Delhi: City of historical marvels
Delhi is the national capital and is also referred to as the “City of Rallies” owing to its status as the epicentre of political activities. The town proudly possesses its age-old legacy and a set of nicknames given to it that encapsulate its distinctive essence. It has also played a pivotal role in the country’s democratic journey, and therefore, it houses many notable places that today are major tourist attractions of the capital. Delhi is located on the country's northern side on the river Yamuna's banks. It is primarily renowned for its culture, traditions, political activities and gastronomic scene. There are impressive historical monuments, serene and quiet parks, divine religious sites, majestic heritage spots, lively markets and buzzing entertainment zones for you to visit. Some of the most visited locations in Delhi are the Chandani Chowk, Qutub Minar and the India Gate. If Qutub Minar and India Gate are renowned destinations that narrate the city's epic history, then the bustling Chandani Chowk is known as the town's most colourful and busy market. The culinary scene of Delhi revolves around dishes from different places of the world. Besides, the city's streets are a significant part of its food culture. Some of the unique dishes from the street food include lassi, kebabs, chole bhature, jalebi, falooda and kulfi.
Places to visit in Delhi
Delhi’s tourism is one of the most sought-after attractions for travellers worldwide. From the renowned forts to happening markets along with the places apt for family outings, Delhi is said to be a place that fills the hearts and curiosity of all. So, before you start looking for flights to Delhi, here is a list of some amusing locations to explore in Delhi that you will surely enjoy.
- India Gate: India Gate is a war memorial created in the year 1931. The historic monument was built to remember the martyrs from World War I and the Afghanistan war. The monument, which is also called the All India War Memorial, is counted amongst the most significant war memorials in the country. The place looks mesmerising during the night when the lights are illuminated, which adds to the magnetic appeal of the structure.
- Rashtrapati Bhawan: Rashtrapati Bhawan, also called the President’s Palace, is the official residence of the President of India. Spread over a vast area of 200,000 sq. ft., the place possesses enormous open space along with 340 rooms and intricately manicured gardens. It is amongst one of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi. There is also a state-of-the-art Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (RBMC) that exhibits the past and current presidencies. Rashtrapati Bhawan is open for tourists on all days except on Monday and Gazetted Holidays.
- Jantar Mantar: Jantar Mantar is a sundial cum astronomical observatory located right in the heart of the city. The astronomical marvel was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II, ruler of Jaipur, in 1724. It was made to gauge and collate the astronomical charts and estimate the time by observing the movements of the sun, planets, and moon. The structure comprises 13 astronomical instruments and is 723 ft tall.
- Lodhi Garden: Lodhi Garden is a beautiful garden named after the Lodi dynasty that ruled over Delhi once. As per records, the garden dates back to the 15th century. The park has several tombs of rulers from the Lodhi dynasty, which are a beautiful example of Indo-Islamic architecture. These architectural structures offer a glance into the glorious past of the city. The garden is adorned with marvellous sculptures and artworks, including the statue of Lady Willingdon, which is an artistic masterpiece in itself.
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib: Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a religious place for the Sikh community. It is known as much for its religious significance as for its impressive architecture. The beautiful golden domes, spotless marble floors and serene Sarovar waters add to the tranquillity of the place. One of the prominent structures in Delhi, the area was once the residence of Raja Jai Singh and was known as Jaisinghpura Palace. This 17th-century shrine is dedicated to the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan.
- Garden of Five Senses: Garden of Five Senses is developed by Delhi Tourism as a public leisure space away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a theme park with numerous attractions worth seeing. This includes Khas Bagh garden, herb garden, solar energy parks and pretty pools of water lilies. The garden is spread over an area of 20 acres. Some fascinatingly majestic rocks showcase nature’s sculptural genius.
Delhi Airport (DEL)
Delhi Airport (DEL) is located at a distance of around 16 km southwest of the city centre. It is one of the major airports in the country that allows seamless connectivity to many international locations. Also called Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi’s airport is one of the most active airports in the nation in terms of air traffic and the second most active in terms of passenger traffic. The airport caters to all the international flights to Delhi. It is spread across three terminals: T1, T2 and T3. T1 and T2 are domestic terminals, and T3 handles both domestic and international flights. Indira Gandhi International Airport offers all premium facilities to visitors, including shops, cafes, lounges, baggage service, duty-free and restaurants. Some of the most convenient ways to reach the airport to the city centre or vice-versa are by taking public transportation, such as buses, trains, metros, rickshaws, taxis or rental cabs.
