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INTRODUCTION

Delhi 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!

ORIENTATION

The 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.

HISTORY

Delhi'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.

FESTIVALS

Lohri

This 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 Festival

This 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 Festival

Diwali 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 Dance

The 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 Day

This 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.

Shivratri

Devotees 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 Show

A spectacular horse show is organized in mid-February.

Delhi Flower Show

Many flower shows are organized in Delhi by the Government,YMCA and Horticulture department in the month of February.

Phoolkwalon-ki-Sair

In 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 Festival

Delhi 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

Jama Masjid

This is a very vast monument on the banks of river Yamuna.This fort is occupied by number of palaces, mosques and gardens in its campus.

Dargah of Nizamuddin Auliya

The square chamber of the Dargah is adorned with verandahs and arched gateways. Domed roof of the building has vertical stripes of black marble and is crowned by a lotus cresting. Even the area surrounding the tomb is considered as sacred. Many Muslims, including the royals, have been buried here. The rush for the Dargah is exceptionally heavy during Id and the Urs fair held twice a year.

Moth ki Masjid

Moth 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.

Akshardham Temple

This monument was built as a token of love by Shah Jahan to his wife Mumtaz Mahal.This is one of the splendid monuments and wonders of the world. It was a culmination of Indo-Persian architecture.

Lotus Temple

One of the most beautiful temples in India, the 40 m high Lotus Temple is also known as Bahai Temple, and is built in the shape of a half-opened Lotus flower. Situated near Bahapur village, it is the seventh Baha'i House of Worship in the world.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple

Build by G. D. Birla in 1938 this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The temple has fascinating gardens and lawns. Popularly known as the Birla Mandir, the temple is one of the finest architectural specimen of India.

Iskcon Temple

An embassy of the spiritual world,standing tall on a hill top,an oasis of sacredness and spirituality,it is visited by millions, Indians and Foreigners alike, to worship and appreciate the gorgeous deities.

Chattarpur Mandir

Located 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 Gurudwara

Near 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 Tila

Gurdwara 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 Delhi

Situated 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'

MONUMENTS

Tughlaqabad Fort

This is a quite famous temple and is located in the Gokal Pura area and well connected to the city by the Ramratan Road.

This temple reflects the religious diversity of Agra.

Red Fort

'Lal QUila', made of red sandstones one of the most magnificent monuments in Delhi.

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.

India Gate

  The India Gate is the national monument of India and is a prominent landmark in Delhi. India Gate is a majestic high arch, 42 meters high. It is said to be the largest monument in the world. India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is situated in the heart of Delhi. Originally it was known as All India War Memorial, it and commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives while fighting for the British Indian Empire in World War I and the Afghan Wars. It is composed of red sand stone and granite. Beneath it burns an eternal flame From the base of the arch one can get a good view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan Originally, a Statue of King George V had stood under the canopy in front of the India Gate.After India's independence, India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, popularly known as the Amar Jawan Jyoti

 

Old Fort

Old Fort of Delhi is believed to be situated on the same site where the city of Indraprastha once stood. As per the great Indian epic Mahabharta, Indraprastha was the capital city of the Pandavas. Now standing mostly in ruins, the Old Fort of Delhi once served as the seat of administration of a number of glorious emperors.The other attractions of the Old Fort of Delhi include the mosque built by Sher Shah in 1541, a lake with boating facilities and Zoological Park situated nearby. Then, there is Sher-Mandal, a double-story, red sandstone and marble octagonal tower.

Qutab Minar

A soaring stone tower,72 metres high was built by QUtub-ud-din Aibak in 1193.The tower has five distinct storeys,each with a projecting balcony.The base of the Minar is 15m in diameter and the top just 2.5m in diameter,an amazing piece of work.At its base is the QUwwat-ul-Islam Mosque,the first mosque to be built in India. A 7m high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque.

Rastrapati Bhavan

Designed 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.

Humayun's Tomb

An elegant example of early Mughal architecture, the tomb of the second Mughal emperor also houses the graves o his wives.

Parliament House

Parliament 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

Raj Ghat

Mahatma Gandhi was cremated here in 1948.The sprawling site on the banks of the Yamuna is marked by a brick platform flanked by an eternal flame, surrounded by lush green lawns and imposing boundary walls of concrete.

Shanthi Vana

India'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 Ghat

Nehru successor,Lal Bahadur Shastri was cremated here.

Shakthi Sthal

The daughter of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,Smt Indira Gandhi was cremated here

Vir Bhumi

Rajiv Gandhi,elder son of Indira Gandhi,who was Prime Minister after his mothers assassination was cremated here

Kisan Ghat

Memorial to the legendary farmers leader Charan Singh,who was also Prime Minister briefly in 1979.

Samta Sthal

The site is opposite Raj Ghat and was built as a memorial to the legendary leader of the backward communities Jagjiwan Ram.

Amar Jawan Jyothi

The 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

Safdarjung's Tomb

It is set in a beautiful garden,criss crossed by water channels.Built in 1754 for the prime minister of Emperor Mohammed Shah,the tomb itself,with ornate carvings and an imposing Mughal dome is worth.

Purana Qila

Jantar Mantar Complex

This observatory was built by Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur.Samrat Yantra the largest structure,is a gigantic sundial.The other five instruments plot the course of the planets and predict eclipses.

Laxmi Narayan Complex

Dedicated to Laxmi Narayan the main shrine has images of Lord Vishnu and his consort Laxmi.

Ahimsa Sthai

Bangla Sahib

Gurudwara 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 Memeorial

Here 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.

Nizamuddin

PARKS

Lodhi Gardens

This used to be the burial ground of Lodhi Kings.Today the place is highly favoured spot for the citiens of the capital for picnics,jogging leisured activities and winter ambling.

Nehru Park

This 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 Senses

A 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 Park

A paradise for morning walkers,has picnic huts,approachable from Hauz Khas Village.It is near the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association.

Zoological Garden

Designed by the west German zoo specialist,Hergenbeck.It is between PUruna QUila and Humayuns tomb.

Millenium Park

Located 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 Sanctuary

Immediately 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 Kund

Along 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

This is situated 46 kms away from Delhi and houses numerous migratory birds in winter.

SHOPPING

Bhagirath 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.

ACCOMMODATION EAT OUTS 1.Bennigans 31-32, PVR Complex, Saket, Delhi    American        2.Chandrika Vegetarian Delight 4/9, Asaf Ali Road, Near Bank Of India, Vasant Vihar, Delhi 3.Lebanese Point 7, PVR Saket, Delhi  4.Aaojee Pastry Shop 2151-1A12, New Patel Nagar, Delhi  5.Aadar Satkar Gate No 7, Pragati Maidan, Delhi       6.Chicken Chettinad  Ccco Palm, 204, City Centre, DLF Gurgaon       7.Hotel Saravana Bhavan, P 15 Connaught circus, Janpath 8.Prawn Gassi  South Indian Restaurant 10211 Padam Singh Road Karol Bagh   9.Kakori Kebab  New Gurgaon Plaza Old Delhi Road Oppsite Gurgaon   10.Singh Sahib  Intercontinental Eros Nehru Place   ACCOMMODATION Luxury Hotels 1.Le Méridien New Delhi Windsor Place New Delhi, New Delhi India Phone: (91)(11) 23710101 2.NEHRU PLACE NEW DELHI, 110019 • INDIA 011-41223344 3.Bharat Hotels Barakhamba Avenue, Connaught Place, New Delhi - 110 001, India Phone : +91 11 4444 7777 4.The Imperial Janpath   New Delhi 110001 India 011 2334 1234 / 4150 1234 5.Hotel Siddharth Pusa Rd Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 011 41538721

Travel Guide Resources: Embassy of India International Tourist Facilities Foreigners Regional Registration Office Foreigners Exchange Management Act Visas Baggage Rules Immigration Services in India Travel Information Airlines   Buses   Railways   Hotels   Eat Outs   Cabs

Medium Range Hotels

1.Connaught Hotel
37, Shahid Bhagat Singh Road
New Delhi
011 23364225 2.Janpath Hotel
Connaught Place
New Delhi
New Delhi
Delhi
011 23340070 3.Hans Plaza
15 Barakhamba Road
Connaught Place
New Delhi 110001
011 23316861 4.Radisson Hotel Delhi
Swarna Jayanti Marg
Delhi
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

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Delhi has two airports, one international named Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) and the other domestic named Palam airport.Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights, to all the major cities within and outside India. You could travel to Canada and by visiting Vancouver you will be able to discover a multicultural state with an important Indian population. Almost all the major airlines have their flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport of New Delhi.

By Rail

The Indian Railway with their modern and organized network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in India. The city has three major railway stations at New Delhi, Old New Delhi, and Nizamuddin.

By Road

Delhi is well connected, by a network of roads and national highways, with all the major cities in India. The three major bus stands in Delhi are Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus.