Delhi, the capital of India, is known the world over for its fascinating history, dynamic present and promising future. The city is home to people from different walks of life whose cumulative energy transforms this age-old city into a cultural melting pot which has something to offer to everyone.
If you are a history buff then there can be no better destination than Delhi which is dotted with several prominent historical destinations which would remind you of the era gone by. Some of the prominent monuments that make Delhi special are the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Humaun’s Tomb, India Gate etc. It indeed is fascinating to visit a city where one can catch a glimpse of bygone times in a modern set-up.
Delhi might be an old city but it is also an evolving city and that is why it has a modern and vibrant feel to it which gives you plenty to let your hair down and paint the city red. There is no dearth of swanky malls, vibrant clubs, pubs and discos and multi-cuisine restaurants which would ensure that you do not feel the slightest of boredom and enjoy a rollicking experience.
For Shopaholics Delhi is no less than heaven. You can buy your favourite stuff from modern outlets to shops that are hundreds of years old. There are shops in old Delhi which used to sell perfumes to Mughal Queens! Buying your favourite flavour from these shops would be a real surreal experience. Chandani Chowk, where these shops are set is a historical market is just the place where one can experience the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi and buy your favourite stuff.
Delhi can also be termed as the food capital of India and an ultimate food paradise. From Chandni Chowk to Majnu Ka Tila the variety and diversity of the cuisines that Delhi can boast of will leave you astounded. There are plenty of dhabas and food joints where you can enjoy lip-smacking food at a pittance. The city also has posh and swanky restaurants and hotels where you can enjoy a fine dining experience and enjoy exotic multi-cuisine delicacies from around the world.
Chaat, Chole Bhature, Chole Kulche, Kebabs, Butter Chicken Niahri, Rolls etc. are just a few of the Delhi flavours that immediately come to mind. Whether you are a vegetarian or a non-veg lover you will have plenty of options to satiate your taste buds.
If you want to visit a city that has preserved its ancient roots while catching up with modern times then Delhi is the city where you should be heading. The popularity of Delhi as a lively travel destination around the world is unmatched. It is precisely for this very reason that there are numerous flights to Delhi. All that you need to do is to hop on to your favourite airline and you are on.
Places to visit in Delhi
Lal Quila
A prominent landmark in Delhi, Red Fort or Lal Quila is a fabulous monument from the Mughal Era. Built by Shah Jehan, the 5th Mughal Emperor in 1638, Lal Quila is made of red sandstone and marble that is how it assumes its name “Lal Quila”. The fort served as the imperial residence of Mughal Emperors and has been a symbol of power ever since. Today Lal Quila stands tall amongst all the historical monuments in Delhi and has a “royal” past. The monument is a testament to India’s diverse and rich cultural heritage and architectural finesse.
Qutub Minar
The famous landmark of Delhi, Qutub Minar got its name from its founder Qutbu'd-Din Aibak who also laid its foundation in 1191. Aibak is also credited with raising the first storey of the tallest masonry tower in India. The son-in-law and successor of Qutbu'd-Din Aibak further added three more storeys to the grand structure. Firoz Shah Tughlak completed the tower by adding a fifth and final storey to it.
Qutub Minar is built of red and buff sandstone and is articulately carved with inscriptional bands. The structure is 72.5 metres in height with projecting balconies for giving prayer calls. The courtyard of the “Minar” has an iron pillar which gives it an Indian feel.
It should however be noticed that you cannot go inside the Qutub Minar as the entry into the tower is restricted after an accident in 1981 when 45 people, many children, died in a stampede.
India Gate
Located in the city of Delhi, India Gate is located on the Kartavya Path (formerly known as Rajpath). The structure stands tall with pride as it is a memorial for unknown Indian soldiers who died fighting for their country in India and around the world. His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 laid down the foundation stone of this imposing structure which was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The then Viceroy Lord Irwin dedicated the memorial to the nation 10 years later. Another memorial Amar Jawan Jyoti was added after India gained freedom. The eternal flame lit here has been burning ever since under the arch reminding the nation about the sacrifices of the soldiers who laid down their lives fighting for the motherland in the Indo-Pak war of 1971.
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