Delhi

State :

Delhi

Climate :

Delhi is a city of great climatic extremes. Summer, from April till the end of June is scorching hot with day temperatures rising beyond 45º C. Monsoon (mid June to mid September) in recent years are not too good. During the monsoons, humidity rises. November till March is winters. Temperatures fall down to about 3º C at the height of winter, with nights getting chilly.

Significance :

The National Capital

The Gateway to India :

Delhi, the capital of India, represents the perfect blend of the ancient and the contemporary India. New Delhi reflects the legacy the British left behind. Delhi's past still lives through the ancient monuments around the city. The city is divided as New Delhi and Old Delhi, representing the modern and ancient culture respectively. The walled city represents the rich history of old Delhi, where as New Delhi in contrast, is a city living up to contemporary international standards. Delhi also serves as the center for touring the internationally known tourism destinations of Agra and Jaipur.

History :

Delhi has been the cultural center of India, since ages. Its Strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as the center of their power. Today, Delhi is constituted of seven cities. In the past the nearby regions of modern Delhi saw Lalkot built in the mid-11th century, Siri bulit by Allauddin Khilji, Tughlakabad, and Ferozabad built by the Tughlaks followed by the city of the Lodis and then Shahjahanabad, capital of the Mughals under Shah Jahan.

Famous for - Being the National Capital :

Delhi is known world over for not just its legendary history and magnificent monuments, but also for being the political power house of India.

Connectivity :

• By Air - All the major national and international airlines have their flights operating from Delhi's Indira Gandhi international Airport.
• By Rail - The Indian Railway with their modern and organized network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in India. There are three important Railway Stations in Delhi namely New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazarat Nizamuddin Railway Station.
• By Road - Delhi is well connected by road to all major destinations in North India. The inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) are located at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan and Anand Vihar. Delhi Transport Corporations of the neighboring states provide frequent bus services through air conditioned, deluxe and ordinary Coaches.

Highlights of the city :

• Red Fort - Built in the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's reign, this majestic building made of red sandstone is the location from where the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation every Independence Day. The famous Republic day parade held every year at the Red fort is a major attraction. The Diwan-e-khas, and Diwan-e-am, the weaponry museum and the sound and light show at the Red Fort are must watch.
• Rashtrapati Bhawan - Situated on Raisina Hill in the center of Delhi, the president's mansion is a beautiful building just in front of the green lawns around India Gate. The exotic Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan are opened for people in the spring season.
• Parliament House - Situated in the heart of Delhi, it is the center of power in India. This elegant building has wide pillared walkways and large halls, where India's fate is decided by lawmakers and statesmen.
• Qutab Minar - Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak built this 72.5 high pillar in 1199 A.D. It is considered as a symbol of the Delhi Sultanate. The ruins of Kila Ri Pithora, the fort of Prithviraj Chauhan, and an amazing iron pillar from Gupta times which has not yet rusted, are the nearby attractions which are worth visiting.
• Baha'i Temple (Lotus Temple) - The Lotus shaped temple or the Baha'i Temple, situated in South Delhi. It is a worth watching monument built by the Baha'i community.
• Humayun's Tomb - This magnificent piece of Mughal architecture was built by Haji Begum, the senior wife of Emperor Humayun, in the mid 16th century. The tomb is surrounded by avenues of trees, watercourses and flowerbeds.
• Jantar Mantar - Jantar Mantar, an observatory about 300 years old, was used to measure the movement of the earth and the stars. It is also a place where people gather and spend some peaceful moments.

Things to Buy in Delhi :

One can buy anything from Delhi, but the best buys would be the handicraft and ethnic items from the central and state emporiums.

Shopping Areas in Delhi :

Janpath, Chandni Chowk, Sarojini nagar market, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar market, Kamala nagar market, etc.