About Delhi
The federally governed union territory of National Capital Territory of Delhi is more of a melting pot of many ethnic groups and cultures. This is the city of India, which is affluent with several markers and landmarks that thrill anyone and everyone. Markers like forts and monuments, shopping complexes and restaurants and conglomerates make the city of Delhi one of the much-favored destinations of India. Visitors and vacationers from both India and abroad keep on thronging around the many landmarks of the city. This is the city, which has at least something for everybody. The famous Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Iskon Temple, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb and many more are here in Delhi that captivate the attention of innumerable visitors round the year. Being well connected to all the major cities and suburbs of India by rail, air and road, travelers find it easier to move to anywhere in India and aboard. Be it international destinations like London, Singapore, Thailand, Canada or domestic cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune Bangalore, Kolkata or Goa, the well-built nexus of New Delhi makes it easier for you to move to. A city that sets the tune on the very first visit to judge it in true sense is none other than the capital city of India.
A city of convolutions and contrasts, New Delhi is home to over 15 million people and is the third largest city after Mumbai and Kolkata. The city of Delhi primly comprises New Delhi and Delhi. New Delhi, Old Delhi, Central Delhi, South Delhi, South West Delhi, North Delhi, West Delhi, East Delhi, North West Delhi are the nine revenue district of the city. Besides, its periphery region incorporates National Capital Territory (NCR) region, which comprises satellite township of Faridabad, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad and Greater Noida. The antiquity of the metropolis can be traced back to 2,000 years. A depository of India's heritage and culture, Delhi is much acclaimed for art galleries, several museums and craft expos that mirror the entire country. This is the epitome of cultural activities where the artists and performers of modern art, sculptures, filmmakers, pop stars come to highlight their works. Over the years, Delhi has become the pot of heterogeneous medley of many religious groups, social segments and linguistic communities.
It is Delhi, which pulsates with the rhythm of fast changing times.
Delhi Fast Facts
Area: 1,483 square kms
Population: 13,782,976 (2001)
Religion: Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam and Christianity
Language: Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, English
Literacy: 76.09%
Best Time to visit: October to March
Climate
Summers are hot with the temperature rising up to 45 oC and the winters are quite cold with temperature dropping as low as 2 oC.
Places to Visit
India Gate, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Red fort, Jama Masjid, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Birla Mandir, Parliament House, Chandni Chawk.
Major Industries
Manufacturer of razor blades, sports goods, radio and T.V. parts, plastic and PVC goods, textiles, chemicals, fertilizers, soft drinks, hand and machine tools.
Major Crops
Wheat, Maize, Bajra, Jowar, Vegetable and Fruit crops
Prime Attractions
Red Fort
The Red Fort is one of the Delhi's major attractions. The fort reminds us the power and wealth of the Mughal Empire. The huge sandstone walls were constructed in the 17th century to keep away the pillaging invaders and till today it dominate the skyline. There is a glut of buildings inside which once served as the living quarters of Shah Jahan, family, his courtiers and staff of three thousand. Studded with costly stones the walls and the intricate workmanship are a delight to the visitor's eye. The fort was the sight of the Indian rebellion of 1857 and the impressive Lahore Gate.
Jama Masjid
The architect of much of Old Delhi and Red Fort, Shah Jahan built Jama Masjid between 1644 and 1656. The majestic structure situates on a hill west of the Red Fort. Being the largest mosque of India, Jama Masjid can accommodate 25,000 worshippers at one time. Red sandstone ladders lead to entries on the south, north and east sides of the Masjid. There is huge courtyard inside with two white and red striped sandstone minarets. At each corners of the Masjid, there are smaller towers.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
King George V of England ordered after his first visit in 1911 ordered that capital of India should be moved from Calcutta to Delhi. E. Lutyens was commissioned to diagram the new government center, which he planned in Rajpath. Between 1921 and 1929, Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker built Rashtrapati Bahvan on Raisina Hill. Created for the Viceroy is now the residence of the President of India.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
King George V of England ordered after his first visit in 1911 ordered that capital of India should be moved from Calcutta to Delhi. E. Lutyens was commissioned to diagram the new government center, which he planned in Rajpath. Between 1921 and 1929, Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker built Rashtrapati Bahvan on Raisina Hill. Created for the Viceroy is now the residence of the President of India.
Qutb Minar
Built between 1193 and 1369 the Qutb Minar is a colossal tower that was to mark Islamic rule over Delhi and celebrate the victory by Qutab-ud-din over the city's last Hindu kingdom. The tower is well decked with calligraphy of verses from Quran. There are five different stories; the upper two are of white marble while the first three are of red sandstone. At the foot of the Miner lies the India's oldest mosque Quwwat-ul-Islam.
Humayun's Tomb
One of the most beautiful preservations of Mughal architecture is the famous Humayun's Tomb. The tomb is supposed to be the forerunner of the Taj Mahal of Agra.
How to Reach New Delhi
Being the capital city of India, New Delhi has well-built network with other parts of the country by air, railways and by road. For many itinerants and visitors New Delhi is the starting point of many tourists' spots in India. Almost all the main airlines operate their flights to and from Delhi. Delhi has both domestic and international airports, while there are three major railway stations, viz, Nizamuddin, New Delhi and Old Delhi. However, New Delhi carries with it an excellent road network whereby you can travel to any parts of the north India. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) runs frequent bus services to all the points of interests and to the nearby regions including NCR. They offer deluxe, air-conditioned and ordinary buses for sojourn in and around as per your requirements and tastes.
