Tourist Places

Delhi Guide

Sprawling on the banks of the river Yamuna, Delhi, the capital of India, typifies the soul of the country. In time the city conceals within its bosom annals of civilisations that flourished for more than three thousand years. Indraprastha, according to legends, the city founded by the Pandavas in the times of the epic Mahabharata (circa 1500 B.C.), was located near the Old Fort that stands on a large mound overlooking the river.

Since those early days many dynasties and rulers flourished on its regal soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of the character of the ruler. Today, the city is a curious blend of the modern and traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues perpetuate the Mughal passion of landscaping and architectural excellence. More important, however, Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India; an unceasing range of activity, a million ways of saying 'You are Welcome'.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Dilli Haat:
An exclusive upgradation of the traditional 'haat'. Dilli Haat is the first ever permanent fair for crafts, food and cultural activities in India. The craftsmen from all over the country and the cultural happenings provide a panoramic view of the richness and diversity of Indian handicrafts and artefacts. Dilli Haat also houses food stalls serving a variety of traditional food from different parts of India.

Connaught Place (Rajiv Gandhi Chowk)
Built by the British, Connaught Place is quite close to the New Delhi railway station and a unique shopping spot. Palika Bazaar another famous underground shopping centre is located here.

Qutub Minar
Built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199, this minaret stands tall at an impressive height of 73 metres. One more work of wonder to be seen here is an iron pillar that still remains unrusted.

Humayun's Tomb
Built in the 16th century as a memorial to the Mughal emperor. Its design inspired the Taj Mahal.

India Gate
A majestic arch, 42 metre high, is a war memorial in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the First World War. The eternal flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti) burns beneath the arch to honour the memory of the unknown soldiers.

Lakshminarayan Temple
A modern Hindu Temple built in 1938, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Laxmi

President's House
This palace like building was build by the British with a blend of Mughal and Western culture. It is now the official residence of the President of India.

Parliament House
This impressive collonaded building houses the two houses of Parliament

National Museum
It houses an excellent collection of bronzes, terracotta sculptures, paintings and costumes.

Jantar Mantar
This Unique observatory was built by the Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh II in 1724. It was believed to have been built with machinery instruments for observing the movement of stars and planet.

Raj Ghat
The serene memorial of Mahatma Gandhi on the banks of Yamuna

Shanti Vana
The cremation site of Jawaharlal Nehru.

Jama Masjid
It was built as the mosque of Shahjahan's capital city in 1658 and is the biggest in India

Old Fort
This fort was built by Sher Shah in the 16th Century

Bahai Temple
Situated atop the Kalka hill, this distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is surrounded by a landscaped garden

Red Fort
The 17th century fortress of Emperor Shahjahan. Inside are exquisite palaces like the Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i Khas.A son et lumiere show is held everyday.

Teen Murti House
The erswhile residence of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first, Prime Minister, is now a museum. A son et lumiere is held here

Tughlaqabad Fort
Its massive ramparts can be seen from a distance. Built in the early 14th century, this stark and powerful fortress palace was built by the first Tuglaq King and has 13 gates. Also nearby is Suraj Kund, famous for its hot-water well.

Reach Delhi

Air
Delhi is the main gateway city for northern India with a modern airport. All major international air carriers operate direct services to Delhi from various centres in the world.
Delhi is the base for Indian Airlines operations in North India and the airline connects the city with all major centres of tourist and business interest in the country.
Indira Gandhi international Airport is divided into two wings, International Terminal (20 km from downtown Connaught Place) and Domestic Terminal (15 km from City Centre).
Taxi and coach transfer is available from both International and Domestic Arrivals. Pre-paid Taxi (a service with journey fare paid at the booking counter), air-conditioned and non- air-conditioned coach counters are located immediately outside the customs Hall in International Terminal and outside Baggage Claim area in Domestic Arrivals.
Airport Coach (non-airconditioned) is operated by Delhi Transport Corporation (via Connaught Place and Railway Stations) to Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Kashmiri Gate and by Ex- Servicemen's Airlink
Transport Service to Connaught Place. The coach covers all major hotels enroute.