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Delhi
City Tour
Delhi consists of two distinct parts. Old Delhi exhibits India's
history of Muslim rule. There are mosques, forts and monuments depicting
the Muslim touch. New Delhi was established as the capital by the
British. This part of the city has the government buildings and
some monuments of historical significance.
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'. This bazaar has an excellent collection of antiques, miniature paintings and skillfully crafted fake ivory jewellery. The bazaar also sells some fabulous carpets beautifully woven. Just beyond the Chhata Chowk, is the heart of the fort called Naubat Khana, or the Drum House. Musicians used to play for the emperor from the Naubat Khana, and the arrival of princes and royalty was heralded from here.
Jama Masjid -
It is the largest mosque in India. It was begun in 1644 and completed
only in 1658. There are two minarets (40m in height), four angle
towers and three gateways. Built during the rule of Emperor Shah
Jahan, the mosque is made of white marble and red stone.
Rajghat
On the banks of the Yamuna, is the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was
cremated following his assassination in 1948.
Chandni Chowk
This shopping bazaar is the main street of Old Delhi. In spite of
it being terribly crowded, irrespective of the time of the day or
night, it is frequented by Indian and foreign tourists alike.
Lotus Temple
Beautifully designed, the Baha'i House of Worship (also known as
the Lotus Temple) is built in the shape of a lotus. Its petals constructed
in concrete and faced with white marble have an extraordinary lightness.
Nine pools of water around the structure add to the illusion of
a lotus floating in water. It belongs to the Baha'i Sect and is
dedicated to the oneness of all religions. People of all faith can
come and pray in the sprawling prayer hall. The temple remains open
everyday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Jantar Mantar
This is an observatory constructed during the rule of Maharaja Jai
Singh II ( around the year 1725). There is a huge sun-dial known
as the Prince of Dials.
India Gate
This arch of triumph bears the names of several thousands of Indians
who lost their lives during first world war.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
Opposite India Gate is the official residence of the President of
India. The building exhibits Mughal as well as Western architectural
style. Surrounded by huge gardens, this was completed in 1929.
Old Fort
This fort in Delhi with its massive walls was started by Humayun
but was completed around 1540 by Sher Shah (the Afghan ruler who
had defeated Humayun).
Qutub Minar
73m in height, this tower in Delhi tapers from a diameter of 15m
to 2.5m. There are five distinct storeys, each of which has a protruding
balcony.
Lakshmi Narayan Temple
This was constructed in 1938 by the famous industrialist BD Birla.
It is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. |
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