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Intro | Places to see in Delhi | Temples in Delhi | Museums in Delhi | Near by Excursions of Delhi

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Delhi - the capital of India, is also its seat of power. One of India's fastest growing cities, Delhi has spread far beyond the "seven cities", created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the west bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. Remnants of the gloriouspast survive cheek - by - jowl with soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country.

Delhi has specialty restaurants to please the gourmet, sprawling parks and gardens ablaze with flowers, and in the winter months, a variety of cultural events. The myriad faces of the city are simply tantalizing, and entice the curious traveller into a fascinating journey of discovery.

Old And New Delhi :-
Delhi is divided into two parts, Old and New Delhi. The Old city is settled within the remnants of a sturdy defensive wall and spread to the west of Red Fort built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The planning of New Delhi began in 1911 under Edwin Lutyens, when the capital was moved from Kolkatta to Delhi under British rule. Meant to be an emphatic statement of the magnificence and permanence of British rule in India, the new city was inaugurated on 9th February, 1931.

Cultural Heritage :-
In Delhi the dominant religion is Hinduism, which is practiced by about 80% of the capital's population. Muslims also form a large group, constituting about 14% and other religious groups are Christians, Sikhs, and Jains. Delhi shares its borders with Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, which influence the life-styles and language of the people. Migrations from various parts of India has led to pockets of has diverse culture coming together in various parts of Delhi. The amalgamation of various cultures, traditions, religions has painted Delhi in colour which are brought from all over India.

PLACES TO SEE IN DELHI

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India Gate
India Gate is a majestic high arch, 42 meters high, built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I. Beneath it burns an eternal flame. From the base of the arch one can get a good view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Red Fort/Lal Qila
Delhi's most magnificent monument, the Red Fort, was built by Emperor Shah Jehan, in 1638 A.D. Enclosed in this glorious Fort is Diwan-i-am, the hall meant for public audiences

Qutub Minar
Spearing its way proudly into the sky, Qutub Minar with a height of 72.5 mts commands a panoramic view of the green fields extending into a sprawling city. The Qutub Minar was built as a victory memorial by the Muslims who captured Delhi. Minar is the root of the English word "minaret" meaning "Little Minar" or pillar.

TEMPLES IN DELHI

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Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India, and stands across the road from the Red Fort. Built in 1656, it is an eloquent reminder of the Mughal religious fervour. Its spacious courtyard holds thousands of the faithful who offer prayers. read more about Jama Masjid

The Bahai's House of Worship/Lotus Temple
This distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is surrounded by a landscaped garden and is a symbol of peace.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple/ Birla Mandir
Popularly known as Birla Mandir, it is a large Hindu temple built in 1938. People of all faiths can enter and worship but one must walk barefoot into the courtyard and further on.

ISKCON Temple
Built in 1998, the temple complex of ISKCON stands at Hari Krishna Hill, Sant Nagar Main Road, East of Kailash. The magnificent temple has 'Shikharas' at a height of 90-feet above the ground level. The hall of the temple is centrally air-conditioned with a capacity to accommodate about 1,500 people. read more about ISKCON Temple

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Built in the memory of the 8th Sikh Guru Sri Harkishen Sahib, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is one of the important historical Gurudwara in Delhi. The Gurdwara is located next to Gol Dak Khana, on the north of Gurdwara is Baba Kharag Singh Marg while on south is the Ashoka road, near Connaught Place.

MUSEUMS IN DELHI

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Just like the history and the monuments, the museums of Delhi will also fascinate any visitor who is curious to know what the heritage of Delhi is all about.

NEAR BY EXCURSIONS OF DELHI

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Mathura - Vrindavan
The city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 145-km south-east of Delhi and 58-km north-west of Agra.

Haridwar
Haridwar - gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttaranchal region, is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks.

Rishikesh
Set along the right bank of the Ganga, Rishikesh is a famous religious centre with a plethora of ashrams and yogic centres imparting training in meditation and physical health.

Mussoorie
Mussoorie, located some 250 miles north of Delhi, is among the most popular hill stations of India, and is called “the Queen of the hill stations”.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
One of the finest bird parks in the world, Keoladeo National Park is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well.

Corbett National Park
Corbett National Park, based at Ramnagar, 250-km northeast of Delhi and 63-km southwest of Nainital, is one of India's premier wildlife reserves.

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Intro | Places to see in Delhi | Temples in Delhi | Museums in Delhi | Near by Excursions of Delhi

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Intro | Places to see in Agra | Near by Excursions of Agra

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No tour in India can complete without paying a visit to this erstwhile Mughgal city of Agra, the home of Taj Mahal, world's most beloved monument. With its laid -back lifestyle and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, Agra is amongst the most remarkable city of the world. In terms of ambiance it is still associated with its Mughal period led by Babur, who arrived in 1526. Agra grew in prominence as almost all of India came under the rule of Mughal empire but Agra reached its zenith under the rule of Akbar,Shah Jehan and Jehangir. It was under the rule of Akbar that Agra become a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture.

A Brief History:-
Traditions ascribes the foundation of the present city of Agra to Raja Badal Singh around 1475 A.D. However the mention of "Agraban" in the Mahabharata suggests that it has been the sister Of Matura, an ancient city in the vicinity, from a very early period. Sikandar Lodi made this place his capital when the Lodis ruled North India. But according to an ancient legend, the name of Agra is derived from Agra vans of the twelve groves of Brijmandala, where teenager Lord Krishna is said to have sported with his companions. Situated on the banks of Yamuna, this town was chosen by the emperor Babar as a base for the Mughals.

PLACES TO SEE IN AGRA

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Taj Mahal
The construction of this marble masterpiece is credited to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who erected this mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife Arjumand Bano Begum; known as Mumtaz Mahal who died in A.D. 1630

Agra Fort
The construction of this marble masterpiece is credited to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who erected this mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife Arjumand Bano Begum; known as Mumtaz Mahal who died in A.D. 1630

NEAR BY EXCURSIONS OF AGRA

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Fatehpur Sikri
Like the cactus flower that for a moment adorns the desert, so was the town of Fateh Pur Sikri, having a brief span of glory and abandoned only after 15 years of its construction, due to scarcity of water in the town. But it is true that no town like Fateh Pur Sikri was ever erected before or can be erected again. This magnificent town once the capital of Mughal Empire still stands majestically, almost untouched by the passage of time.

Jama Masjid
In the close proximity of the Royal Palace is the Jami Masjid, the sacred section of the Fatehpur Sikri. Built in 1572 AD, this is one of the largest mosques of India. Inside the mosque is the vast congregational courtyard. To the right, at the corner, is the Jammat Khana hall and next to this is Zenana Rauza, the Tomb of the Royal Ladies..

Mathura - Vrindavan
The city of Mathura, in Uttar Pradesh, the nucleus of Brajbhoomi, is located at a distance of 145-km south-east of Delhi and 58-km north-west of Agra.

Varanasi
Varanasi also known as Benaras is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the banks of sacred river Ganges, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilisation for over 2,000 years. Besides being a pilgrimage centre, it is considered as an auspicious place to die, ensuring an instant route to Heaven.

More Information on Agra click here
 

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Intro | Places to see in Agra | Near by Excursions of Agra

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