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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