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Present temperature at New Delhi
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Delhi the capital India is a perfect
amalgamation of ancient and modern. It is fast-moving cosmopolitan
city, proud of its rich cultural heritage. Delhi is a city
of variety, vivacity and vibrancy. |
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Red Fort is
a masterpiece of architecture and one of the
most popular spots for tourists from both India
and abroad. This colossal fort on the banks
of the river Yamuna, built by Shahjahan as the
citadel of the 17th Century Delhi is a significant
link between the past and the present, for it
is from here that the prime minister of India
addresses the people on the Independence Day
(August 15th).
Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction
of the Red Fort in 1638, which was completed
in 1648. The fort contains - halls of public
and private audience, domed and arched marble
palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque
and elaborately designed gardens. Even today,
the fort continues to be an impressive evidence
to Mughal grandeur.
The Architecture
The Red Fort with thick red sandstone walls,
bulging with turrets and bastions is one of
the largest and oldest monument in Delhi India.
The Fort rises above a wide dry moat in the
northeast corner of the original city of Shahjahanabad,
now Old Delhi. Its walls extend for over 2 kms
and vary in height from 18 m on the river side
to 33 m on the city side.
The Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall
of Public Audiences where the Emperor would
sit and hear complaints of the common folks.
The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private audiences
where the Emperor held private meetings. This
hall is made of marble and its centre-piece
used to be the Peacock Throne, which was carried
away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739.
The other attractions within this monument are
the Royal Baths or hammams, the Shahi Burj,
which used to be Shahjahan's private working
area and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque,
built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. The
Rang Mahal or the "Palace of Colours" housed
the Emperor's wives and mistresses. This palace
was crowned with gilded turrets, delicately
painted and decorated with an intricate mosaic
of mirrors, and a ceiling overlaid with gold
and silver that was reflected in a central pool
in the marble floor.
Tourist Information
Visiting Time
: The Red Fort is open daily from Tuesdays to
Sundays from sunrise to sunset, between 9.30
am to 4.30 pm.
Entry Fee
: Entry tickets to the fort cost Rs 10 per person
(for Indian nationals) and Rs 150 per person
(for foreign nationals). Entry to the fort is
free on Fridays. |
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Built in 1199
by Qutub-ud-Din, Qutub Minar is one of the most
visited tourist destination of Delhi. Qutab-ud-din
Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced
the construction of the Qutub Minar in A.D.
1193, but could only complete its basement.
His successor, Iltutmush, added three more stories,
and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tuglak constructed the
fifth and the last storey. The development of
architectural styles from Aibak to Tuglak are
quite evident in the minar. Qutub Minar is still
the tallest stone tower as well as one of the
finest Islamic structures ever erected in India.
The purpose of building this beautiful monument
is still not known, as some believe that it
was built as a tower of victory to signify the
beginning of the Muslim rule in India, while
others say it served as a minaret to the adjacent
mosque and was used by the muezzins to call
the faithful to prayer. Qutub Minar rises to
72.5 m high and one has to climb 379 steps to
get to the top.The diameter of the base is 9.3
m while the top floor measures 2.7 m in diameter.
The main mosque near the minar consists an inner
and outer courtyard, the pillars of which is
surrounded by an exquisite collonade, which
are made of richly decorated shafts.
Other Attractions Near the Qutub Minar
Iron Pillar
Close to the mosque is one of Delhi's most curious
structures the Iron Pillar, dating back to 4th
century A.D. The pillar bears an inscription
which states that it was erected as a flagstaff
in honour of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the
memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta II(375-413).
The pillar also highlights ancient India's achievements
in metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 per
cent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years
without rusting or decomposing. |
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Humayun's
Tomb
Built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum in
the mid 16th century, this red sand stone structure
is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal.
The structure is one of the best example of
Mughal Architecture. Humayun's wife is also
buried in the red and white sandstone, black
and yellow marble tomb. The entry in the complex
is free on Fridays.
Safdarjung Tomb
The Safdarjang tomb is besides the of Safdarjang
airport was built by the Nawab of Avadh for
his father. The structure is one of the finest
example of architecture of its time and tells
a saga of the last remnants of a dying empire.
Nizam-Ud-Din Shrine
The tomb of the famous sufi saint Nizam-ud-din
Auliya is built on the way from Humayun's tomb.
Inside the premises of the shrine is a tank
which is surrounded by many other tombs. It
is said that there was a controversy between
the rulers of Tughlakabad and the saint over
building this tank. The saint had said that
the city of Tughlakabad will never flourish
and so did it happen. The shrine also has the
tomb of Amir Khusru and the grave of Jahanara,
the daughter of Shah Jahan. It is worth visiting
the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as
it is a popular time for worship, and qawwali
singers start performing after the evening prayers. |
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Lotus Temple,
also known as the Bahai Temple is located in
Kalkaji in the south of Delhi India. The most
captivating architectural wonder of the 20th
century, the Lotus temple is the place which
beckons people from all the sects and religions.
Shaped like a Lotus in white marble, cement,
dolomite and sand, the temple lures every single
traveller to Delhi India. Lotus Temple or Bahai
Temple is an ideal location to sit and meditate
for its soothing settings. Even though visited
by thousands everyday, the Lotus Temple is always
very peaceful and tranquil.
The Lotus Temple built in 1986 is an architectural
marvel of the Bahai faith. The Bahai Faith is
the youngest of the world's independent religions.
Its founder, Bahadullah (1817-1892), is regarded
by Bahais as the most recent in the line of
Messengers of God that stretches back beyond
recorded time and that includes Abraham, Moses,
Buddha, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad.
The Architecture
The delicate architecture of the Lotus Temple
is built in two layers. The first layer contains
nine white marble-covered petals rising towards
heaven, while the second layer of nine petals
serves to conceal the portals. The fabulous
structure built in total white is a fantastic
sight to behold. The interior, especially, the
Hall of Worship, conforms to that of all Bahai
temples and is so calm and quiet that even a
low whisper echoes loudly in the structure.
No images representing religion are housed here
except the copies of the Holy Scriptures and
wooden pews. |
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The great mosque
of Old Delhi, built in 1656, is the final architectural
extravagance of Shah Jahan. With a courtyard
capable of holding 25,000 devotees, it is largest
mosque in India. Located close to Chandani Chowk
and the colossal Red Fort, the mosque receives
large number of visitors coming to Delhi.
The Architecture
A religious masterpiece, Jama Masjid is also
known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means
'World' and Numa means 'Visible'. Designed as
Emperor Shahjahan's principal mosque, the masjid
is built in red sandstone. White marble has
also been used extensively, specially in the
three domes and has been inlaid with stripes
of black.
The vast paved courtyard is a rectangle nearly
75 metres by 66 metres. The whole of the western
chamber is a big hall, standing on 260 pillars
all carved from Hindu and Jain traditions. The
central courtyard is accessible from the East,
though there are three ways on the other side
too. Built by a workforce of 5,000 people, the
mosque's three gateways, four towers and two
minarets are testimony to the fine architecture
of that period.
Tourist Information
Visiting Time:
Daily dawn-dusk; closed during prayer times.
Entry Fee
: Entry is free but tourists must pay Rs100
if carrying a camera.
Note :
Please open your shoes before entering the mosque.
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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 gates like - Kashmiri Gate, Ajmeri
Gate, Turkman Gate, Delhi gate. Near Delhi Gate
is Feroz Shah Kotla, close to this is kept the
Ashokan Pillar which was brought from Meerut
by Feroz Shah Tughlaq.
Chandni Chowk
One of the main markets of old 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. The Area has got the Digamber
Jain Temple which houses the Birds hospital.
On one end of Chandni Chowk is the Fatehpuri
Mosque which was erected by the wives of Shah
Jahan. Opposite the old police station or the
Kotwali is the Sunheri Masjid from where Nadir
Shah ordered his troops to plunder and massacre
Delhi. |
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Jantar
Mantar
Few minutes walk from Connaught Place is is
a strange collection of solomon coloured structures.
These were built by Maharaja Jai Singh and is
actually an observatory. Though not as large
as its compatriot in Jaipur Jantar Mantar at
Delhi also an attraction for the tourists. The
astonishing part of these observatories is that
they can calculate many astronomical movements
very accurately. |
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Old
Fort
It is believed that the Pandavas
had built their capital, Indraprastha at the
place where the old fort stands today. This
fort, now in ruins, was the seat of administration
for many emperors. The legendary Prithviraj
Chauhan ruled from here till he was defeated
by Abdali in the battle of Panipat. A new light
& sound show is held by the Department of Delhi
Tourism every evening. Timings and Tickets are
available from the tourist office. |
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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 .
India Gate is a 42m high stone arch of triumph.
It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army
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.
India Gate is surrounded by green grass lawns
and trees.
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
the respective embassy.Recently a parliament
museum has been opened within the complex for
visitors. |
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Lakshmi
Narayan Temple
This temple was build by G. D. Birla in 1938.
This beautiful temple is located in the west
of Connaught Place. The temple is dedicated
to the goddess of prosperity and good fortune.
The temple has well grafted gardens. It is also
known as the Birla Mandir.
ISKCON Temple
Completed in 1998, this is a complex of temples.
Built on a hilly place this temple is dedicated
to the Lord Krishna and was built by the Hare-Rama
Hare- Krishna cult followers. This complex is
elegantly build and is one of the largest temple
complexes in India
Chattarpur Mandir
A complex of temples called Chattarpur mandir
is located beyond the Qutab Minar in Mehrauli.
Dedicated to Goddess Durga. Build in South Indian
style the temple complex is spread over a large
area with beautiful lawns and gardens. Though
devotees visit these temples through the year,
during the navratras devotees come from near
and far. During the festivals there are special
bus services to these temples.
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
A magnificent and spacious bungalow in Delhi
owned by Raja Jai Singh Amber (Jaipur) who commanded
great respect and honour in the court of Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb now enjoys the status of a
holy shrine called Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. The
eighth Guru Sri Harkishan had stayed here for
a few months as guest of Raja Jai Singh. Since
then it has become a place of pilgrimage for
both, Hindus and Sikhs. They pay their respect
to the memory of Guru Harkrishan, nominated
as successor by the seventh Guru, Sri Har Rai.
He passed away on October 6, 1661 A.D. When
only a little over five year old, he had been
tried and tested as a perfect fearless and fully
illuminated soul. |
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National
Rail Museum
National Rail Museum is located In Chanakya
Puri. It is unique in its collection of rail
engines and locomotives. India was among the
countries which has had railway lines since
19th century. The locomotives in the museums
are displayed in open. But they also have a
small inhouse museum which gives the details
of the progress and development in the history
of railway in India.
Crafts Museum
Crafts museums is at Pragati Maidan Grounds.
Open from 10am-5pm daily.
Gandhi Darshan
& Gandhi National Museum
Gandhi Darshan & Gandhi National Museum is across
Rajghat and Gandhi smriti is on Tees January
Marg
Dara Shikoh Library
Dara Shikoh Library is an archaeological museum
in Civil Lines and is open from 10am - 5pm,
Monday to Friday.
Dolls Museum
A unique museum of Dolls is located near the
ITO crossing on the Bahadur Shah Jafar Marg
. These dolls are collected from different parts
of India as well as from other countries of
the world. These dolls reflect the tradition
and culture of the region from where they come.
Children Book Trust of India is In the same
building. This is an organisation which is committed
to provide quality books for the little ones.
National Science
Centre
National Science center is located near Pragati
Maidan. This center is famous for the models
which can be operated by the visitor himself.
Children are particularly fascinated by the
mysteries of science. Open through out the week
except on Mondays.
National Museum
Located on Janpath, National museum is one of
the treasure houses of the our glorious past.
The museum has a large collection of excavated
items many of which date back to 2nd and 3rd
century B.C. The museum has separate section
for the Harrapa (Indus valley civilisation)
collection. Recently the museum added a very
interesting section of Jewellery collection.
Apart from the regular sections the museum has
regular exhibition on different themes. Information
about any such exhibition can be obtained from
the museum itself or from the tourist offices.
A daily film show is organised in the auditorium
of the museum and it is closed on Monday.
Museum of Natural
History
The museum gives an over all look of the evolution
of Earth and its natural history. The museum
is located on the Barakhamba Road and is closed
on Mondays.
Nehru Museum & Planetorium
The Teen Murti house was the residence of India's
first Prime minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. After
his death the house was converted into a memorial.
The Nehru memorial has a collection of gifts
and many other items which he possessed. Nehru
Planetorium is within the compound of Teen Murti.
This planetorium gives a overview of the Indian
Space program. There are daily film shows which
are screened in a specially designed auditorium.
These films are meant to give information about
the Universe or any other topic related to that.
The Capsule in which Rakesh Sharma went into
space is also kept here. |
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Traditionally,
all the best restaurants in Delhi were to be
found in the 5-star international hotels. To
an extent, this is still the case, although
beyond the confines of the big hotels, the prosperity
of Delhi's enormous middle class has ensured
that a huge number of excellent restaurants
have sprung up where you can be assured of delicious
food at a fraction of the price charged in the
big hotel dining rooms.
Alcohol (domestic and foreign) is widely available
at most places, except budget eateries which
often lack the requisite liquor license. The
price of alcohol is variable, with the fancy
places charging as much as triple the price
of a mid-range eatery. Indian wine has come
a long way in recent times and is definitely
worth a try. Indian beer is excellent, with
Kingfisher long being lauded as the national
favourite.
When it comes to food, you can find everything
from traditional Indian curries to a commendable
assortment of international fare. There are
also a large number of restaurants in Delhi
that are wholly vegetarian. Most ‘non-veg' restaurants
offer a wide variety of ‘veg' dishes.
La Piazza
An old favourite, located in the plush Hyatt
Regency hotel, La Piazza is the place to come
for authentic Italian food, prepared with the
finest ingredients and following traditional
recipes. Menu items range from crisp wood-fired
pizzas to tender (imported) lamb chops and an
enticing range of magnificent pasta dishes.
The fresh salads and wickedly rich desserts
should not be missed.
Hyatt Regency
Bhikaiji Cama Place, Ring Road
Tel: (011) 2679 1234.
Website: www.delhi.regency.hyatt.com
Ego Thai
Serving very commendable Thai food in a smart-casual
setting, Ego Thai attracts Delhi's fashionable
crowd who come here after quaffing cocktails
at the adjoining lounge-bar. The food gets a
round of applause for authenticity, particularly
the traditional Thai curries, and there are
some positively sublime Thai soups that are
so satiating they can replace a meal.
53 Community Centre, New Friends Colony
Tel: (011) 2633 1181.
Karim's
Established in 1913, Karim's is something of
a Delhi institution. It serves robust Mughal
food in rudimentary but clean surroundings off
a courtyard that is close behind Jama Masjid
in Old Delhi. The tandoori chicken and tandoori
burra (mutton) are both highly recommended,
as are the succulent kebabs. There is an interesting
selection of traditional Indian breads, from
stuffed naan to paper-thin romali roti, which
are perfect for mopping up every last drop of
the lip-smacking curry sauces. Unlicensed.
16 Jama Masjid
Tel: (011) 2326 9880.
Website: www.karimhoteldelhi.com
Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is arguably the best place in
town for flavour-packed inexpensive (vegetarian)
South Indian fare. It does a tremendous job
of dosas, idlis and uttapams and also prepares
awesome thalis. There is a range of excellent
take-away namkin (savoury snacks) and mithai
(Indian sweets) at low prices. So popular is
this restaurant that you may have to queue for
a table.
46 Janpath (smaller branch at 15 P-Block, Connaught
Place)
Tel: (011) 2334 7755.
Website: www.saravanabhavan.com
Swagath
This popular chain specialises in Indian cuisine
(veg and non-veg) and has a particularly glowing
reputation for its Mangalorean and Chettinad
offerings. It also does a fine job of Mughlai
cuisine, with Chinese food making a cameo appearance.
The seafood dishes (fish, prawns, crab, squid
and lobster) are rewarding, most prepared in
flavoursome spice marinades. This convivial
multi-level restaurant attracts an endless stream
of hungry diners, making advance reservations
wise.
9 Defence Colony Market
Tel: (011) 2433 7538.
Website: www.swagath.in
Big Chill
A hip and happening cafe-style eatery, the Big
Chill is highly recommended for its cheerful,
laid-back ambience as much as for its fabulous
food. The menu is predominantly Continental,
with an admirable selection of inventive pastas,
salads, baked potatoes and much more. The creamy
smoothies, milkshakes and ice creams are a veritable
treat, as are the freshly baked cakes and slices.
Khan Market
Tel: (011) 2648 1020. |
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Delhi is unique in that it has representative
outlets for the handicrafts of each Indian
state. This in it self presents a staggering
array of goods, and at very affordable prices.
In the last decade there has been a dramatic
change in Delhi's markets. Upwardly mobile
lifestyle has led to greater sophistication
in display and upgrading of various markets
in terms of availability of items.
For visitors to Delhi, shopping is high on
the list of "things to do". Tourists find
a wide choice of items- such as carpets, silks,
jewellery, leather and silver ware, handicrafts
and handprinted cotton - that are synonymous
with India. Each item is available in a range
of prices, depending on the quality and the
outlet.
Another interesting is that each market has
its own, distinctive ambience and adds its
own flavour to the experience of shopping.
Haus Khas Village, Connaught Place and Chandni
Chowk are worlds apart from one another, yet
each of them reflects an aspect of this many
- faceted city. In fact one of the fascinating
ways of understanding a city is by wandering
through its market places for it is here that
contemporary culture is most visible to the
outsider.
The exploration of Delhi's markets could be
begin at Chandni Chowk. Despite
the pressures of traffic and population, its
historic land marks survive to tell the story
of the last three centuries. Many of the shops
here are more than 100 years, old and the
mesh of lanes and bylanes is full of surprises.
Leading off Chandni Chowk are Dariba, the
silver market, Khari Baoli, the spice market
and Kinari Bazar for trimmings and tinsel.
In some of these bazaars the item for sale
are manufactured at site, which lands a special
charm to the shopping experience well integrated
into the culture of the old city, these bazaars
offer the visitor a glimpse of life in Old
Delhi.
There are some antique stores behind Jama
Masjid, and more lining the entrance to the
Red Fort, where the Meena Bazar once was.
These offer items arranging from jewellery
to painting and furniture, and cater almost
entirely to tourists.
Connaught Place, New Delhi's
original shopping arcade was planned as part
of the Imperial capital in 1911. On Baba Kharak
Singh Marg, are the numerous government State
Emporia. Which afford a glimpse of the handicrafts
of each state. So does the recently- inaugurated
new Central Cottage Industries Emporium on
Janpath. Across the road from "Cottage" as
it is popularly known, are the inviting stalls
along Janpath.
The Tibetans sell jewellery and ritual objects,
while closer to Connaught Place are available
embroideries from Gujarat and Rajasthan, readymade
garments and bric- a - brac. When the wheather
is good it is pleasant to amble down Janpath,
where bargaining is the order of the day.
Sundernagar Market is a fine
place to shop for antiques and silver jewellery.
The well - appointed stores keep a choice
selection, especially of silver jewellery
from Ladakh, semi- precious stones, some textiles
and brass, copper and silver object d'art.
Not far from Sundernagar is the Crafts
Museum Shop, attached to the museum
in Pragati Maidan. Moving further south are
the up market shopping centers of South Delhi-
South Extension, Greater Kailash I and II,
Green Park and Hauz Khas Village.
The haunt of the nouveau riche, these markets
offer a combination of ethnic chic and designer
lebels, Indian and international. Hauz
Khas Village has set a very interesting
trend as market. Over the countries, a village
had developed around the medieval college
and the tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. A few
years ago, an association called Dastakar
- set up a showroom in the village. Now the
village has a plethora of boutiques, galleries
and restaurants which coexist with the buffalos,
cow pats and men smoking hookahs on charpoys.
Far from being a deterrant, the "rural" ambience
is a positive attraction.
Other villages like Mehrauli, Khirkee and
Lado Serai are fast following suit. Seeing
the popularity of crafts bazaars held periodically
in the capital, Delhi Tourism has set up a
permanent outlet for craftspersons at
Dilli Haat, where space and the availability
of Indian cuisines make the visit a very pleasant
experience. A more up market outlet for Indian
handicrafts and antiques is the bazaar near
the Qutub Minar.
The Santushi Shopping Arcade
opposite the Ashoka Hotel has become another
popular up market haunt. Developed by the
Air Force Wives Association, it has a select
number of boutiques where apparel, furnishings
and accessories are available. A restaurant
and patisserie add to the quiet charm of the
place
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http://www.foodiebay.com
http://delhieventsguideonline.com |
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