Delhi or Dilli is a lively city reflecting a perfect blend of modernization and traditional architectures. Being a capital city of the Republic India, Delhi is the center of Government's legislature and judiciary systems. It was 1992 when Delhi has been declared as a state under the national capital territory Act. However, the city has become the capital of Independent India in 1950. Set on the both sides of River Yamuna, Delhi is seen as one of the fastest growing cities in India. The city reflects two sides of a same coin i.e. Old Delhi and New Delhi. Being a Union Territory, Delhi has 11 districts, on which New Delhi is one of them. New Delhi is a reflection of modern India with having VVIPs buildings, legislative homes and diplomat zones whereas Old Delhi gives an incredible picture of traditional and historical values of India. Spread over an area of 1483 sq. kilometers, 216 meters above sea level, the city shares its boundary with two states – Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
The city that has existence of Victorian architecture was mainly found by George V, Emperor of India during the Delhi Durbar of 1911. However, it was built by Edward Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, British architects, in 1912. Delhi had been the seat of power for many rules, mainly in between 13th and 17th Centuries. During the time of Mahabharata, it was the capital of Pandavas called as 'Indraprastha', but during the regime of Shah Jahan, the city was known as Shahjahanabad (present known as 'Old Delhi'). It is said that Delhi was destroyed and rebuilt seven times. During 1903, the tram service had been introduced in the city. Delhi has many historical monuments like – Qutab Minar (the world's tallest brick minaret), Humayun Tomb, Old Fort (Purana Qila), Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Red Fort, Tuglaqabad Fort, Lotus Temple (also known as Bahai Temple) and Rashtrapati Bhavan. Once Delhi has 14 gates but now only five are exiting – Ajmeri Gate (facing Ajmer in Rajasthan), Lahori Gate (facing Lahore in Pakistan, Kashmiri Gate (Pointing North to Kashmir), Delhi Gate (Road to earlier cities of Delhi) and Turkman Gate (Named after pious saint Hazrat Shah Turkam).
People lived in Delhi are generally known as 'Delhi-ites'. Being surrounded with major IT and cyber hub cities like Faridabad, Gurgaon and Noida, Delhi is counted as the fifth most populated urban area in the world. Delhi has also seen a lot of changes in past few years with having better roads, flyovers and excellent metro lines making life easier for people to ride smoothly in and around the city. For the shopping and movie freaks, the city has a number of markets, malls and entertainment complexes. Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Sarojani Nagar, Hauz Khas, GK-II and Chandni Chowke are some of the best places for shopping, especially for women. Khari Baoli Market near Chandni Chowke is seen as Asia's largest wholesale spice market.
Delhi has a mixed culture as people of all communities and religions live here. However, English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi are the key languages spoken in the city. Looking at the vast culture, tradition and modern lifestyle, it is rightly said that Delhi is city of 'Dil Walo Ki'.
|Quick Facts about Delhi|
1483 Sq. Km.
45 degree Celsius (Max) - usually in May - Jun, 5 degree Celsius (Min) - usually in Dec - Jan
July to mid-September
Extreme climate with very hot summer and very cold winter
Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi
Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam
Best Time to Visit
October to March
There are lots of places to shop, the most famous being Connaught Place (reason five)that is as old as the city itself. In fact it is where the commercial activity in the city commenced almost a hundred years ago. Once can go round the inner and outer circles of CP shopping, eating and shopping. Almost all major brands are available here, international as well as Indian.
Janpath, close by is very popular for traditional arts and crafts and a huge hit with tourists.
Dilli Haat is a place that my friends and I used to visit just to feel pepped up.(also reason five) It is such a bright, lively place! It is a one stop shop for everything Indian from all over the country- ethnic clothes, jewellery, furniture, food etc. Many evenings, cultural events are also held here.
India Gate- the famous War Memorial Arch is one of the most prominent landmarks of Delhi and one can just go drive by there to get an ice cream cone or for a family picnic in the gardens alongside. I can't count the number of times I have asked dad to take a route back home post a dinner outing via India Gate just to have a glimpse of it.(reason six)
This part of Delhi is designed by Edwin Landseer Lutyen and is called Lutyen’s Delhi. It is a beautiful and well planned part of the city and a real pleasure drive with great roads lined with old trees and all prominent offices of the President, the Defence Services and major Central Government departments amongst others.
One can find so much literature on this rich old city. Some of the books I enjoyed reading on my favourite city are -
Celebrating Delhi ( a set of essays by various writers)
Delhi : Adventures in a megacity by Sam Miller
City of Djinns by William Dalrymple
You could also check - http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/11/04/ten-books-on-delhi-you-should-read/
As a foreigner if you visit Delhi, I would advise you know somebody local you can trust. It is always a good idea to have someone show you around this crazy and milling city!