Delhi being the metropolitan capital of India is every visitor’s first choice when it comes to touring India, a country full of rich heritage. Delhi depicts the fusion of impact of different rulers over it, basically that of Mughal and British Empire. Delhi even form the part of Golden triangle tour that is totally dedicated to showcase rich cultural heritage of ancient India.
Delhi has abundance of tourist attraction. Divided in two parts- Old Delhi and New Delhi, every nook and corner of Delhi has something extraordinary worth seeing. Taking the course of Old Delhi, it has world heritage site Red fort. Build with red sandstone by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is the main landmark of Old Delhi. It is the amalgamation of Persian, European and Indian art form, and thus a living proof of Mughal creativity which is highly rich in its form, expression and designing. One can get to know all about Mughal history in a musical way by sound and light show performed later in the evening. Inside red fort, there is Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Zenana, Moti Masjid, Rang Mahal and many other buildings describing royal residence of Mughals.
Other attraction of Old Delhi is India’s largest Mosque-Jama Masjid opposite to Red Fort. Here around 25,000 religious people can offer their prayer at a time. Being a Muslim religious place, the whole of western chamber standing on 260 pillars is being carved from Hindu and Jain tradition depicting secularism of India. One should cover themselves completely from their shoulders and legs in order to respect the sanctity of the religion.
Surrounding these two architectural works is heart of Old Delhi – The Chandni Chowk. With narrow lanes filled with crowd and twisting alleys, small markets, chandni chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets. It is extremely popular for its affordable food. One just can’t get away from tasting Ghee dipped Paranthas. Apart from Red fort and Jama Masjid, this area will let you explore some mythically carved temples such as Jain Mandir, Gauri Shankar temple, Gurudwara Sish Ganj, Central Baptist Church and Fatehpuri Masjid. The walled city of Old Delhi is a delight to tourist and gioves an overview of ancient Mughal era.
For some more insight of Mughals, move to New Delhi, away from crowded Old Delhi. Two world heritage sites namely Humayun’s Tomb and Qutab Minar are the prime attraction of New Delhi depicting creativity of Mughal art. Humayun’s Tomb is dedicated to second Mughal emperor by his wife in loving memory of her husband. Build in red sandstone, this monument inspired Shah Jahan to construct seventh Wonder of the World- the white marbled Taj Mahal, after the demise of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. It’s a mix of Islamic and Persian architecture where Humayun’s cenotaph stands alone in the main chamber but the real grave lies below in the basement. The Persian style Char Bagh Garden with a quadrilateral layout encloses the highly geometrical paradise garden and thus carries forward its own significance.
The Qutab complex in Mehrauli holds the tallest skyscraper in the world at the time of its construction. With the arching height of 72.5m, it has an awe struck view and must visit for its amazing intricate carvings of Quran Verses. It is earliest and most prominent example of indo-Islamic architecture. Apart from Tallest monument, this complex has Delhi’s first Mosque Quwwat-Ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar, Ala-i-Minar, Ala-i-Darwaza and tomb of Imam Zamin.
Other attractions are astronomical observatory Jantar Mantar by Jaipur Ruler, old fort next to Delhi zoo, memorial for martyrs India Gate, in front of that, the Parliament house, near to them is the famous temple of Lakshmi Narayan Birla and sacred heart cathedral. For more religiosity pay your homage to Lotus Temple, ISKCON temple and the latest attraction Akshardham Temple, elaborated rich red sandstone carved temple.
The New Delhi mostly depicts British era and marvelous city route planning by British architect sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in sharp contrast to narrow busy lanes of Old Delhi. By summing up all, Delhi is aptly known as capital of India for its rich historical past that act as an evidence of different rulers and their creative art work, be it Mughal or British.
