State :
Delhi
Climate
:
Delhi is a city of great climatic extremes. Summer, from April till the end
of June is scorching hot with day temperatures rising beyond 45º C.
Monsoon (mid June to mid September) in recent years are not too good. During
the monsoons, humidity rises. November till March is winters. Temperatures
fall down to about 3º C at the height of winter, with nights getting
chilly.
Significance :
The National Capital
The Gateway to India :
Delhi, the capital of India, represents the perfect blend of the ancient
and the contemporary India. New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left
behind. Delhi's past still lives through the ancient monuments around the
city. The city is divided as New Delhi and Old Delhi, representing the
modern and ancient culture respectively. The walled city represents the rich
history of old Delhi, where as New Delhi in contrast, is a city living up to
contemporary international standards. Delhi also serves as the center for
touring the internationally known tourism destinations of Agra and Jaipur.
History :
Delhi has been the cultural center of India, since ages. Its Strategic
location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as
the center of their power. Today, Delhi is constituted of seven cities. In
the past the nearby regions of modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in the mid-11th
century, Siri bulit by Allauddin Khilji, Tughlakabad, and Ferozabad built by
the Tughlaks followed by the city of the Lodis and then Shahjahanabad,
capital of the Mughals under Shah Jahan.
Famous for - Being the National Capital :
Delhi is known world over for not just its legendary history and
magnificent monuments, but also for being the political power house of
India.
Connectivity :
» By Air - All the major national and international
airlines have their flights operating from Delhi's Indira Gandhi
international Airport.
» By Rail - The Indian Railway with their modern and
organized network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in
India. There are three important Railway Stations in Delhi namely New Delhi
Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazarat Nizamuddin Railway
Station.
» By Road - Delhi is well connected by road to all
major destinations in North India. The inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) are
located at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan and Anand Vihar. Delhi Transport
Corporations of the neighboring states provide frequent bus services through
air conditioned, deluxe and ordinary Coaches.
Highlights of the City :
» Red Fort - Built in the Mughal emperor Shah
Jahan's reign, this majestic building made of red sandstone is the location
from where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation every
Independence Day. The famous Republic day parade held every year at the Red
fort is a major attraction. The Diwan-e-khas, and Diwan-e-am, the weaponry
museum and the sound and light show at the Red Fort are must watch.
»
Rashtrapati Bhawan - Situated on Raisina Hill in the center of Delhi,
the president's mansion is a beautiful building just in front of the green
lawns around India Gate. The exotic Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan are
opened for people in the spring season.
» Parliament House - Situated in the heart of Delhi,
it is the center of power in India. This elegant building has wide pillared
walkways and large halls, where India's fate is decided by lawmakers and
statesmen.
» Qutab Minar - Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak built this
72.5 high pillar in 1199 A.D. It is considered as a symbol of the Delhi
Sultanate. The ruins of Kila Ri Pithora, the fort of Prithviraj Chauhan, and
an amazing iron pillar from Gupta times which has not yet rusted, are the
nearby attractions which are worth visiting.
» Baha'i Temple (Lotus Temple) - The Lotus shaped
temple or the Baha'i Temple, situated in South Delhi. It is a worth watching
monument built by the Baha'i community.
» Humayun's Tomb - This magnificent piece of Mughal
architecture was built by Haji Begum, the senior wife of Emperor Humayun, in
the mid 16th century. The tomb is surrounded by avenues of trees,
watercourses and flowerbeds.
» Jantar Mantar - Jantar Mantar, an observatory
about 300 years old, was used to measure the movement of the earth and the
stars. It is also a place where people gather and spend some peaceful
moments.
Things to Buy in Delhi :
One can buy anything from Delhi, but the best buys would be the handicraft
and ethnic items from the central and state emporiums.
Shopping Areas in Delhi :
Janpath, Chandni Chowk, Sarojini nagar market, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar
market, Kamala nagar market, etc.
