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A Day in Delhi

Places to Visit: Delhi

Validity:Oct 13 2023

The eternal Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous 5,000 year old history of Delhi, which begins with the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas and transformation of this barren gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic haven. A history that encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here - Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora,Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. But, combined and integrated into one, these 'new cities' have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway. There have been at least 8 cities around modern Delhi, and the old saying that whoever founds a new city at Delhi will lose it has come true every time - most recently for the British who founded New Delhi in 1911.

Itineraries
  • Chandni Chowk: One of the main markets of Delhi, Chandni Chowk was once lined with beautiful fountains. But today the place is very crowded and congested. Chandni Chowk is located opposite the Red Fort. On one end of Chandni Chowk is the Fatehpuri Mosque which was erected by the wives of Shah Jahan.
  • Humayun's Tomb: Built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid 16th century, this red sandstone structure, one of the best example of Mughal Architecture, is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red & white sandstone, black & yellow marble tomb. Entry to the complex is free on Fridays.
  • Jama Masjid: One of the architectural gifts given by Shah Jahan, it 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 40m high minarets. You can enter the mosque but take precaution to take off your shoes and make sure that you are properly dressed before entering. One can also go to the top of minarets. From here you can have a bird's eye view of Delhi.
  • Lakshmi Narayan Temple: This beautiful temple was build by Ghanshyam Dass Birla in 1938. It is located in the west of Connaught Place. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. The temple also known as the Birla Mandir has well grafted gardens.
  • Old Delhi: The City of Shahjahanabad was the capital of Shah Jahan but little remains of that old city. The Old Delhi or the walled city served as the capital for many emperors. Today, remains of the historical city are the stuctures like Kashmiri Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate, Delhi Gate.
  • Qutab Minar: In 1199, Qutbuddin raised the Qutab Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32m it tapers to 2.75m at a height of 72.5m. It is still the highest stone tower in India, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark.
  • Rajpath & India Gate: Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina Hills are located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. India Gate is towards the eastern end of Rajpath. It is a 42m high stone arch of triumph, which bears the name of the 85,000 Indian soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW1, the North-West Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial to the unknown soldier.
  • Red Fort: Built in red sandstone this imposing fort is 3kms in perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18-30m at places. When it was built, River Yamuna used to flow on its one sides and there were deep moats on the other. Today, Yamuna flows almost a kilometer away from the fort and the moats have also dried up. In the evening, Delhi Tourism organises a light and sound show that narrates the history of Delhi in context of the Red Fort. The Lahore Gate - on every 15th of August the Indian Prime Minister addresses the nation from here. As soon oneenters the fort from Lahore Gate, there is a small Bazzar, where all kinds of items are available. This shopping arcade was known as Mina Bazaar and was open only to women on Thursdays during the Mughal era.
  • The Parliament House: Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament House is the supreme law making body in the country. It is the center of power and politicians decide the fate of the Indian Democracy here. Visitors are not allowed inside the house but when the house is in session, visitors may take permission to go inside and watch the proceedings of the house. The parliament consists of three halls - Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the central hall. For the foreign visitors permits are given only after they obtain an introductory letter from their respective embassy.