Delhi, the city of Nawabs and the Capital City of India falls in the Union Territory group. It is the largest city of India in terms of area and second largest in terms of population. It is surrounded by the NCR (National Capital Region) regions which are considered to be a part of Delhi. Delhi has always been a centre of attraction and capital centre since the reign of the Mughal Emperor. It is city of varied cultures and is not specific to a particular caste or region. The people here believe in extravagant lifestyle. The city is also a treasure of various heritage monuments and other worth visiting places. Let’s take a look at what are the attractions of Delhi:
Places of interest
Rastrapati Bhavan:
The Presidential House or the Rastrapati Bhavan located at the Raisina Hill in Delhi is a place which is much visited from India. The 320 acres premise is a high security region with bodyguards and other staffs surrounding the place all the time. This is the place where the President of India resides. Although you are not allowed to get inside of the premises, the huge building is the pride and glory of India. It is in fact, the centre where all the political and economic aspects of the country are discussed. The only way that a general public is allowed inside the building is at the time of visit to the Mughal Garden which opens in the month of February every year. Divided as Terrace garden and the Long Garden, this garden have a variety of flowers from all throughout the world in its possession. Some of the species of flowers can only be found in the Rastrapati Bahvan and nowhere else. The sixteen square rose bed is a must see for all visitors. Although you have to walk a lot to get a view of the garden amidst the crowd queuing up, the experience can turn out to be a unique one.
India Gate:
The symbol of New Delhi, the India Gate was constructed in the year 1931 and was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. It was dedicated to the nation by the Viceroy of that time, Lord Irwin. Later, it also became a site for the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as Amar Jawan Jyoti where the soldiers who fight in the war are paid homage. There is also a flame that burns day and night to remind the nation of soldiers who perished in the Indo-Pak War that took place in the year 1971. The architecture of the monument is exemplary and magnificent. At the time of Republic Day which is celebrated in India on 26th January every year, the parade starts from the Rastrapati Bhavan and cross through the India Gate. In and around the gate, you have lushly green gardens. You also have a boating spot nearby to it. It is the most conventional picnic spots for both the locals and the visitors. You can relax and spend a quality time with your family and friends here. The aura f the monument looks more majestic when there is lighting in the evening. If you plan to lie and walk around at some place, this is good hang out place to spend your evening.
Red Fort:
The Red Fort or the Lal Quila was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan somewhere around the 17th century. It was the palace of the Mughal Emperor during the Mughal period. It was capital place for the Mughal Emperor until the last of the Mughals, Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled from India during the Revolt of 1857. It is now located in the Old Delhi and serves as a heritage monument of Delhi. The fort which is spread across a land of more than 250 acres is also the UNESCO World Heritage site. The Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas,Nahr-i-Behisht, Zenana, Moti Masjid and Hayat Bakhsh Bagh are some of the great attractions inside of the fort. Located in the midst of the crowded locality, the monument is all constructed with red sand stones. The whole architecture depicts the masterpiece of the Mughals at that time. There is also a light and sound show which takes place in the evening but it is not that informative and interesting as shown in other historic places. You could also pay a visit to the Jamma Masjid which is located nearby to it. In case you feel like shopping, you can try out the Chandni Chowk market where you could buy stuffs at much cheaper and reasonable rates.
The Great Monuments and Gardens
Qutab Minar:
It is a UNESCO Heritage Site and is the tallest minaret in the whole of India. It is made of fluted red sandstone and has 379 stairs. The intricate architecture is the historical heritage of Delhi. The Minar which was build sometimes around 1190 AD by the Slave Dynasty is located in the old city of Delhi. Nearby to the minaret is the Iron Pillar and it is believed that whoever could grasp the pillar with both arms while facing against the pillar would have their wish granted. This historic place has formed a part of lots of Bollywood movies. The sight of the whole place would emphasize that the Mughals took too much interest in building great monuments. If you are fond of historic monuments, then it is worth a place to unravel the history.
Lodi Garden:
This place is a combination of both historic monument and park. More famously a park, it is located in the midst of Delhi and consists of the various tombs like the Mohammed Shah's Tomb, Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. The wide garden which is spread over an area of 90 acres of land is a relaxing place to spend a quiet evening in the midst of nature. You could also see people taking a stroll in the park in the morning or evening. The Big Dome is worth giving a visit and its architecture is simply amazing. A nice place if you are planning an outing with family and friends.
Purana Quila:
This is yet another huge garden with the monuments and architecture of the ancient times. It is one of the oldest forts among all that is present in Delhi, around 5000 old. This fort was founded by the Pandavas which rested on the banks of the river Yamuna at that time. It is now located in the Indraprastha region of New Delhi. The garden would appeal the visitors as you enter through the gate but if you move further from the entrance, you would find jungles of trees not at all properly oriented and maintained. There is also a museum just near to the entrance. It is much small but you can find things which might be of some interest to you. The architecture and monuments appear mostly as ruins and needs a little more maintained as you have to climb a large distance every now and then to get a view of the place. However, it is not advisable to be much adventurous when climbing through the ruins. Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque and Sher Mandal are some of the monuments worth seeing given the architecture depicts the ancient designs of its times.
Just beside the Purana Quila is the National Zoological Park. The expanded area houses different variety and species of animals and birds. The place is quite well maintained and there is also a food joint just outside the zoo where you get an average taste of the food of Delhi.
Humayun Tomb:
Another UNESCO World Heritage monument, this is a tomb of Humayun, the Mughal Emperor. The monument made of red bricks is believed to be built around 1500 century looks magnificent with its tomb, garden and the impressive gates. Considered as the Taj Mahal of Delhi (as mny would not agree to it), the large premises surrounding the tomb are a great walkway and well maintained. This is a good picnic spots for friends and family. Relaxing in and around the fountains is a great way to rejuvenate.
The Religious Places
The Akshardham Temple:
The Akshardham temple also known as the Swaminarayan Akshardham was opened for the public in November 2005, it is the largest temple of India in terms of area. Located in the banks of the river Yamuna, this temple is a great attraction for visitors. The architecture of the buildings depicting carvings of flowers, animals, musicians, dancers and deities are eye catching. It is a huge premise where you also have a theatre and a space for boat ride. The temple adores the idol of Swaminarayan but there are also other idols of Radha-Krishna, Shiv-Parvati, Ram-Sita, etc., the Hindu Gods and Goddesses forming the part of the main temple. The newly constructed temple is well maintained with alluring architecture. Apart from paying your homage to the divine soul, you may also enjoy the Hall of Values, the Theatre, Musical Fountain, Boat Ride and the Gardens of India. The IMAX and the boat ride are worth paying a visit. The IMAX show highlights about the life of Swaminarayan and the boat ride where you sit in a peacock shaped boat depicts the story of history and culture of the India through its various models and messages. Evening is the best time to visit the place as you could take a glimpse of the Musical Fountain and the lighting in and around the whole premise is breath taking. However, you are not allowed to take photographs within the premises. A good place to spend your evening indeed.
The Chhatarpur Temple:
This temple which was actually called Shri Adhya Katyani Shakti Peeth Mandir, is popularly known as the Chhatarpur temple. It was the largest temple of India before the Akshardham temple came into existence. Yet, this is the second largest temple of India in terms of area. This temple is located in the Gurgaon-Mehrauli road in the southern part of Delhi. It is actually a combination of a number of temples, the main deity being the goddess Katyayani. Goddess Katyayani is one of the nine forms of the goddess Durga and thus this temple finds most of its crowd during the time of Navratra. The most appealing thing of the temple is the tall big statue of Hanuman where several visitors each day bow down to pay their homage. This place looks more beautiful during the time of Navratra when it is ornamented with lights adding the beauty to the architecture. A must place for all the devotees of Maa Durga.
The Birla Temple:
The Laxmi Narayan temple or the Birla temple is an intricate house of worship with the idol of several Gods and Goddesses. It is located in one of the busiest locality in the Mandir Marg of the Connaught Place of New Delhi. The temple adores the idols of God Narayana (God Vishnu) and Goddess Laxmi. There are also other prominent idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga and Hanuman. There is also a shrine of Lord Buddha. In an all, this temple can be a pilgrimage to almost all the devotees of the Hindu Gods and Goddesses as well as of Lord Buddha. The Birla temple which is spread all throughout India is magnificent no matter which city you visit it. However, the great thing about the Birla temple is that the architecture and the ambience of this temple maintain its uniqueness in each city. In Delhi, the red and white building with marbles and Kota stones engraved in and across the temple is pious. The wall of the temple is engraved with tales from Mahabharata and Ramayana all across. Not to mention, the environment all around is calm, peaceful and well maintained. This temple is worth a visit if you wish to enjoy the serenity and auspiciousness of the place.
The Lotus Temple:
This Bahá'í House of Worship is also known as the Lotus temple. The latter name is given because of the lotus like architecture of the exterior of the temple. The architecture of the temple was completed in 1986. This is one of the most popular places of visit in Delhi mainly because of its exemplary design and architecture. The people of Delhi tend to enjoy both the interior and exterior of the temple. The interior of the place attracts those who wants to have a silent worship while the exterior of the place appeal to those who wants to spend their evening at some good place with friends and family. This temple does not worship any idol rather it follows the Bahai’s laws where people from all religion can come around and worship God through their silent prayers. You need to maintain a pin drop silence when you are inside of the temple. Surrounded by garden from all its side, this is a place where you could find solace as well as enjoyment. The ambience of the temple is such that its gives a very different look from what we mostly see in the conventional temples of India. The temple and its surrounding are well maintained by the Bahai’s community. A must visit place if you want some serenity and peace from the crowded and busy Delhi.
The food:
The people of Delhi are food lovers and as a fact you can get a variety of flavors both in the vegetarian and the non-vegetarian category. You would find a good taste in almost all categories of food here. The famous Rajma Chwal and Kadhi Chawal are the most sought out food during the lunch. For snacking, you may choose from Pani-Puri, chaats to Pav Bahji & Chole Bhature. The Pani –Puri of this city is also quite different in taste from what you get anywhere else. The Chole Bhature is also the most famous one here. The renowned Parathe Wale Gali in Chandni Chowk is a place where you could get more than 20 varieties of parathas. The chaats are also something which tastes unique. Coming to the non vegetarian lovers, there are ample good restaurants which provide some of the best non vegetarian cuisine. In a gist, even an ordinary restaurant would serve you with dishes which would taste amazingly good. No matter in which locality you are in Delhi, there is no dearth of food joints in and around the city. If you ever happen to taste the food of Delhi, you are surely going to fall for it.
The Shopping:
Delhi is known for its cheap and unique shopping stuffs. The fashion that the city follows is worth praising. For some cheap and reasonable shopping, you could try out the markets of Karol Bagh, Sarojini Market and the Connaught Place. Connaught Place is a locality which houses both the cheap street stuffs as well as the expensive showrooms. This is also a place here where you could buy popular stuffs that is the most famous of each state. The Mall culture is also the most prevalent in Delhi. Delhi has the maximum Malls constructed in all the major localities. The Ambience Mall which is spread in a length of around 1 km claims to be the largest Mall in the whole of Asia. The people of Delhi too love hanging around in the Mall shopping, eating and watching movies.
If there is any place where you could find a diversity of culture, it is in Delhi. Like any other metropolitan cities, Delhi is also divided as New Delhi and Old Delhi. The difference is also the same unlike in other city. In Old Delhi, you get a clumsy and disorganized look while the New Delhi is more oriented and organized. However, when it comes to unraveling the treasures of Delhi, this difference does not seem to bother much. Delhi has been known as a city of culture and heritage and anyone visiting the capital city wouldn’t deny it. Whether its food, lifestyle, infrastructure or anything else, this city does not fail to give you an impression that it deserves to be the Capital City of India.
Image Souce: Wikipedia