Delhi City Guide
New Delhi is the blend of old and new. It is famous for its planned landscape and spacious streets with shades of greenery. The contrast between the two is very much visible by the culture, lifestyle and tradition. Delhi has always been a cosmopolitan city where one would find people from all parts of India. Overall, Delhi is a very multi-linguist and multi-cultured society which has now opened itself to embracing every new custom and tradition.
Old Delhi still has the influence of Mughals with monuments, mosques and forts all through the complicated streets. Old bazaars and food are some of the specialties of Old Delhi. Whereas New Delhi is completely different with lifestyle and city's architecture having the influence of British Rule in India.
New Major commercial establishments are situated in New Delhi's business hubs like Connaught Place, Nehru Place, Bikaji Kama, South Extension and ITO. Some of the major tourist attractions in Delhi include India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Rajghat, Jama Masjid, Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Safdarjang's Tomb, Purana Quila, Jantar Mantar and Akshardham temple.
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Red Fort (Lal qila)
The massive Red Fort (Lal qila) stands rather forlornly, a
sandstone carcass of its former self. When Emperor Shah Jahan paraded out of
the fort atop an elephant into the streets of Old Delhi, though, he and the
fort that he built were a grandiose display of pomp and power.
Nizam-ud-din's Shrine
Across from Humayun's Tomb is Nizam-ud-din's Shrine, resting place of the Muslim Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Chishti, who died in 1325, aged 92. The construction of Nizam-ud-din's tank ignited a dispute between the saint and the constructor of Tughlaqabad.
Across from Humayun's Tomb is Nizam-ud-din's Shrine, resting place of the Muslim Sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Chishti, who died in 1325, aged 92. The construction of Nizam-ud-din's tank ignited a dispute between the saint and the constructor of Tughlaqabad.
Jama Masjid
India’s largest mosque can hold a mind-blowing
25,000 people. Towering over Old Delhi, the ‘Friday Mosque’ was Shah Jahan’s
final architectural opus, built between 1644 and 1658. It has three gateways,
four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high, and is constructed of
alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble. The main entry
point is Gate 3.
Humayun's Tomb
The must-see Humayun's Tomb is a brilliant example of early
Mughal architecture. It was built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, the
Persian-born senior wife of the second Mughal emperor Humayun.
Qutb Minar
The superb buildings in this complex date from the onset of
Islamic rule in India. The Qutb Minar itself is a soaring 73m/240ft-high tower
of victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last
Hindu kingdom in Delhi. At its base is Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid (Might of Islam
Mosque), India's first.
Karim’s
Down a lane across from the Jama Masjid’s south gate (No 1),
legendary Karim’s has been delighting Delhiites with divine Mughlai cuisine
since 1913. The chefs prepare brutally good (predominantly nonveg) fare: try
the burrah (marinated mutton) kebab . During Ramadan it
only opens after sunset.
Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
This quirky museum houses toilet-related
paraphernalia dating from 2500 BC to modern times. It’s not just a curiosity:
Sulabh International has done extraordinary work in the field of sanitation,
developing pour-flush toilets, bio-gas plants and educating the children of
‘manual scavengers’ (whose job is to remove the crap from dry toilets) for
other work. A guided tour (free) brings the loos to life.
Paratha Wali Gali
Head to this foodstall-lined (some with seating) lane off
Chandni Chowk for delectable parathas (traditional flat bread) fresh
off the tawa (hotplate). Stuffed varieties include aloo (potato), mooli (white
radish), smashed pappadams and crushed badam (almond), all served
with a splodge of tangy pickles.
Bahai House of Worship (Lotus Temple)
This extraordinary temple is shaped like the
sacred lotus flower. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariburz Sahba in
1986, it has 27 immaculate white-marble petals. The Bahai philosophy revolves
around universal peace and the elimination of prejudice, and adherents of all
faiths are welcome to pray or meditate silently according to their own
religion.
Spice Market
Khari Baoli, the street that runs from the Fatehpuri Mosque
to the western edge of the old city, is Delhi's bustling wholesale spice
market. It's well worth a wander simply to take in the sights and smells
because things have changed little here for centuries. Huge sacks of herbs and
spices are still brought to the wholesalers on long, narrow barrows pushed by
labourers, and there are eye-catching displays of everything from lentils and
rice to giant jars of chutneys, pickles, nuts and tea.
Ashtaang
Ashtaang is located opposite Delhi University (South
Campus), It offers authentic Ayurvedic treatments such as sirodhara (warm
oil drizzled on forehead; 40 minutes Rs1600) and abyangam (synchronised
massage; Rs1100 for 45 minutes).
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
The Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is an important Sikh
shrine and a constant hive of activity. Topped with gold onion domes, it was
constructed at the site where the eighth Sikh guru, Harkrishan Dev, spent
several months in 1664. This guru dedicated most of his time to helping the
destitute and sick and was revered for his healing powers. At the back of the
gurdwara (Sikh temple) is a huge tank, surrounded by a graceful colonnade. The
water is said to have curative properties. Devotional songs are sung throughout
the day.
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