Delhi
India’s capital city, Delhi is the second most widely used entry point into the country, being on the route of most major airlines. It is well linked by rail, air and road to all parts of the country. The remains of seven distinctive capital cities – among them Shahjahanabad and Qutab Minar – can be seen. Here, museums, art galleries and cultural centers attract the finest exhibitions and performances from India and abroad. Shopping encompasses virtually everything that can be bought in the country; hotels range from the deluxe to the more modest. Most fascinating of all is the character of Delhi which varies from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi kings set in a sprawling park 
to ultra modern chrome and glass skyscrapers; and from imperial India’s Parliament House and the President’s Palace to the never ending bustle of the walled city surrounding Jama Masjid. Delhi also makes the ideal base for a series of short excursions to neighbouring places, all connected by road.
The capital of India, Delhi blends an historic past and a vibrant present. The Imperial city planned for the British by Lutyens is set in parks and shaded avenues. Legend has it that Delhi, then called Indraprastha, was originally founded around 1200 B.C. by the Pandavas, the august heroesof the epic Mahabharata. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities.
Summer: Max.41.2, Min.21.4
Winter: Max 33.7, Min 6.8
Languages Spoken: Hindi, English and Bengali in some parts
Best Season: September to March
How to get there
 | Air: Delhi is well connected with major cities in India by Indian Airlines. Other private Airlines like Damania Airlines, East West Airlines, City Link Airlines also connect Delhi with Kolkata (Calcutta), Mumbai (Bombay) etc. |
 | Rail: Delhi is the headquarters of the Northern Railway and is the most well connected railhead both on broad guage (New Delhi) and meter guage (Delhi Main) railway line with all of the major places in India. |
 | Road: |
Places of Interest
Moghul Monuments
Purana Quila (Old Fort), Kabuli or Khuni Darwaja, Feroz Shah Kotla,Kutub Minar, Tughlaqabad, Nizamuddin Aulia, Humayun's Tomb, Lodi's Tomb, Safdarjung's Tomb Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar and Red Fort (Son-et-lumiere show) Timings : Summer 1900 to 2000 hrs (Hindi) 2030 to 2130 hrs (English) Winter 1800 to 1900 hrs (Hindi) 1930 to 2030 hrs (English)
British Monuments
India Gate, The Secretariat Complex, Rashtrapati Bhavan & Mughal Gardens, Parliament House, Teen Murti House and Connaught Place (Son-et-lumiere show) Timings : 1800 to 1900 hrs (Hindi) 1930 to 2030 hrs (English)
Other Monuments
The Supreme Court, Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana, Vijay Ghat, Ladakh Buddha Vihara, Bahai temple, Vigyan Bhavan, Diplomatic Enclave.
Sound and Light show at Purana Quila
This historic Purana Qila, which has stood witness to Delhi’s rejuvenation, periods of anarchy, and the rise and fall of empires, is the venue for the spectacular sound and light show which brings alive the history of the capital. Amidst the tranquillity of the splendidly panoramic environs of Purana Qila select episodes from the annals of Delhi’s historic and legendary past are brought to life. The viewer is transported centuries back in time to witness Draupadi being reduced to a dasi of Hastinapur, the gallant Prithviraj Chauhan gallooping away with the beauteous Samyogita, Sher Shah Suri being blown to bits by misfired cannon, the clash of a sword weilded by the legendary Razia Sultan, Humanyun tragically tumbling down the steps of his library, Bahadur Shah Zafar surrendering to the British.
This is the story of the city of cities.... DELHI; of the site where a great empire rose and fell before the dawn of history; where citadels of emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a majestic and imperial past and whose present pulsates vibrantly with the ever flowing life force of India.
The eternal Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous 5,000-year-old history of Delhi. A history which begins with the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas and the transformation of this barren gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic haven.
A history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here - Indraprastha, Lal Kot,Qila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinapanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. But, combined and integrated into one, these `new cities’ have always been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically identified with power and imperial sway.
These and many more such episodes out of Delhi’s 5000-year-old saga can be relived during this evocative 62 minutes son et lumiere. Advanced technology has made it possible to add special effects which combine with the unique ambiance to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience.
For details about the show contact: 4629365, 4603178.
Timings of the show Hindi / English
| Sept to Oct: | 7.00 - 8.00 PM / 8.30 - 9.30 PM |
| Nov to Jan: | 6.00 - 7.00 PM / 7.30 - 8.30 PM |
| Feb to April: | 7.00 - 8.00 PM / 8.30 - 9.30 PM |
| May to Aug: | 7.30 - 8.30 PM / 9.00 - 10.00 PM |
| Ticket Rs.: | 25/- |
| Show: | Every day |
Musical Fountain at Ajmal Khan Park
Delhi Tourism’s musical fountain at Ajmal Khan Park is spread over an area of five acres and provides a refreshing getaway from the bustle of the city.
The scintillating lights synchronised with music, and the cascading water turn this complex into a quiet, haven particularly during the heat of the summer.
The musical fountain is in operation for two hours every day after sunset except on Tuesday.
Azad Hind Gram Tourist Complex at National Highway No. 10
Azad Hind Gram Tourist Complex at Tikri Kalan is a project developed by Delhi Tourism to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and to create quality leisure space and wayside amenities for the citizens.Located within two kilometers of the Delhi Haryana border on NH-10, the architecture of the project is inspired by the language of North Indian achitecture and the traditions of Indian craftsmanship.
The elaborate mosaic domes surrounding the museum and the memorial are the focus of the complex which offers the facilities of extensive plazas, an amphitheatre, tourist information centre, souvenir and garden shop, food kiosks, a restaurant, public toilets, drinking water, public telephone and convention facilities.
Dilli Haat
This Public place provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food ad cultural activity.This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine, A unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis.
It transports you to the magical world of Indian art and heritage presented through a fascinating panorama of craft, cuisine and cultural activities. The word Haat refers to a weekly market in rural, semi-urban and sometimes even urban India.While the village haat is mobile, flexible arrangement, here it is crafts persons who are mobile. The Dilli Haat boasts of nearly 200 craft stalls selling native, utilitarian and ethnic products from all over the country.
Different and appealing, Dilli Haat is located in one of the most important commercial centers of South Delhi, opposite INA market. The 6 acres of land on which this sprawling complex is situated was salvaged as part of a reclamation project and transformed into a magnificent dream plaza. Extensive foundation work, small thatched roof cottages and kiosks with a village atmosphere have made the place into an attractive multiple centers.
Dilli Haat is not just a market place; it has been visualized as a showpiece of traditional Indian culture- a forum where rural life and folk art are brought closer to an urban clientele.It is here that the crafts persons find an opportunity to demonstrate their artistic skills to thousands of visitors everyday.
Since its inauguration in the month of March 1994, Dilli Haat has been home to nearly 50,000 handicraft and handloom artisans. Besides an International Food Plaza there are 25 stalls dishing out sumptuous delicacies from different States and Union Territories; and Exhibition Hall; a Souvenir shop selling an assortment of small gift items; an assortment of small gift items; an open stage for cultural programmes and a playing area exclusively earmarked for children.
Cultural performance at the Haat- A unique experience
Take a front seat at the lively performances at Dilli Haat. The cultural Complex includes an open-air stage for cultural programmes and a children's play area.Folk theatre, music and dance add to the festive ambience of the Haat. An open-air stage, complete with an audio system and green room, provides just the right setting for entertainment. The entire area has been extensively landscaped, to provide an environment conducive to recreation and leisure.
In keeping with the overall theme, puppet shows and kite-flying demonstrations are organized. Even international troupes perform in the complex. With its free mingling crowds, the Dilli Haat is able to recreate the spirit of a meeting place.
An effort has been made to project the cultural aspects of different States of India by organizing "Festivals" every month, in collaboration with State Tourism Corporations.
Some of the regular festivals organized are:
- Spicmacay folk festival in January.
- Id festival in February.
- Jammu & Kashmir Festival in March.
- Baisaki festival in April.
- Sharbat Festival in May.
- Dilli Ka Khaana in June.
- Teej Festival in July-August.
- The Kerala Onam Festival in September.
- Ganesh Utsav in September.
- Navrathra Festival & Deep Festival in October/November.
- Winter Carnival in December.
- The Dilli Utsav in December.
The Garden of Five Senses
This unique garden is located at Said-ul-Azaib village, close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi. The 20-acre site is spectacularly beautiful, set amongst majestic rocks. The proximity to the Qutab is an advantage for the visibility of the project. The project is designed to stimulate one's sensory response to the environment. An amalgamation of colour and fragrance, textureand form evokes the awareness of touch, smell, sight, sound and taste.
An introduction to the different zones in the Garden:
Khass Bagh:
The garden is built on the lines of the Mughal Gardens. At the entrance of this formal garden, there is an exciting piece of sculpture, 'a fountain tree' cast in brass, by John Bowman. Slow moving water cascades in channels along the length of this garden, Flowering and fragrant shrubs and trees line its paths. A walk along the central axis leads to a series of fountains some which are lit up by fibreoptic lighting systems.
Colour Gardens:
Narrow pathways, made of various natural materials, snake along compositions of colour, with flowering shrubs and groundcovers that complement each other. The common lantana displays itself at its best when it is covered by multiple hues of hundreds of butterflies which depend on the plant for food.
Neel Bagh:
The meandering paths then lead you up to Neel Bagh, which is a pool of water lilies encircled by pergolas covered wit climbing plants of different colours and textures. At the center of the court is a stunning 'Wind chime' crafted by ceramist Kristene Michael. It is made up of hundreds of ceramic bells hanging overhead to catch the wind.
Courts of Specimen Plants:
Moving southwards from the Court of Lilies are a cluster of courts which feature plants whose names are commonly heard but those which are not often seen.
Some of the courts of specimens are:
- Bamboo Court
- Cacti & Succulent Court
- Tree walk
- Herb garden
- Court of palms
Tactile area:
Apart from the various texture & colour that you encounter in the materials used in the Garden the Tactile area is especially designed to stimulate the sense of touch. Whether beaten rocks with remarkable textures and colours from the banks of the river Ganga are proposed to be a focus in the Tactile area.
Solar Energy Park:
A solar energy park has been set up with the help of Ministry of Non Conventional Renewable Energy Sources. This section of the Garden is meant to bring about awareness in utilization of renewable sources of energy. It comprises of a 20 Kw. Solar power plant, which meets the requirements of running the Solar Park.
Amphitheater:
Blocks of sandstone nestled amongst the natural slope of the site serve as seating for the open-air theater. The backdrop of magnificent rocks adds to the dramatic setting.
Art Walk:
En route to the rear end of the Garden, you come along an open exhibit area for art. A colonnaded space serves as a permanent frame for suspending canvases. It is hoped that this space would also be used for holding art workshops.
Planting Design:
The planting within the Garden has been designed to keep the imagery suggested by the name Garden of Five Senses.
Parasol trees such as the local 'kikar' spread all over the site have been left intact to provide shade. Over the rocky ridge where the soil is not friendly to planting the vegetation is mostly untouched and consist mainly of the thorny 'Ber' bush. The lower parts of the site, is designed to explore the various forms, colour, texture and fragrance that can be induced by Plants. Fragrant Trees Shrubs have been planted all along the paths and various zones. Almost two hundred varieties of plants have been introduced in the project.
Works of Art:
About 25 different sculptures and murals have been commissioned for the project making it one of the largest commissions of public art in the country. The works are primarily contemporary. However a "Phad" wall painting by the Rajasthani Master craftsperson Shantilal Joshi has been made on a wall. Also remarkable terracotta pots by Master craftsperson's Angoori Devi and Giri Raj Shah have been installed. Amongest the Contemporary sculptures are works by Radhakrishnan, Enaz, Subodh Kerkar, John Bowman, Kristine Michael, Ratnabali Kant and a large number of works by young students from Delhi college of Art.
Excursions
- Badhkal Lake 32 kms
- Ballabgarh 36.8 kms
- Karnalake 132 kms
- Dabchick 92 kms
- Dasna 40 kms
- Dhanaa 41 kms
- Dharudara 70 kms
- Hindon 19.3 kms
- Hodal 90 kms
- Maur Bund 32 kms
- Okhla 11 kms
- Sardhana 24 kms
- Sohna 56 kms
- Suraj Kund 18 kms
Shopping in Delhi
The Central Cottage Emporium in Jawahar Bhavan at Janpath is undoubtedly worth a visit for anything ethnic anc chic. It has almost anything that you might desire to buy. From furniture to clothes, to shoes that are typically Indian, to small gift items that could work as souvenirs, the Cottage Emporium has it all. The quality is absolutely the best and the prices are reasonable enough. In the rustic background of the Crafts Museum at Mathura road, one can pick up great bargains on items like shawls, pottery and paintings. A shopping complex of a similar kind is to be seen in Hauz Khas. Popularly known as The Village; you can find designer labels, authentic jewelry and gift items within the complex. The Hauz Khas Village is a complete experience with its ancient buildings, designer stuff and a list of restaurants.
For those who are interested in antiques, Sundar Nagar is just the place to be in. Of course for cheaper antiques, it is Chandni Chowk. While in that area, Dariba Kalan, a narrow street, may be visited for gold and Silver. Chandni Chowk is famous for jewelry and saris, so for those who wish to get a feel of the tradition of India, Chandni Chowk is the place to visit. Chandni Chowk is also the place to buy silverware and jewellery.
Karol Bagh is yet another famous shopping complex in Delhi of similar nature. You can find a variety of Indian clothes, shoes and accessories out here as well as precious jewelry and bridal wear. What's more, this place sells automobiles and related accessories too.
For casuals, Janpath with its rows of shops, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar are the places you would like to visit. These places offer variety of novelties, gifts and handicraft items at bargain prices. Sarojini Nagar also has this rather big market of export surplus clothes. Here you will find clothes made for GAP, Van Hausen, Joe Boxer, Levis being sold for a song. All these clothes have been made in India for these designer brands and are sold just because they are surplus. Terrific bargains!
Jaya Sharan
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