The capital of India is Delhi, considered to be an old cit. You should visit both Old Delhi and New Delhi. It was the British who had established New Delhi in 1931 as their imperial capital. It is presently also the country’s modern capital as well as the seat of the Indian government. On the other hand, Old Delhi is equally important and was once the seat of the great Mughal emperors. It also holds a symbolic spot and boasts of having numerous monuments and heritage buildings. It is also among the most populous cities in the country and a wonderful mixture of modernity and tradition. It is also considered to be the country\’s busiest international gateway and an important religious center. This city is located on the banks of the sacred River Yamuna.
Which places to visit in Delhi?
There are lots of things to do and visit in Delhi. Having a well prepared itinerary in advance can help save time, money and also ensure not missing the vital tourist spots.
- Qutub Minar: It is the country’s tallest minaret and declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. It was built during the 12th century and offers a breathtaking view from its top. It is a 5 storey tower that rises over 70 meters and has intricate carvings that features Qutub’s history. There are also inscriptions taken from the Koran. Stones of different types are used in its construction. The initial three stores are constructed using red sandstone and for the 4th and 5th, sandstone and marble were used. This complex includes a mosque named Quwwat-ul-Islam located at the tower’s base. In 1310, a gateway was constructed here. It also holds the tomb of Allaudin Khilji, Altamish and Imam Zamin. There is also the Alai Minar, an iron pillar that is 2,000 years old.
- Red Fort: Shah Jahan built this beautiful fort using red sandstone. It was the Mughal’s seat until 18457 from 1648 and is known for its stunning architecture. It covers an area of over 2 sq. km., most of which is of a crescent shape, with a moat protecting it from invaders from all sides. Lahore Gate is the main entrance and an impressive structure faces towards Lahore, a city in Pakistan. The Delhi Gate is much grander and was used for ceremonial processions by the Mughal Emperors. You can come across a 17th century bazaar on the other side of the Lahore Gate. Here, you can shop for items like silverware, gems, jewellery, food, souvenirs and silk items. Within the fort is located the Naubat Khana where musicians used to entertain the emperor. It also has fine galleries containing several interesting musical instruments like cymbals, gongs and kettledrums. The emperor gave audition to his subjects at the Diwan-i-Am or ‘Hall of Public Audiences’. White marble is used in its construction.
- Lotus Temple: It is also referred to as the Baha’i Worship House after its stunning central dome and 9 sides. This is indeed an architectural masterpiece. White marble and concrete is used in its construction. The whole structure appears delicate like a flower. It rises from surrounding nine water pools like a flower ready to bloom. This temple was constructed in 1986 and attracts millions of tourists to visit it throughout the year. Interestingly, there are no religious pictures, religious symbols or idols kept here.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: It is an important place of worship for the Sikhs and was constructed in the early 18th It is located close to Connaught Place and has a Sarovar, a magnificent pool based at its heart along with the flagpole and famous gold dome. It is a large temple known for its small museum and art gallery dedicated to the Sikh religion and its rich history. Devotees can visit the langar to have Prasad at no cost. The Gurudwara Kitchen serves every person who comes to the gurudwara.
- Jama Masjid: It is considered to be the country’s largest mosque and also Shah Jahan’s final architectural feta. It was completed in 1658 and features 4 angled towers, 3 gateways and two 40m high minarets. White marble and red sandstone are used in its construction in vertical stripes alternatively. Tourists are allowed to visit the southern minaret’s top portion to enjoy Old Delhi’s spectacular views. There is a large central pool where you can wash your feet before you start your prayers. Next, you should visit the huge market and main thoroughfare of Old Delhi, namely, Chandni Chowk. This market area has lots of eating and shopping places. Gadodial and Naya Bazaar needs special mention and are popular spice markets where you can come across hundreds of items. You can shop for ginger, aniseed, pomegranate, lotus seeds, saffron, chutneys and pickles.
- India Gate: It appears somewhat like the Arc de Triomphe located in Paris. India Gate is quite an impressive structure and a stone arch dedicated in the memory of the Indian soldiers who had laid their lives for the country during the Second World War. Beneath the huge structure burns an eternal flame, while its walls have been inscribed with names of over 90,000 soldiers. On the red stone base, stands a shallow domed shaped bowl filled with oil that burns mostly on important anniversaries. The area is always crowded with locals and tourists alike. The best time to visit this structure is at night time to enjoy its floodlit fountains.
- Akshardham: Although this majestic Hindu temple was opened to the public in 2007, it appears like it is centuries old. It has elaborate and intricate carvings and attracts tourists and devotees in huge numbers. The main monument is about 43m high and has rich carvings of plants, animals, musicians, dancers and gods. These are all created using marble and pink sandstone. The 9 domes are supported by 234 ornate pillars. The centrepiece is a huge 3,000 ton statue comprising of elephant structures.
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