Delhi: The capital of India
Delhi is the capital of India, having a diversified lifestyle and rich past. The present-day culture of the city is primarily influenced by its history. The metropolitan is a true reflection of the distinctiveness of India, where various religions, ethnic groups, art forms and cuisines are intertwined. The architectural diversity of the city can be witnessed through many ancient structures. The Jama Masjid exhibits Indo-Persian artworks, whereas the temples of Chattarpur and Birla Temple have a fusion of Southern and North Indian architecture. These infrastructures display the arts and crafts of Delhi and have been influenced by every region of India. Moreover, Delhi’s culinary culture also showcases a variety by offering different cuisines from the various areas of India. Although the popularity of fine dining in this city is high, the love for street food is unmatched. Some of the most famous street food dishes are chole bhature, gol gappe, kulfi and aloo paratha. Delhi is renowned not only for its local food but also for street shopping. If you wish to explore the authentic markets of the city, try the shops at Chandni Chowk, Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, Lajpath Nagar and Khan Market.
Places to visit in Delhi
If you are visiting Delhi for a trip, here is a compiled list of the best tourist places to help you create your itinerary. In this list, you will find some fantastic places to visit in the city.
- India Gate: India Gate is a famous monument and one of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi, visited by many international tourists every year. It was built to remember the soldiers who lost their lives in WW1. Every year, on the occasion of the Republic Day of India, a formal parade is held here. The tourist attraction, which is also a popular hangout place, is open for visitors for 24 hours. There is no entry ticket required to visit this site. India Gate is well-connected by road and by Metro train with all the significant parts of the city.
- Qutab Minar: Qutub Minar is a 72 m tall historic structure visited by lots of people coming for sightseeing tours in Delhi. The 5-storey minaret is built in the architectural style of Afghanistan and Iran with inscriptions and carvings on its surface. The Minar is located in the ‘Qutub Complex’, which also houses the unique Iron Pillar and the famous Tombs of Iltutmish and Imam Zamin. It is one of the world’s highest minarets with a brick structure. The place has been classified as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Lotus Temple: Lotus Temple is a famous architectural wonder made out of marble stone. The temple is named so owing to its resemblance to a lotus flower. The temple is beautifully lit at sunset, making the place look like a surreal heaven. It is one of the most peaceful places in Delhi. The temple is a place of worship for the Baha'i faith, as there is no idol present inside the temple. Lotus Temple is one of the most pleasing temples in the world, which is famous for its unique structure. As seen from a distance, it looks like a blooming lotus suspended on water. It is a sight to behold, especially during the night. The lights make the place come alive.
- Rajpath: The Rajpath is a ceremonial avenue in Delhi that runs from the Rashtrapati Bhavan on one end to the National Stadium on the other end, passing through Vijay Chowk and India Gate. Popularly referred to as 'The Royal Road', the place has beautiful gardens and rows of trees and canals on both sides. The Jamun trees and the Java plum are among the most noticeable aspects of the street, as these keep the road relatively calm during the scorching summer days.
- Chhatarpur Temple: Chhatarpur Temple is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani and is an important pilgrimage centre visited by numerous devotees throughout the year. There are many small and large temples with magnificent idols of different deities. Located in the lovely surroundings of the historical Mehrauli area, the temple was established in the year 1974. The intricate architecture of the Chhatarpur Temple is marked by an incredibly carved jaali design on marble. The temple is one of the heritage sites of Delhi.
- National Crafts Museum: The National Crafts Museum, also known as the National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum (NHHM), is a storehouse and a jubilation of hand-crafted objects. With 33,000 peculiar and classifiable art objects, out of which more than 3,000 are exhibited to visitors, the Delhi Crafts Museum is regarded as one of the largest museums in the country. The museum is located at Pragati Maidan and is under the administration of the Ministry of Textiles (India).
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Delhi Airport, also known as Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), is the city's main airport. It is situated at a distance of around 16 km from the city centre. You can easily visit your desired place by taking the available public transport, such as buses, taxis, trains, and metros. Or you can also look for more private options, such as cabs or rental vehicles. Delhi Airport provides seamless connectivity with all the major countries. It is the most active airport in India in terms of daily flight traffic, handling all the flights to Delhi and neighbouring places. T1, T2 and T3 are three terminals at the Delhi Airport. T1 and T2 are domestic terminals, and T3, the largest terminal, handles domestic and international flights. All the premium facilities, including baggage service, shops, restaurants, cafes and lounges, are available at the airport.