Delhi Tour

Delhi, being the politician hub, is the most dazzling and happening city of India. The capital of India, Delhi, has a fascinating history and a stimulating present. Delhi, fine amalgamation of old and new, boasts of its rich culture, architecture, human diversity, great deep history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows.

The two harmonious part of Delhi; the old city, built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, stands today as an epitome of the whole history of Indo-Islamic architecture. And New Delhi, designed and constructed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, is a mixture of East & West. Old Delhi presents old world charm whereas New Delhi reflects the new world extravaganza.

Delhi is also one of the major travel gateways to other tourist destination in northern India. This Cosmopolitan city snuggles many different cities and culture within itself. Moreover, Delhi retains its age-old charm with gracious parks and gardens, an active cultural life and annual celebrations such as the Republic Day Parade, giving Delhi its unique place as the grand capital of India. Here, the lifestyle of people, traditions, and even the climate are an affluent and wide-ranging of all that in India. Tour this amazing city of India and come across the range the diversity this city possesses.

About Destination

Delhi is the second largest metropolis in India after Mumbai and it is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.

Area: The National Capital Territory of Delhi is spread over an area of 1,483 Sq. Km.
Population: 1, 3782976 (2001 census)
Literacy rate : 81.82%
Density : 9294 persons per sq. Km.
Languages : Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi
River: Yamuna

People
Delhi is home to a highly diverse population. More than half the residents come from areas outside of the Delhi region. Most of these people have immigrated from neighboring Indian states and nearby countries.

Climate
Delhi has a semi-arid climate with high variation between summer and winter temperatures. Summers are long, from early April to October, with the monsoon season in between. Winter starts in November and peaks in January. And Temperature ranges from 47 ºC to 04 ºC. The annual mean temperature is 25 ºC; monthly mean temperatures range from 14 ºC to 33 ºC. The average annual rainfall is approximately 714 mm (28.1 inches), most of which is during the monsoons in July and August. And the best time to visit Delhi is between October to March.

Major Attraction

Red Fort
Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is one of the outstanding destinations in the world. Constructed by the Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 A.D, Red Fort is made in red marble and it showcases the very high level of art form and ornamental work. The art work in the Fort is a synthesis of Persian, European and Indian art which resulted in the development of unique Shahjahani style which is very rich in form, expression and colour.
For its inauguration in 1647, the main halls of the palace were draped in rich tapestry and covered with silk from china and velvet from Turkey. With a circumference of almost one and a half miles, the fort is an irregular octagon and has two entrances, the Lahore and Delhi Gates.

India Gate
This magnificent memorial was built by Edwin Lutyens to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. The 42 meter high archway is made of red stone and has the name "INDIA" written on both sides. Over 70,000 names of the soldiers are also inscribed on the arch. The foundation stone for India Gate was laid in 1921 by the Duke of Connaught and was completed in 1931.
After independence, Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial - eternal flame marking the Unknown Soldiers Tomb - was added as a memorial to unknown soldiers who sacrificed their lives serving the nation.

Qutab Minar
This 239ft sandstone tower is an Indo-Islamic architectural wonder of ancient India. The foundation of Qutab Minar was laid by the King Qutubuddin Aibak in 1199, adjoining the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, to proclaim the victory of Islam, after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. it is the highest stone tower in India as well as one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark.

Purana Quila
The Purana Quila or Old Fort is a massive fort and it is a good example of medieval military architecture. It was the combined efforts of the Mughal Emperor Humayn and Sher Shah, the wall was built by Humayun while the buildings in the fort are attributed to Sher Shar. Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward and every inch a fortress.It is different from the well-planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of the later Mughal rulers.
Purana Quila is also different from the later forts of the Mughals, as it does not have a complex of palaces, administrative and recreational buildings, as is generally found in the forts built later on. The main purpose of this now-dilapidated fort was its utility, with less emphasis on decoration. There are two monuments of architectural importance within it that have survived the ravages of time: the Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher Mandal.

Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is one of the world's oldest astronomical observatories. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743) built this collection of salmon-colored structures after studying Hindu, and Muslim astronomical works. The Samrat or Yantra supreme - the largest structure shaped like a right-angled triangle, is actually a huge sun-dial; the other five instruments are intended to show the movements of the sun, moon, etc. This also showcases the astronomical advancement of ancient India.

Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple is the Bahai's House of Worship and also a prominent attraction in Delhi. Inspired by the lotus flower, its design is composed of 27 free-standing marble clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. Bahai's Temple is a marvel of modern architecture, which is visible from several spots in south Delhi. The lotus flower signifies purity and peace, a representation of the Manifestation of God, to the people of India. This ancient symbol has been given a modern and contemporary form in the structure of the Bahai House of Worship drawing into its sanctum sanctorum people from all races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe.

Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of biggest mosques in India-A magnificent architectural gift by Emperor Shah Jahan. Completed in 1658, this mosque has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets. You can enter the mosque but take precaution to take off your shoes and make sure that you are properly dressed before entering. One can also go to the top of minarets. From here you can have a bird's eye view of Delhi.

Raj Ghat
This exotic place is a cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. The Raj Ghat is the last resting place of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is located on the bank of river Yamuna in Delhi. The memorial stone is a simple square platform made of black stone. The last words uttered by Mahatma "Hey Ram" are inscribed near the black platform. An eternal flame keeps burning in a copper urn in the Raj Ghat.
Raj Ghat is a green and peaceful place to visit in Delhi. The powerful spiritual aura of this place touches everybody's heart and this exquisite place is surrounded by various fountains, trees and flowers. Here, one can see some of the most exotic shrubs of the country. Visiting this place definitely gives you great sense of tranquility and peace of mind.

Akshardham Temple
Akshardham temple is one of the finest structures build in the modern India and displays amazing world of Indian culture. Situated on the bank of serene river Yamuna, it is embellished with 20,000 statues, floral motifs, arches and intricately carved pillars show the immense artistry that human hand can do. Spread over an area of 100 acres, the temple complex consists of exhibition halls, an IMAX theatre and a musical fountain besides the main temple.
This splendid architectural marvel has also made it to Guiness Book of World Records for being the largest Hindu Temple Complex in the world. The entire temple compound is built in pink stone and pure white marble, where pink stone symbolizes bhakti (devotion) in eternal bloom and white marble of absolute purity and eternal peace. Akshardham attracts million of people around the globe and its awe-inspiring architecture makes every visitor to visit again and again.

Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is most historic, famous and colourful shopping area in Delhi and it is one of the best known wholesale markets. The 'Trafalgar Square' of Delhi, Chandni Chowk is widely known for its century old heritage and meeting point of different cultures and traditions over the centuries. At present the street is a busy thoroughfare with its traditional framework of several 'Kuchas and Katras' (alleys) housing traditional Havelis, innumerable places of worship, popular specialized markets and century-old eating joints, known for their specialties not only in the capital but worldwide.
Near by shopping venues like Chatta Chowk (traditional and contemporary jewelry and handicrafts), Kinari Bazaar (curios, souvenirs, silver and glass bead jewelry), Dariba Kalan (Jeweler's street), Nai Sarak (books), Chor bazaar (electronic goods) and Daryaganj book market are all famous for their specialty and individuality. During the celebration of main festivals of different religions, the street takes a new color and festive atmosphere every time with the enthusiastic involvement of all the people of the area.

Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. The structure is built mainly with red sandstone along with use of white and black marble to relieve the monotony. The marble is used largely in the borders. The dome is made of white marble. The Humayun's tomb is the first Indian building to use the Persian concept of a double dome.
The Humayun's Tomb is a protected monument under the ownership of Archaeological Survey of India. It is the first significant example of the Mughal architecture with high arches and double dome, which occurs for the first time in India.

Museums and Galleries

National Museums
National Museums, Built in 1960, is rich assets of various creative traditions and disciplines which represents a unity amidst diversity, an unmatched blend of the past with the present and strong perspective for the future, brings history to life. Situated on Janpath, it has an extraordinary collection representing the entire span of Indian civilizations from pre-historic times. Today, it has its own possession of over 2,00,000 works of exquisite art, both of Indian and Foreign origin covering more than 5,000 years of our cultural heritage.

The National Gallery of Modern Art
Once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the widespread National Gallery of Modern Art is housed in Jaipur House, near India Gate, is prime storehouse of Indian contemporary art. On permanent display are many outstanding exhibits, including works of the "Bengali Renaissance" artists Abanendranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose, the great poet and artist, Rabindranath Tagore, and Jamini Roy, whose work, reminiscent of Modigliani, reflects the influence of Indian folk art. Also on exhibition are Company School paintings of the 19th and early 20th centuries. There is also an Art Reference Library, which has a large collection of art books, journals and periodicals.

National Science Centre Museum
Located near Gate No.1, Pragati Maidan,the museum has working science exhibitions as well as exhibits on the history of architecture. Open 11.30 am - 7 PM Entry free. Museum is closed on monday.

Nehru Museum
This museum is located on Teen Murti Rd near Chanakyapuri. It was the residence of the first Indian Prime Minister, Teen Murti Bhavan, and has been converted into a museum.
Photographs and newspaper clippings on display give a fascinating insight into the history of the independence movement. It also forms the subject of a light and sound show along with facets of Nehru's life.The museum is open, Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 PM. Admission is free to museum.

Rail Transport Museum Rail Transport museum is located at Chanakyapuri. It has a fascinating and exotic collection of India's railway engines. Exhibit's include an 1855 steam engine, still in working order, and a large number of oddities such as the skull of an elephant that charged a mail train in 1894, and lost. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30 am to 5 PM and there's a small admission fee.

International Dolls Museum
6000 dolls from 85 countries are on display in this museum in Nehru House on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. Over a third of them are from India. One exhibit section comprises 500 dolls dressed in costumes worn all over the country. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5.30 PM

Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum
This museum, Located at 1 Safdarjang Road, was the former residence of Indira Gandhi. On show are some of her personal effects, including the sari (complete with blood stains) that she was wearing at the time of her assassination. A crystal plaque in the garden, flanked constantly by two soldiers, protects a few brown spots of Mrs. Gandhi's blood on the spot where she actually fell after being shot by two of her bodyguards in December