Delhi is the capital city of India with a historical background. Its existence is said to be more than 5,000 years old. Centuries ago, Delhi used to be known by the name of Indraprastha. Delhi has been the hub of political activities of India from times immemorial.

Climate of Delhi

Delhi has a harsh climate with scorching aridity in summers and frigid cold in winter months. Monsoons deluge Delhi in the months of July and August. Temperature in Delhi surges up to 45 degree celsius in summer months from April to June and dips into minus during winters, in the months of December, January and February. Thick fog also covers the city in winter season.

Though Delhi can be visited by travelers throughout the year but the period from February to April and from September to November are best for Delhi travel.

Main Attractions of Delhi

Red Fort

Red Fort, which is also famous by the name of Lal Qila, is one of the major attractions for the visitors during Delhi tour. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 by using red sandstone. Some of the main buildings inside the fort are Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Mumtaj Mahal, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal and Hyat Baksh Bagh.

Qutab Minar

Qutab Minar is a 72.5 meter minaret and is said to be the tallest minaret in the world, when it was constructed during the period from 1193 to 1368. It was built by Qutab-ud-din-Aibak. Qutab Complex has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. It is a must visit site during Delhi tour.

India Gate

India Gate is situated in the heart of New Delhi and is the largest war memorial of India. It is originally known as All India War Memorial, which commemorates 90,000 soldiers of British Indian Army who lost their lives in the first World War while fighting for the Indian Empire. After achieving independence in 1947, India Gate became Indian Army’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and is famous by the name of ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti.’

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is the principal mosque in India which is located in Old Delhi. It was completed in 1656 AD and was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of Jama Masjid can accommodate around 25,000 worshipers. Jama Masjid is 261 feet tall and 90 feet wide and faces towards West. It was completed by 5,000 workers in six years period. The mosque also houses a copy of Quran which has been written on Deer skin. This is also one of the must visit sites for visitors during Delhi travel.

Lotus Temple

Lotus temple, which is also known by the name of Bahai Temple, is a marvelous architectural piece constructed in the shape of Lotus flower. Construction of Lotus temple was completed in 1986 and since then it has attracted millions of visitors across the world. It has been constructed by using marble, dolomite, cement and sand. Persian architect from Canada, Fariborz Sahba, is the main architect of the Lotus temple.

Akshardham Temple

Akshardham temple, which is also famous by the name of Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. It was consecrated in November 2005 and has been constructed by Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, without any support of steel and concrete. The main monument, which is situated at the centre of the complex, is 43 meter high, 96 meter wide and 110 meter long. The temple has become center of attraction for almost all the visitors during Delhi travel.

Accessibility

Air: Indira Gandhi International and Domestic Airport is the main centre of arrival and departure of domestic as well as international tourists traveling Delhi. It is connected by most of the airlines from Indian cities and foreign countries on daily basis.

Rail: Delhi has three major railway stations New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizammudin. Passengers travelling Delhi can catch trains from these three railway stations to almost all cities in India.

Road: There are three main Inter State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) in Delhi namely Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar. Visitors can take buses to almost all the cities of North India from these ISBTs.

By: Sanjeev Verma