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New Delhi
New Delhi pronunciation (help·info) (Hindi: ¨ ¦¿²², Punjabi: ¨µ ¦¿±², Urdu: n+yH d+l+) is an urban area within the metropolis of Delhi, and the capital city of the Republic of India, as well as the seat of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi.The staff at the Delhi tourist office are very helpful and have lots of free information: The Government of India Tourist Office 88 Janpath , Connaught Place. Tel:2332 0005, 23320008, 23320109, 23320266. Please note that there are various private 'tourist information' offices around Connaught Place openly claiming to be the official government tourist office. These offices are selling their own travel packages and have nothing to do with The Government of India. The local police can always be reached at 100 (much like the 911 in US) and in case of foreign tourists they do act swiftly!
Red Fort
The Red Fort is one of Delhi's top tourist sights. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also built '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:
- Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar). True to the name, this is a covered bazaar between the gate and the fort itself, now filled with souvenir hawkers.
- Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience). This building separates the outer court from the inner court, and has a marble platform for the emperor's throne.
- Hayat Baksh Bagh (Life-Bestowing Gardens). Once a grand garden of full of fountains and streams, now sadly all dry — only dry channels and acres of green grass remain.
- Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience). Built completely of marble, this is where the emperor received special visitors.
- Khas Mahal (Private Palace). The Emperor's main residence. The octagonal Mussaman Burj tower looks out toward the Yamuna River, and is where the Emperor used to appear before the public for each morning.
- Rang Mahal (Colour Palace). The residence of the Sultan's main wife.
- Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel Palace). Contained six apartments for the Sultan's harem. Now used as a museum of court textiles, carpets, weapons, etc (free).
- Daawat Khana. A minor palace at the northmost end of the Fort, this was originally the residence of a prince, but it was converted into a tea house by the British, a function it continues today. Basic meals go for around Rs. 60, drinks Rs. 10-20, and it also has the cleanest toilets around.
- Swatantra Sangrama Sangrahalaya (Museum of the Independence Movement). To the left after the Chatta Chowk, this is a reasonably well-presented museum on the history of independence activism in India, starting from the Mutiny of 1857 all the way to Gandhi.
The only open entrance is Lahore Gate, on the west side. Security in and around the Fort is very heavy, as it was the scene of a terrorist attack in 2000 that killed three people; bags are allowed, but they'll be X-rayed and you'll be patted down. Tickets cost Rs 10/100 for Indians/foreigners, photography free, video cameras Rs. 25 extra. Open sunrise to sunset daily except Monday. Allow for 3-4 hours in your schedule in case of long weekends and national holidays as lot of tourists flock around there. The most scenic way of reaching the fort is to take the Metro to Chawri Bazaar and then a cycle-rickshaw through the incredibly packed bazaar to the Fort (price negotiable, aim for Rs. 20).
The fort has a light and sound show (Rs.30) in the evenings between 7:30 and 9 PM depending on the season.
Be careful buying tickets at the booth, as the ticket sellers here often attempt to shortchange tourists.
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, is one of Delhi's three . Open daily from sunrise to sunset, entry is Rs.10/250 Indians/foreigners.
The tomb is located in large, immaculately maintained gardens in the Persian (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.
The centerpiece is the eponymous tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. Built starting in 1562, it was the first major Mughal structure in the city and has been described as a predecessor or prototype of 's Taj Mahal. The structures are, indeed, stylistically similar, although Humayun's Tomb is built from red sandstone, not white marble, and was built by a wife grieving for her husband, not the other way around. You can climb up to the second level (the stairs on the west side are very steep, those on the south side less so), and on the south side you will find the entrance into the main crypt where Humayun is buried.
Before you leave, be sure to visit the South Gate, the original royal entrance, from where you can get picture-postcard views without too many tourists in the way. In the southeast corner is the Barber's Tomb, also built in the same style, but regarding which very little is known.
Qutub Complex
This complex in Mehrauli, south Delhi, houses structures dating from the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) and is designated as a . The gardens are kept in excellent shape, making this a popular relaxation and picnic spot. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, entry is Rs.20/250 Indians/foreigners. Light-and-sound show held most nights after sunset.
- Qutub Minar. The most famous structure on grounds, this 72.5m minaret was the tallest "skyscraper" in the world when built (1193-1368) on the orders of Qutb-ud-din Aybak. Delicately carved, it has been astonishingly well preserved and is still an awe-inspiring sight today — it's often visible from air when flying into IGI airport! (Sticklers for archaeological truth will, however, note that the top of the tower has twice been rebuilt after an earthquake, and the base has been restored more recently.) While entry into the tower itself is no longer permitted, for Rs.10 per 5 min you can view the scenery via a little webcam on top.
- Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. Delhi's first and grandest mosque, now mostly in ruins, but many parts of the complex are still standing and the sandstone decorations are still impressive. Check out the extraordinarily ornate carvings near the tomb of Iltutmish on the west side of the complex.
- Iron Pillar, in the center of the mosque. True to its name, this is a seven-meter iron pillar erected c. 400 AD by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, also known as "" according to the inscription carved on the base. Alas, Chandragupta II's perfume has long since faded, but to the amazement of metallurgists everywhere his pillar is still going strong after 1600 years.
- Ala-i-Minar. Ala-ud-din-Khilji set out to build a tower twice as high as the Qutub Minar, but died after a mere 24.5m was complete. The first story stands to this day.
- Ala-i-Darwaza. Square, domed building that once acted as the entrance to the mosque, but is now tucked away behind the minar. Inlaid marble decorations and latticed stone screens.
- Tomb of Imam Zamin. Outside the main complex, next to the Ala-i-Darzawa, this octagonal tomb commemorates a Turkestani iman who was based in the mosque during the reign of Sikandar Lodi.
Monuments
- Rajpath. A main parade route that leads to the President's residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Wide avenue, the splendid India Gate, and many grassy lawns. Especially nice in the evenings and at night when the buildings are lit, and the vendors come out to supply the many picnicking families.
- Rajghat Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi - check for closure dates/security checks around national holidays/gandhiji's death anniversary (30th Jan).
- Lodi Estate
- Nehru House 'Teen Murti Bhavan'. The house of the first Prime Minister of India. Only for people interested in politics. Free entrance.
- India Gate. This monument has been built as a memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in World War One. There is also a fire ("eternal flame") burning for all fallen Indian soldiers.
- Parliament House
Parks and Gardens
- Lodhi Garden - a peaceful park in the heart of New Delhi, Lodhi garden is ideal for mornings walks in the hot season and for afternoon strolls and picnics during the cooler months
- Nehru Park - a large park in the South Delhi neighborhood of Chankayapuri
Museums
- India Habitat Center, Lodhi Road, (0) 11 2468 2001 (thru 2009). Most noted for its ever-changing art exhibits, plays and film shows, as well as an international selection of food items in its food court.
- International Doll's Museum, Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. (0) 11 2331 6970 (thru 6974). Tue-Sun 10-6. A museum of dolls from all over the country. You get to see the costumes and art from all over India, as well as some nice craftsmanship. Rs 10.
- National Museum, Janpath. The layout is labyrinthine and the presentation won't win any awards, but the collection is unparalleled and contains some true masterpieces. Keep an eye out for the 4600-year-old Harappan temple dancer, the Gandhara-era standing Buddha with Greek hair and a Roman toga, the stunning miniature painting gallery, and the giant temple chariot parked outside. Entry Rs. 300 for foreigners (includes useful audioguide), Rs. 10 Indians (optional audioguide Rs.150 extra), plus Rs. 300 if you want to use a camera. Decent restaurant on the 2nd floor (lunch buffet Rs.100). Open Tue-Sun 10 AM-5 PM.
- National Railway Museum, Chanakyapuri, +91 11 2688 1816 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 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM (April - Sept.) and 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Oct. - March). Closed Mondays and national holidays.
- Teen Murti Bhavan former residence of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, now a museum of his life.
- Tibet House, 1 Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, (0) 11 4611 515. . Established by HH Dalai Lama with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of . There is a museum, exhibition space and library.
Religious buildings
- Bahá'à 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 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. Free entry. Open Tue-Sun 9 AM-7 PM summer, 9 AM-5:30 PM winter.
- Chhattarpur Mandir Huge & beautiful temple complex with a big surrounding campus - located near Mehrauli area of South Delhi.
- 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 (also free).
- Gurudwara Sis Ganj on Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, a short walk from the Jama Masjid and Red Fort, is an important Sikh place of worship. Built on the spot where their ninth guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded on the orders of the mughal emperor Aurangzeb, it is an oasis of calm in the chaos of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk. You will need to cover your head (scarves provided for free) and stash your shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers (also free).
- ISKCON (Hare Krishna) temple, at East of Kailash. Centre for Krishna Consciousness, it has robotic shows and multimedia presentations, apart from the traditional temple complex. Lively atmosphere and excellent tasting sweets - and the delicious Govinda's restaurant on site.
- Jama Masjid, opposite the Red fort, next to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi . The largest mosque in India and a must-see while in Delhi. Entry is free, but use of a camera (still or video) costs Rs.200. The climb up into the minaret is steep, dark and somewhat claustrophobic, but is worth the extra Rs.20 for the great views over the complex and the city around it. You'll need to cover up your shoulders and legs (scarfs and lungis available for rental), and take off your shoes — either carry them with out or leave them with the gatekeeper, who'll ask for some money when you collect (Rs.5 is more than enough). Open from 7 AM to sunset, but note that tourists are not allowed in between 12:15 and 1:45 PM and pictures should not be taken during prayer hours.
- Lakshmi Narayan Temple or popularly known as Birla Mandir, located next to Connaught Place, is a big Hindu temple complex. Closest Metro - Rajiv Chowk (Yellow Line)
- Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, off National Highway 24, East Delhi. Completed only in 2005 by the controversial 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. The Premvati food court on grounds serves up fast, cheap, huge but mediocre portions of vegetarian food (Rs. 75 for a thali). Note that there is a on all electronic items, cameras, tobacco and pretty much everything except the clothes on your back; you can leave your worldly belongings in the cloakroom outside. Free entry, guide booklet Rs.5, access to multimedia exhibitions Rs.125. Allow at least three-four hours to explore it all. Open Tu-Su 9AM-7PM.
- Sai Baba Temple, 17,Institutional Area, Lodhi Road. Though there are many Shirdi Sai Baba Temples in and around Delhi. The one located at Lodhi Road is the oldest. Temple Opens at 5AM; Kakad Aarti at Morning 5.15AM; Mangal SNAN 6AM; Noon Aarti at 12noon; Doop Aarti Evening Prayer 6.30PM; Shej Aarti at Night 9.30PM.
Other
- Majnu ka Tilla Tibetan Colony. One of the more accessible Tibetan resettlement areas in India, and certainly a nice piece of variety for Delhi; to get there head north along Ring Road just past Majnu ka Tilla Gurudwara, or take the Metro to Vidhan Sabha station, and a cycle-rickshaw is Rs 15 from there.
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Riding in the Streets of New Delhi, India
that works at the Hotel Ajanta in New Delhi. She is taking me shopping to get a sari for a wedding...India New Delhi rikshaw
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New Delhi at night in february 2006...India Delhi Voyage
From New Delhi to Ladakh and Back - Summer 2004
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Government Buildings in New Delhi, India
Government buildings near the India Gate in New Delhi....India Delhi buildings
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