Seven successive cities were built and destroyed at the site of present Delhi, over a period of 5000 years, and the varied architecture is a testimony of the city's past. You need time and patience to do justice to the rich history and explore the sandstone and marble tomes that feature on Delhi's must see list. For sightseeing it is best to go through Delhi's three distinct districts - Old Delhi, New Delhi and South Delhi.
Must Visit
Old Delhi or the city of Shahjahanabad was founded by Shahjahan and the Red Fort remains the single grandest monument of the era, stretching over two kilometres. Located at the edge of Chandni Chowk, the fort marries Islamic and Hindu styles of architecture and houses sprawling marble interiors. Don't miss the evening light and sound show.
Equally awe inspiring is the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Its immense structure holds red and white arched gateways and minarets, large courtyards and domes. This grand mosque can hold 25,000 people bending down to pray in one go.
Later, simply walk through the chaotic Chandni Chowk infested with autos, cycles, cars, scooters and even hand carts. Be on a lookout for sign-posted heritage buildings that are usually crumbling and worn, but give you a feel of this labyrinthine district.
When the crowds get to you, head towards New Delhi of wide boulevards and green avenues. Designed by Edward Lutyens in 1911, it was meant to be a symbol of the might of the British Empire. Amble down the Janpath flanked by gardens and fountains towards the Rashtrapati Bhawan, residence of the President of India. With large domes, filigreed windows and huge verandas, it is the most extravagant symbol of the Raj. To the east lies the India Gate built to commemorate soldiers who died fighting for Britain in the First World War and the Afghan War. It also honours the soldiers who died fighting for India in the Indo-Pak war of 1971 by bearing their names.
Near Connaught Place lies the Jantar Mantar, the large open air astronomical observatory built by Raja Man Sigh of Jaipur in 1725. The large sundials set in deep red stone predict accurate time, eclipses and solar-lunar calendars.
Unlike Old Delhi, it is actually the south of Delhi city that is its oldest part. Cosmopolitan and modern, there are antique forts and palaces scattered through the area. The most famous of them all is the Purana Qila, rumoured to stand where the Pandava's mythological Indraprastha once did. Built by Humayun, the fort houses impressive arches in black and white marble, gateways, pavilions and grounds. A lake outside offers boating and other activities. It was here that Humayun slipped on the steep stairways and met his end. He was buried at the Humayun's Tomb, 2 kilometres from the Purana Qila, The tomb's octagonal shape, black and white inlaid marble work and Persian style of architecture are the predecessors of later grand monuments such as the Taj Mahal. It is one of the most beautiful of all of Delhi's edifices.
From here head towards Lodhi Gardens, an utterly romantic destination with crumbling 15th and 16th century ruins nestling within undulating parks and leafy avenues. Popular with morning walkers, picnicking families and canoodling couples. The Lodhi Garden restaurant in Delhi offers delectable European cuisine and an unmatched ambience.
The Qutub Minar, lying at the periphery of South Delhi is one of the first Islamic monuments of Delhi and holds the distinction of being the tallest brick minaret in the world. An iron pillar dating from the 4th century AD is also situated in the complex.
Culminate your experience of South Delhi's monuments with a visit to the Sufi shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin. Revered throughout India, both Hindus and Muslims throng to the shrine. Do not miss the Qawwali performance here every Thursday evening. An enchanting experience.
Delhi city also has a number of interesting museums. Visit the National Museum housing artefacts as old as 5000 and the National Gallery of Modern Art showcasing the history and evolution of India's contemporary art scene. It houses paintings from the 1930's and onwards. Other places of interest include the Crafts Museum, the Doll museum, the Nehru Memorial Museum and the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum.
Must Experience...
With all its architectural glory and legendary tales, a sightseeing tour of Delhi will definitely leave you mesmerised. However, the true characteristics of a city are revealed in the day-to-day actions of its residents. Thus, to experience the true nature of Delhi, you need to indulge in common day activities and practices that reveal the existing and authentic nature of the city. Read on to know some of the things that you must-experience while in Delhi!
Rickshaw Ride Through Chandni Chowk
Delhi city offers the most joyous experiences, one of which is riding through the labyrinth that is Chandni Chowk. Take the metro to the heart of the area and then hop onto a rickshaw that will take you across the length and breadth of the market, into its tiny allies leading to a variety of shops - from tiny fashion accessories shops that claim to supply goods to the who's who of the fashion industry to famed shack like outlets that serve the most delectable street food in New Delhi! It's all here for you to enjoy and experience, so what are you waiting for? Hop on to that rickshaw and get going!
Metro Escape
If you want to experience the world class quality of Delhi city and feel proud to be part of the infrastructure boom, a ride on the metro is an absolute must. It is one of the few public transport systems in Delhi city and maybe even the country, which has remained clean and clear of the usual mess that we frequent on our trains and buses - betel leaf stains, graffiti scribbled on the walls, seats torn out and a whole lot of other things. Well, bid adieu to messy public transport systems for the Delhi Metro is here! While the network is not well laid out yet with just the North, West and Central Delhi being connected so far, the Metro is on its way to South Delhi and Gurgaon. Besides making traffic snarls a lot less regular, the Metro offers a joyous ride with a top non-cluttered view of the city and a glimpse of its still existent humane side. Hence, ride the Metro to escape the decrepit buses that are part of the public transport system in Delhi and look ahead towards a new world class New Delhi and NCR (National Capital Region).
Binging at Dilli Haat
Calling all the foodies! If it's a wide range of cuisines, snacks and beverages that you like to indulge in, Dilli Haat is the perfect place for you. From momos at the Sikkim counter to Lucknowi biryani at the Uttar Pradesh counter and from meen moilee at the Kerala counter to dal, bati, choorma at the Rajasthan counter, it's all there! Indulge in wholesome meals or sample regional snacks, take your pick and pamper your palate with savoury delicacies at this treat of a place, where you head to enjoy a variety of food in Delhi. Even for the non-epicureans, Dilli Haat is a must visit for the variety of regional artefacts and products that it has on offer. With food stalls from all states lined at one end of the bazaar and the rest a maze of stores selling regional textiles and handicrafts, Dilli Haat is the perfect cultural potpourri within New Delhi.
