NEW DELHI
India’s Heart DELHI has been a historical place for centuries together. It ha seen the rise and fall of many empires and all of these have left a strong impact on the city.
The monuments, historical places, culture and many more such creations can be seen even now in the city. I personally have always loved the city and enjoyed going there with family and many of my relatives are situated there.
It is identified as the ’Indraprastha’, the city founded by the Pandavas, in the epic Mahabharata, in the 6th century B.C.
Area:1, 483sq kms
Population:13, 782, 976 and growing every second !
Languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, English.
Airports: International-Indira Gandhi Airport
Domestic-Palam Airport.
Weather: Best time to visit is between October to February. Summer Temp 34-46 C, Winter 4-22C.
Place of Interest: museums, National Memorials, Cultural centers, Zoological park.
v Historical Importance: It silently speaks of the history of INDIA
It boasts of many wonderfully made monuments, temples, mosques, buildings, and more such creations. The history of Delhi goes on centuries back to the times of the great INDIAN epic –Mahabharata to the entry of various communities, the empires of ASOKA, CHANDRAGUPTA MAURYA, VIKRAMADITYA and the Rule of the ARYANS, then the MUGHALS and then the people who looted INDIA –the British, their entry, their unjust rule, the freedom struggle , the independence , the post-independence INDIA and the major events that have unfolded in the 55 years history of our country.
All of these have affected the city and it is rich in culture and heritage.
Some of the historical monuments to look out for are –
Ø Qutb Minar:The height of Delhi! Toruists flock this place almost everyday. Built in the early 13th century a few kilometers south of Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings.
Ø Red Fort: One of the most spectacular pieces of Mughal Architecture is the Lal Quila or the Red Fort. Built by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms. in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side. The entry to this splendid fort is from the Lahori Gate or the Chatta Chowk. Lal Quila is now a busy market place called the ’Meena Bazaar’.
Ø Humayun’s Tomb: It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra. The tomb of Begai Begum, wife of Emperor Humayun was buried here.
Ø INDIA Gate: Straight down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan is this landmark, a 42-meter high arch War memorial built in memory of innumerable soldiers who laid down their lives during the Afghan war and World Wars. A flame, Amar Jawan Jyoti, is kept perpetually alive here.
Ø Jantar Mantar: There was an ancient urban settlement in Delhi known as Indraprastha on the banks of the Yamuna which is traditionally believed to have been founded by the Pandava brothers, the mythical heroes of Mahabharata, the national epic of India.
Ø Rashtrapati Bhavan: The palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the First Citizen of India – its President. The imposing structure almost overshadows all other monuments within its vicinity. The architectural wonder is a mixture of Mughal and Western styles.
Ø Purana Qila: It is believed that this place was Indraprastha the capital city of Pandavas.
Ø Safdarjang’s Tomb: This monument built in red and brown sandstone with two storied towers in the corners is one of the last examples of the Mughal architecture, which houses the tomb of Safdarjang. This tomb is adjacent to the small Safdarjung airport. Down the road from Humayun’s Tomb lies the mausoleum of Safdarjang, the second Nawab of Avadh.
Sanctuary : Asola Wildlife
Temples and Pilgrim Centres:
Ø Lotus Temple: It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith, located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi. Shaped like a half opened Lotus flower, this temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace . Bahai’s Temple is a marvel of modern architecture, which is visible from several spots in south Delhi. The lotus flower signifies purity and peace, a representation of the Manifestation of God, to the people of India.
Ø Ladakh Vihara: I couldn’t visit this place.
Ø Chhattarpur Mandir: Located ahead of the Qutab Minar in Chhattarpur Village, this temple complex is spread over 60 acres of land. Dedicated to the Goddess Kali, complex is beautified by lawns and gardens. Special bus service is provided by Delhi Transport Corporation on Dusshera and other festivals.
Ø Ahinsa Sthal: I didn’t visit this place either!
Ø Bangla Sahib: Built in the memory of the 8th Sikh Guru Sri Harkishen Sahib, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is one of the important historical Gurdwara in Delhi.
Ø Jama Masjid: Located in the centre of the old city, this congregational mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1423. Built in yellow sandstone, it combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture, standing on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations. It is described as the most beautiful mosque in India.
Ø Birla Mandir: Overlooking the Tank Bund, in Hyderabad, this magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara offers a fantastic panoramic view of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Built entirely out of marble this magnificent structure stands atop the Kala Pahad presenting a colorful spectacular sight when illuminated at night. Also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
Others include Sis ganj, Tughlaqabad , Tibet House , The Zoological Park , Secretariat Building , Royal Baths , Raj Path , Pragati Maidan , International Dolls Museum , Alai Minar etc.!
v Also Delhi is the most happening political place in the country.Most policy decisions are taken by the politicians here .
v The HEAD of the MILITARY of the country are situated here –AIRFORCE, NAVY, ARMY. So you can well say that INDIA is ruled very much from DELHI as always is has been!
Like all GOOD THINGS IN LIFE THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING BAD ABOUT IT TOO !
v Population Explosion: Too many people , we should strictly go the china way about only 1 or 2 children .People flock from neighboring states like U.P., Bihar, Haryana, Punjab and all across the nation.
v Corruption: Although it is the Capital it is filled of corrupt bureaucrats , politicians and more!
v Pollution: No. 1 in Pollution .Understandably so , no local train like MUMBAI CITY , too many cars and trucks. THE METRO TRAIN will definitely Help!
In the END I will just say that GOOD THINGS ARE MORE THAN THE BAD SO I LOVE DELHI AND SO DO ALL INDIANS.
One thing before I forget – the people are good and the girls in particular are beautiful and excellent! Delhiites need to learn though how to respect Women, this I say because of some of the incidents that have happened over the past few years .
Also places like Karol Baug, Sarojini Nagar etc. are good for shopping.
WE as Citizens should try to Reduce the Effect of the Demerits rather then always blaming the government :0)
DILLI HAI DILWALO KI , DESH KI DHADKAN AUR JAAN BHARAT KI
JAI HIND and VANDE MATRAM .