Delhi
13 ToursGateway to north India, Delhi, known locally as Dilli, is the capital of India and its major political and cultural center. Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi has been continuously inhabited since at least the 6th century BCE.
After the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, Delhi emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Gangetic plain. It is the site of many ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites and remains. In 1639, Mughal emperor Shahjahan built a new walled city in Delhi which served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1649 to 1857. After the British East India Company had gained control of much of India during the 18th and 19th centuries, Calcutta became the capital both under Company rule and under the British Raj, until George V announced in 1911 that it was to move back to Delhi. A new capital city, New Delhi, was built to the south of the old city during the 1920s.When India gained independence from British rule in 1947; New Delhi was declared its capital and seat of government. As such, New Delhi houses important offices of the federal government, including the Parliament of India, as well as numerous national museums, monuments, and art galleries. Owing to the migration of people from across the country, Delhi has grown to be a multicultural, cosmopolitan metropolis. Its rapid development and urbanization, coupled with the relatively high average income of its population, has transformed Delhi. Today, Delhi is a major cultural, political, and commercial center of India.
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Best Time to Visit
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Key Attractions
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The Red Fort (Lal Qila)
It is one of Delhi's top tourist sights. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also built Agra's Taj Mahal) as his ruling palace. Completed in 1648, the years since have not treated the buildings kindly: the rooms have long since been stripped of all objects, the marble inlays are long gone and quite a few buildings are off limits. Still, the scale remains imposing and the gardens are kept lush and green even in midwinter. Major buildings within include:
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Humayun's Tomb
It is in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, is one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tomb is in large, immaculately maintained gardens in the Persian Char Bagh (four corners) style that were thoroughly renovated in 2003 with the Aga Khan's help and are consequently probably the best in Delhi. As you enter the complex, the first major structure on your right is the bulbous, octagonal tomb of Iza Khan, a court noble who built it in his own lifetime, some 20 years before Humayun's tomb. As you pass through the first gate, you will glimpse the dome of the tomb and enter a floral path leading to the second (West) gate, which now acts as the entrance to the giant central garden.
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Qutub Minar
The most famous structure on grounds, this 72.5m minaret was the tallest "skyscraper" in the world when built (1193-1368) - it was constructed on the orders of Qutb-ud-din Aybak. Delicately carved, it has been astonishingly well-preserved and is still an awe-inspiring sight today.
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Gandhi Smriti
This estate is the site of Mahatma Gandhi's martyrdom. Includes a museum celebrating his life and the room he lived in during his final days.
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India Habitat Center
This center though not a museum in the strictest sense of the word, is most noted for its ever-changing art exhibits, plays and films, as well as an international selection of food items in its food court.Only members can avail of the dining facilities at its following two restaurants-Dilli-O-Dilli & the Oriental octopus wheras he eatopia and the American Diner are accessible to all.
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National Railway Museum
Houses a collection of Indian trains from the past to the present - a worthwhile look into India's proud railway heritage. The collection includes carriages belonging to Indian potentates and British viceroys. Children can ride the small train that circumnavigates the museum. There is a small cafe on the premises. Open 9:30AM-7:30PM (Apr - Sept) and 9:30AM-5:30PM (Oct-Mar). Closed Mondays and on national holidays.
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Nehru Memorial Museum (Teen Murti Bhavan)
Former residence of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, now and a museum of his life. Was used by the Commander-in-chief of the Indian Army before Indian Independence.
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Tibet House
Established by HH Dalai Lama with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of Tibet. There is a museum, exhibition space and library.
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Rajpath
This is a main parade route that leads from Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence) to India Gate, with many grassy lawns along the way. Especially nice in the evenings and at night when the buildings are lit and the vendors come out to supply the many picnicking families.
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India Gate
This monument has been built as a memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. There is also a fire ("eternal flame") burning for all fallen Indian soldiers.
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Jantar Mantar
One of five astronomical observatories commissioned by Sawai Jain Singh II of Jaipur during the 18th century. The odd structures inside are actually enormous scientific instruments for measuring the movement of celestial bodies
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Raj Ghat
Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi at the site of his cremation. Check for closure dates/security checks around national holidays/gandhiji's death anniversary (30th Jan)
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Purana Qila (Old Fort)
Ruins of the 16th century city of Shergarh, this complex sits on top of what is believed to be the site of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata epic.
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Tughlaqabad Fort
Massive fortress built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in the 14th century and was the third city of Delhi. The monstrous ruins of this complex are now overrun by hordes of Langur monkeys. edit
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Bahá'í Lotus Temple
Kalkaji, South Delhi, Shaped like a lotus bud with 27 petals, this stunning temple suspended above milky-blue ponds is surely one of the most magnificent monuments ever made from concrete -- but there is very little to see inside. The lush park around is well landscaped but mostly off-limits.
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Chhattarpur Mandir
Huge & beautiful temple complex with a big surrounding campus - located near Mehrauli area of South Delhi. Chattarpur Temple architecture follows the pattern of the South. It is built in white marble. The serene white stones evoke spirituality in the minds of the visitors. This is the architectural style that emerged in the Dravida Desam. The Vimana and the Gopurams are typical to the Southern style
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Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Just off Baba Kharak Singh Marg near Connaught Place, is the main gurudwara for the many Sikhs of Delhi. You will need to cover your head (scarves provided for free) and stash your shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers.
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Jama Masjid
Opposite the Red fort, next to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi (Metro: Chawri Bazaar) – The largest mosque in India and a must-see while in Delhi. You can climb to the top of the minaret. The climb is steep, dark and somewhat claustrophobic, but you'll get great views over the complex and the city. You'll need to cover up your shoulders and legs (scarves and lungis available for rental), and take off your shoes
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Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Completed in 2005 by the socio-spiritual organization BAPS, no expense has been spared in decorating this large and elaborate temple carved of red sandstone. The central monument, built without any steel, houses an 11-ft golden statue of the founder of the Swaminarayan faith, Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
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Connaught Place
Take a walk at Connaught Place (CP), the heart of New Delhi. It is now called Rajiv Chowk. The British-designed colonial equivalent of a shopping mall, it's laid out in two concentric rings divided into blocks, all bursting with shops and lots of pampered pigeons waddling about. Long neglected, the area received a major shot in the arm after the opening of the major Metro junction of Rajiv Chowk under it, and it's going more upmarket by the day. At the center is a small but pleasant park, while on one edge is the notorious Palika Bazaar, an underground den of cheap wares, many pirated or smuggled from overseas. The area is surrounded by tall office buildings on nearly all sides.
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Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat is an open-air food plaza and cradia, and from a variety of cultural traditions of India
Nearby Places
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Agra
250 kms from Delhi, is the city on the banks of river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is famous for Taj Mahal. One of the seven wonders of the world.
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Dharamshalla
An enchanting hill station famous for being the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a Tibetan refugee settlement.
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Shimla
The summer capital of British India and the queen of all hill stations in India. It has many scenic and historic locations and is about an 8 hr. drive or 10 hrs. In a bus. A direct flight from Delhi takes just 1 hr. to reach Shimla.
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Jaipur
250 Kms from Delhi, lies the capital of Rajasthan, also regarded as the pink city of Rajasthan. This is the gateway to enter into the tour of forts and palace of Rajasthan.
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Rishikesh
250 Kms from Delhi, lies Rishikesh, also considered as the place for yoga and meditation and gateway to lots of adventure treks in Himalayas.
Tours around Delhi
