the mosques in the country. Shah Jahan in 1650 had started with the construction of the mosque but it was finally completed in six years. Of the utmost architectural genius the Jama Masjid marks a place where a culture of thousand years is brought together by its devotees. Sandstone and white marble form the elemental stones for its construction. The Masjid has two entrances one at the north gate, the other at the south. The mosque is adequately spaced having the capability to house 25000 devotees all at once. The location of the Masjid does not pose any difficulty to the tourists being easily able to pull crowds at any point of time.
Red Fort
On shifting his capital from Agra to Delhi, Shahjahan laid the foundation of this quaint and magnificent architectural wonder. This fort was built as the entrance to the walled city of Shahjanabad (Old Delhi). The Red Fort also known as Lal Quila is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Delhi. As is suggested by the name, the Fort is built of Red Sandstone. the fort comprises of the Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas, made of marble and at the centre of which The Peacock Throne was placed. This site offers a plethora of convenient timings for the tourists, being open daily from Tuesdays to Sundays from sunrise to sunset, between 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. the city of Delhi, situated fairly central on the map, allows convenient access via road, rail and air.
Humayun’s Tomb
The tomb was ordained by Humayun’s wife Hamida Banu Begum and designed by a persian architect. Its plan which is said to be based on the description of Islamic paradise gardens, is known to have inspired the Taj Mahal and many later Mughal tombs. It is also the first outstanding example of the garden-tomb, which culminated in the Taj Mahal at Agra. The Taj Mahal is highly influenced from Humayuns tomb. Lately, the funds for the reclamation project of the Humayun’s Tomb were provided by The Aga Khan Trust .It is located near the crossing with Lodhi Garden on Mathura road in New Delhi.
Laxmi Narayan Temple
The famous Brila family built this temple over a period of 6 years. The temple in its magnificent glory welcomes everyone. The architecture is that of Orissan style, the exterior is made of pure white marbel contrasted with red sandstone. The Geeta bhavan houses paintings and scriptures depicting scenes from Indian Mythology which are considered a rare work of art. Friday, the special day of goddess Vaibhav Lakshmi, pulls a maximum of the crowd. 1.5 km due west of Connaught Place, situated on Mandir Marg, is the sacred Lakshmi Narayan Temple. Transport facilities can be availed from everywhere, although it is easier to reach Shivaji Stadium or Talkatora Gardens, and then hire an auto rickshaw to visit the Birla Mandir.
Nizam ud din
The Humayun’s tomb overlooks another equally important religious site which is Nizam-ud-din’s shrine, who died in 1325, aged 92.The temple houses a tank which is bordered by many other tombs. It is built as a sign of reminiscence of the late Mughal emperors. It is architecturally quite advanced. To reach the place one has to cross a busy road but there is a pedestrian over bridge and the lane for the Nizamuddin shrine is on the other side of that.
The important monuments in the Nizam-ud-din complex include Chausath Khamba, Mirza Ghalib’s tomb, Barakhamba, Blue Gumbad at the Nizamuddin circle and the Lal Mahal.
Darya Ganj
It literally means ‘River Neighborhood’ and was so named because the river Yamuna used to flow near it. It is known for its unique architectural features which portray a tinge of European style of architecture which is very prominent in the buildings of this region. Although the region remains crowded throughout the week, Sundays are considered to be the main business day, especially for the booksellers. The place is considered to be a major commercial hub of the modern old Delhi. The Netaji Subhash road is a short walk from the area which begins from the Delhi gate and goes towards the Red Fort, Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk.
