Qutab Minar
A magnificent structure in the southern part of the capital. The Qutab Minar was built by a Muslim King, Qutab-ud-din Aibak, as early as 1199 AD, and a part of it was completed by another Muslim King, IItutmish. The tower is 72.5 m high and has a mosque at its base. In front of the imposing structure is an iron pillar believed to have been built in the 5th century AD. It s uniqueness lies in the fact that it has never rusted since it was built. After a succession of suicide attempts, authorities have disallowed tourists from climbing the tower.
Red Fort
One place which is always recommended to all the visitors to Delhi, the Red Fort or Lal Qila, built in red sandstone on the banks of river Yamuna. Shah Jahan constructed the fort when he wanted to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Completed in 1648, it has two main entrances, Delhi Gate and Lahori Gate, which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market. The fort has the Diwan-e-Am, the place where public grievances were heard. The other feature is the Diwan-e-Khas (khas means special) where the king would grant audience to important people. The well produced Sound and Light Show here every evening in Hindi and English brings alive the history of Delhi and the last famous words of Bahadur Shah Zafar, "dilli door hai" after which India was thrown into 300 years of British colonialism.
Jama Masjid
Another architectural marvel built by Shah Jahan - the country s largest mosque where thousands of Muslims offer prayers every day. The Mosque, which faces the Red Fort, overlooks a clustered but authentic shopping place called the Mina Bazaar market.
Raj Ghat
A simple square platform, with the words Hey Ram , marks the place where Gandhiji was cremated after his assassination in 1948. The Gandhi Memorial Museum close by has books and tapes that record the writings, speeches and memories of the Father of the Nation. Just north of Raj Ghat is Shanti Vana where Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and her two sons, Rajiv and Sanjay, were cremated.
Purana Qila (Old Fort)
Believed to be the site of Indraprastha, the original city of Delhi, the fort was built by Sher Shah Suri and completed in 1545 AD. Shortly thereafter, the fort was taken over by Humayun, who used the octagonal red sandstone tower Sher Mandal as a library and observatory. It was from the second storey steps that Humayun was supposed to have slipped to his death.
The small lake on the premises offers boat rides during summer.
National Zoological Park
Below the southern ramparts of Purana Qila, the open-air enclosure and cages of the Delhi Zoo cover an extensive area of 214-acres. This place was established in 1959. The zoo houses more than 2,000 animals of different species and is considered one of the finest and the biggest in South Asia. This place is also a famous picnic spot. Timings are: summer 8 am to 6 pm, winter 9 am to 5 pm.
Chandni Chowk
This is one of the most congested and chaotic shopping places in the world. It is one of the best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods, fabrics, auto-accessories, jewellery and watches. The entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan s favourite daughter and was inhabited by the well-to-do families of the time.
Jantar Mantar
In the heart of the city, this observatory commissioned by the King of Jaipur, completed in 1724, is where experiments were undertaken to track the movements of the stars and heavenly bodies.
Humayun s Tomb
Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, this tomb built by Haji Begum, Humayun s wife in the mid 16th century, epitomises the architectural elements that would later be seen in the Taj ? arched entrances, formal gardens and a low building topped by a huge dome. The permanent site exhibit here also gives you chance to learn about Humayun s Tomb which is the first of the grand dynastic mausoleums that become synonymous with Mughal architecture.
Recently illuminated by night with white lighting to enhance the effect of moonlight, Humayun s Tomb is visible as you approach Nizamuddin Bridge or Nizamuddin Station.
Nizamuddin s Shrine
Across the road from Humayun s Tomb is the shrine of the Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Chisti. For those who like qawwali (Sufi devotional singing), a visit to Nizamuddin at sunset (Thursdays only) is an occasion to enjoy the singing live within the sacred shrine. While there, you can also see the tomb of Amir Khusro, the famous Urdu poet.
Lodhi Gardens
South Delhi s most loved park and picnic spot, the Lodhi Gardens are very popular with residents and visitors. In the middle of the several acres of jogging track and well maintained gardens is a tomb believed to have been built by rulers of two dynasties, the Sayyaids and the Lodhis. History has it that the tombs are remnants of another city that was to be built in Delhi.
Pragati Maidan
This place is the venue for various fairs and expositions held throughout the year. Thousands of businessmen and visitors come from all over the country to attend and take part . It is a massive complex spread over several acres in the heart of the city. It also has permanent pavilions, which showcase exhibits from all the states of the country. Within the maidan, a food plaza, Anarkali Bazaar, sells food specialities from almost every state of India.
Lotus Temple
An important landmark on the South Delhi skyline, this Bahai Temple built in the shape of an opening lotus flower is reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House. Visitors of all faith are welcome. One has to maintain silence once inside. It is closed on Mondays.
Teen Murti Bhavan
This was the official residence of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India s first Prime Minister. After his death this building has been converted into a museum in his memory. The pictures, letters and other literature depicting aspects of the life of Pandit Nehru have been displayed and are open to public.
Parliament House
It is a circular structure (almost 1.6 km in circumference), built in the heart of the city. Situated on the left of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, it has a continuous open colonnade comprising 144 columns. Inside are huge halls where the upper and lower houses of Parliament meet. Entry is restricted to authorised persons only. Earnest mathematicians have calculated that Uranus would comfortably perch upon this building.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India. It was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. Designed by Edward Lutyens, it is constructed from cream and red sand-stone and varieties of marble. This modest mansion has only 340 rooms, 35 lobbies and 37 fountains! The famous Mughal Gardens are open for public viewing from the end of February to the middle of March.
India Gate
A famous war memorial situated at the east end of Rajpath, straight down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan. This 42 m high gate structure designed by Edward Lutyens was built in memory of the thousands of Indians who died in World War I. Under the gate is the eternal flame (amar jawan jyoti) which honours the unknown soldiers who lost their lives in the Pakistan war of 1971.
Connaught Place/ Rajiv Chowk
Connaught Place, designed by Robert Tor Russel and named after the Duke of Connaught, is a commercial centre of New Delhi. It was planned to be fashionable, elegant and spacious. The circular shaped building with roads intercepting is spread over 3.5 km. Today, this is one of the most popular shopping centres. This shopping place also has many multi-cuisine restaurants, state emporia buildings, banks, airlines and tourist information offices.
National Museum
This is Delhi s largest museum and provides the best general overview of Indian culture and history. Packed with exhibits dating back 5,000 years, it takes several hours to get round the place. The collection includes rare coins, pottery, art and architecture and costumes. There is also a small shop that sells postcards, books and souvenirs which are unbeatable in terms of price and authenticity.
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City Guide
