Since those early days many dynasties and rulers flourished on its regal
soil. The legacy of that past survives in the many monuments left behind by
the regents, each a chronicle of the glory of its time and an imprint of the
character of the ruler. Today, the city is a curious blend of the modern and
traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide tree-lined avenues
perpetuate the Mughal passion of landscaping and architectural excellence.
More important, however, Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural
variety of India; an unceasing range of activity, a million ways of saying
'You are Welcome'.
Major Tourist Attractions
Delhi's history is so ancient that the
story of its origin derives more from mythology than written history.
Recorded history testifies to the fact that at least eight different cities
have been established here. Through the ages, different rulers and their
followers have left their mark on Delhi in the form of numerous
architectural gems of great historical and social value.
Red Fort
Red Fort is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon ,
surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 km in circumference and is built of red
sandstone. The Mughal king Shah Jahan transfered the capital from Agra to
Delhi and the Fort was completed in 1648. The fort has two main entrances ,
the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate which faces the famed Chandni Chowk
market.The Fort has Diwan-e-am, and Diwan-e-Khas where the king would grant
audience to the public and would grant audience to important people
respectively. Another attraction is Light and Sound show held in the
evenings.
Qutub Minar

This
magnificent structure in the southern part of the capital was built by a
Muslim King , Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 A.D. A part of it which he could
not finish was completed by another Muslim King Iltutmish. Minar is 72.5 m
high and has as its base a mosque. In front of the imposing structures an
Iron Pillar believed to have been built in the 5th century A.D. which has
not caught rust ever since it was built.
India Gate
Straight down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan is India Gate which is
primarily a memorial to unknown soldier. Designed by Lutyens , the 42 meter
high structure is a war memorial in honour of soldiers who died during the
second World War. The structure has an eternal flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti) to
honour the memory of the unknown soldiers.
Jantar Mantar
Within the Connaught Place are is the Jantar Mantar observatory built by
the Rajput King of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh in 1724. It was believed to have
been built with mmasonry instruments for observing the movements of the
stars and the planets.
Humayun's Tomb
This tomb, which as built by emperor Humanyun's wife, took eight years to
complete. The emperor's wife Begai Begum was buried in the tomb and the
structure is first of its kind built in the center of a well - planned
garden. The combination of white marble and red sand stone was a great
influence on later Mughal architecture. It is generally regarded as a
prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra.
Lotus Temple

Is
a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith and is visible from
several spots in south Delhi. Located in Kalkaji in the south of Delhi. It
is Lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name.It is made up of
marble,cement dolomite, and sand.
Rastrapati Bhavan
Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New
Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling.
Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms. At one time,
2,000 people were required to look after the building and serve the
Viceroy's household. The lodge also has impressive garden called the Mughal
Garden, which is open to public twice in a year, usually in February and
March.
Shopping in Delhi
Delhi is a veritable paradise for shoppers, who
can buy objects ranging from the simplest of Indian handicrafts to
international designer labels, and often within the same shopping area.
Delhi is unique in that it has representative outlets for the handicrafts of
each Indian state. This in it self presents a staggering arrayof goods, and
at very affordable prices. For visitors to Delhi, shopping is high on the
list of "things to do". Tourists find a wide choice of items- such
as carpets, silks, jewellery, leather and silver ware, handicrafts and
handprinted cotton - that are synonymous with India. Each item is available
in a range of prices, depending on the quality and the outlet.
The exploration of Delhi's markets could be begin at Chandni Chowk. Despite
the pressures of traffic and population, its historic land marks survive to
tell the story of the last three centuries. There are some antique stores
behind Jama Masjid, and more lining the entrance to the Red Fort, where the
Meena Bazar once was. These offer items arranging from jewellery to painting
and furniture, and cater almost entirely to tourists. Connaught Place, New
Delhi's original shopping arcade was planned as part of the Imperial capital
in 1911. The Santushi Shopping Arcade opposite the Ashoka Hotel has become
another popular up market haunt.