The official name for the National Capital Territory is Delhi, which is also known as 'Dilli' in Hindi (NCT). The NCT contains New Delhi, India's capital and the country's second-most populated metropolis after Mumbai. The narrow, twisting streets and bylanes of old Delhi represent the past Mughal reign. Old Delhi is home to Chandni Chowk, one of the country's oldest and busiest markets.
During the British administration, the layout of Delhi was also impacted by them. Delhi enthrals visitors with its amazing combination of history, culture, food, street life, and business. You'll be overwhelmed by the bustle at first, but as the city's layers are lifted up, you'll discover Delhi in true sense.
With everything from ancient sites to packed commercial malls, a vast network of modern metro systems, and the Delhi University campus, Dilli is renowned as the city with a heart. Like its history, Delhi's society is highly diversified. Delhi's eating habits have been impacted by Mughlai foods, as it is the cradle of Mughlai cuisines. Traditional Indian cuisine, on the other hand, is widely available.
Many great empires have risen and fallen in Delhi, and the monuments and streets that have been traversed and populated by great warriors for decades bear witness to their rise and fall. Delhi is a history and design lover's ideal trip, as it is peppered with many mesmerising architectures.
Delhi residents like eating, and visitors will be spoiled for choice among the myriad dishes available on every street corner. Delhi is a melting pot of ethnicities, and the city's culinary palette reflects this, with kebabs and tikkas, as well as Chhole Bhature.
Delhi has a humid subtropical climate. The summers are long and hot and dry, while the winters are freezing. If you are mesmerised by the beauty of the city, visiting Delhi in any weather is not an issue; nonetheless, winters are the finest time to explore the city.
The Red Fort is a symbol of India's Mughal period and serves as the face of the city's tourism attractions. It is a Mughal architectural marvel made of red sandstone that was completed in 1638 and is one of Delhi's most prominent tourist attractions. The Fort was built when Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan moved his capital to Delhi, and it will enchant you. In 2007, UNESCO listed this fort as a World Heritage Site.
This beautiful five-story tower rises over 70 metres and is adorned with elaborate carvings illustrating Qutub's history as well as Quranic inscriptions. It's also famous for being composed of a diversity of stone types (the first three stories are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth stories were built with marble and sandstone). The Qutub Minar, India's tallest minaret and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed in the 12th century and attracts many foreign tourists who want to climb to the top for the amazing views over the city.
If the Taj Mahal in Agra reminds you of Humayun's Tomb, that's because it was the model for the Taj Mahal's construction. Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, is buried in this tomb, which was built in 1570. It was the first building in India in this style of Mughal architecture, and the Mughal kings continued to construct throughout the region.
It is a well-known Sikh Gurudwara in Delhi, India, recognised for its connection to Guru Har Kishan, the eighth Sikh Guru. It was established as a tiny temple in 1783 by Sikh General Sardar Bhagel Singh, who was supervising the construction of nine other Sikh shrines in Delhi at the time. It used to be a centre of prayer for Sikhs, but it is now a popular pilgrimage destination and tourist attraction.
Rashtrapati Bhawan comprises four levels and 340 rooms on a floor area of 200,000 square feet, with a big presidential lawn (Mughal Gardens), large open areas, houses for bodyguards and employees, stables, various offices and facilities within its perimeter walls. The world's largest mansion for any head of state is this beautiful architectural masterpiece. The building's architecture is inspired by Sir Edwin Lutyens' Edwardian Baroque style.
It is on the list of sites to visit in Delhi since it is one of the city's most old grandeurs. The quila is one of India's most important cultural formations, and Delhi tourism promotes it. It is rectangular in shape and covers a 2-kilometer circuit. Two unique attractions make it one of the top locations to visit in Delhi: boating on the adjacent lake and a night time sound and light display.
India Gate honours the sacrifice of 70,000 Indian soldiers who perished fighting against a foreign army during World War I. The perpetual Amar Jawan Jyoti or Flame of the Immortal Soldier, which was later added to honour Indian soldiers who perished in the Indo-Pak War, was created by Edwin Lutyens. The structure is surrounded by lovely grass and is built on a Bharatpur stone base.
This Jantar Mantar was created by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur to collect astronomical tables and forecast the movement and timings of the sun, moon, and planets. The Samrat Yantra, Jai Prakash, Ram Yantra, and Misra Yantra are the principal instruments kept in the observatory. A temple dedicated to Bhairava can be found nearby.
This is a relatively new attraction, having been created by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha spiritual organisation and opened in 2005. The goal is to promote Indian culture. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated the Akshardham Temple in 2005. It is one of the most sacred spots in Delhi. Traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture are featured at this complex on the banks of the Yamuna River in eastern Delhi. There are 234 beautiful walls, nine domes, and 20,000 sadhus, devotees, and acharyas murtis within its boundaries.
Lotus Temple is a Bahai House of Worship dedicated to human peace with a unique architectural design. The lotus flower was the inspiration for the temple, which has 27 free-standing marble-clad petals and is flanked by lush gardens and a pond. It can hold around 34 tonnes at a height of nearly 34 metres.
The largest mosque in India, the 'Masjid-I Jahan-Numa' or Jama Masjid in Delhi, was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Jama Masjid is surrounded by exquisite Mughal structures and is located in the older portion of Delhi, currently known as Chandni Chowk. It needed a massive building budget of one million rupees, five thousand people, and six years to finish (1650-1656). To get to the entrance, one must climb 121 stairs, which in the evening are lined with food and bookstalls. The colossal central dome is a stunning piece of Islamic architecture. Thousands of pilgrims visit the mosque every year on the holy day of Eid to offer special Namaz in the morning. Jama Masjid has a courtyard capacity of 25,000 people and is around 1200 square metres in size, with three gateways, four towers, and two forty-meter-high minarets.
An oasis in the midst of the rush and activity of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk market, Sheeshganj Gurudwara is a prominent location of Sikh prayer. Like any other gurudwara, this one, throbbing all day with devotees and guests, gives free meals to all.
This is a 200-acre archaeological park next to the Qutub Minar Complex. Balban's Tomb, Madhi Masjid, Quli Khan's Tomb, and Rajon Ki Baoli are among the park's roughly 100 archaeologically significant sites. You could easily spend an entire day here exploring monuments if you are interested in archaeology.
It is a quiet area near Delhi that is much more stunning during the rainy season. It's one of the best spots in Delhi for birdwatchers and environment enthusiasts, especially during the rainy season, because it's located in the Okhla barrage, which spans the Yamuna River.
The Waste to Wonder Park is one of Delhi's newest attractions. The seven wonders of the world have been rebuilt utilising waste materials such as household and industrial garbage in this 7-acre amusement park. The park is a unique site to visit because it is entirely powered by renewable energy sources.
The National Museum of India is one of Delhi's most important museums. The museum's principal exhibitions are vivid collections of Indian and foreign art. Several sections are offered, including manuscripts, archaeology, drawings, weapons and armour, and others.
The Hauz Khas Complex is a unique urban village located just south of New Delhi. In addition to its numerous antique stone structures, the entire village is littered with domed graves of lesser Muslim rulers who were laid to rest here from the 14th to 16th century. The remnants of an ancient college, as well as the tomb of Firoz Shah, the 14th-century monarch of Delhi, and a mosque, are among the other attractions.
The Agrasen ki Baoli is a protected monument near Connaught Place. The Agrawal Gang is claimed to have built this 108-step deep stepwell in the 14th century. It's easy to lose an hour appreciating the architectural marvels here.
Tughlaqabad Fort- is more than 6 kilometres long and was created by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. He founded the famous city of Delhi in 1327, which was afterwards abandoned. The fort was a large stone building with strong walls rising to around 10-15 metres in height and battlement parapets and bastions on top. The fort city of Tughlaqabad formerly had 52 gates, but only 13 exist now.
As part of its objective to present an exceptional world of art to its tourists, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi maintains paintings and other artistic works dating back to the 1850s. It is home to a collection of almost 14,000 works of art.
Sultan Feroz Shah Kotla designed the historic monument in order to shape the city into his ideal of Firozabad. The fortification is a sight to behold, with its polished sandstone Topra Ashokan pillar standing tall inside. It was one of the several pillars built by the Mauryan Emperor that still stands today. In addition to the pillar, there is the Jami Masjid and a baoli.
Laxminarayan, commonly known as Lord Vishnu, is honoured at the Birla Mandir in Delhi, which was completed in 1939. On the outskirts of the city, there are temples dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, and Buddha. The 7.5-acre temple is surrounded by shrines, fountains, a large garden with Hindu and nationalistic sculptures, and a Geeta Bhavan for discussions.
During the late 1940s, Safdarjung served as the Nawab of Oudh and Prime Minister of the Mughal Empire. After the Nawab's death in 1754, the Safdarjung Tomb was built out of sandstone and marble. A huge podium and well-kept grounds surround the central Mausoleum.
Mahatma Gandhi was killed on January 30, 1948, and a visit to Gandhi Smriti will show you the exact place. Before succumbing to his illness, he resided in the residence for 144 days. A number of images, sculptures, sketches, and inscriptions are also on show. You can also pay a visit to his memorial at Raj Ghat.
Anyone visiting Delhi should pay a visit to Shankar's International Dolls Museum in New Delhi. The doll museum was conceived by K Shankar Pillai, a well-known cartoonist. Exclusive costume dolls from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia are on display at the museum. The number of dolls collected has increased from 3000 to 6500, with contributions from over 85 nations.
This one-of-a-kind museum houses toilet-related artefacts dating back to 2,500 BC, as well as exhibits depicting historical patterns and displays that highlight the history of the toilet and its various designs. The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets examines sanitation and its relationship to societal transformation in great detail.
The National Rail Museum in Delhi is an essential element of India's cultural history. It is located in Chanakyapuri and is dedicated to India's rail history. On February 1, 1977, it first opened its doors. Aside from the toy train, there are a variety of other fun things to see, such as a 1:8 scale trail, a Diesel simulator, and a miniature train.
Sayyidis and Lodhis established the Lodhi Gardens. An historic watercourse connects the Yamuna River and the Tomb of Sikandar Lodi. The park dates from the 15th century and hence represents the pinnacle of architectural splendour. Before becoming Lodhi Garden, the park was known as Lady Willington Park. The park has the tombs of Mohammed Sha, Sikandar Lodhi, Shisha Gumbad, and Bara Gumbad.
It is a renowned tourist site in Delhi, popularly known as Nizamuddin Dargah. Hazrat Khwaja Syed Nizamuddin Auliya, a renowned Sufi saint who lived from 1238 to 1325, is buried here. The compound also has the tombs of poet Hazrat Amir Khusro and Mughal princess Jehan Ara Begum, as well as Inayat Khan's mausoleum in the corner.
The National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, formally known as the Crafts Museum in New Delhi, shows a wide range of traditional Indian crafts. One of the museum's many unique attractions is the ability to observe highly trained craftspeople demonstrate their centuries-old abilities, as well as enormous collections of textiles, woodwork, and ceramics.
As the country's capital, it serves as the epicentre of politics, setting the way for the people's global lifestyle. The beliefs and habits of Delhites are a mix of modern and traditional.
The most popular religion is Hinduism, which is followed by Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity. No matter how many religious groups are present in Delhi, there is peace among them. For Delhiites, temples, mosques, temples, and gurudwaras coexist and create a unified society (colloquial term for people of Delhi).
Language's significance in New Delhi's culture and tradition cannot be overstated. Hindi is the official language of New Delhi. English is used for official purposes because many foreigners visit Delhi for business and tourism. Hindi and Punjabi are the most widely spoken languages among Delhiites (as the citizens of Delhi are known). Urdu is also spoken by a vast number of individuals.
Delhi's traditional clothing depict unity in diversity, as the city's population is made up of ethnic groups from all across the country. The salwar kameez is the traditional garment of ladies in Delhi. Women in Delhi also wear Ghagra Cholis and Sarees, two more traditional costumes. Western wear is also very popular here.
Men in Delhi wear Sherwanis, Kurta-Pyjamas, and various regional garments as traditional attire. In Delhi, men wear jeans and formal suits, as well as western attire.
Despite the fact that architecture is not often associated with the arts and crafts movement, it is crucial to understand the country's architectural diversity. Indo-Persian artworks may be seen in many historic buildings, including Jama Masjid and others. The Chattarpur and Birla temples, for example, are a combination of southern temple design and ancient North Indian architecture. These fusions show how Delhi's art and crafts have been affected by people from all over India, as well as invaders from other countries.
When it comes to art and craft, wooden toys, ceramics, sculpture, kite building, and polishing work are still quite popular in Delhi. Another well-known technique is Meenakari work, which involves embossing coloured paint on gold and silver jewellery. Lacquer work is an art form that includes applying lacquer to a surface.
Dance and music are two of the most popular performing arts genres. Some of the most popular traditional dance genres in Delhi are Kathak, folk dance, Bhangra, and even Bharatanatyam. In Delhi, you may hear Carnatic, Hindustani, ghazal, and other genres of music. In the neighbourhood, there are numerous auditoriums and concerts that are well-attended. There are various clubs and discos where you may dance the night away.
Fairs and Festivals of Delhi:
Throughout the year, Delhi, as a tiny India, celebrates a number of religious holidays. All of these activities brought the people of Delhi together on a single platform. Festivals are celebrated with energy and zest in Delhi.
Here are a few of the most important:
There are no authentic Delhi meals to be found. This is due to the lack of a distinguishing identity in the city. With the passage of time, individuals from all across India came to Delhi and settled, creating a diversified population. As a result, even the traditional food of New Delhi lacks uniqueness. South Indian, Punjabi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, and other regional cuisines are all represented. However, there are a few meals that are really well-known in this city and are well worth trying.
The following foods are worth trying:
Shopping in Delhi is a delight, thanks to the city's well-developed retail culture, which stems from the population's passion in fashion and culture. No trip to the country's capital is complete without bringing home a piece of the city as a souvenir or gift for friends and family.
By Air – Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is well connected to cities throughout India and the rest of the world. On a daily basis, flights to Delhi are available from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Goa, Kolkata, Guwahati, and other domestic and international destinations.
By Railway – The Northern Railways headquarters are located in Delhi, which is one of India's most important railway junctions. Some of the key stations from which travellers can travel on a number of routes include Nizamuddin Railway Station, Anand Vihar Railway Terminal, New Delhi Railway Station, and Sarai Rohilla Railway Station. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) operates metro lines that connect major portions of the city, as well as the nearby cities of Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
By Road – The National Highways 8 and 2 connect Delhi to a multitude of towns and cities. The primary bus stations in Delhi are the Interstate Bus Terminals at Kashmiri Gate, Anand Vihar, and Sarai Kale Khan. Bus service from and to various regions of the region is practically constant, offered by both the government and private transportation firms. A private cab can be booked for longer journeys.
