|
DELHI
| FACTS & FIGURES |
| Area |
1470 Sq. Km. |
| Altitude |
239 Mts |
| Temperature |
Max- 41.2C and Min-21.4 C in Summer, Max-33.7C
and Min-6.00C in Winter. |
| Rainfall |
50.0 CMS (June to Sept) |
| Best Season |
September to March |
| Languages |
Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, English is equally in the
use |
| STD Code |
011 |
PLACES TO VISIT
 Qutab
Minar: Perhaps the most facinating feast for the tourist's eye
is this magnificent structure int eh soutern part of the capital.
Minar (which means tower) was built by a Muslim King, Qutab-ud-din
Albak, as early as 1199 A.D. and a part of it which he could not
finish was completed by another Muslim King, IItutmish.
The tower is 72.5 metres high and has at its base a mosque. In front
of the imposing structure is an iron pillar believed to have been
built in the 5th century A.D. It's uniqueness lies in the fact that
it has not caught rust ever since it was built. Tourists are not
permitted to climb the tower.
 Red
Fort: Another marvel of architecture is the Red Fort and it
could perhaps be singled out as yet another monument, which should
not escape the tourist's eyes. Known as lal qila (lal means red
and qla means fort), it is laid out along the river Yamuna as an
irregular octagon. It is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 Kilometers
in circumferance and is built of Red Sandstone. The Mughal king
Shah Jahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and the fort
was completed in 1648, nine years after the king shifted to this
city. The fort has two main enterances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori
Gate which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market. Shah Jahan, incidentally
was also the king who built the Taj Mahal of Agra. The fort has
the Diwan-e-am, where the king would grant audience to the public
to listen to their problems. The other feature is the Diwan-e-Khas
(khas means special) where the king would grant audience to 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.
Another attraction is the Light and Sound Show held in the evenings.
 Jama
Masjid: Is the country's largest mosque where thousands of Muslims
offer prayers even today. It was built in 1656 and is a tribute
to the values of the Mughal Kings as also their commitment to religon
and prayer. It lies opposite the Red Fort and is surrounded b a
large number of shops which deal in a variety of goods. The flight
of stairs and its large courtyard are something to be admired. Besides
this there is a variety of the choicest non-vegetarian food available
in several restaurants located around the comples.
Purana Qila (Old Fort): The ruins of the fort are located
on a small hill which once stood on the banks of the river Yamuna.
Legend has it that the fort marked the site of Indraprastha, the
magnificent capital of the Pandavas, though the construction was
carried out by Sher Shah Suri any time between 1538 to 1545 A.D.
The structure houses a mosque which has a double-storeyed octagonal
tower. It is said that the Mughal king Humayun fell from the tower
accidentaly and died. At the foot of the hill is a lake where the
Delhi Tourism has arrangements for boating.
Jantar Mantar: Within the Connaught Place area is the Jantar
Mantar observatory built by the Rajput king of Jaipur, Sawai Jai
Singh in 1724. It was believed to have been built with masonary
instruments for observing the movements for the stars and the planets.
The samrat of the uantra supreme instrument, the largest structure
in the comples which is in the shape of a right-angled triangle,
is actually a huge sun-dial.
 Humayun's
Tomb: This tomb, which was built by emperor Humayun's wife,
took eight years to complete and is regarded as an example of the
early Mughat archetecture. The emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was
buried in the tomb and the structure is the first of its kind built
in the centre of a well-planned garden. The combination of white
marble and red sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecure.
It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of
Agra.
Safdarjang's Tomb: The garden tomb was built in 1753-54
soon after Safdarjang died. It is a red and brown sandstone with
double storeyed towers in the corners and is one of the last examples
of Mughal architecture.
Chandni Chowk: It was the eyes and ears of the Mughal's
commercial instincts and is today one of the country's best known
wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches. The
entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite
daughter and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families oft he
time. There is however a word of caution and that is that there
are several elements who are believed to be selling duplicate goods
and the tourist needs to be careful about this.
Parliament House: A marvellous piece of architecture which
can be admired only from outside on account of security restrictions.
Close to Tashtrapathi Bhavan, it is a domed almost circular structure
almost a kilometer in circumference, and was designed by the famed
architect Lutyens. It is the seat of the Indian Parliament and during
the sessions of Parliament there is a flurry of activity in and
around the structure.
Rashtrapati Bhavan: Almost a stones' throw away from Parliament
House is the Tashtrapati Bhavan which is the official residence
of the President of the country. Designed by Lutyens, it was the
official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India.
With 340 rooms and an area of about 330 acres. It is an imposing
structure and tourist's delight. The pillars and the porticos are
an architect's marvel and so are the Durbar Hall and the Ashoka
Hall within the complex. Although special permission has to be obtained
to visit the complex, the Mughal Gardens within the complex are
a treat for the eyes and are open to the public during certain periods
of the year.
Mughal Gardens: Situated within the Presient's Estate, these
gardens boast of the finest varieties of roses in the country besides
other flowers which are maintained with the utmost care and thought.
The lawns of the gardens is the place where the President hosts
tea parties. Besides this there are several artificial ponds where
one can get to see a variety of fish and perhaps one of tthe most
interesting sights are the almost romantically designed fountains
illuminated with multicoloured lights.
 India
Gate: Straight down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan along a
magnificent view and totally unhamnpered drive is India Gate which
is primarily a memorial to the unknown soldier. Designed by Lutyens,
the 42 metre high structure is a war memorial in honour of the soldiers
who died during the second world war. The imposing structure from
where stretch massive lush green lawns has an eternal flame (amar
jawan jyoti) to honour the memory of the unknown soldiers. A popular
picnic spot, one can see hoardes of people moving about the area
and on the lawns on summer evenings.
Connaught Place: One of Delhi's most popular shopping canters
built as early as 1931 there is nothing that one cannot buy here
and it also has several eating houses which are for a large part
of the day dull. The state emporia buildings are also located in
this area so are the head offices of major banks, airlines and other
such things of importance to the tourist. The complex, popularly
referred to as C.P. is an important meeting point for all sections
of people and is something which no tourist should miss if for nothing
else then for its architecture and the humdrum of everyday life.
National Gallery of Modern Art: Located very close to India
Gate, the building was the palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It
has around 4,000 paintings of modern artists and also included are
graphics and sculptures. The gallery arranges special exhibitions
for those who wish to exhibit their works. The gallery also houses
a library which can be used by museum, which is open from 1000 hours
to 1700 hours, is closed on all holidays and observes Monday as
its weekly off.
National Museum: The National Museum is another interesting
spot located very close to India Gate. The museum has a rich variety
of all facets of ancient Indian history and alsoof central Asia.
In fact the museum takes one through a fascinating journey of what
ancient India was all about, rare coins, pottery, and numerous such
things including art and architecture, costumes are for all to see.
It's something every tourist should find time to visit even if the
schedule is tight.
Birla Mandir: is another landmark close to Connaught Place
and was built by industrialist Raja Baldev Birla in 1938. The temple
is an important prayer site and contains idols of several deities.
Interestingly Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated the temple, was also
a regular visitor to it and would often pray there.
Rail Transport Museum: Located in the south of Delhi close
to the diplomatic area of Chanakayapuri it traces, through exhibits,
the 140 year-old history of the Indian Railways. The museum, established
in 1977, and spread over a ten acre area, is the first of its kind
in India. The highlights include the Fairie Queen of 1885 the oldest
workign steam locomotive, the luxury saloon of the Prince of Whales
and the saloon of the Maharaja of Mysore. Timings
Summer 0830 to 1130 and 1600 to 1730 hours
Winter: 0900 to 1730 hours.
It is closed on Mondays.
Pragati Maidan: The venue of the annual India International
Trade Fair where thousands of businessmen and visitors come from
all over the world in November. It is a massive complex with well
laid out roads and close to the zoo as ITO. The complex also hosts
all the international trade fairs. It also has permanent buildings
for pavillions of all the states of the country. It is ideal to
visit in the winter months. Timings Weekdays: 0930 to 1730 hours;
Sundays and public holidays: 0930 to 2000 hours.
 Lotus
Temple: Is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith
and is visible from several spots in south Delhi. Located in Kalkaji
in the south of Delhi, it is lotus shaped and has rightly been given
the name. It is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is
open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining
peace and tranqillity.
HOW TO REACH
Air: Delhi has an extensive network of international and
domestic flights. All the major airlines in the world fly through
Delhi and it is easily accessible from anywhere in the world. Domestic
air links cover Delhi from all the major cities in the country.
Train: The Indian Railway with their modern and organized
network connects Delhi to major and minor destination in India.
There are three important railway stations in Delhi to all major
and minor destinations in India, namely New Delhi Rly. Station,
Old Delhi Rly. Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Rly. Station. Trains
run from all the parts of the country to Delhi. For nearby places
like Chandigarh, Dehradun, Gwalior, Bhopal, Lucknow and Kanpur,
the Shatabdi Express is recommended.
Bus: Delhi is well connected by road to all major destinations
in North India. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) is located at
Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan and Anand Vihar. Delhi Transport
Corporation and Road Transport Corporations of the neighboring States
provide frequent bus services through Air Conditioned, Deluxe and
Ordinary Coaches. Buses from all the major places in Uttar Pradesh,
Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
are available for getting to Delhi. During summer months, air-conditioned
coaches are recommended.
Airports: Delhi has two airports. Indira Gandhi International
Airport, is 20km away towards city in the same area. Palam is city
bound Internal Terminal Airport. Indira Gandhi links Delhi with
the whole world.
|
State
Express