Delhi is a city that bridges two different
worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth
of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable
mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created
by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues
and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of
power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium.
Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt
here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual
role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the
seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich
and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture
- from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to present day's writers
- have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover
that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient
monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural
wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating
places and bustling markets.
Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity
in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of
the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their
capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically
located in today's Delhi.
India Gate is a memorial raised in honor of
the Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan wars and World
War I.The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed
on the walls. The cenotaph (or shrine) in the middle is constructed
with black marble and depicts a rifle placed on its barrel,
crested by a soldier's helmet. Each face of the cenotaph has
inscribed in gold the words Amar Jawan (in Hindi, meaning Immortal
Warrior). The green lawns at India Gate are a popular evening
and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. Every year the
Republic day celebrations are made in Delhi. The army men and
other citizens of India who are awarded or who participate in
the celebration walk through the Rajpat.

The decision for constructing the
Red Fort was
made in 1639, when Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from
Agra to Delhi. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed
with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel) - Delhi's
first fort - ready in all its magnificence {{|date=August 2008}}
to receive the Emperor. Though much has changed with the large-scale
demolitions during the British occupation of the fort, its important
structures have survived.On every independence day the Flag
of India is hoisted by the Prime Minister of India here.
Qutub Minar: Qutub Minar is an excellent example
of Afghan Architecture. The Minar is 72.5mts high victory tower,
the construction of which began in the final year of twelth
century by Qutubuddin Aibak and was later completed by his successor.
It has been given World Heritage Site status.
Lotus Temple: Situated atop the Kalkaji Hill.
It is also known as "The Lotus Temple" due to its distinctive
lotus shaped design in Marble. It was built in 1987 by the followers
of Bahai faith. The temple signifies the purity and equality
of all religions.
Akshardham Temple: The Akshardham Temple is
a massive temple complex in Delhi. It has got 20,000 statues,
floral motifs, and arches as well as exquisitely carved pillars.
The Akshardham Temple in Delhi was constructed under the patronage
of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
and initiated on November 7, 2005. The temple complex represents
an unique blend of the Hindu religion and Indian culture.
Gandhi Smiriti:The Memorial consists of: (a)
Visual Aspects to perpetuate the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and
the noble ideals he represented, (b) Educative Aspects to focus
concentrated attention on certain values of life that made Gandhi
a Mahatma, and (c) Service Aspects to introduce activities in
order to sub serve certain felt needs.On display in the Museum are photographs, sculptures, paintings,
frescos, inscriptions on rocks and relics pertaining to the
years Mahatma Gandhi spent here. The meagre personal effects
of Gandhi Ji too are carefully preserved.