Introduction
:
The capital city of the greatest democracy of world, India, Delhi is a
visitor's delight. Delhi has been at the midst of many historical events
that have influenced, shaped & decided the fate and destiny of the
nation & with it millions of Indians collectively. The place, as a
result of being at the crosscurrents of history, has always been a part of
Indian folklore. Mohammad Bin Tuglag, the visionary but eccentric Sultan of
medieval period, first shifted his capital from Delhi and then reverted back
to the same on popular demand & convenience grounds. During colonial
period the Britishers chose Delhi over Calcutta (the former capital) due to
the easy connectivity & accessibility of it. There are many more legends
associated that make Delhi an intriguing place.
Interestingly,
down the ages Delhi has constantly been preferred by all as a capital city.
Other factors apart, the fact that its geographical location makes it an
easy access from every part of India & abroad must have helped Delhi
steal a few marches ahead of others.
In contemporary times, the place has become more so due to the advancements
in transport. Moreover, Delhi is easily one of the best looking cities of
India owing to its broad boulevard roads and all round greenery. In
addition, the hustle bustle and fast lifestyle of the city makes it the
perfect epitome of modern India.
Delhi is the Capital of India. The travelers get to see the two cities
though they pay the price of one city. Old Delhi- the capital of Muslim
India , is full of mosques, monuments and forts. It's a lively area of
colorful bazaars, narrow streets and with lot of chaos. In contrast, New
Delhi, the imperial city created by the British Raj, is composed of spacious
avenues and government buildings.
Tourist Attractions :
» 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.
» Purana Quila - The Purana Quila is a good example
of medieval military architecture. Built by Humayun, with later-day
modifications by Sher Shah Suri, the Purana Quila is a monument of bold
design, which is strong, straightforward and every inch a fortress. It is
different from the well-planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of
the later Mughal rulers. Purana Quila is also different from the later forts
of the Mughals, as it does not have a complex of palaces, administrative and
recreational buildings, as is generally found in the forts built later on.
The main purpose of this now-dilapidated fort was its utility, with less
emphasis on decoration.
The Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher Mandal are two important monuments
inside the fort.
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