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PRIME ATTRACTIONS OF
DELHI
- India Gate
India Gate is a majestic high arch, 42 meters high, built as a
memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I. Beneath
it burns an eternal flame. From the base of the arch one can get a
good view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Red Fort/Lal
Qila
Delhi's most magnificent monument, the Red Fort, was built by
Emperor Shah Jehan, in 1638 A.D. Enclosed in this glorious Fort is
Diwan-i-am, the hall meant for public audiences; Diwan-i-Khas, where
private audiences were granted; Rang Mahal, the water cooled
apartment of the royal ladies; the Pearl Mosque, a lovely, ornate
dream in white marble. The Prime Minister of India addresses the
nation from this age old Fort, on the auspicious day of India’s
Independence.
- Old Delhi
Beyond Delhi Gate lie the banks of Yamuna, marked by a series of
memorials to India’s leaders, of which the most prominent is
that of Mahatama Gandhi at Rajghat. Another attraction of Old Delhi
is Chandni Chowk. The exploration of Delhi's markets could begin at
Chandni Chowk. There are fascinating lively accounts of this bazaar
as it was during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the
shops here are more than 100 years old, and the mesh of lanes and
bylanes is full of surprises.
 Qutub
Minar
The Qutub Minar made of red sandstone rising to the height of
72.5mts is an architectural marvel of the 13th century. Also a must
is the visit to Ashoka Pillar dating back to the 5th century. Though
made of iron it has with stood the weathers of time. A very
interesting belief is assigned to this pillar- Stand with your back
to the pillar, and if you can hold your hands around it, then make a
wish and it will surely come true.
- Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory with masonry
instruments, built in 1724 by Jai Singh, the mathematician and
astronomer king. 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.
- Purana Qila
One does not have to go far to see the Old Fort or Purana Qila
standing amidst wild greenery. Popularly known as Purana Qila, the
citadel of 6th city of Delhi, stands over an ancient mound believed
to be the site of Indraprastha of the Mahabharata period.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
A must visit are the colonial architectural grandeur, the
exquisitely designed Rashtrapati Bhavan was completed in the year
1929 to serve as Viceroy’s residence. The palace like building
is a blend of Mughal and Western architectural styles. Another
attraction over here is the lovely Mughal Garden, occupying 130
hectares of the area and is open to the public in February.
- Raj Ghat
On the banks of the river Yamuna is the Raj Ghat where the father
of the nation Mahatama Gandhi was cremated in 1948, soon after India
attained it freedom.
- Humayun's Tomb
Another magnificent Mughal building, the tomb of the emperor
Humayun was built by his wife in 1565-66. Set in a square enclosed
garden, the finely proportioned structured in red sandstone and
marble served later as a model for the Taj Mahal.
- Parliament House
This circular shaped colonnaded building houses the two Houses of
Parliament- the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Its domed Central
Hall is 90 feet in diameter.
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