New Delhi, sometimes also called just Delhi, is one of the oldest cities still in existence in the world. Although legend says it goes back at least 5,000 years or more, archaeological findings indicate the city likely first emerged early in the 10th century or so. With this rich and plentiful history you can quickly understand why New Delhi is such a treasure trove of interesting sights and splendid attractions. |
|
The city itself is much like a giant "melting pot" for people from all over India. Because of this, most people do not directly identify with New Delhi as their "home" and do not have a great deal of interest in the unique history of the city. However, they people are friendly and welcoming to visitors and will do everything they can to make your stay both fun and interesting.
The section known as New Delhi is relatively new compared to the older sections of the city. It was built by the British when they controlled large swaths of present day India and features very broad and pleasant avenues, often lined with trees and other plant life. Regardless of whether you are in the older parts of town or the newer parts of town, the one thing every place has in common is a very large and densely packed population. Over fourteen million people live in the greater New Delhi area, with nearly twelve million of those in the city proper.
Among the many historic attractions in New Delhi, one of the most popular is the Lal Qila, or the Red Fort. It is a very large fortress dating back to the mid 1600's but unfortunately much of the original splendour is gone. Marble inlays, decorative objects, and other valuables have been stripped away over the years, leaving most of the rooms only a glimmer of what they once were. Despite this, however, the sheer size and grandeur of the Red Fort make it an imposing and awe inspiring destination. Much effort goes into maintaining the gardens and grounds, resulting in a lush landscape unrivalled by many other places. Within the Red Fort are numerous major buildings, including the Diwan-i-Am, the Diwan-i-Khas, and the Khas Mahal. It is easy to spend several hours exploring here, especially on days when the crowds are quite large.
When you venture into the southern part of Delhi, you find the amazing Qutub Complex of ancient buildings. These structures, many of which date back to the early thirteenth century, are both memorable and beautiful. Among the most popular buildings for tourists to visit are the Qutub Minar minaret, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, and the Ala-i-Darwaza. Because grounds are maintained in such lush condition, the Qutub Complex is a popular destination for picnics and general relaxation.
Another place that should be on every visitor's itinerary is the Baha'I Lotus Temple. This incredible temple is built literally in the shape of a lotus flower, complete with twenty seven petals. The interior is surprisingly sparse, but the grounds are magnificent and just looking at the detailed construction can lead to hours of enjoyment.
Air travel into and out of New Delhi is easy in that there are numerous air carriers and flights to consider, but Indira Gandhi International Airport itself is consistently ranked as one of the worst in the world in terms of facilities and overcrowding. It is not unusual during peak hours to literally be in shoulder to shoulder crowds, so whether you plan to head into the city from the airport or connect to another flight you should allow plenty of time for the process - at least three hours, according to some travel experts. Transportation into the city is notoriously expensive and can be somewhat haphazard, so the best choice is to make arrangements with your hotel prior to your arrival in New Delhi. Most major hotel chains offer some sort of pre-arranged shuttle service or the like.
Wiki:- New Delhi
|
