Delhi(Union Territory)

Overview

Delhi is one of the Union Territory of India and often called as Dilli Dilwallon Ki (city of people with big hearts). Delhi is a bridge between two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is an area of narrow lanes filled with old style cracking havelis and heading high mosques. In contrast, the regal city of New Delhi created by the English boasts of large and spacious avenues lined with trees and tall  government buildings. Delhi has been the center of power for many empires for over a millennium. As a result, this city has been built, destroyed and the rebuilt a couple of times.

Over the millennium, many rulers have been wooed by the irresistible charm of this capital of the world's largest democracy. The best way to know about this magnanimous city’s heritage is by exploring the monuments.

There are a number of tourist attractions in Delhi, India. They include the following:

Qutab Minar

The enigmatic Qutab Minar is located in a small village called Mehrauli in South Delhi. It was built by Qutub-d-Din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a red sandstone tower, standing tall at a height of 72.5 meters and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Qur'an. However, only the first storey was completed by Qutb-ud-din. The storeys were built by his successor Iltutmish. The two circular storeys in white marble were built by Ferozshah Tughlaq in 1368, replacing the original fourth storey.

The tower is so high that around 379 steps are needed to be climbed to reach the top. Another taller tower adjacent to Qutub Minar is named Alai Minar which is somewhat tilted in one direction.

The verses from the holy Qur'an are carved on the sandstone walls of Qutub Minar. This monument serves the purpose of calling people for prayer in the Quwwat-UL-Islam mosque. This is a tower of victory, a monument that signifies the might of Islam, or a tower for keeping a check for defense.

Humayun's Tomb

One can say that Delhi is all about Mughal architecture and the glory of the ex Mughal Empire is reflected by the monuments of time memorial. One of these is Humayun's Tomb which beautifully reflects the history and architecture of Mughal India. Humayun's tomb is embarked by a tomb with a blue dome. The dome has been crafted with arty Persian tiles which have become very popular since the time Mughals had come to this country. All Mughal monuments built afterwards, even the Taj Mahal, has followed its design.

Red Fort

The Red Fort or Lal Quila in Delhi was built by Shah Jahan, the great Mughal emperor. Located in the center of Old Delhi Red Fort proudly stands tall- earlier an eyewitness to history, and today a spectator of the present.

Old Fort

Old Fort or Purana Quila in Delhi is a mesmerizing building which has faced the ravages of time. This Old Fort is an ideal example of the Lodi style architecture of Delhi. This architecture of the Old Fort is a perfect blend of  Hindu and Muslim elements, together making a fascinating combination. This style of architecture is considered as a secular architectural style.

Lotus Temple

The grand Lotus Temple is often called as the The Taj of modern India. Its unique lotus-shaped marvel of marble is accompanied by a large garden surrounding it. It is a very recent and beautiful pilgrimage of the Bahai faith..

Rashtrapati Bhawan

The Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s house) is an iconic monument of Colonial Rule, which was formerly the palace of  the Viceroy of India. It is the third best-known monument of our country after the Taj Mahal (seventh wonder of the world) and Qutub Minar.

India Gate

India Gate is a monument built in the honor of martyrdom of the Indian soldiers who had fought in the Afghan war. The lush green lawns surrounding India Gate and the boat-ride are a famous picnic spot in the evenings.