Delhi - a Conglomerate of Seven Cities

Delhi, the capital of India is a conglomerate of seven cities that has spread out and intruded beyond the river Yamuna right up to the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Here you can see the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Jantar Mantar, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid, Purana Qila, Safdarjung Tomb, Rajpath, Rajghat, India Gate and the Shakarpur Temples.

You can also enjoy the Kite-Flying Festival held on Makar Sankranti (held during January month) on the green lawns above Palika Bazr in Connaught Place.

In the month of February, the Garden Tourism Festival is held at the Talkotara garden. The theme of the show includes on the spot painting competitions for kids, varieties of flower arrangements, cultural programmes, amusement park, magic shows, tourism pavilions of different states and martial arts show. Craftsmen from various parts of the country display and sell their artistic products.

Don’t miss the Qutub festival is organized in the month of November. It gives tourists a glimpse of the cultural grandeur of India. The cultural events are held in the Qutub Minar where veterans of Indian classical music dance and folk musicians give spectacular performances.

You can also taste the mango of India at the International Mango Festival held during July every year.

Lodi Garden

It is one of the most picturesque parks, and a favourite spot oh joggers, yoga enthusiasts and families picnic parties. The garden is known as “green lung” for the Delhi people. The 15th century tombs of the Sayeed and Lodi dynasties rested in the well-kept lawns and flower beds.

Purana Qila

The Old Fort (Hindi name “Purana Qila”) stands as an ancient site that has been continuously occupied since 1000 B.C. The Qila –i-Kuhna Mosque built in 1541 is a superbly proportioned structure with fine decorative inlay work in red and white marble and slate. To the south of the mosque is Humayun’s library, known as Sher Mandal. The ramparts of Purana Qila have three principal gateways, of which the imposing red sandstone Bara Darwaza on the western wall in the main entrance. Humayun’s Tomb can be seen from the southern gate. Just in front of the fort, there is a small lake for tourists to enjoy boating.

Humayun’s Tomb

It is the first great example of a Mughal garden tomb. Humayun, the second Mughal emperor is buried in the tomb. The beautiful light decoration is a pleasing sight for viewers.

Jama Masjid

It was built in 1656 by Emperor Shah Jahan on a natural mound. The huge 28 sq metre courtyard can accommodate up to 20, 000 people at Friday prayer sessions and at Eid.

Lotus Temple

The lotus-domed Bahai House of worship is the most innovative modern structure. It was designed by Iranian architect Fariburz Sahba and completed in 1986. The arresting shape of its unfurling 27-petalled, white marble lotus has given its more popular name, “Lotus Temple”.