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One of the most enchanting cities in the world, Delhi is always the prime tourist destination, luring visitors from every corner of the globe to explore and discover the exotic culture which still flourishes along the flows of development.

Qubab Minar
One of the prime attractions in Delhi, Qubab Minar is regarded as the greatest bequest of Islamic culture in India. It also represents the military might of the Turko-Afghan Salve Dynasty ruling India during the 12th century. This 73 meter-high-tower is believed to have been built in 1193 A.D. by King Kutub-ud-din-Aibak to celebrate the victory of the Afghan invader over the Rajputs. Its five stories are graced with fine sculptures made of sand stone. At the foot of the tower, there stands a Mosque which was built in 1197.

The tower was repaired for several times due to the earthquake and lightning. And following the stampede which had caused schoolchildren's death, the fifth floor is prohibited for entry, and not more than a group of 4 person is allowed to go up to the first floor only.

Red Fort
Also known as lal qila, the Red Fort is one of the marvelous architectures in Delhi. Lying on the riverbank of Yamuna, the Fort is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 kilometers in circumference and built of red sandstone. The construction of the Fort began when the Mughal King Shah Jahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and was completed in 1648. It was King Shah Jahan who also built the world famous Taj Mahal in Agra. Inside, there are exquisite palaces and halls. The highlighted structures include the Diwan-e-Am (hall of public audience) where the Emperor used to listen to the grievances of his people and the Diwan-e-Khas (hall of private audience) where the Emperor would grant audience to the 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. The Red Fort also has light and sound in the evenings.

Humayun's Tomb
Built in the 16th century as a memorial to the Mughal emperor, this tremendous piece of architecture is said to have inspired Emperor Shajahan to construct Taj Mahal in Agra. The tomb was built to dedicate to Emperor Humayun by his widow, Haji Begum in A.D. 1565. The tomb was made of red stone, crowned with the gorgeous marble dome. Set amidst the huge green garden, divided into four parts by canals and decorated with beautiful fountains, the tomb is said to have been built on the Islamic layout of paradise on earth. In the central domed chamber, there lies the Humayun's grave in serene grandeur. Other members of royal family of Mughal Dynasty, including the Emperor's wife are also buried here.

India Gate
Located at the end of Rajpath in New Delhi area, India Gate, in arch style, stands 42 meters high and backed by the lushly green lawns. Designed and built by the British architect Lutyens, it was originally called "All India War Memorial" in memory of Indian soldiers who died in the campaigns of World War I, the North-West Frontier operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Names of the martyrs are inscribed on the walls with the eternal flames honoring them. It is a popular spot for picnic and relaxation. The Gate will more wonderful during the night when a riot of lightings and fountains are decorated at the gate and its surroundings, offering the awe-inspiring sight.

Rashtrapati Bhavan
Formerly the residence of the Viceroy during the British Raj, Rashtrapati Bhavan becomes now the official residence of the President of India. This is one of the masterpieces of Lutyens in creating the New Delhi. Perching on the magnificent Raisina Hill, the grandiose building comprises 340 rooms for several functions. Under the main dome is the elegant Durbar Hall, a venue for all the official functions of the President. The Durbar hall used to serve as the museum until the building which now houses the National Museum was completed. Visitors wishing to visit the building are supposed to contact the deputy Military Secretary to The President are allowed to visit the Durbar Hall, Ashok Hall, the Dining Room and the Mughal Gardens only.

The Ghats
Along the banks of Yamuna River are dotted the memorial places where the leaders and freedom fighters of India were cremated. The most visited among them is Raj Ghat where the nation's hero, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948. To the north of Raj Ghat is the cremation ground of Jawaharlal Nehru named as Shanti Van. Within the vicinity, there also situate the cremation grounds of Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Also known as the Birla Mandir named after the industrialist G.D. Birla who built it, Lakshmi Temple is one of the most worshipped Hindu temples in India. Located in the west of Connaught Palace, the temple is devoted to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and God Vishnu, her spouse. The temple is graced with its splendid paintings depicting the Indian mythology along with inscriptions of quotes from ancient religious texts like the Geeta and the Upanishads. After six years of construction, the temple was inaugurated in 1939 by Mahatma Gandhi, and for the first time, the temple was opened to people of all castes, no exemption for the untouchable caste.

Bahai's Temple
Built in 1986, Bahai's Temple is characterized by its lotus shape which reaches a height of more than 40 meters, allowing then another temple's name-Lotus Temple. From a distance, one can see the half-opened marble lotus jutting from the pools with a garden as a backdrop. With its beautiful architecture, Bahai's Temple is often regarded as the Taj of modern India. The temple is more spectacular just before dusk when it is flooded with lightings. Behind this splendid architecture, the philosophy is implied. The temple belongs to the Bahai House of Worship, dedicated to the oneness of all religions and mankind. The 27 giant white petals of marble in a lotus shape, springing from nine pools and walkways indicative of the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Bahai faith.

Ishkon Temple
Standing on the Hari Krishna Hill at a height of 90 feet above ground level, Ishkon is a complex of temples, dedicated to the Lord Krishna. It is also one of the largest temple complexes in India of which the central hall can accommodate about 1,500 people, and elaborated with attractive paintings of Russian artists, depicting stories of legendry personalities of Ramayana epic like Ram, Sita, Laxman and Hanuman. Performances of traditional music are also displayed every Sunday.

Chandni Chowk
Literally means Moonlight Square, Chandni Chowk is a pack of bazaars, located within the area of Old Delhi. This is where the colorful lifestyle of Delhi people can be seen. At shops and stalls surrounding the square, a large array of goods, ranging from fish and poultry to second-hand items, gems and gold, garlands, turbans, and spare car parts, is on display. Naya Bazaar is the spice market on Khari Baoli where you can see porters with their spiced-full sack, loading them onto the oxcarts to sell in other parts of the city. Gadodial Market is another place for spice trading, but it is a wholesale spice market where there is an incredibly wide variety of spices to choose from. And, Chawris Bazaar is flanked by shops specializing in copper and brass statues of Buddha, Vishnu and Krishna.

Jantar Mantar
Lying within the area of the Connaught Palace, the stone observatory of Jantar Mantar was built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh, who later built the others on the same lines in Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi, and Mathura. It was served as the observatory, boasted for its accuracy in calculating the astronomical movements.

National Zoological Park (Delhi Zoo)
Established in 1959, Delhi Zoo stands on the expanse of 214 acres. Regarded as one of the finest zoo in Asia, the zoo is a good natural habitat to wide variety of animals and birds form Africa, America, Australia and Asia. Within the zoo, there is also a large greenery space, ideal for a picnic.

Dilli Haat
Located opposite of INA market, Dilli Haat is a one-stop mall selling a large selection of local handicraft from almost every part of the country. Jewelries, handicrafts, garments and artifacts representing the local workmanship, are all available to choose from.

 

This article is authored and copyrighted by
Royal Exclusive Travel Co., Ltd.

 

 

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