Delhi – Center Of India’s Tourist Attractions
Delhi
is the largest metropolis in India by area and the second largest by
population. It is not only the capital of India but it also carries
enormous historical importance. There are so many attractions and places
to travel for a tourist that it may take more than a week for you to
visit all the popular tourist sites and attractions. However, the city
is modern and getting around is not very difficult. The only problem
that a foreigner may face is the overwhelming crowd in many parts of the
city; on the other hand the metropolis also offers cool and serene
retreats which are best for getting away from the hustle and bustle of
this huge capital city.
How to reach
By Air
The Indira Gandhi International Airport is one of the busiest, in terms
of the number of people present at a place at any single moment, in
India. It takes a little bit of time for a new tourist to get used to
the overcrowded airport; however it has seen some changes in the recent
months and the facilities have improved. It is advisable to avoid peak
hours (late night for international & early morning for local) for
arrival at the airport since it is extremely crowded at these times. The
airport is divided into three terminals and two are for domestic and
one for international flights
Getting out of the airport
is much easier if you have already booked a taxi using a private taxi
firm or through your hotel. Many hotels provide taxi service to tourists
so that they do not have to go through the trouble of finding transport
at the last moment. However if you plan to get out of the airport in an
ad hoc manner by a taxi then there are two options available for you.
Just near the customs clearance gate are two booths, on the either side
of the exit; one is the private taxi booth and the other is operated by
the police. The private taxi booth is advisable for people who want
comfort and air-conditioning. The one that is operated by the police is
much cheaper and is a pre-paid service. Keep the receipt with you until
you reach the destination and do not tip or pay more than the stipulated
amount.
Buses Delhi is connected to almost all
the Indian cities by buses; public as well as private, and the numerous
varieties of buses available can sometimes confuse a novice traveler.
The ISBT or the Inter State Bus Termini are the most common buses and
have more than four major terminals in the city. The Kashmere Gate ISBT
is one of the largest bus terminals in the city and buses are even
available for Nepal. Other major terminals include the Sarai Kale Khan
near Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, the Anand Vihar ISBT which is
located near the east bank of River Yamuna (also called swami
Vivekananda bus terminus). Bikaner House bus stop connects to Rajasthan
and is much cleaner and offers comfortable transport for arrival from,
and departure to Rajasthan.
Railway Rail is one
of the convenient methods of reaching Delhi and the city has two railway
stations; the Hazrat Nizamuddin and the New Delhi railway station. The
former is located a few kilometers south of the city and the latter in
the central part. Pre-paid rickshaws and taxis are available outside
both the stations. The Hazrat Nizamuddin station has trains that leave
to the southern part of India and is less crowded compared to the New
Delhi railway station. Delhi is connected to almost all the cities in
India through an extensive web of rail networks.
Getting around
Getting around the city is not very difficult as there are numerous
options including the Delhi metro that has recently started. Taxis,
buses, rickshaws, and trains are available for reaching almost any part
of the city. The Delhi metro is in its nascent stages and therefore does
not offer an extensive network throughout the city. However, Metros are
a good option if you are planning to visit the old city. It is not
advisable to travel using trains as these are inconvenient and
uncomfortable at the same time. Moreover they do not provide an
extensive network and the stations are inconveniently scattered around
the city. Buses are another option but these too are cheap albeit
overcrowded and extremely uncomfortable if you are not used to traveling
in India. Taxi cabs are another way of getting around Delhi and these
are the best option if you are on a short trip. The cost is
approximately twenty dollars or 1000 INR for twelve hours which covers
almost all city attractions. Moreover the radio cab service can be
availed of, which is modern and air-conditioned although twice as
expensive.
Attractions
Delhi has great
historical importance and has seen many Mughal as well as Indian rulers
in its courtyard. However, now the city is mostly made up of migrants
from other states and is cosmopolitan in nature.
The Red Fort
The red fort is one of the major tourist attractions and was built by
the emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. The fort has endured considerable
damage; however many places in the fort are open for tourists and are
grandiose in their splendor and design. Some of the places in the fort
are Chatta Chowk (covered bazaar) which is a place for hawkers to sell
their wares, Diwane-E-Aam (the hall of public audience), Diwan-E-Khaas
(a hall for private audience), Khas Mahal (emperor’s residence), and
Mumtaz Mahal which was the residence of the royal ladies. The Mumtaz
Mahal is now used as a museum for textiles and various handicrafts. The
Daawat Khana, roughly translated meaning Culinary House was converted to
a tea house by the British and still offers food and refreshments. The
fort also has a light and sound show in the evenings which gives a short
description of Delhi’s history using lights and short orations.
Jantar Mantar
The Jantar Mantar is a place that has thirteen architectural
astronomical devices that were built by Maharaja Jaisingh of Jaipur in
the 1700’s. Some of the instruments are designed to measure the time of
the day (accurate up to half a second) and depend on heavenly bodies
such as the sun for measuring the time. The Jantar Mantar which
literally means ‘instrument and formula’ was designed for observing and
predicting the movements of heavenly bodies. Some instruments are simple
sundials and others are more complex which help in determining the
position of stars and other celestial objects.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s tomb is one of three sites in Delhi that comes under the
UNESCO world heritage sites. The tomb itself is situated in a large red
sandstone structure that resembles the Taj Mahal itself. Some even
believe that the basic structure of the Taj Mahal was derived from this
tomb. The tomb is amidst huge well maintained gardens that flaunt a
Persian design with the quintessential Char Bagh (four corners) which
adds to its splendor. Other spots to visit here are the tomb of Iza khan
who was a court noble who built it in his own lifetime and the West
gate that is the entrance for the humungous central garden. Also visit
the south gate where you will find fewer tourists which makes it a good
spot for taking photographs.
Qutub complex The Qutub Minar
The Qutub complex houses the famous Qutub Minar which is a tower built
by Qutubuddin Aybak. The tower was one of the tallest structures in the
world when it was built (1193-1368). The structure is also surrounded by
beautiful gardens and old ruins which make it an ideal picnic and
relaxing place.
The Iron Pillar The Iron pillar,
as the name itself suggests, is a seven meter high pillar built by
Chandragupta II in 400 A.D. This pillar has puzzled many metallurgists
around the world as it still stands after 1600 years without any
significant damage.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque This
is one of the oldest mosques in the city and was the first mosque in
Delhi; now in ruins it still attracts many tourists from around India
and the world. Even today, the ruins of the mosque have exquisitely
designed engravings which were carved centuries ago.
Monuments This city is dotted with monuments that are symbols of India and carry national as well as patriotic importance.
Rajpath
Rajpath is the parade road that leads to the Rashtrapati Bhavan which
is the residence of the President of India. The India Gate is also
nearby that is a stunning view in itself at night with decorative
lighting.
Nehru House The Nehru house was the
residence of the first prime minister of India and is also known as
‘Teen Murti Bhavan’. The place is well preserved and is open to the
general populace without any fees or charges.
The India Gate
India Gate is a structure in remembrance and honour of the British
Indian Army soldiers who died in World War I and in the Afghan War.
There is also an eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti or the Immortal
Soldier. This place is dedicated to the Unknown Soldier with a rifle and
a helmet standing upright besides the flame.
Religious
Delhi was and still is one of the dynamic cities of India and is home
to many religious monuments which are tourist attractions as well as
places of worship.
Lotus Temple The Lotus Temple
is a 27 leafed concrete structure that is surrounded by gardens and
lush greenery. However, there is very little inside the temple itself
and is open all year round. There is no entry fee or charges so you can
spend an hour in the temple if you want tranquil surroundings.
Gurudwara Sis Gunj
This is a Sikh place of worship where their ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur was
beheaded on the orders of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is a stones
throw away from Jama Masjid and has a calming influence due to its
peaceful and tranquil ambience.
Jama Masjid
Opposite to the Red Fort and located in the old city this Mosque is one
of the ‘Must see’ places in Delhi. The mosque is open to anyone and
there is no entry fee; however you may be charged five to ten American
dollars to carry a camera inside the mosque. Tourists are also allowed
to climb the minaret for a better view for a small amount.
ISKCON (Hare Krishna Temple)
One of the most famous temples around the world, ISKCON is a center for
Krishna consciousness and also provides multimedia entertainment shows.
The place is also famous for the Govinda’s restaurant and offers
various delicacies among sweets.
Sacred Heart Cathedral
This is one of the biggest churches as far as structure is concerned
and is the headquarters of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese. The church is
also a ‘must visit’ location because of its stunning architecture and
design. It is located near cannought place and is very close to
Gurudwara Bangla Sahib which is also a place of worship and a tourist
attraction.
Shopping Delhi offers a vast array of
products and goods for tourists as well as local residents. The place
is full of shopping malls and bazaars that sell handicraft items and
other hand made goods. Some of the places for shopping are Cannought
place, Khan Market, Palika Bazaar, Paharganj Market, Janpath and
Chandani Chowk. All types of products from antiques to branded modern
goods can be procured in these Bazaars
Handicrafts
Delhi is famous for its handicrafts since many people from nearby
places come here to sell their fine art to foreigners and Indians alike.
Some of the best places to find handicrafts are Cottage Emporium at
Cannought place, the State Emporium at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and Delhi
Haat. Delhi Haat is a place where many fairs are conducted and crafts
can be bought at a bargain price if you are ready to spend time and
energy. The fairs provide an opportunity for artists to directly sell
their goods to customers in order to cut out the middleman and are
beneficial to all the parties.
Hotels As the city
is the capital of India there are a plethora of hotels available in the
city from small lodges to luxurious suites in five star hotels. Some of
the better places to unwind and relax are the Taj Mahal [1, Mansingh
Road], The Taj Palace [Sardar Patel Marg], Le Meridian [Windsor palace],
and The Ashok [50-b Chanakyapuri]. These are all luxurious hotels;
however some of the mid range hotels include the Cabana hotel [Greater
Kailash 1], Hotel Ashiana [50 Ara Kashan Road, Ram Nagar], Delhi
Homestay [near the Airport], and India Luxury Homes [S 504 Greater
Kailash I]. There are cheaper hotels compared to these but are not
recommended for families and foreigners as they are usually dirty and
unhygienic. Avoid staying at a lodge or a small hotel if you are
visiting with your family or are visiting India for the first time.
Restaurants
Delhi is the epitome of Indian culinary delights and is abundant with
all types of Indian as well as continental cuisines and recipes. From
the traditional Chaat and Golgappe that are sold by street vendors to
the palatable luxurious desserts of the five star hotels, these
delicacies are made to stun and mesmerize you with their uniqueness and
taste. For continental delicacies, the best places to visit are the Taj
Hotel and The Oberoi. Both are five star hotels that offer authentic
continental food. If you are in search of local restaurants that can
give you a taste of the neighborhood flavor then the Bukhaara [Maurya
Shereton] and Punjabi By Nature [11 Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar] are a
couple of restaurants that are apt for foreigners and people with
disposable income. Other quality restaurants that are less costly are
Karim’s [Jama Masjid, Gali Kababian] and the Club India Café [4797,
Second Floor, 6 Tooti Chowk].
Other places of interest
Delhi is located in such a manner that it is easy to get away from the
maddening crowd to other places that offer peace and tranquility. Some
of the locations that are not more than a day’s journey from Delhi are
Jim Corbett National park, Nainital, Rishikesh, Shimla, and Bharatpur
Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in Rajasthan. These places are
comparatively less crowded and provide nature’s splendor and peaceful
surroundings. However most of the national parks are meant for people
who are ready to spend a little more and are best visited during the
off-season.
ಜನಪದರ
ಬಾಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮುತ್ತು ಪೋಣಿಸುವ ಊರಾಗಿ ಚಾಲ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ರಾಯಚೂರು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಮುದಗಲ್ಲ
ಕೋಟೆಯನ್ನು ನೀವು ನೋಡಿಲ್ಲವಾದರೆ ಒಮ್ಮೆ ನೋಡಬೇಕು. ಕೋಟೆ ನೋಡಲು ಇಡೀ ಒಂದು ದಿನ
ಬೇಕಾದೀತು.
ಫತೇ
ದರ್ವಾಜ (ವಿಜಯದ ಬಾಗಿಲು) ಮತ್ತು ಕಾಟೇದರ್ವಾಜ (ಮುಳ್ಳಗಸಿ ಬಾಗಿಲು)ಗಳೆಂಬ ಎರಡು
ದೊಡ್ಡ ಬಾಗಿಲುಗಳು ಈ ಕೋಟೆಗಿದ್ದು ಮುಳ್ಳಗಸಿ ಬಾಗಿಲ ರಚನೆ ಅದ್ಭುತವಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ಬಾಗಿಲಿನ
ಎರಡೂ ಕದಗಳ ಮೇಲೆ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಚೂಪಾದ ಉಕ್ಕಿನ ಮೊಳೆಗಳಿವೆ. ಶತ್ರುಗಳು ಬಾಗಿಲು ತೆಗೆಯಲು
ಆನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಬಳಸಿದರೆ ಮುಳ್ಳುಗಳು ಆನೆ ತಲೆಗೆ ಚುಚ್ಚುವಂತೆ ಈ ರಚನೆಗಳಿವೆ.
ಸೂಕ್ತ
ದೇಖರೇಖಿಯಿಲ್ಲದೆ ನಾಶದಂಚಿಗೆ ತಲುಪಿರುವ ಈ ಬೃಹತ್ ಕೋಟೆಯ ಮೇಲ್ಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಮುಳ್ಳಿನ
ಗಿಡಗಳು ಬೆಳೆದುನಿಂತಿವೆ. ಕೋಟೆಯ ಗೋಡೆ ಅಲ್ಲಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಸಿದು ಶಿಥಿಲಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ಮುಳ್ಳಗಸಿಯ
ಬಾಗಿಲು ಕಿತ್ತುಹೋಗಿದ್ದರೆ ಬುರುಜುಗಳು ನೆಲಕ್ಕುರುಳಿವೆ. ಹೊಕ್ರಾಣಿ ಪಾಳು ಬಿದ್ದಿದೆ.
ಕೋಟೆ ಆವರಣ ಬಯಲು ಶೌಚಾಲಯವಾಗಿದೆ. ಹೊರಭಾಗದ ಕಂದಕಗಳು ತಿಪ್ಪೆಗಳಾಗಿ ಕ್ರಮೇಣ
ಮುಚ್ಚಿಹೋಗುವ ಅಪಾಯದಲ್ಲಿವೆ.
