HISTORY
Delhi, has seen the rise and fall of many empires which have left behind a plethora of monuments that the grandeur and glory of bygone ages. A city which traces its history to Mahabharata, the great epic tale of wars fought between estranged cousins, the Kauravas and the Pandavas for the city of Indraprastha.
Mughals ruled Delhi in succession starting from Qutab-ub-din to Khiljis, Tughlaqs . The city of Delhi passed on to the hands of the British in 1803 AD. It was only in 1911, when the capital of British empire was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, that Delhi got its present prestige. After independence also, a kind of autonomy was conferred on the capital but it largely remained a chief commissioner’s regime. In 1956 Delhi was converted into a Union territory and gradually the chief commissioner was replaced by a Lt. Governor. In 1991, the national capital territory Act was passed by the parliament and a system of diarchy was introduced under which, the elected Government was given wide powers; except law and order which remained with the central Government. The actual enforcement of the legislation came in 1993.
New Delhi, the capital of India, sprawled over the west bank of the river Yamuna is one of the fastest growing cities in India. It is surrounded on three sides by Haryana and to the east, across the river Yamuna by Uttar Pradesh. Historically, the city has long since been the foremost in political importance with successive dynasties choosing it as their seat of power, between the 13th and the 17th centuries. Remnants of the glorious past survive as important monuments in different parts of the city.
The myriad faces of the city are simply fascinating. In some places it remains a garden city, tree lined and with beautiful parks, but in some places it can also be crowded with heavy traffic. Turbaned Sikhs, colorfully dressed Rajasthani and Gujarati women working in offices, Muslim shopkeepers along Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, Tibetans and Ladakhis in the street stalls along Janpath and Kashmiris in the handicraft emporia around Connaught Place, all add to the cosmopolitan feel of the city. Soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes can be seen along with the ancient historical monuments. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. Old Delhi which looks entirely different from New Delhi area, is about 6 Km north of the city center.
Delhi (City Information)
New Delhi is not only the capital city of India, but also the tourist hub of India. Delhi receives largest number of tourists from all around the world as compared to other major parts of the country. It is the most convenient base for the travelers wishing to travel India, and especially north India. Delhi is the third largest city of India and is a fine fusion of the past and the present. Lying by the west end of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows.
Delhi comprises of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, which carries two completely different history and appearance. Narrating the city’s Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. Here you will come across lively and colorful bazaars that boast to cater all sorts of good and items at mind-blowing prices amidst a chaotic atmosphere. The imperial city of New Delhi on the other hand displays the neatly curved architecture of British Raj erected along the spacious and planned streets with thick shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees.
How to Reach Delhi
» Air - Delhi has its own domestic and international Airport, which connects it almost all the part of the world.
» Rail - Delhi has two major railhead - one at New Delhi and another at Old Delhi, both of which connects Delhi to rest of India by rail routes.
» Road - Delhi has well defined roads and national highways which are good option for the tourists from the nearby states.
Delhi Attractions :
» India Gate - India Gate is a majestic high arch, 42 meters high, built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I. Beneath it burns an eternal flame. From the base of the arch one can get a great view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The entire monument is extremely beautiful and the arch stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone which rises in stages to a huge molding.
» Purana Quila - The Purana Qila (Old Fort) stands on the location where the ancient city of Indraprashtha is believed to have existed. Archeological indications such as pottery dating back to 1000 BC, found within the fort premises support the belief. The Old Fort was the citadel of the city of Dinapanah (Refuge of the Faithful) which Humayun started building in 1533 and completed five years later. The inner citadel of this city is today called Purana Qila or the Old Fort.
» Qutub Minar - In 1199, Qutub-ud-Din raised the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m the minar tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m. Qutub Minar was the first Islamic structure built in India. It is still the tallest monumental tower in India.
» Rajghat - Rajghat is located on the bank of the river Yamuna. This is the memorial built in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi. On 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi's last rites was performed here.
» Red Fort - Situated in Old Delhi, near Chandni Chowk, Red Fort is one of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture. Commonly known as the Lal Quila, the Red Fort was built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, the walls of which extends up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side. Encompassed in this glorious Fort is Diwan-i-am, the hall for public audiences; Diwan-i-Khas, the hall for private audiences; Rang Mahal, apartment of the royal ladies; the Pearl Mosque, a lovely, ornate dream in white marble. The Prime Minister of India addresses the nation from this age old Fort, on the auspicious day of India's Independence.
» Jama Masjid - One of the Architectural gift given by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but in India. Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three gateways, Four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. From the top of minarets you can have a birds eye view of Delhi.
» The Bahai Temple - The Bahai Temple or the Lotus Temple was completed in 1986 and was open to the public since then. Shaped like a lotus flower, the Bahai temple is set amidst pools and gardens, and adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The view of the temple is very spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.
» ISKON Temple, Delhi - For many this is just a temple, for finding solace, peace and quiet. Sitting amongst Lord Krishna and his devotees with Hare Krishna chants going around is indeed an experience. But for those who are seeking more, there is so much to learn and see, than what meets the eye.
Other Attractions :
Dilli Haat, Chandni Chowk, Laxmi Narayan Temple, Jantar Mantar,safdar jang,Humayun's Tomb, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Tughluqabad Fort, etc. Apart from this there are several shopping complexes, parks and garden and museums, which are worth visiting.
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