Delhi is a prominent tourist destination in India, not only because it is the capital city. It is an ancient city that houses many historic tombs, monuments, and unique architectural specimens. Thus, this city satisfies history-lovers and passionate travelers, with amazing tourist attractions in Old and New Delhi.
How to reach Delhi
Tourists will land in Indira Gandhi International Airport when they take international or domestic flights to reach Delhi. Several regular flights are available from different cities in India and abroad, offered by various reputed airlines. It is seen that IndiGo flight ticket price is much lower than the air tickets offered by many other airlines, as it is a low-cost airline.
People can also reach any of the five major railway stations of Delhi by train from any part of India. They may also drive cars by road to Delhi, as this city is connected by highways to different cities, like Jaipur, Agra, Dehradun, Alwar, Chandigarh, and Amritsar.
Places to visit in Delhi
Qutub Minar – This is a victory tower started by Muslim ruler Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1192 and finished by his son-in-law and successor Iltutmish. It is a huge minaret that is the most important part of the Qutb Complex in Mehrauli of New Delhi. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, due to its amazing architecture that is a combination of Islamic and South Asian styles. This 72.5-meter tall minaret made of bricks is the tallest of its kind in the world. Tourists can go up to its top by climbing the spiral staircase, which has 379 steps.
Humayun’s Tomb – This mausoleum was built in the 1560s by Emperor Akbar over the grave of his father Humayun. It also contains more than 150 graves of other members of the royal family during the Mughal reign. It was the first garden-tomb in India, built of red sandstone, with a white marble dome, over a Charbagh or four-quadrant garden. The tomb was built on a high platform of uneven octagonal shape. The interior also contains an octagonal chamber on the ground floor and also on the first floor, made identically of red sandstone with white and black stone borders. It is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its unique architectural style and historical importance.
Red Fort – This fort made of red sandstone and marble was called Lal Qila due to its red walls. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 and it was the official residence of the royal family when the capital was shifted to Delhi from Agra. It displays a combination of Persian and Indian architectural styles. Lahori Gate, Delhi Gate, Naubat Khana, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal, Moti Masjid, and Khas Mahal are some of the excellent structures of this huge fort. India was declared independent by hoisting the national flag above the Lahori Gate of this fort on the midnight of August 15, 1947. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Chandni Chowk – This is the busiest and oldest marketplace in Old Delhi. It is close to Red Fort and Old Delhi Railway Station. It was designed by Mughal princess Jahanara in the shape of a half-moon and built by her father Emperor Shah Jahan. It is also called Moonlight Square, as moonlight was reflected on the water of canals that once flowed through this market and are closed now. It comprises multiple streets that are lined by old Havelis or mansions, Katra or a residential complex of one-roomed quarters, and Kucha Mahajani or the wholesale jewelry market. Chandni Chowk is now famous as one of the largest wholesale markets in India.
India Gate – This architectural landmark was earlier known as All India War Memorial, as it was built to commemorate 90000 Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British Army during World War I. It was designed by the famous British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1917. Later, a black marble structure resembling an inverted rifle topped by a war helmet was erected before the India Gate and named Amar Jawan Jyoti, to commemorate brave Indian soldiers who died fighting Pakistani troops in 1971.
Therefore, a visit to Delhi can be highly enjoyable and make a memorable vacation for every person who wants to know the history of India during the medieval period.
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