To See & Do
Must See, Must Do
- See India Gate at night, get yourself a softy and walk along Rajpath.
- Tuck into chaats and hot jalebis at wayside shops.
- Head to the famous Haldiram's on Mathura Road (the other branches somehow don't match up to the HQ) and feast on a whole range of snacks. Begin with the mineral-water golgappas!
- Karim's in Old Delhi is Meeca for chicken and mutton lovers. Sacrilege if you eat meat and don't visit Karim's.
- Bargain hard and pick up some steals at the Tibetan Market.
- A trip to GK just to oogle at all the niceties plastered all around the place.
- A trip to Dilli haat to shop till you drop, don't forget to try the thupka and momo's there.
- The shopping experience in the different parts of Delhi.
- Take ride on Metro Rail.
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Historical |
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Humayun's Tomb:
A hot favourite with most tourists and locals, this tomb was built by emperor Humayun's wife. It is regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture and took eight years to complete. Check the location out, the tomb has been placed bang in the centre of a well planned garden, a combination of high arched entrances topped by a bulbous dome in white marble and red sandstone brings out the beauty in this structure against the setting sun. For those of you who cannot visit the Taj Mahal, check this tomb out in details, it is believed to be the prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra. Begai Begum, the emperor's wife, has been buried here. Visiting hours are 10 am-5 pm, Mondays closed.
Jama Masjid:
This is one structure that will take you to Old Delhi, where the aromas of the glorious Muslim food will prevent you from concentrating on anything else, but this architectural masterpiece deserves more than just a view. It's believed that as many as 25,000 people can fit into its courtyard! Three great gateways, four towers and two minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble are important parts of the mosque. Come Friday and the place takes on a new charm with thousands of Muslims offering prayers here. Another charm of this masjid is that you can climb all the way to the top of the towers. Do that, and take a peek at Delhi, the street life down below and the awesome metal works you can buy around the masjid.It lies just opposite the Red Fort make sure you check that out too.
Red Fort:
If you've heard of the Red Fort, you would have heard of Meena Bazzar that lies just outside the fort as well. It's hard to decide which ones better known than the other! One of the impressive sights in Delhi, this Mughal construction in red (its called the Red Fort remember) sandstone is located along the river Yamuna, its shape an irregular octagon. The heart of the Fort, Naubhat Khana was where musicians and dancers entertained the emperor. Huge halls, palatial apartments and luxuriously designed gardens form parts of this wonderful structure. Can you picture it, wouldn't it be quite a spectacle. The main entrance is the Lahori Gate, a former royal market. There are a lot of interesting buildings inside the Fort too like the Rang Mahal (the water cooled apartments for the royal ladies (or the Diwan-E-Aam for public audiences. There is also a Red Fort Museum. Just outside the fort is the famous Meena Bazaar where exotic arts, artifacts, jewellery and carpets are sold. The fort is open 10.00 am-5 pm; closed on Mondays
Old Fort:
Popularly known as the Purana Quila, this wondrous structure owes its existence to two emperors: Sher Shah Suri and Humayun. It's ramparts cover a perimeter of nearly 2 km and there are three main gates, on the north, south and west, the last one functioning as the present entrance. The fort is open 10 am-5 pm; Mondays closed.
Jantar Mantar:
This is probably the most often photographed spot in Delhi, what with its reddish-pink buildings that were constructed way back in 1725 by Jaipur Maharaja Jai Singh II's, these were used as observatories. An interesting part is the huge sundial known as the Prince of Dials. Various other instruments plot the course of heavenly bodies and predict eclipses. A fun place to visit, and a must for kids to know about.It is open 10 am-5 pm, Mondays closed.
Qutub Minar:
It is better known as the most celebrated examples of Islamic architecture in India, but we suggest you go here as it is known as the seventh wonder of Hindustan. The 234-foot-high tower, with 376 steps, is the tallest stone tower in India, and would you believe it right through this length it has intricate carvings, verses and beautiful calligraphy work inscribed over it, with six lines in Sanskrit! Its believed that Qutb-u'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation and raised the first storey of the Qutab Minar in AD 1199, to this were then added three (some say four) more storeys with terracotta balconies by his successor and son-in-law Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish. Unfortunately, climbing up the tower is now no longer possible, but a visit here is a must. According to legend, if you stand with your back to the pillar and can reach around and touch your fingers, any wish you make will come true! But the catch is, it is not possible! The complex is open 6 am to 6 pm, all days except Mondays. There is a special night-view for an hour from 7 pm on all working days.
India Gate:
The best part about going to India Gate, is the drive through the l-a-r-g-e six lane, bump-less, pothole-less roads. Keep driving straight from Rashtrapati Bhavan and you will reach India Gate. A war memorial in honour of the soldiers who died during the World War-I, this magnificent 42 metre high structure has been designed by Lutyens. The eternal flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti) is placed here. Should you want to a break in your sight seeing tour, this is a good place to do it as you will see from the lawns that are dotted with families picnicking. India Gate is a place to simply have fun.
Rashtrapati Bhavan:
The ultimate in architectural splendour and landscaped beauty is this imposing structure with all its pillars and porticos. This is the official residence of the president of India. Designed by Sir Edwin L. Lutyens and completed in 1929, this palatial building on Raisina Hill was formerly the Viceroy's House. Built on 330 acres of land, it comprises 340 rooms, no it does not translate to an acre a room, a lot of the space is used up by gardens like the Mughal Garden. This and the changing of the guard are the high points of a visit to Rashtrapathi Bhavan. You do need permission to enter parts of the complex though. Parts of the building are open 9.30 am to 2.30 pm on all days except Mondays.
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Religious Places |
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Lotus temple:
This is one sight you may see from the window of some high rise building. It is a pleasure to watch it from a distance. And close up holds you spell bound. The spectacular and colourful sight, its no wonder that 4 million people come here annually, which incidentally is more visitors than the Taj Mahal gets. It is the main temple of the Bahai's in Delhi, located in Kalkaji south Delhi. Shaped like a half opened lotus flower, this temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. People of all faiths are welcome here as the founding principle of the Bahai faith is the unity of mankind. This temple is interesting from an architectural point of view as it brings together ancient Indian construction methods with the most advanced Western engineering principles and design. Do walk into the meditation space in this temple. Experience peace profound wash over you. The temple is open in Summer from - 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and in Winter from - 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On all days except Monday.
Birla Mandir:
Also known as Laxminarayana Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Narayan (Vishnu) and his consort Lakshmi. There are other small shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha and Hanuman. Beautifully detailed relief carvings are the high point of this temple for which 101 skilled artisans from Benares were commissioned. It is open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. all days.
Akshardham:
Built under the aegis of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), it is a modern-day marvel that stands testimony to India's unique religious and cultural beliefs. A 100-acre complex on the banks of the Yamuna, there is a stunning array of 20,000 statues, floral motifs, arches and beautifully carved pillars. It is believed that the construction of the temple cost a whopping Rs. 2 billion. It is open 9a.m. - 9p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday.
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Museums and Memorials |
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Rajghat:
Most Indian's would have seen this awesome ghat on television during national day parades and during 'Beating the Retreat', but nothing comes close to experiencing it in person. This is where India's greatest conscience-keeper, Mahatma Gandhi was laid to rest. The memorial stone of Gandhi is a square black stone, with his last words 'Hey Ram' inscribed on it. The rest is for you to see and experience.The memorial is open April-September: 5.00 a.m. - 7.30 p.m. / October-March: 5.30 a.m. - 7.00 p.m.; Mondays are holidays. Right next to it is the Shanti Van, Jawaharlal Nehru's memorial.
Nehru Memorial Museum and Planetarium (Teen Murti House):
This much documented structure, was India's First PM, Jawaharlal Nehru's home that has now been converted into a museum. The place is perfect for one who wants to know about India's freedom struggle what with exhibited photographs and newspaper clippings taking you through the struggle for independence. There's also a planetarium in the museum grounds. Both the museum and the planetarium are open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., all days except Mondays.
National Museum:
Over 20,000 pieces of rare and beautiful works of art and artifacts that tell the story of 5,000 years of Indian culture are housed in the Museum. Not to be missed are the stone and bronze sculptures and the paintings and manuscripts. The museum also has an extensive library and conducts shot and long term courses in art appreciation, conservation and history. The museum timings are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Mondays closed.
Doll's Museum:
There are a lot of doll-houses all over India, but frankly speaking this is one of the best designed place with a great collection. It can have you spell bound for a few hours, amongst its large collection are dolls from Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Norway and the African and Middle Eastern countries. One must give their kudos to well-known cartoonist K. Shankar Pillai for this museum. The museum is open 10:00 a.m.-5 p.m.; Mondays are holidays.
Gandhi Smriti Museum:
History lives here, for this is where Gandhi spent the last few months of his life. Rare photographs, articles used by him during his lifetime and even the room he lived in have been maintained in the same way since. Museum timings are 10:00 a.m. - 5 p.m., all days except Monday.
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Festivals |
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Being the Capital city, people of Delhi celebrate all possible religious festivals. The city observes Idul Fitr, Makar Sankranti, Diwali, Dussehra and Christmas with religious fervour. They solemnly participate in the parades and prayer meets for the Republic Day and the Independence Day. March ushers in the season of colours for Delhiites with Holi. The streets come alive with fun and colour; even the corporate offices celebrate Holi with a lot of masti!
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Jantar Mantar
(observatory/planetarium)
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Only a short stroll down Sansad Marg from Connaught Place, this collection of curious terracotta-red structures is one of Maharaja Jai Singh II's observatories. The ruler from Jaipur constructed this observatory in 1725, dominated by a huge sundial known as the Prince of Dials. Other instruments plot the course of heavenly bodies and predict eclipses.
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Humayun's Tomb
(garden)
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Built in the mid-16th century by the senior wife of the second Mughal emperor, this is the first significant example of Mughal architecture in India. It's also one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and should not be missed. The elements of its design are echoed in the later Taj Mahal. It comprises a squat building with high arched entrances topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by formal gardens. The gardens also contain the red-and-white sandstone and black-and-yellow marble tomb of Humayun's wife and, somewhat surprisingly, the tomb of Humayun's barber.
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Gandhi National Museum
(museum)
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The National Gandhi Museum has an interesting display of paintings and photos about the man who spearheaded the country's independence movement. Indians affectionately dub Gandhi 'the Father of the Nation'.
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