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New Delhi Travel Guide
Don't let your
first impressions of Delhi stick like a sacred cow
in a traffic jam: get behind the madcap façade and
discover the inner peace of a city rich with
culture, architecture and human diversity, deep with
history and totally addictive to epicureans.
Both Old and New
Delhi exert a beguiling charm on visitors. Lose
yourself unwinding the secrets of the city's Mughal
past in the labyrinthine streets of Old Delhi before
emerging into the wide open spaces of imperial New
Delhi, with its ordered governmental vistas and
generous leafy avenues.
When To Go
Summer in Delhi
is no joke - from April the temperature climbs
relentlessly to more than 45°C (113°F) in May and
June and the heat doesn't really abate until
October. Dust storms called loo sweep in from
Rajasthan with considerable fury. The arrival of the
monsoon, at the end of June, brings intense humidity
- the murder rate usually peaks in this month.
From November to
March is the best time to visit, with cool but sunny
weather. Also, Holi, one of the most exuberant Hindu
festivals, takes place around this time, in February
or March. October sees the end of the monsoon, but
is reasonably pleasant, although the days can still
be pretty hot. Nights can be quite chilly in
December and January.
How to get
there
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Air : Delhi is well connected with
major cities in India by Indian Airlines.
Other private Airlines like Spice jet, jet
airways, Air Sahara etc. also connect Delhi
with Calcutta, Bombay etc. |
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Rail: Delhi is the headquarters of the
Northern Railway and is the most well
connected railhead both on broad guage (New
Delhi) and meter guage (Delhi Main) railway
line with all of the major places in India.
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Road: Delhi is at the intersection of
several national highways and is well
connected by regular bus services from Inter
State bus terminal (ISBT), Kashmiri Gate to: |
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Agra-203 kms |
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Khajuraho-596 kms |
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Allahabad-603 kms |
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Kulu-502 kms |
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Almora-373 kms |
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Mathura-147 kms |
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Amritsar -447 kms |
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Mussoorie-269 kms |
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Bhakra-354 kms |
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Nainital-318 kms |
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Bharatpur-190 kms |
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Shimla -343 kms |
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Calcutta-1490 kms |
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Shrinagar-376 kms |
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Chandigarh -238 kms |
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Udaipur-663 kms |
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Corbet National Park-297
kms |
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Varanasi-738 kms |
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Jaipur-258 kms |
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Temperature (°C): |
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Summer: Max.41.2, Min.21.4 |
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Languages Spoken: Hindi, English and
Bengali in some parts. |
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Best Season: September to March. |
Places of Interest
Moghul Monuments
Purana Quila (Old Fort), Kabuli or Khuni Darwaja,
Feroz Shah Kotla,Kutub Minar, Tughlaqabad,
Nizamuddin Aulia, Humayun's Tomb, Lodi's Tomb,
Safdarjung's Tomb Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar and Red
Fort (Son-et-lumiere show) Timings : Summer 1900 to
2000 hrs (Hindi) 2030 to 2130 hrs (English) Winter
1800 to 1900 hrs (Hindi) 1930 to 2030 hrs (English)
British Monuments
India Gate, The Secretariat Complex, Rashtrapati
Bhavan & Mughal Gardens, Parliament House, Teen
Murti House and Connaught Place (Son-et-lumiere
show) Timings : 1800 to 1900 hrs (Hindi) 1930 to
2030 hrs (English)
Other Monuments
The Supreme Court, Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana, Vijay Ghat,
Ladakh Buddha Vihara, Bahai temple,Vigyan Bhavan,
Diplomatic Enclave.
Sound and Light show at Purana Quila
This historic Purana Qila, which has stood witness
to Delhi’s rejuvenation, periods of anarchy, and the
rise and fall of empires, is the venue for the
spectacular sound and light show which brings alive
the history of the capital. Amidst the tranquillity
of the splendidly panoramic environs of Purana Qila
select episodes from the annals of Delhi’s historic
and legendary past are brought to life. The viewer
is transported centuries back in time to witness
Draupadi being reduced to a dasi of Hastinapur, the
gallant Prithviraj Chauhan gallooping away with the
beauteous Samyogita, Sher Shah Suri being blown to
bits by misfired cannon, the clash of a sword
weilded by the legendary Razia Sultan, Humanyun
tragically tumbling down the steps of his library,
Bahadur Shah Zafar surrendering to the British.
This is the story of the city of cities.... DELHI;
of the site where a great empire rose and fell
before the dawn of history; where citadels of
emperors appeared and disappeared; a city of
mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a
majestic and imperial past and whose present
pulsates vibrantly with the ever flowing life force
of India.
The eternal Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and
tumultuous 5,000-year-old history of Delhi. A
history which begins with the creation of
Indraprastha by the Pandavas and the transformation
of this barren gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic
haven.
A history which encompasses all the various kings
and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here -
Indraprastha, Lal Kot,Qila Rai Pithora, Siri,
Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinapanah, Delhi
Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad. But, combined and
integrated into one, these `new cities’ have always
been called Delhi and howsoever many names it may
have acquired, Delhi has always been intrinsically
identified with power and imperial sway.
These and many more such episodes out of Delhi’s
5000-year-old saga can be relived during this
evocative 62 minutes son et lumiere. Advanced
technology has made it possible to add special
effects which combine with the unique ambiance to
make this show a hauntingly unforgettable
experience.
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Timings of the show
Hindi English
Sept to Oct 7.00 - 8.00 PM 8.30 - 9.30 PM
Nov. to Jan 6.00 - 7.00 PM 7.30 - 8.30 PM
Feb. to April 7.00 - 8.00 PM 8.30 - 9.30 PM
May to Aug 7.30 - 8.30 PM 9.00 - 10.00 PM
Ticket Rs. 25/-
Show Every day
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Musical Fountain at Ajmal
Khan Park
Delhi Tourism’s musical fountain at Ajmal Khan Park is spread over
an area of five acres and provides a refreshing getaway from the
bustle of the city.
The scintillating lights synchronised with music, and the
cascading water turn this complex into a quiet, haven particularly
during the heat of the summer.
The musical fountain is in operation for two hours every day after
sunset except on Tuesday.
Azad Hind Gram Tourist Complex at National Highway No. 10
Azad Hind Gram Tourist Complex at Tikri Kalan is a project
developed by Delhi Tourism to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
and to create quality leisure space and wayside amenities for the
citizens.Located within two kilometers of the Delhi Haryana border
on NH-10, the architecture of the project is inspired by the
language of North Indian achitecture and the traditions of Indian
craftsmanship.
The elaborate mosaic domes surrounding the museum and the memorial
are the focus of the complex which offers the facilities of
extensive plazas, an amphitheatre, tourist information centre,
souvenir and garden shop, food kiosks, a restaurant, public
toilets, drinking water, public telephone and convention
facilities.
Dilli Haat
This Public place provides the ambience of a traditional Rural
Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary
needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food ad cultural
activity.This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian
culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine, A unique bazaar, in the
heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a
permanent basis.
It transports you to the magical world of Indian art and heritage
presented through a fascinating panorama of craft, cuisine and
cultural activities. The word Haat refers to a weekly market in
rural, semi-urban and sometimes even urban India.While the village
haat is mobile, flexible arrangement, here it is crafts persons
who are mobile. The Dilli Haat boasts of nearly 200 craft stalls
selling native, utilitarian and ethnic products from all over the
country.
Different and appealing, Dilli Haat is located in one of the most
important commercial centers of South Delhi, opposite INA market.
The 6 acres of land on which this sprawling complex is situated
was salvaged as part of a reclamation project and transformed into
a magnificent dream plaza. Extensive foundation work, small
thatched roof cottages and kiosks with a village atmosphere have
made the place into an attractive multiple centers.
Dilli Haat is not just a market place; it has been visualized as a
showpiece of traditional Indian culture- a forum where rural life
and folk art are brought closer to an urban clientele.It is here
that the crafts persons find an opportunity to demonstrate their
artistic skills to thousands of visitors everyday.
Since its inauguration in the month of March 1994, Dilli Haat has
been home to nearly 50,000 handicraft and handloom artisans.
Besides an International Food Plaza there are 25 stalls dishing
out sumptuous delicacies from different States and Union
Territories; and Exhibition Hall; a Souvenir shop selling an
assortment of small gift items; an assortment of small gift items;
an open stage for cultural programmes and a playing area
exclusively earmarked for children.
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Cultural performance at
the Haat- A unique experience
Take a front seat at the
lively performances at Dilli Haat. The cultural Complex includes
an open-air stage for cultural programmes and a children's play
area.Folk theatre, music and dance add to the festive ambience of
the Haat. An open-air stage, complete with an audio system and
green room, provides just the right setting for entertainment. The
entire area has been extensively landscaped, to provide an
environment conducive to recreation and leisure.
In keeping with the overall
theme, puppet shows and kite-flying demonstrations are organized.
Even international troupes perform in the complex. With its free
mingling crowds, the Dilli Haat is able to recreate the spirit of
a meeting place.
An effort has been made to
project the cultural aspects of different States of India by
organizing "Festivals" every month, in collaboration with State
Tourism Corporations.
Some of the regular festivals organized are:
-- Spicmacay folk
festival in January.
-- Id festival in February.
-- Jammu & Kashmir Festival in March.
-- Baisaki festival in April.
-- Sharbat Festival in May.
-- Dilli Ka Khaana in June.
-- Teej Festival in July-August.
-- The Kerala Onam Festival in September.
-- Ganesh Utsav in September.
-- Navrathra Festival & Deep Festival in October/November.
-- Winter Carnival in December.
-- The Dilli Utsav in December.
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The Garden of Five Senses
This unique garden is located at Said-ul-Azaib village, close
to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi. The 20-acre site is
spectacularly beautiful, set amongst majestic rocks. The proximity
to the Qutab is an advantage for the visibility of the project.
The project is designed to stimulate one's sensory response to the
environment. An amalgamation of colour and fragrance, textureand
form evokes the awareness of touch, smell, sight, sound and taste.
An introduction to the different zones in the Garden:
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Khass Bagh:
The garden is built on the lines of the Mughal Gardens. At the
entrance of this formal garden, there is an exciting piece of
sculpture, 'a fountain tree' cast in brass, by John Bowman. Slow
moving water cascades in channels along the length of this garden,
Flowering and fragrant shrubs and trees line its paths. A walk
along the central axis leads to a series of fountains some which
are lit up by fibreoptic lighting systems.
Colour Gardens:
Narrow pathways, made of various natural materials, snake along
compositions of colour, with flowering shrubs and groundcovers
that complement each other. The common lantana displays itself at
its best when it is covered by multiple hues of hundreds of
butterflies which depend on the plant for food.
Neel Bagh:
The meandering paths then lead you up to Neel Bagh, which is a
pool of water lilies encircled by pergolas covered wit climbing
plants of different colours and textures. At the center of the
court is a stunning 'Wind chime' crafted by ceramist Kristene
Michael. It is made up of hundreds of ceramic bells hanging
overhead to catch the wind.
Courts of Specimen Plants:
Moving southwards from the Court of Lilies are a cluster of courts
which feature plants whose names are commonly heard but those
which are not often seen. Some of the courts of specimens are-
Bamboo Court
Cacti & Succulent Court
Tree walk
Herb garden
Court of palms
Tactile area:
Apart from the various texture & colour that you encounter in the
materials used in the Garden the Tactile area is especially
designed to stimulate the sense of touch. Whether beaten rocks
with remarkable textures and colours from the banks of the river
Ganga are proposed to be a focus in the Tactile area.
Solar Energy Park:
A solar energy park has been set up with the help of Ministry of
Non Conventional Renewable Energy Sources. This section of the
Garden is meant to bring about awareness in utilization of
renewable sources of energy. It comprises of a 20 Kw. Solar power
plant, which meets the requirements of running the Solar Park.
Amphitheater:
Blocks of sandstone nestled amongst the natural slope of the site
serve as seating for the open-air theater. The backdrop of
magnificent rocks adds to the dramatic setting.
Art Walk:
En route to the rear end of the Garden, you come along an open
exhibit area for art. A colonnaded space serves as a permanent
frame for suspending canvases. It is hoped that this space would
also be used for holding art workshops.
Planting Design:
The planting within the Garden has been designed to keep the
imagery suggested by the name Garden of Five Senses.
Parasol trees such as the local 'kikar' spread all over the site
have been left intact to provide shade. Over the rocky ridge where
the soil is not friendly to planting the vegetation is mostly
untouched and consist mainly of the thorny 'Ber' bush. The lower
parts of the site, is designed to explore the various forms,
colour, texture and fragrance that can be induced by Plants.
Fragrant Trees Shrubs have been planted all along the paths and
various zones. Almost two hundred varieties of plants have been
introduced in the project.
Works of Art:
About 25 different sculptures and murals have been commissioned
for the project making it one of the largest commissions of public
art in the country. The works are primarily contemporary. However
a "Phad" wall painting by the Rajasthani Master craftsperson
Shantilal Joshi has been made on a wall. Also remarkable
terracotta pots by Master craftsperson's Angoori Devi and Giri Raj
Shah have been installed. Amongest the Contemporary sculptures are
works by Radhakrishnan, Enaz, Subodh Kerkar, John Bowman, Kristine
Michael, Ratnabali Kant and a large number of works by young
students from Delhi college of Art.
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Excursions
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Badhkal Lake 32 kms
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Ballabgarh 36.8 kms
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Karnalake 132 kms
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Dabchick 92 kms
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Dasna 40 kms
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Dhanaa 41 kms
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Dharudara 70 kms
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Hindon 19.3 kms
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Hodal 90 kms
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Maur Bund 32 kms
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Okhla 11 kms
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Sardhana 24 kms
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Sohna 56 kms
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Suraj Kund 18 kms
Shopping
in Delhi
If you wish to get a glimpse
of India's art & craft, a feel of the culture of the country
within the purview of the city then Delhi is the place to be in.
Delhi with it's innumerable shopping complexes is able to cater to
every individuals desire to acquire items that have the essence,
the originality of a particular region in India. Although there
are shopping complexes in almost every locality in Delhi,
Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk are the principle
shopping areas. Multiple emporia representing every state of the
country are to be seen at the famous Baba Kharak Singh Marg, near
Parliament Street. Each state emporium has a slice of the best of
its crafts under one roof at government-controlled prices.
The Central Cottage Emporium in Jawahar Bhavan at Janpath is
undoubtedly worth a visit for anything ethnic anc chic. It has
almost anything that you might desire to buy. From furniture to
clothes, to shoes that are typically Indian, to small gift items
that could work as souvenirs, the Cottage Emporium has it all. The
quality is absolutely the best and the prices are reasonable
enough. In the rustic background of the Crafts Museum at Mathura
road, one can pick up great bargains on items like shawls, pottery
and paintings. A shopping complex of a similar kind is to be seen
in Hauz Khas. Popularly known as The Village; you can find
designer labels, authentic jewelry and gift items within the
complex. The Hauz Khas Village is a complete experience with its
ancient buildings, designer stuff and a list of restaurants.
For those who are interested in antiques, Sundar Nagar is just the
place to be in. Of course for cheaper antiques, it is Chandni
Chowk. While in that area, Dariba Kalan, a narrow street, may be
visited for gold and Silver. Chandni Chowk is famous for jewelry
and saris, so for those who wish to get a feel of the tradition of
India, Chandni Chowk is the place to visit. Chandni Chowk is also
the place to buy silverware and jewellery.
Karol Bagh is yet another famous shopping complex in Delhi of
similar nature. You can find a variety of Indian clothes, shoes
and accessories out here as well as precious jewelry and bridal
wear. What's more, this place sells automobiles and related
accessories too.
For casuals, Janpath with its rows of shops, Sarojini Nagar and
Lajpat Nagar are the places you would like to visit. These places
offer variety of novelties, gifts and handicraft items at bargain
prices. Sarojini Nagar also has this rather big market of export
surplus clothes. Here you will find clothes made for GAP, Van
Hausen, Joe Boxer, Levis being sold for a song. All these clothes
have been made in India for these designer brands and are sold
just because they are surplus.
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Delhi
is the capital
of India and the third-largest city after Mumbai and Calcutta.
Delhi has not always been the capital of India but it has
played an important role in Indian history. Delhi is a relatively
easy city to find your way around in,
although it is very spread out. The section of interest
to visitors is on the west bank of the Yamuna River and
is divided basically into two parts, viz. Old
Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi is basically
the 17th century walled city of Shahjahanabad,
with city gates, narrow alleys, the enormous Red
Fort and Jama Masjid, temples, mosques,
bazaars and the famous street/area known as Chandni
Chowk. New Delhi is a planned city of wide,
tree-lined streets, parks and fountains. Its hub
is the great circle of Connaught Place and the streets that
radiate south from it. Here you will find most of
the airline offices, banks, travel agents,
the various state tourist offices, the
national tourist office, economical rest/guest
houses and several of the big hotels.