New Delhi - India
From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com
New Delhi, the capital of India is a modern city with a historic past. Being a city of dramatic contrasts, New Delhi is a premier tourist destination of India. Tradition and modernity exist side by side here. It is known for its historic buildings such as the President's mansion, Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Parliament House and the landmark "India Gate". Delhi is changing rapidly with a modern metro railway service and flyovers in different parts of the city.
The capital of India houses some of the most magnificent monuments built from the 12th century onward. New Delhi travel attractions include - The Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid, India Gate (War Memorial), Parliament House, President's House, Bahai Temple (The Lotus Temple) are worth a visit.
Brief History:
New Delhi has not always been the capital of India but has played an important role in Indian history. Delhi has evolved over the ruins of seven cities, built by rulers from the Hindu Rajputs to the Mughals and finally the British. The real foundation of modern New Delhi, however, was laid in 736 AD by the Tomar Rajput rulers. India gained its independence from British in 1947 and has been rising rapidly since then.
Location:
New Delhi is located in the northern part of India on the banks of the Yamuna river. Due to its location, New Delhi is an ideal starting point to begin your tour of North India. Its best to come here first and then go to other tourist places in North India like, Rajasthan and Agra (in Uttar Pradesh). New Delhi travel will leave you with a remarkable experience and also visit the hundreds of shopping malls which are located all over the city.
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Popular Tourist Attractions And Sightseeing
New Delhi welcomes many tourists from all across the country and world every year. Delhi has a number of sightseeing places that one can visit. It is the history of Delhi that makes a tour of this city more exciting. The various monuments, which are the popular New Delhi attractions are associated with its glorious history. Delhi has various monuments, which are the silent symbols of the past. Apart from various exotic monuments there are several other things to visit and enjoy in Delhi. Some of the most popular tourist spots are:-
Lotus Temple:
This temple in white is shaped like a half opened lotus flower. Made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand, the Lotus Temple is a marvel of 20th century architecture. A visit to the Bahai Temple also known as Lotus Temple is a must both for the tourists and the people in search of peace and tranquility. It is the best among all the New Delhi attractions.
Qutub Minar:
It soars to a 72m/240ft-high and is built as a tower of victory. The tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets. The first three floors are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth floors of marble and sandstone.
India Gate:
This 42 meter high archway is made up of red stone and has the name "INDIA" written on both sides is a popular tourist attraction. Over 90,000 names of the soldiers who lost their lives in World War 1 and the third Afghan War of the late 19th century are inscribed on the arch.
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 transferred the capital from Agra to Delhi and the Fort was completed in 1648. The unparalleled architecture is a testimony to the grandness of supremacy of Mughal empire in India. The fort stands as dignified and grandiose as it did centuries ago. It is the most important historic location among all the New Delhi attractions.
A marvelous piece of architecture which can be admired only from outside on account of security restrictions. The Parliament House is one of the most magnificent buildings in New Delhi. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, it took six years to be constructed and was inaugurated on 18th January, 1927 by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin. The massive circular edifice has a circumference of about one-third of a mile and stretches across six acres.
Pragati Maidan:
Located on Mathura Road, next to Purana Qila, this 149 acres of extensive ground, is rated as the finest exhibition complex in Asia. More than just an exhibition place, the building is a huge complex with a contemporary design and is surrounded by greenery.
Jantar Mantar :
This is an observatory consisting of mason-built astronomical instruments to chart the course of the heavens. It is an important landmark among the Delhi attractions.
Humayun's Tomb:
The mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Humayun is a popular monument in Delhi. The tomb was constructed by Humayun's wife in his memory. The tomb is located near the shrine of saint Nizamuddin Aulyia.
Jama Masjid:
Built during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, one of the largest mosques in India and a popular tourist attraction, the Jama Masjid's large courtyard, onion domes and central tank are built of red sandstone and white marble in the Indo-Islamic style. It is the most important Muslim holy site among all the New Delhi attractions.
Some other tourist attractions of Delhi are:-Purana Quila, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, National Science Centre, Nehru Planetarium, Birla Temple, Rajghat and several Museums and Art galleries.
Shopping In New Delhi
New Delhi being the capital of India has become a shoppers paradise. Think of anything and you will be able to get it here. New Delhi shopping offers some of the best markets in India offering a wide variety of items ranging from Indian handicrafts- such as silks, carpets, jewellery, leather and silver ware, and hand printed cotton fabrics to international brands of clothing and electronic items. There are a number of markets both old and new that you can visit on your shopping tour to Delhi. Here are some of the most New Delhi shopping areas of Delhi:-
Dilli Haat:
Situated in the heart of Delhi, the unique Dilli Haat is an upgraded version of the traditional weekly market, offering a delightful amalgam of craft, food and cultural activities. It is an ideal place to spend some time while admiring the great array of handicrafts, jewellery, garments and artifacts representing the workmanship of almost all parts of the country. New Delhi shopping in Dilli Haat provides delicacies from all parts of India in its various stalls. From time to time theme fairs and festivals are also organized here.
Cannaught Place:
Commonly known as CP, this place is constructed in a circular shape and is the most glamorous New Delhi shopping area in the heart of the city.
Palika Bazaar:
This is another shopping attraction near CP. This underground shopping center offers a wide variety of textile, leather and electronic items at a reasonable price. But always be prepared for hard bargaining.
Ansal plaza:
Those who love shopping in an air-conditioned atmosphere, Ansal Plaza is the right place for them. This New Delhi shopping complex is located on the Khelgaon Marg in South Delhi near South Extension. Branded cloths, trendy jewellery and other designer items are some of the things that you can shop for at Ansal Plaza. This is also a good hangout place for college students and young lovers.
Karol Bagh:
Karol Bagh is located in the western part of Delhi, it is an ideal place for buying traditional wedding cloths and jewellery.
Greater Kailash 2:
This market also known as "M block" is located in south Delhi and is surrounded by one of the most fashionable neighborhood. M Block also has a branch of many of the world's well-known retail and restaurant chains, including a Benetton, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Subway and other shops offering everything from cloths, books, home decor to imported crystals and high-end jewelry.
Sarojini Nagar:
This is a popular New Delhi shopping spot among the middle and lower middle class of Delhi and it is located in South Delhi. You can get fashionable cloths here at cheap rates. You can do good bargaining here, but be careful with your handbags and personal belongings. This is a very busy market so it is better to go during the weekdays, rather than over the weekends.
Lajpat Nagar Market:
<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1264023285985_772" />This market is situated in south Delhi and is very New Delhi shopping spot amongst the middle class and the students of Delhi. You can shop for fashionable cloths and other items of general use in Lajpat Nagar market.
Other New Delhi shopping areas of Delhi are South Extension, INA Market, Greater Kailash Part-I, Versant Vihar in south Delhi and Khan Market and Sunder Nagar Market in central Delhi within a km from the India Gate.
Transportation:
Its always better to book your taxi inside the airport. If you take a pre-paid taxi, pay a pre-defined fare to your destination while at the airport counter. After which you need not pay anything to the taxi driver. Many taxi men may crowd around you and offer to take you to where ever you need to go. Most likely you will get overcharged. There is no need to tip taxis, some rounding of fare is fine. If you are unsure about the cost conversions (few taxi's have old fare meter)- which are usually one and a half times to twice of what the meter reads, you can always ask for a meter card from the driver. Taxi's and Buses are easily available throughout Delhi. You can find plenty of good city tours, check with you hotel.
The Delhi Metro (MRTS) was opened in year 2002. Trains operating within the network typically travel at speeds below 80 km/h, or 50 mph, and stop for an average of 20 seconds at each MRTS station. It is the best, fastest and cheapest way to travel within New Delhi.
Food In Delhi:
Continental, Italian, Mughlai, Chinese, Thai even McDonalds and Pizza Hut are all available right here in Delhi. Food is not a problem in Delhi, different cuisines are easily available. The food is mostly spicy but you can always request for less spicy food.
Delhi Hotels:
Delhi being the capital city has all that you need. It has some of the best and most luxurious hotels of the nation, at the same time it has plenty of low budget hotels too, ranging from apx. from $50 to $500 per day. No mater what part of Delhi you are in, you will find plenty of local low budget hotels and lodges with prices starting from $10 per day but make sure that the surrounding area looks safe, Delhi has some degree of crime so apply your common sense wherever possible. Some of the good hotels of Delhi are:-
Luxurious Hotels:
Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi
Taj Palace Hotel New Delhi
Oberoi Hotel New Delhi
ITC Maurya Sheraton
Ashok Hotel New Delhi
Le Meridien New Delhi
Hyatt Regency New Delhi
Vasant Continental
Metropolitan Hotel Nikko
Hotel Imperial New Delhi
The Marriott New Delhi
Budget Hotels:
Hotel Sunstar Residency
Hotel Jukaso Inn
Hotel Tourist
International Inn
Royale Residency
Hotel Chand Palace
Hotel Pallavi Palace
Hotel Yuvraj Deluxe
Hotel R Blues
Hotel The Nest
Hotel Ajanta
Hotel Classic
Additional Information
Time Zone:
+ 5.5 hrs GMT
Climate (Weather of Delhi):
New Delhi has a semi-arid climate with high variation between summer and winter temperatures. The temperature range varies from a high of 45 degrees centigrade in summers to 4 degrees centigrade in winters. The best season for New Delhi travel is during the spring seasons of February to April and August to November. June and July is the rainy season. It is recommended to check the weather before visiting Delhi.
Language:
Hindi and English.
Currency:
Indian Rupee- INR (1 USD = 42 INR apx. as of year 2007) You can use Yahoo finance for latest conversion rate.
http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=INR
Visa/Travel Tips:
All foreign nationals who travel to India require an entry visa prior to leaving their home country. Please check travel tips to India at our main India Tourism page.
