India Tourist Trips in Delhi, India
Many Tourists to India will come to Delhi, the capital of India with its sprawling urban suburbs, home to some 16 million people. Delhi has been a focal point of Indian history, due to its location on the main north-south, east-west routes has meant that many empires have rules from here. These empires have left their structures and monuments which are scattered throughout the city today.
We will take you through one or two of the more significant places you might like to consider visiting:-
New Delhi – is well worth visiting. Perhaps after you have seen other sites during your visit. Its shear contrast, splendor has to be seen to be believed. Architect Edwin Landseer Lutyens was commissioned in 1911 to design India’s new capital, taking him 20 years. He combined Western Classicism with Indian Decorative motifs, Neo-Mughal Gardens with grand vistas. Parking is not allowed outside the Presidents residence, we suggest hiring a rickshaw and being dropped off there so you can walk back, at your own time, to India Gate.
The National Museum with some 20,000 pieces of Indian art. Particularly look out for the the Museum’s collection of Indus Valley relics and central Asian treasurers from the Silk Route which are considered to be some of the finest in the world.
Old Delhi as we know it today was originally the Mughal Capital. Built in 1638, surrounded by a rubble wall with 3 of the 14 gates surviving today. It is very much alive today with traditional traders operating from the Bazaars, which are legendary, narrow streets lined with shops that spill out onto the pavement.
The Red Fort, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 and was the seat of Mughal power until 1857. It contains the emperor’s apartments, his prayer room, sleeping chamber, sitting room and the balcony where he appeared in front of his subjects, similar to Britain’s Royal family today.
A couple of places we visited:-
Qutb Minar – contains the world’s highest single tower, the earliest building was constructed in 1193. You will find Hindu panels alongside Islamic domes, representing the fusion of the two cultures. There is a 4th century iron pillar a tribute to Indian metallurgy skills, must be one of the earliest of it type anywhere in the world.
The lotus domed Baha’i House of Worship – completed in 1986 with 27 petalled white marble lotus petals is a very distinctive building. It is surrounded by 27 acres of gardens. All are welcome to meditate here and attend the daily 15 minute services. Particularly spectacular after dark.
Delhi is also an excellent place for the India Tourist to travel to other areas of northern India.