The
political capital of India, Delhi, as of today is in its seventh
incarnation of the city. One of the most important Indian travel and
commercial hubs, Delhi finds its roots in the great epic of Mahabharata
as Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas. The sprawling markets, the
rich culture, the matchless enthusiasm that charges the city with an
eclectic mixture of the old and the new, makes it one of the most
popular cities amongst the tourist destinations.Delhi City
has always been a seat of power and a witness to the reign of different dynasties, both Hindus and Muslims and the terrible wars and revolts that have resulted in overturning of thrones and passing of the city from one hand to other. It has also been under the British rule for long and the well planned and sophisticated and aristocratic structures of the later period can be attributed to that period. These diverse rulers have left an indelible impression on the rich architectural and cultural heritage of the city.
Places Of Worship In Delhi
The people devoted to different religions live together in Delhi in perfect harmony and the cosmopolitan nature of the city is owed to the feeling of unity and brotherhood that binds all these people together. Nonetheless, people have not yet abandoned their traditions and rituals and observe them as strictly as ever and freely partake in each other's festivals and visit their places of worship with as much reverence as that of their own. This accounts for the thousands of devotees that seem to throng through every temple, mosque, gurudwara and church of the city.
Temples in Delhi
speak volumes of the devotion and faith with which they were built and the fragrant air of their vast intricately-carved and designed sanctums seems to be charged with tranquility and peace that corresponds to the soul of the spiritual growth that attracts many westerners to India. Lotus Temple of Bahai faith is perhaps the best among all of them and offers a divine experience as its lotus-shaped structure stands as an epitome of equality and brotherhood of the humankind with no distinctions of caste, creed, race, religion, color or sex.
1) Lotus Temple or Bahai Temple,
2) Birla Mandir or Laxmi Narayan Mandir,
3) ISKCON Temple,
4) Chhatarpur Mandir, and
5) Bala Hanuman Temple.
Mosques In Delhi
The largest mosque in India, Jama Maszid has
beautiful black and white striped onion domes and elegant minarets that
is in itself is not less than any monument of Delhi in its splendor. The
first mosque of India, Quwwatu'l-Islam Maszid is certainly of interest
to many as is the double-storeyed mosque of Khirki Maszid, which is said
to be one of the seven mosques built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah. There
is Jamali Kamali Maszid preceded by the construction of Moth-ki-Maszid,
which is said to be a key point in the evolution of the Mughal Mosques.1) Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah,
2) Idgah,
3) Moth-Ki-Maszid,
4) Chiragh-I-Delhi's Dargah,
5) Jamali-Kamali Mosque & Tomb,
6) Jama Maszid,
7) Quwwatu'l Islam Maszid or Qutub Mosque, and
8) Khirki-Ki-Maszid.
Churches In Delhi
The two most exquisite colonial churches of India, can be found here in Delhi. Both the Cathedral Church of Redemption and the Church of the Sacred Heart owe their beautiful architecture to the designer Henry Medd, who designed both Cathedral Church of Redemption and Church of the Sacred Heart. The other notable church in the capital is also the oldest one in the city - St. James Church.
1) Cathedral Church of Redemption,
2) Church of the Sacred Heart, and
3) St. James Church.
Gurudwaras In Delhi
The five historically important Gurdwaras (of Sikhs) in Delhi, were built to commemorate the visits of the five Gurus to the city. The white marble building of Gurdwara Sis Ganj amidst the well-planned gardens was built in honor of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is perhaps the most magnificent of the five and is devoted to the eighth Guru Harkrishen.
1) Gurdwara Bangla Sahib,
2) Gurdwara Nanak Piao,
3) Gurdwara Rakab Ganj,
4) Gurdwara Sis Ganj, and
5) Gurdwara Majnu Ka Tila.
Monuments Of Delhi
The Red Fort, which is still the pride of India and the Qutub Minar, which was once the tallest structure of the city are not the only monuments that are worth beholding in the city. Purana Qila or the old fort has not only its most interesting history of its own, the excavations near it have revealed some of the most appealing evidences that shows the existence of a city from the times of Mahabharata. There is Iron Pillar of Mehrauli and the India Gate, which is a proud witness to the Republic Day parade held annually on 26th January every year as the public revels to see the glorious artillery and the latest weapons possessed by India and glimpses of the colorful 'jhankis', a glimpse from each of the states and union territories of India.
1) Humayun's Tomb,
2) India Gate,
3) Qutub Minar,
4) Jantar Mantar,
5) Rashtrapati Bhavan,
6) Red Fort,
7) Raj Ghat, and
8) Purana Qila or Old Fort.
Museums & Galleries
Some of the best and rarest collections are on their display in Delhi. National Science Centre, the Doll Museum and Nehru museum with its planetarium are worth seeing at leisure and are as informative as they are entertaining. There is the National Museum, which transports you to the journey of ancient India, and there is Indira Gandhi National Museum, which lets you experience one of the most important political assassination in India and shows a collection of memorabilia of the great Indian women with a nerve of steel, the first and only women Prime Minister of India yet, Indira Gandhi. National Rail Museum is also worth your attention with a vivid display of beautiful royal coaches no longer in use.
1) Delhi Crafts Museum,
2) Shankar's International Dolls Museum,
3) Gandhi Museum,
4) Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum,
5) National Museum or Yadughar,
6) National Museum of Natural History,
7) Nehru Memorial Museum, Planetarium & Library, and
8) National Rail Museum.
Delhi Hotels & Tourism - is a flourishing industry, thanks to the rich Mughal past, the forts that have played a definitive role in history, most beautiful gardens, the tombs of the revered martyrs, whose very names make Indian swell with pride and patriotism and the tall, imposing government offices and the palatial complex of President's House that adorn the city. The roads of New Delhi are smooth and wide. The mixed bag population of this metropolitan city is known for its unique blend of traditional slow-paced lifestyles of crowded and narrow lanes of Chandani Chowk and the modern up generation of youngsters who love the freshness of gardens, chic restaurants, extensive shopping arcades and lively discotheques and bars of their city.
Excursions in Delhi
The pilgrimage site on the banks of the holy river Ganges, Haridwar, is worth visiting, if only for a dip in the sacred waters and see the complex worship rituals in the numerous shrines crowding on the river's ghats, all in one go. The suspended 'Lakshman Jhoola', the iron bridge, in Rishikesh is a joy to the children of all ages as they throng the city, which gains even more importance as it is the starting point of the Hindu pilgrimage to the four major destinations, known as 'Char Dhaam Yatra'. The cool climate of the place is more in touch with the climate of Dehradun and Mussoorie, which provides the tourists, a respite from the heat of the tropical plains.
1) Haridwar,
2) Dehradun,
3) Rishikesh, and
4) Mussoorie.
