Delhi, the capital of India, has been the center of political activity from time immemorial. The ancient fortress, majestic buildings and historic ruins find their modern counterpart in the tall skyscrapers and well-planned townships of New Delhi. The people here, their lifestyle and traditions are a rich and varied mixture of all that is India.
Getting There
The city is India’s main point of arrival for overseas visitors, and the major transport center for destinations in the states of Rajasthan, the Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh as well as central north India.
Most of the tourists reach Delhi by Indira Gandhi International Airport, from where there are flights to and from Delhi to most places in the world, as well as domestic flights many destinations in the country.
The city is also connected with other parts of the country by an extensive rail network.
Major Attractions
There are plenty of things to do and see in and around Delhi. The top tourist sites include the Red Fort which was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan.
Another famous attraction is Humayun’s Tomb, it was built by Humayun’s wife in 1556. This elegantly proportioned tomb, set on a platform in the middle of the garden, it is believed to have influenced the design of Taj Mahal.
Also worth seeing is Qutab Minar, built during the reign of Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199, this 72.5 m high pillar is the symbol of the Delhi Sultanate. Near it can be seen the ruins of Kila Ri Pithora and the fort of Prithviraj Chauhan.
Bahai Temple, commonly known as the Lotus Temple is a white marble structure built in the shape of a lotus, set amidst lakes and green lawns. Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and has a large courtyard, onion domes built of red sandstone and white marble in the Indo-Islamic style.
Hotels and Restaurants
Delhi has many hotels in all categories, from budget hotels to very exclusive hotels and resorts.
Delhi offers you the best food options available in India. Apart from the traditional Indian food variety; the city has various modern western and Chinese restaurants for foreign visitors.
Tourist guides
Many tourists prefer to travel to Delhi on a package tour, where tourist guides will provide information about various tourist attractions, and take you on sightseeing tours.
Having a guide is probably the best option, especially for those not used to traveling in India and the hectic and sometime very unusual lifestyles in big Indian cites. If you are not traveling on a package India tour, you can book a guide at the hotel for any time you wish. Make sure the guide comes from a reputable company. Also when you first meet the guide, be sure that you can communicate.
Be cautious of street guides, especially those who approach you unexpectedly, they may have another intention than to show you the interesting places to visit, and sometimes they will charge you far too much.
It is possible, but although not advisable, to discover Delhi on your own.
Svend is a frequent write of articles about India and has written this article about Delhi for indiatouristguide.com , that provide unforgettable holidays to India , where you will experience the authentic India and its rich heritage, culture and history.