An Insight :
India’s capital and major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi
is bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its fold the ancient
and the modern. Its Strategic location was one of the prime reasons why
successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. It is not surprising
then that what constitutes Delhi today is a conglomerate of seven cities.
Down the ages the region in and around modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in the
mid-11th century, Siri established by Allauddin Khilji, Tughlakabad, and
Ferozabad built by the Tughlaks followed by the city of the Lodis and then
came Shahjahanabad, capital of the Mughals under Shah Jahan.
New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind, distinction between
the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. But wherever the
visitor goes he will invariably confront the city’s past. The throbbing
present of Delhi pulls one out of reflections on a mute past. The divisions
in the walled city and New Delhi also mark the varied lifestyles. The walled
city is all traditions ,where as New Delhi in contrast, is a city living
upto contemporary international standards. Delhi also serves as the major
gateway for touring the internationally known toursim destinations of Agra
and Jaipur.
Lets Explore Delhi - The Capital of India :
Some of the tourist attractions of Delhi are:
» Rashtrapati Bhawan - The president's mansion is
situated on Raisina Hill in the center of Delhi, overlooking the green lawns
around India Gate. This elegant building, is truly worth seeing, for its
architectural beauty and historic significance. The beautiful Mughal Gardens
of Rashtrapati Bhawan, which are open to the public in spring, are an added
attraction.
» Parliament House - Located in Central Delhi, this
elegant building with its wide pillared walkways and large halls, is worth a
visit, to see the corridors of power where India's lawmakers and statesmen
decide the future of India.
» Red Fort - This grand fort built during the
Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's reign, this majestic building made of red
sandstone is the location from where the Prime Minister of India addresses
the nation every Independence Day. The Diwan-e-khas, and Diwan-e-am, the
weaponry museum and the sound and light show are all worth seeing at the Red
Fort.
» Qutab Minar -Built during the reign of Sultan
Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 A.D., this 72.5 m high pillar is a symbol of the
Delhi Sultanate. Near it can be seen the ruins of Kila Ri Pithora, the fort
of Prithviraj Chauhan, and an amazing iron pillar from Gupta times which has
not yet rusted.
» Baha'i Temple (Lotus Temple) - The Baha'i Temple,
situated in South Delhi, is shaped like a lotus. It is an eye-catching
edifice worth exploring. Built by the Baha'i community, it offers the
visitor a serenity that pervades the temple and its artistic design.
» Humayun's Tomb - Haji Begum, the senior wife of
Emperor Humayun built this mausoleum in the mid 16th century. The tomb is
situated amidst avenues of trees, watercourses and flowerbeds. A magnificent
example of refined early Mughal architecture, the structure harmoniously
blends with nature.
» Jantar Mantar - Jantar Mantar is an observatory.
About 300 years old, it can measure the movement of the earth and the stars.
It is also a very peaceful park in the centre of town.
» India Gate - This massive 42m tall structure was
built as a memorial to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in
World War I. The structure has the names of the soldiers engraved on it. An
eternal flame burns here in commemoration of the brave soldiers.
