DELHI
 
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FAST FACTS:
Population:
9.4 million
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INTRODUCTION
The heart and soul of India- Delhi is
a city with magnetic attraction. Every nook and corner of the city of Delhi
seems like narrating the incidents of the bygone era. Delhi was a witness of
every scar India has suffered from time-to-time. Delhi has seen the struggle of
the Indians to regain their freedom, Delhi has felt the rays of rising sun on
the first morning of freedom and now Delhi stands proudly as a symbol of the
strength, achievements and aspirations of we Indians.
Delhi should be your first destination if you want to understand India & Indians
deeply.
Five must see tourist
Places in Delhi, India
India
Gate: Tourism Spot in Delhi
A memorial in tribute to the soldiers martyred in the Afghan War, it has the
names
of all these heroic men inscribed on it. It is a riot of activity and adventures
that
teems with shrieking children, carefree tourists, and hawkers and vendors every
day of the year.
Red Fort: Tourism Spot in
Delhi
Red Fort- a fascinating building, built with red sandstones is an example of the
rich Mughal architecture. Red Fort is a venue to the Independence Day parade of
India.
Qutub Minar: Tourism Spot in
Delhi
The tallest monument in India, the Qutab Minar ushered in the new Indo-Islamic
style of architecture, which was a fusion of the Indian and Mughal styles.
Connaught Place: Tourism
Spot in Delhi
Connaugt Place is the most happening place in Delhi. It is the central business
district
of Delhi. A shopper's paradise- Connaught place is one of the most famous
shopping
destinations of India. It houses some of the best restaurants, discos and
hotels of the
city.
Lotus Temple: Tourism Spot
in Delhi
Lotus Temple, a beautiful white marble building and a place of worship for
Bahai's are
two temples worth visiting for those in search of spiritual rejuvenation
GARDENS AND PARKS:
The Mughal Garden
The famous
Mughal Gardens is located in the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan - the
official residence of the President of India. The building and gardens designed
by Sir Edwin Lutyens span an area of about 320 acres that include colourful
flowering shrubs and European flowerbeds. The gardens comprise of the
Rectangular Garden, Long Garden and the Circular Garden. The Rectangular Garden
is the formal garden, which derived its treatment from the water-gardens which
the
Mughals brought into Delhi. The small flowerbeds, the four waterways and mown
lawns produce a virtual paradise. The gardens are open to the public from
February to March every year. Back...
National
Zoological Park
The Delhi zoo, close to Purana Qila, near ITO, was established in 1959 and is
spread over a massive area of 214 acres. Is regarded as one of the finest zoos
in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the
animals and birds. There are more than 2,000 animals and bird species from
places like Africa, America, Australia and even Asia. There is a lot of greenery
around the zoo and it is an ideal picnic spot especially in winter. Timings
summer 0800 to 1800 hours, winter 0900 to 1700 hours. Closed on Friday.
Shalimar
Garden
It is one of the most important Moghul gardens in the city. The
Shalimar Garden, which
lies in the suburbs of the city, was once the first-night staging post for the
Moghuls on their way to Kashmir and Lahore. In 1658, Aurangzeb was crowned
emperor here.
Tickets: Available at the site and Delhi Tourism office.
Shish Mahal
The beautiful central pavilion built by Shah Jahan is now in a fairly advanced
state of decay. Some of the original painted flower decoration has survived.
Lodi
Gardens
In these well-maintained gardens are the domed tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers.
This garden is known for its fountains, ponds, flowering trees, blossoming
shrubs and artificial streams.
In the middle of the garden is Bara Gumbad (Big Dome), a mosque built in 1494.
The garden has Sheesh Gumbad (Glass Dome), Mohammad Shah's Tomb and Sikander
Lodi's tomb. These tombs boast of excellent architecture, and this style was
later used in the construction of Tajmahal. These gardens are ideal for joggers
and for those who seek solitude..
Buddha
Jayanti Park
At Palam-bound Sardar Patel Marg via Karol Bagh opp. Assam House is Buddha
Jayanti Park founded on the auspicious eve of 2500 years of completion of
Buddhas Great Salvation. A plant of Bodhi-Briksha was brought from Sri Lanka and
planted in the commemorating park. The park is full of flowers and the garden is
pleasant and charming for rest and walk. Ideal for picnic.
THE DILLI HAAT:
The DILLI HAAT provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food ad cultural activity.
This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine, a unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis.
Steps inside the complex for an altogether delightful experience by either buying inimitable ethnic wares, savouring the delicacies of different states or by simply relaxing in the evening with the entire family.
DILLI HAAT transports you to the magical world of Indian art and heritage presented through a fascinating panorama of craft, cuisine and cultural activities.
While the village haat
is mobile, flexible arrangement, here it is crafts persons who are mobile. The
DILLI HAAT boasts of nearly 200 craft stalls selling native, utilitarian and
ethnic products from all over the country.
An ambitious project, set up jointly by Delhi tourism and NDMC, D.C.
(Handicrafts) & D.C. (handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India &
Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India. It aims at providing encouragement to the
needy artists from all over the country in order to sustain and preserve the
rich heritage of India.
While allowing free interaction between buyers and sellers, the organizers favour a check on prices to keep them moderate.
Different and appealing, DILLI HAAT is located in one of the most important commercial centers of South Delhi, opposite INA market. The 6 acres of land on which this sprawling complex is situated was salvaged as part of a reclamation project and transformed into a magnificent dream plaza. Extensive foundation work, small thatched roof cottages and kiosks with a village atmosphere have made the place into an attractive multiple centers. The word Haat refers to a weekly market in rural, semi-urban and sometimes even urban India.
DILLI HAAT is not just
a market place; it has been visualized as a showpiece of traditional Indian
culture- a forum where rural life and folk art are brought closer to an urban
clientele.It is here that the crafts persons find an opportunity to demonstrate
their artistic skills to thousands of visitors everyday.
Since its inauguration in the month of March 1994, Dilli Haat
has been home to nearly 50,000 handicraft and handloom artisans. The sales
generated, so far, are estimated at Rupees three hundred crores.The complex is
not only artistic, but also recreational in nature where the entire family can
have a good time.It is a place where one can unwind in the evening and relish a
wide variety of cuisine without paying the exhorbitant rates.
Besides an International Food Plaza there are 25 stalls
dishing out sumptuous delicacies from different States and Union Territories;
and Exhibition Hall; a Souvenir shop selling an assortment of small gift items;
an assortment of small gift items; an open stage for cultural programmes and a
playing area exclusively earmarked for children.
The Lotus Temple
Completed in 1986, the Bahai temple is set amidst pools and gardens. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The structure is in lotus shape so it often called the lotus temple. The view of the temple is spectacular before dusk when the temple is floodlit
Purana Quila
Purana Quila, the old fort.The fort was built by the great Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century A.D. aptly on the banks of the river Yamuna. Now Boating facilites are available here. A Sound and Light Show depicting 5000 years of Delhi’s past is held by Delhi Tourism every evening both in Hindi and English.
Musical Fountain at
Ajmal Khan Park
Delhi Tourism’s musical fountain at Ajmal Khan Park is spread over an area of
five acres and provides a refreshing getaway from the bustle of the city. The
scintillating lights synchronized with music, and the cascading water turn this
complex into a quiet, haven particularly during the heat of the summer.
The musical fountain is in operation for two hours every day after sunset except on Tuesday.
PLACES TO VISIT IN
DELHI
There are
several places to see, visit, and explore in New Delhi. New Delhi is an
international metropolis with excellent tourist spots, recreational facilities,
and a history that goes back to antiquity. A remarkable feature of New Delhi is
the extent of greenery all over. New Delhi is also a dream city for visitors
looking for items of handicrafts, not only the rich artistic crafts of its own
craftsmen but also of craftsmen from all over the country. New Delhi offers a
multitude of interesting places and attractions to the visitor, so much so that
it becomes difficult to decide from where to begin exploring the city.
India Gate: A memorial inscribed with the names of the valiant Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. The green, velvety lawns at India Gate, particularly, are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. A must visit place in New Delhi.
Rashtrapati Bhawan: Modern New Delhi, or New Delhi as it is called, centers around the Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. The imposing plan of this area conceived by Lutyens does not fade in its charm with the numerous summers or winters that go past. For lovers of flowers and beauty, the annual spring opening of the glorious, meticulously tended Mughal Gardens at the stately Rashtrapati Bhawan is a bonanza topped by an amazing assembly of roses in perfect bloom-perhaps the best in the whole of India. Mughal Gardens is indeed a place to see.
Red Fort: In Old Delhi, you may visit the ramparts of the Red Fort. The decision for constructing the fort was taken in 1639, when Shahjahan decided to shift his capital to New Delhi from Agra. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel)-New Delhi's seventh fort, ready in all its magnificence to receive the Emperor. The Red Fort still retains some of its lost glory. The Red Fort was the last fort built in New Delhi and it witnessed the vicissitudes of fortune, the splendour and the fall of the Mughals, British rule, and finally the dawn of Indian Independence. A place must see by all tourists visiting Delhi.
Raj Ghat: Raj Ghat On the bank of the legendary Yamuna, which flows past New Delhi, there is Raj Ghat-the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It has become an essential point of call for all visiting dignitaries. Besides Raj Ghat the other near by places must see in New Delhi are the two museums dedicated to Gandhi.
Qutab Minar: The Qutab Minar is located at a small village called Mehrauli in South New Delhi. Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of New Delhi in 1206, built it. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up to a height of 72.5 metres and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an. The landmark of New Delhi is a place to see.
Laxminarayan Temple: Also called the Birla Mandir, the Laxminarayan Temple was built by the Birla family in 1938. It is a temple with a large garden and fountains behind it. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Janmashtami day, the birthday of Lord Krishna. The temple is a place to visit by most of the tourist coming to New Delhi.
Humayun's Tomb: Humayun's wife Haji Begum built his Tomb nine years after his death. Designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, and completed in 1565, the edifice was a trendsetter of the time by remains a must visit place in New Delhi till date.
Chandni Chowk: The living legacy of New Delhi is Shahjahanabad. Created by the builder of Taj Mahal, this city, with the Red Fort as the focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying centre, has a fascinating market planned to shine under the light of the moon, called Chandni Chowk. Shahjahan planned Chandni Chowk so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted. It was divided by canals filled with water, which glistened like silver in moonlight. The canals are now closed, but Chandni Chowk remains Asia's largest wholesale market. A must visit place in New Delhi
Shanti Vana: Lying close to the Raj Ghat, the Shanti Vana (literally, the forest of peace) is the place where India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated. The area is now a beautiful park adorned by trees planted by visiting dignitaries and heads of state.
Bahai Temple/Lotus Temple: The Bahai Temple, situated in South New Delhi, is shaped like a lotus. It is an eye-catching edifice worth exploring. Built by the Bahai community, it offers the visitor a serenity that pervades the temple and its artistic design.
Purana Quila: The Purana Quila is a good example of medieval military architecture. Built by Humayun, with later-day modifications by Sher Shah Suri, the 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. The Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher Mandal are two important monuments inside the fort
Delhi Tourism promotes boating in local lakes
Delhi Tourism Corporation's initiative to provide boating facilities to Delhites at five different lakes in the capital
Boating facilities at Mayur Vihar, Old Fort, India Gate, Model Town and Hari Nagar lakes are providing tourists an outlet to beat the scorching summer heat and they are flocking in large numbers to enjoy their day to its fullest at these spots.
Scooter, airplane, crocodile, dinosaur and duck-shaped boats could be seen at these boating spots, which make kids all the more excited. Besides that, paddle boats, motor boats and boats with shed have also been introduced, keeping in mind tourists' convenience
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
From
time immemorial Delhi has attracted people with a penchant for adventure for
which Delhi Tourism now provides avenues.
Rock Climbing - Equipment and training is provided to aspiring rock
climbers in
and around Delhi from October to March.
Trekking - Delhi Tourism's infrastructural network and trained outdoor
staff help
you to choose from the endless trekking options India offers - ranging from some
of the world's highest mountains, greatest deserts, rivers, lakes, sea beaches
and
rain forests.
Water Sports - A multi-sports and leisure complex has been created by
Delhi Tourism at Bhalswa Lake, situated at Delhi's northeastern edge. This
offers facilities for boating in pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and speed boats.
Keen anglers can also indulge in fishing. Hovercraft and water scooters have
been introduced for the first time in Delhi at this lake. Pedal boats at
reasonable rates are available at the Hari Nagar, India Gate, Purana Qila,
Prasad Nagar and Naini Lakes. Special training programmes in Kayaking and
canoeing are organised at Prasad Nagar Lake and Naini Lake.
Parasailing
- For the
truly adventurous, parasailing is available at Kanwar Shikha
near Sohna in Haryana, about 60 kms from Delhi. Soar like an eagle under the
watchful eyes of professional instructors.
Adventure Club - Open to all Indian national above the age of ten years,
this club
promotes adventure activities. The club provides special packages in all
adventure
activities - parasailing, mountain expeditions, trekking, rock climbing,
adventure
camps and water sports, including river rafting in the Ganga. Delhi Tourism has
also established a water sports club.
WATER PARKS AROUND DELHI
Summer time and how you yearn for that evening bath as soon as you are through with your tiring day's work. Imagine if you can extend your bath well into the night and also have some thrills as add-ons. Well water parks around Delhi provide all that and much more than you asked for. For the past few years many new water parks have come up in and around Delhi. These water parks are spread over a large area and can cater to thousands of water seekers. If one is going in small numbers, one can just go ahead and buy an entrance ticket and have all the fun sought after. In case your are a group of 15+ then we can provide you with special group package with lot more than just the use of water park, also booking in a group also makes it quiet economical. Some even have rooms for spending the night extending the fun for a still longer time.
Fun & Food Village Kapashera
Situated in Delhi, close to the border, the water park and amusement park is based in 10 acres with range of water rides, pools, rain dance and also many amusement park rides. The rides are suitable for different age groups and special attraction is the wave pool, which is the largest wave pool in all the water parks around Delhi. The water park also boasts of the largest indoor Snow park over an area of 2500 sq. m. The park offers 21 amusement rides, 22 water slides, rain dance, kids water play area and much more. Special food arrangement available for groups.
Club Platinum & Fun Town Asauda
This resort gives a combination of Airconditioned rooms along with an option of adding joy rides and a water park with slides, wave pool etc. There is also a separate swimming pool for residents only along with a gym, billiards, lawn tennis, table tennis and other games. The place is set in a 6 acre of green area and just 25 km from Delhi and thus very accessible. There is also a multi-cuisine restaurant with a mini bar/ fridge in the room.
Wet & Wild Naurangpur
Situated close to Gurgaon the resort is very conveniently located being just 30 km from Dhaula Kuan. The resort offers both a water park and residential facilities along with a bowling alley. One can enjoy various water rides apart from the swimming pool. The resort also boasts of well appointed rooms along with a restaurant and bar. It is one of the very few resorts offering an excellent bowling alley. Wet and Wild also offers professionally managed Conference and banquet facilities with capacity of upto 500 people. There are swings for children and nice green lawns where one can arrange a party or out door games