GENERAL INFORMATION

Delhi is the Capital of India.

Airport : (1) Indira Gandhi International Airport (2) Palam Domestic Airport

Bus Terminals : (1) ISBP and (2) Sarai Kalay Kha (3) Anand Vihar

Major Railway Stations : (1) Old Delhi Railway Station (2) New Delhi Railway Station (3) Nizamuddin Railway Station (4) Sarai Rohilla (5) Shahdara (6) Delhi Cantt

Local Transport in Delhi : Metro Train, DTC Bus, Auto, Taxi, Train

Language : Hindi, Englinsh and some regional languages

HISTORY / ABOUT DELHI / ABOUT THE CAPITAL OF INDIA

Delhi, has seen the rise and fall of many empires which have left behind a plethora of monuments that the grandeur and glory of bygone ages . A city which traces its history to Mahabharata, the great epic tale of wars fought between estranged cousins , the Kauravas and the Pandavas for the city of Indraprastha.

Mughals ruled Delhi in succession starting from Qutab-ub-din to Khiljis, Tughlaqs . The city of Delhi passed on to the hands of the British in 1803 AD. It was only in 1911, when the capital of British empire was shifted from Calcutta to Delhi, that Delhi got its present prestige. After independence also, a kind of autonomy was conferred on the capital but it largely remained a chief commissioners regime. In 1956 Delhi was converted into a Union territory and gradually the chief commissioner was replaced by a Lt. Governor. In 1991, the national capital territory Act was passed by the parliament and a system of diarchy was introduced under which, the elected Government was given wide powers; except law and order which remained with the central Government. The actual enforcement of the legislation came in 1993.

New Delhi, the capital of India, sprawled over the west bank of the river Yamuna is one of the fastest growing cities in India. It is surrounded on three sides by Haryana and to the east, across the river Yamuna by Uttar Pradesh. Historically, the city has long since been the foremost in political importance with successive dynasties choosing it as their seat of power, between the 13th and the 17th centuries. Remnants of the glorious past survive as important monuments in different parts of the city.

The myriad faces of the city are simply fascinating. In some places it remains a garden city, tree lined and with beautiful parks, but in some places it can also be crowded with heavy traffic. Turbaned Sikhs, colourfully dressed Rajasthani and Gujarati women working in offices, Muslim shopkeepers along Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, Tibetans and Ladakhis in the street stalls along Janpath and Kashmiris in the handicraft emporia around Connaught Place, all add to the cosmopolitan feel of the city. Soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes can be seen along with the ancient historical monuments. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. Old Delhi which looks entirely different from New Delhi area, is about 6 Km north of the city center.

TOURIST PLACES / EXCURSIONS / PLACES TO SEE IN DELHI / NEW DELHI

RED FORT : The Red Fort more popularly known as The Lal Quila (Lal ie. red and Quila ie.fort), stands strong on the banks of the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. It is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 Kilometers in circumferance and is built of Red Sandstone. The Mughal king Shah Jahan (popular for building the Taj Mahal of Agra) transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and the fort was completed in 1648, nine years after the king shifted to this city. The fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market.

PURANA QILA : It is believed that the Pandavas had built their capital, Indraprastha at the place where the old fort stands today. This fort, now in ruins, was the seat for administration for many emperors. The legendary Prithviraj Chauhan ruled from here till he was defeated by Abdali in the battle of Panipat. A new light & sound show is held by the Department of Delhi Tourism every evening. Timings and Tickets are available from the tourist office.

QUTAB MINAR : It was built by a muslim king,Qutub - ud - din in 1199 A.D. and a part of which he could not finish was completed by Itutmish, another muslim king. It is situated in the southern part of the capital. The height of the tower is about 72.5 meter high and there is a mosque at its base. In front the Qutub Minar there is an iron pillar which is believed that it was built in 5th century. The uniqueness part of the pillar is that it has not caught rust ever since it was built. Due to some precaution the Tourists are not allowed to climb the Qutub Minar i.e. to the tower.

INDIA GATE : India Gate primarily a memorial to the unknown soldier was Designed by Lutyens. The 42 metre high structure is a war memorial in honour of the soldiers who died during the second world war. The imposing structure from where stretch massive lush green lawns has an eternal flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti) to honour the memory of the unknown soldiers. India Gate prominently located in the vicinity of Rastrapati Bhavan is a major crowd puller during the hot summer evenings of Delhi by virtue of its lush green lawns

BAHAI'S HOUSE OF WORSHIP / LOTUS TEMPLE : IT is Completed in 1986, the Bahai temple is set amidst pools and gardens, and 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 very spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.

RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN / PRESIDENT'S HOUSE : The house that houses the President of India and the house that boasts of having welcomed the most powerful men in history. The Rashtrapati Bhavan was designed by Edwin Lutyens and built in 1931, to be the central point of the British power in Delhi. Originally called the Viceroy's House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan covers an area of 4.5 acres of land. It has 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies and loggias, 18 staircases and 37 fountains. The most magnificent room in the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Durbar Hall, which lies directly beneath the main dome. All important Indian State and Official ceremonies are held here. To the west, is the famous and beautifully landscaped Mughal Gardens, designed after the terraced gardens the Mughals built in Kashmir. The garden is famous as the 'Butterfly Garden' for the numerous butterflies that visit the varied flowers.The garden is open to the public in february.

RAJGHAN : The simple square platform of black marble on the banks of the river Yamuna marks the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. His last words ' Hey Ram ' are inscribed on this platform which is surrounded by a serene garden

HUMAYUN TOMB : Built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid 16th century, this red sand stone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best example of Mughal Architecture. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red and white sandstone, black and yellow marble tomb. The entry in the complex is free on Fridays

PARLIAMENT HOUSE : A marvellous piece of architecture where the bicameral legislature of India meets for its sessions. Lok sabha, the lower house and Rajya Sabha the upper house. Close to Rashtrapathi Bhavan, is a domed almost circular structure almost a kilometer in circumferance, and was designed by the famed architect Lutyens. It is the seat of the Indian Parliament and during the sessions of Parliament there is a flurry of activity in and around the structure

JAMMA MASJID : One of the Architectural gift given by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but in India. Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three gateways, Four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. You can enter the mosque but take precaution to take off your shoes and make sure that you are properly dressed before entering. One can also go to the top of minarets. From here you can have a birds eye view of Delhi.

JANTAR MANTAR : Set within the a garden of stately palms, it was built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1719. He had been entrusted with the task of revising the calender and correcting the astronomical tables then in use. He made daily astral observation for seven years before embarking on these stone constructions. He discarded the usual instruments of brass and built these massive ones in masonry which are used to the movements of stars. This observatory, together with the one at Jaipur, are the finest examples anywhere of observatories modelled on the general pattren laid down by Ulugh Baigh of Samarkand in the 14th century. The observatory is conceived with perfect stability and is adjusted to the meridian and latitude of the location.

SAFDARJUNG TOMB : The Safdarjung tomb is besides the of Safdarjung airport. This tomb was built by the Nawab of Avadh for his father. The structure is one of the finest example of architecture of its time and tells a saga of the last remnants of a dying empire.

CHATTARPUR MANDIR / TEMPLE : Chattarpur Mandir - A complex of temples called Chattarpur mandir is located beyond the Qutab Minar in Mehrauli. Dedicated to Goddess Durga. Build in South Indian style the temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful lawns and gardens. Though devotees visit these temples through the year, during the navratras devotees come from near and far. During the festivals there are special bus services to these temples.

BANGLA SAHIB GURUDWARA : Bangla Sahib Gurudwara - A magnificent and spacious bungalow in Delhi owned by Raja Jai Singh Amber (Jaipur) who commanded great respect and honour in the court of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb now enjoys the status of a holy shrine called Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. The eighth Guru Sri Harkishan had stayed here for a few months as guest of Raja Jai Singh. Since then it has become a place of pilgrimage for both, Hindus and Sikhs. They pay their respect to the memory of Guru Harkrishan, nominated as successor by the seventh Guru, Sri Har Rai. He passed away on October 6, 1661 A.D. When only a little over five year old, he had been tried and tested as a perfect fearless and fully illuminated soul.

SISGUNJ GURUDWARA : Sisgunj Gurudwara - Near the Police Station, Chandini Chowk the beautiful golden domes of the Gurudwara Sisgunj immediately strike your eye. It commemorates the site of the ninth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Teg Bahadur's martyrdom. The Guru was beheaded by Aurangzeb 1675. The gurudwara has been extended from time to time and it tough to tell apart the original structure anymore

MOGUHAL GARDEN : Moghul Gardens - The Mughal Garden is located in the premises of the President house. This garden is not opened to public viewing. During the spring seasons of February and March, when the garden is in full bloom people are allowed inside. This garden have some exotic and rare flower plants. The dwarf orange trees and numerous Rose plants are special attraction in the garden. The fountains add to the beauty of the place.

ROSE GARDEN : Rose Garden - National Rose Garden is situated in the Chanakya Puri area of the capital. This garden has some of the rare and imported rose variety. The best season to visit this garden is during December / January when the flowers are in full bloom.

LODHI GARDEN : Lodhi Garden - Adjoining the India International Center is the Garden, around the tombs of Sayid and Lodhi rulers. This garden is very well planned and has artificial streams. The Tombs of the rulers adorn the architectural style which was latter used in the construction of Taj Mahal.

DELHI ZOO : The Zoo - The Delhi Zoo is located near the Purana Qila on the Delhi-Mathura road. Delhi Zoo has many animals which includes the rare and exotic white tigers. This place is particularly popular among the children.

MUSIUMS IN DELHI

• AIR FORCE MUSEUM
• NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
• ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
• NATIONAL PHILATELIC MUSEUM
• CRAFTS MUSEUM
• NATIONAL POLICE MUSEUM
• GANDHI MUSEUM
• NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE MUSEUM
• GANDHI SMRITI MUSEUM
• NATIONAL RAIL MUSEUM
• GHALIB MUSEUM & LIBRARY
• NEHRU MUSEUM & PLANETORIUM
• INDIAN WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM
• SANGEET NATAK ACADEMY
• INDIRA GANDHI MEMORIAL
• SANSKRITI KENDRA TERRACOTTA & METAL MUSEUM
• MALLIAH MEMORIAL THREATRE CRAFT MUSEUM
• SHANKAR'S INTERNATIONAL DOLLS MUSEUM
• NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART
• TIBET HOUSE MUSEUM
• NATIONAL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
• ZAKIR HUSSAIN MUSEUM
  

SHOPPING / MARKETS OF DELHI

Following are the famous markets for retail and wholsesale are :

• SAROJINI NAGAR MARKET
• LAJPAT NAGAR
• CHANDNI CHOWK
• SADAR BAZAR
• KAROL BAGH
• PALIKA
• CONNAUGHT PLACAE
• GANDHI NAGAR
• DELHI HATT
• SOUTH EXTENSION / SOUTH EX
  

PLACES TO STAY / HOTEL AND RESORTS IN DELHI

The Oberoi Hotel (Oberoi Group) - Delhi , India
An elegantly styled hotel for the discerning business traveller, The Oberoi, New Delhi ......

Taj Palace Hotel, (Taj Group) New Delhi , India
Taj Palace Hotel Delhi (India) [ Hotel of Taj Group ] Located 10 minutes from the airport.....

Taj Mahal Hotel, (Taj Group) New Delhi, India
The Taj Mahal has 300 rooms including a Club Floor and 27 suites. Guests can avail.......

Star Hotel - Deluxe Hotel, Near Indiara Gandhi Airport, New Delhi , India
New Delhi Airport Hotel Star offers first class accommodation facilities at prices that.......

Vikram Hotel, New Delhi , India
15 kms drive from airport and 10 kms drive from railway station. Locational advanta.......

Ashok Hotel, (Ashok Group) New Delhi , India
15 km from International Airport. 10 km from Domestic Airport. 9 km from New Delhi .......

Indraprastha Hotel, (Ashok Group) New Delhi , India
Hotel Indraprastha is Ashok Group's first budget hotel in Delhi. Hotel Indraprastha i. ......

Samrat Hotel, (Ashok Group) New Delhi , India
Set in beautifully landscapped gardens which it shares with Delhi's landmark ashok........

Hotel Janpath, (Ashok Group) New Delhi , India
A/C Accommodation including - 66 singles, 131 doubles and 16 suites and lots more.........

Hotel Shanti Palace, Near Indiara Gandhi Airport, New Delhi, India
Saves your time and travel when it matters most straight after just before you fly.........

Hotel Clark International, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, India
Clark International Hotel in Delhi is located in the heart of the city, Asia's biggest.........

Hotel Swiss International, East Patel Nagar, New Delhi, India
Hotel Swiss International is a Land Mark in Hospitality, located in the heart of one ...........

Centaur Hotel, Near Indiara Gandhi Airport, New Delhi, India
Admist peaceful surroudings and conveniently nearest to the terminal, Domestic .......

Marriott Welcome Hotel, Saket, New Delhi, India
Located in Saket, an up - market residential area of South Delhi The Hotel is close i.......

Trident Hotel, NCR of Delhi / Very Closed to Delhi, Gurgaon, India
Trident Hilton Gurgaon is conveniently located in the heart of the commercial district........

The Qutab Hotel, ( Choice Hotels Group ) New Delhi, India
The Qutab Hotel is the luxury at an affordabble price, the preffered Choice ! The Quta ........

ITC Hotel Maurya Sheraton & Towers, [ Hotel of ITC - WelcomGroup ], New Delhi
Maurya Sheraton situated at the Delhi the Capital of India. The hotel has recipient.........

WelcomHotel New Delhi, [ Hotel of ITC - WelcomGroup ] New Delhi, India
WelcomHotel is located in the up-market Saket area in South Delhi, 6 kms from .........

Maidens Hotel (Oberoi Group) - Delhi, India
The hotel is 24 kms from the airport and 10 kms from Connaught Place, the main........

Jaypee Siddharth Hotel, ( Jaypee Group ) New Delhi, India
Jaypee Siddharth Hotel is lacated in the heart of the city and very closed to major ........

Jaypee Vasant Continental, ( Jaypee Group ) New Delhi , India
Jaypee Vasant Continental, located in the upmarket Vasant Vihar area, very close.........

Hotel Swagath, South Delhi, Delhi (Capital of India), India
Welcome to Swagath and get ready to escape from the monotony of life to a place ........