Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), is a city and a union territory of India.
According to the 2011 census, Delhi city's proper population was over 11 million, the second-highest in India after Mumbai, while the whole NCT's population was about 16.8 million.
A seat of many powerful empires in the past, Delhi's long history can be traced in its many carefully-preserved monuments, ancient forts and tombs.
Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires.
Just a century ago, the British moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata to Delhi. And it has been the Capital of India ever since.
Today, Delhi is split into two parts - New Delhi and Old Delhi, which represent two very different worlds and lifestyles.
New Delhi is planned to be a modern city with a growing number of brand new hospitals, residential complexes, sporting facilities, shopping malls, entertainment centers and bustling markets. This is where many of the Government buildings and some of the city's attractions are located.
It's interesting to know that Delhi is the second wealthiest city after Mumbai in India.
In 2019, Mumbai was home to the highest number of millionaires, followed by India’s capital New Delhi, and the IT capital - Bengaluru. This comes as no surprise since all three cities have the largest share of high net worth households along with a booming economic outlook. Overall, India had around 104 billionaires in 2019, and ranked fifth globally in terms of its ultra-net-worth individuals.
Delhi has also an extensive Metro network that connects all corners of the town and this network is still growing.
Old Delhi, on the other hand, as a contrast is known for its labyrinth of narrow lanes and colorful bazaars. Sadly, visitors can come across here quite disturbing sights of poverty and misery.
Chandni Chowk is the main and very busy street in Old Delhi. The place is very chaotic, crumbling and congested. Cars, cycle rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians and animals all compete for space. As one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, its narrow winding lanes are full of inexpensive jewelry, fabrics, electronics and food.
For first time visitors, Old Delhi can be very surrealistic, nothing you could have ever imagined, a big cultural shock.
Delhi is a vibrant city with plenty of beautiful attractions and worthy places to visit.
Some of the city's major landmarks and places of interest include:
The Red Fort
The most famous monument in Delhi is located opposite Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.
The beautiful Red Fort is a historic fort that served as the main seat of Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years, until 1856.
It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in 1639. Its massive sandstone walls, which stretch for over two kilometers (1.2 miles), were built to keep out invaders.
The main gate, Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation and attracts a major crowd on each Independence Day.
Each evening a sound and light show re-creates events in India's history connected with the fort.
Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb is the tomb of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun.
Built primarily in red sandstone, the monument is a perfectly symmetrical structure and is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India.
It was built in 1565-1572 A.D./ nine years after the death of Humayun /, by his senior widow Bega Begam.
The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, and since then has undergone extensive restoration work, which is complete. The tomb is part of a greater complex that's set among beautiful gardens.
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. It is located in Old Delhi. Its courtyard is capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was built by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor who also built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. The construction of the mosque started in 1644 and was completed in 1656.
The highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. Travelers can hire robes at the northern gate to enter the mosque.
Lotus Temple
The Bahai Temple is commonly referred to as the Lotus Temple.
This temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai's temples built around the world. Completed in 1986 it is set among the lush green landscaped gardens.
The structure is made up of pure white marble. The architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate. Around the blooming petals there are nine pools of water. It's particularly pretty at night when it's attractively lit up.
India Gate
At the center of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, a monumental sandstone arch that commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I.
At night India Gate is dramatically floodlit while the fountains nearby make a lovely display with colored lights. The arch is surrounded by large green lawns, a popular place for walks and relaxation.
Gandhi Smriti & Raj Ghat
Gandhi Smriti formerly known as Birla House is a museum in New Delhi dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately referred to as the Father of the Nation. It is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on 30 January 1948.
Raj Ghat is the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.
Qutab Minar
The Qutab Minar is a minaret that forms a part of the Qutab complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of Delhi. Qutab / or Qutb, Qutub / Minar is a 73-meter (239.5 feet) tall that makes it the highest tower in India.
It has five storeys and projecting balconies. The first three storeys of the Qutab Minar are made of red sandstone and the last two are made of marble and sandstone. It also contains a spiral staircase of 379 steps.
The construction of the Qutab Minar was started by Qitub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193, but he only constructed the basement. The rest of the tower was constructed and completed later on by his successors Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tuglak.
The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe that the tower was built to celebrate the beginning of the Muslim dominance in India after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu ruler.
According to others the tower was built to serve as a minaret that calls the faithful to prayer.
Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple
Swaminarayan Akshardham is a new and absolutely stunning addition to the city of New Delhi.
A must-see attraction while you are in the Capital city of India.
Built in only five years by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha spiritual organization and with the help of an army of some 11,000 volunteers and artisans, the amazing Hindu temple was opened in 2005.
It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions, glorious art and timeless spiritual messages.
Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Mandir – an abode of God, a Hindu house of worship, and a spiritual and cultural campus dedicated to devotion, learning and harmony.
The massive complex includes a mandir, thematic green gardens, exhibitions, sculptures and water show. Allow plenty of time to explore it thoroughly.
Keep in mind that photography and video shooting is not allowed on the territory of the complex.
There is a very strict passing control to the complex and visitors must leave all their belongings at the wardrobe at the entrance.
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship situated in the heart of New Delhi's famous Connaught Place. It is instantly recognizable by its stunning golden dome and tall flagpole called the Nishan Sahib.
This sacred shrine has an association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, and the pool inside the complex, known as the "Sarovar", is considered holy by Sikhs.
The water in the pool is considered holy and healing as according to local Sikh belief, Guru Har Krishan as a boy helped sick people during a time of smallpox and cholera in the 17th century by giving them sanctified water.
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Another temple in the heart of New Delhi that is worth visiting. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune.
Lodhi Gardens
Lodhi Gardens is a beautiful and large park situated in New Delhi.
It provides a serene retreat from city life and an opportunity to relax. The park is also a favorite place for joggers, yoga practitioners and young couples. The vast Gardens were built by the British in 1936 around the tombs of 15th and 16th-century rulers.
In the heart of New Delhi are also located the House of Parliament and other Government buildings that may attract your interest.
If you are more attracted to experience the atmosphere of Old Delhi you can go on a rickshaw ride tour.
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