About Delhi |
| Delhi is India's main point of arrival for overseas visitors, and the
major transport hub for destinations in the states of rajasthan, the
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh as well as central north India. Delhi
city, the showacse of India, has been the centre of political activity
from time immemorial. The ancient fortness, majestic buildings and
historic ruins find their modern counterparts in the tall skyscrapers,
diplomatic enclaves and well-planned townships of New Delhi. The people
here, their lifestyles, traditions and even the climate are a rich and
varied mixture of all that is india. |
Humayun's Tomb Humayun's Tomb was built by Humayun's
widow, Hamida Banu Begum. Designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza
Ghiyas, the structure was begun in 1562 and completed in 1565. The tomb
established a standard for all later Mughal monuments, which followed its
design, most notably the Taj Mahal . We are quite close to Humayun Tomb also.
Rashtrapati Bhawan Built with a mix of
Western and Indian styles, Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally built for the
Governor General of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the Viceregal Lodge, the name
was changed in 1950 after India became a republic. 5 to 10 min India Gate and Rajpath Situated along the ceremonial
Rajpath avenue (meaning King's Way) in New Delhi, India Gate is a memorial
raised in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan wars and
World War I. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on
the walls. The cenotaph (or shrine) in the middle is constructed with black
marble and depicts a rifle placed on its barrel, crested by a soldier's helmet.
Each face of the cenotaph has inscribed in gold the words Amar Jawan (in Hindi,
meaning Immortal Warrior). The green lawns at India Gate are a popular evening
and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. 5 to 10 min Laxminarayan Temple Also called the Birla
Mandir, the Laxminarayan Temple was built by the Birla family in 1938. Along
with the temple itself, the name 'Laxminarayan Temple' encompasses a large
garden with fountains behind it. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on
Janmashtami day, the birthday of Lord Krishna. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib One of the
many Gurdwaras in Delhi, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most visited one in the
Delhi area. Millions visit this Gurdwara from all over the world and of all
religions to offer their prayers at this elegant yet historical Gurdwara in
Delhi. This is not just a sacred Sikh shrine, but also very important to many
Hindus . Qutub Minar The Qutub Minar is located in a Mehrauli in
South Delhi. It was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty, who took
possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up
to a height of 72.5 metres and is covered with intricate carvings and verses
from the Qur'an. Qutub-ud-din Aybak began constructing this victory tower as a
sign of Muslim domination of Delhi and as a minaret for the Muslim priest, the
muezzin, to call the faithful to prayer. However, only the first story was
completed by Qutub-ud-din. The other stories were built by his successor
Iltutmish. The two circular stories in white marble were built by Ferozshah
Tughlaq in 1368, replacing the original fourth story.The balconies in the tower are supported by exquisite stalactite designs. The tapering tower has pointed and circular flutings on the first storey and star-shaped ones on the second and third stories. The Qutub Minar is also significant for what it represents in the history of Indian culture. In many ways, the Qutub Minar, the first monument built by a Muslim ruler in India, heralded the beginning of a new style of art and architecture that came to be known as the Indo-Islamic architecture style. Other monuments around the Qutb complex, are Jamaali Kamaali mosque and tombs, Balban's tomb and Adham Khan's Tomb. Red Fort The decision for constructing the Red Fort was
made in 1639, when Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi.
Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak
(fortunate citadel) — Delhi's seventh fort — ready in all its magnificence to
receive the Emperor. Though much has changed with the large-scale demolitions
during the British occupation of the fort, its important structures have
survived. |