INTRODUCTIONDelhi is the third largest city of India and it is the seat of one of the world's largest democracies is a combination of Old Delhi-the capital of muslim India and New Delhi-the imperial city, which was created by the British as Modern India's capital. Delhi is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. It is an architectural college of parks and flyovers, historical buildings and skyscrapers. Here people live in different cultures, languages, states, traditions and countries in complete harmony. Planning a trip to India? Choose from several beautiful Delhi hotels all at a great price!
ORIENTATIONThe city is situated on the western banks of river Yamuna at one side and the other side is protected by the ridge and the Aravalli hills.
HISTORYDelhi's history goes much further back in time that the 13th century. In 1955,excavations at the Purana Quila revealed that the site was inhabitated 3000 years ago.Prithivraj was ruling Delhi when Muhammad of Ghur iinvaded India, and died fighting the Invader at the Second battle of train in 1192.Qutubddin had however commenced chose to become the Sultan. In 1199 Qutdbbin raised the Qutab Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque.The Sultans successor and son in law, Iltutmish, completed it. In the six decades since the creation of New Delhi as the capital of British India, the city has undergone a sea change.
LohriThis is basically a Punjab Festival but celebrated in Punjab as well. It is celebrated with bonfire dancing around and popcorns, nuts and sesame in fire. This is celebrated in winter.
Kite FestivalThis festival is celebrated on the 14th of January and on this occasion the sky is filled with multi-coloured kites of different patterns and dimensions. All age groups fly kites and take on bids to cut each others kite string.
Diwali FestivalDiwali another common festival of lights is celebrated with the same enthusiasm as the rest of the country. There are versions of origin of this festival; the most popular is of Lord Rama's return coronation to Ayodhya after his 14 year exile.
Qutub Festival of Classical Music and DanceThe festival is held around Sharad Pournima in the month of October at the Qutb Minar complex. Evocative and hypnotic melodies as well as the refined dances are presented by various famous artistes of the country. Diwali: Diwali (Deepavali), the festival of lights and fireworks, is celebrated throughout the country during Oct-Nov to celebrate Rama and Sita's homecoming after their exile in the Ramayana. Festivities include illuminating the houses by lighting of oil lamps and firecrackers, and the exchanging sweets and gifts.
Republic DayThis is a national festival celebrated on Jan 26th.National flag is hoisted in all cities. It stages a magnificent military parade with regiments in full dress and band which starts from Rashtrapathi Bhawan passes Indian Gate and ends at the historic Red Fort.
ShivratriDevotees of Lord Shiva celebrate this on the amavasya night of Phalgun where they remain awake on the preceding night listening to hymns and sacred texts.
Delhi Horse ShowA spectacular horse show is organized in mid-February.
Delhi Flower ShowMany flower shows are organized in Delhi by the Government,YMCA and Horticulture department in the month of February.
Phoolkwalon-ki-SairIn early October, a festival specific to Mehrauli, in Delhi, takes place. This is the Phulwalon-ki-Sair or the Flower Sellers Procession, which originated in the 16th century. The highlight is a procession of people carrying decorated floral fans, which are blessed at the shrine of the 13th century Sufi saint, Khwaja Utb-ud-din Bakhtyar Kaki and at the Hindu temple of Jogmaya, both in Mehrauli. The procession ends with a formal ceremony at the Jahaz Mahal, a 16th century pleasure resort by the side of a lake.
Qutub FestivalDelhi Tourism organises the popular Qutub Festival in October. Musicians and dancers perform at night by the city's 12th century landmark, the Qutub Minar . This festival gives tourists a glimpse of the cultural grandeur of India.elhi by the Government.During the Mango Season the different varities comes to this market and people taste this various varities.
PLACES OF WORSHIP
Moth ki MasjidMoth ki Masjid, also known as "the mosque from Lentil" now lies deserted and secluded. This mosque was built during the rule of Sikandar Lodi around 500 years ago and has a legend attached to its origin.Made up of red sandstone, the Delhi Moth ki Masjid boasts of a small semicircular dome and windows with latticework screens. It is believed that this mosque served as the private mosque of Sikandar Lodi's minister.
Chattarpur MandirLocated beyond the Qutab Minar in Mehrauli, this complex of temples is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Build in South Indian style the temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful lawns and gardens. During the "navratras" devotees come from near and far.
Sisgunj GurudwaraNear the Police Station, Chandini Chowk the beautiful golden domes of the Gurudwara Sisgunj immediately strike your eye. It commemorates the site of the ninth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Teg Bahadur's martyrdom.
Gurdwara Majnu ka TilaGurdwara Majnu ka Tila is situated on the Grand Trunk Road, in the Timarpur region of New Delhi. This shrine is dedicated to Guru Nanak, who hallowed this place during his visit to Delhi in the 15th century.
Church of the Sacred Heart DelhiSituated at the south end of Bhai Vir Singh Marg in New Delhi, the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart was designed by Henry Medd. One can clearly see the Italian influence in its structure. The facade of white pillars, supporting the canopy, looks beautiful and attractive.
Cathedral Church of the Redemption
Situated to the east of Parliament House in New Delhi, the Cathedral Church of the Redemption was built in eight years and was completed in the year 1935. It was designed by architect, Henry Medd. Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy, was so impressed by its high curved arches and subtle domes that it came to be known as 'Viceroy's Church'
This temple reflects the religious diversity of Agra.
It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639.
It was here that the National Flag was hosted for the first time,
when India gained her Independence on 15th August, 1947.
Rastrapati BhavanDesigned by Lutyens,is the official resident of the President of India.It is an imposing structure with 340 rooms,constructed high up on a Raisina Hill.On its either side are the impressing office buildings - North and South Block.
Parliament HouseParliament House accommodates the two Houses of Parliament, Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, the architects of New Delhi, designed this building.The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha meetings are held in the domed circular central hall and the three semi-circular buildings. NATIONAL MEMORIAL
Shanthi VanaIndia's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated here in 1964.Adjacent to Raj Ghat it is flanked by lawns and foliage of many variety.
Vijay GhatNehru successor,Lal Bahadur Shastri was cremated here.
Shakthi SthalThe daughter of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,Smt Indira Gandhi was cremated here
Vir BhumiRajiv Gandhi,elder son of Indira Gandhi,who was Prime Minister after his mothers assassination was cremated here
Kisan GhatMemorial to the legendary farmers leader Charan Singh,who was also Prime Minister briefly in 1979.
Samta SthalThe site is opposite Raj Ghat and was built as a memorial to the legendary leader of the backward communities Jagjiwan Ram.
Amar Jawan JyothiThe eternal flame was lit after the 1971 Indo pak war under the arch of India Gate.Homage is paid by the prime minister to the unknown soldier before the annual republic day marchpast
OTHER PLACES OF INTERESTS
Jantar Mantar Complex
Laxmi Narayan ComplexDedicated to Laxmi Narayan the main shrine has images of Lord Vishnu and his consort Laxmi.
Bangla SahibGurudwara Bangla Sahib is situated on the Gole Dakhana round about on a Baba Kharak Singh Marg.As the story goes the eightht Sikh Guru,Guru Harkrishna Sahibiji,appointed as guru at the tender age of five and three months was attributed with miraculous healing power.
Coronation MemeorialHere on the 12th day of Decmber 1911 His Imperial Majesty King Gorge V,Emperor o British India accompanied by the queen Empress in Solemn Darbar announced n person to the Governors,Princes and people of India his Coronation celebrated in England on the 22nd day of June 1911.
Nehru ParkThis park is near AShoka Hotel in Chanakyapuri is a well landscaped garden full of flowering shrub.A group of three eneormous trees provides a focus on the awn near the statue of Lenin.With rolling lawns,magnificent trees,flora and fauna at its best,Delhi truly is a city of Parks and gardens.
Garden of Five SensesA spectacularly designed picturesque site developed in 20 acres located at Said-ul-Ajaib in southern part of Delhi around 2kms away from Qutub Minar.This garen is an amalgamation of colour,fragrance,texture and form with a unique of 500 bels producing soothing sounds in its backgrounds.
Deer ParkA paradise for morning walkers,has picnic huts,approachable from Hauz Khas Village.It is near the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association.
Zoological GardenDesigned by the west German zoo specialist,Hergenbeck.It is between PUruna QUila and Humayuns tomb.
Millenium ParkLocated near the Sarai Kale Khan behind Humayun tomb.Spread in around 20 acres,this park provides lusty green and peaceful environment to the people.
Ashola Wildlife SanctuaryImmediately after the Ghiyasuddin's tomb,towards the south is one of the most beautiful drives in Delhi with the lust greenary and pink bougainvillea bushes on both the sides. Along the road is the entrance to the sanctuary which covers an area of 26 sq kms.
Suraj KundAlong the road, just beyond the Delhi Harayana border, amidst the barren and rocky landscape, is Surajkund with a man made lake nearby.Every year a crafts fair is held here, which attracts tourists from all parts of India.
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
SHOPPINGBhagirath Place - Electric goods
Chandni Chowk - The common Man's market with old world atmosphere from garments to house hold goods, rare antiques, traditional sweets, food etc. How To Reach This Bazaar?
Co naught Place - Textiles, leather goods etc. How To Reach This Bazaar?
Dariba Kalan - Traditional jewellery and silverware.
Gandhi Nagar - Readymade garments
Kinari Bazaar - Filigree and gold brocade,silk sarees,zari
Lajpat Nagar - Readymades and jewellery. How To Reach This Bazaar?
Nai Sarak - Silk and fancy sarees,books and stationery
Palika bazaar - Air conditioned market - handicrafts,electronics and readymade garments and leather. How To Reach This Bazaar?
Panchkuian Road - Wooden,Steel and aluminium furniture
Raja garden - marble
Sunder Nagar - Paintings and antique jewellery.
Luxury Hotels1.Le Méridien New Delhi
New Delhi, New Delhi
Phone: (91)(11) 23710101 2.NEHRU PLACE
NEW DELHI, 110019 • INDIA
011-41223344 3.Bharat Hotels
New Delhi - 110 001, India
Phone : +91 11 4444 7777 4.The Imperial
New Delhi 110001
011 2334 1234 / 4150 1234 5.Hotel Siddharth
Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi
Medium Range Hotels1.Connaught Hotel
37, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road
011 23364225 2.Janpath Hotel
011 23340070 3.Hans Plaza
15 Barakhamba Road
New Delhi 110001
011 23316861 4.Radisson Hotel Delhi
Swarna Jayanti Marg
011 2677 9191 5.The Ashok
Diplomatic Enclave, 50-B Chanakayapuri
New Delhi - 110021 INDIA
011 26110101 Name Of Embassies - Location - Phone 1.Australia, 1/50-G Shantipath,011 2688-8223
2.Belgium 50-N,Shantipath,011 2688-9851
3.Canada 7/8, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri,011 2687-6500
4.European Community 65 Golflinks,011 2462-9237
5.Germany 6/50-G, Shantipath,011 2687-1831
6.Italy 50-E Chandragupta Marg, 2611-4355
7.New Zealand 50-N, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri,011 2688-3170, 2687-6260
8.Singapore E-6, Chandragupta Marg,011 2687-7939
9.United Arab Emirates Ep-12, Chandragupta Marg 011 2687-2937
10.United Kingdom Shantipath,Chanakyapuri,011 2687-2161/2822
11.United State of America Shantipath,Chanakyapuri,011 2419-8000