India’s capital city, Delhi is the second most widely used entry point into the country, being on the route of most major airlines. It is well linked by rail, air and road to all parts of the country. The remains of seven distinctive capital cities – among them Shahjahanabad and Qutab Minar – can be seen. Here, museums, art galleries and cultural centers attract the finest exhibitions and performances from India and abroad. Shopping encompasses virtually everything that can be bought in the country; hotels range from the deluxe to the more modest.


Most fascinating of all is the character of Delhi which varies from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi kings set in a sprawling park to ultra modern chrome and glass skyscrapers; and from imperial India’s Parliament House and the President’s Palace to the never ending bustle of the walled city surrounding Jama Masjid. Delhi also makes the ideal base for a series of short excursions to neighbouring places, all connected by road. The capital of India, Delhi blends an historic past and a vibrant present.


The Imperial city planned for the British by Lutyens is set in parks and shaded avenues. Legend has it that Delhi, then called Indraprastha, was originally founded around 1200 B.C. by the Pandavas, the august heroesof the epic Mahabharata. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities.


History
Purana Qila is one of the most ancient legacies of Delhi surrounded by panoramic views and ringing with legendary past. Recently, archeological evidences of a much ancient civilization have been found around this fort that are dated to the times of Indus Valley Civilization. Shah Jahan built Red Fort later. It has some of the most gorgeous palaces that are delicate in looks and splendid in architecture. This strong citadel has been the symbol of strength and freedom in independent India. The tri-colored flag hoisted here is the pride of every Indian. Though, the Army now occupies the fort, a part of it still opened for the public. Delhi has faced the invaders that have massacred it severeal times including Nadir Shah, who is said to have looted so much wealth here that he could not carry all of it to his homeland, Abdali and Taimur Lane.


Cultural Delhi
The Indian city of New Delhi boasts of a rich cultural heritage. This varied cultural heritage of New Delhi is reflected in its art, craft, music, and dance. Delhi-- the capital of India, reflects the cultural diversity and religious unity of India. It is difficult to define the culture and religion of India. As there is a continuous inflow of people from all parts of India, the cultural diversity is very prominent.


Being an ancient city Delhi has the shadows of its past. It is said that the Delhi is losing its charm but still the glory of the past looms large its life-style. Delhi might be changing with time it has always done so but it has never shelved the past. There are discos for youngsters to swing their body through out the night, but still the Quwallies at the Nizamuddin Shrine floats in the air, the silence of the night is broken by the Prabhat ferries and the singing of Gurbani (the verses from the Granth Sahaib), the bells in the temples still tells about God being every where, the Sunday masses in Churches still attract the otherwise busy residents of India. People take a break from the hurried life during the ancient fairs and festivals like 'Phoolwalo-Ki-Sair which are still oraganised in traditional way.


Places to see

• India Gate
  It is a high-arched memorial in tribute to the soldiers martyred in the Afghan War. it has the names of all these heroic men inscribed on it. India Gate also hosts the parade of the Indian Republic Day on 26th January each year. It is a nice tourist spot too teeming with children, vendors and both Indian and Foreigner tourists.
• Red Fort
  This fascinating red sandstone fort is an example of the rich Mughal architecture. The magnificent Red Fort, which is also the venue for India's Independence Day celebrations, takes you to a journey back in time to the era of mighty Mughal ruler, Shahjahan. Red Fort is a venue to the Independence Day parade of India.
• Qutub Minar
  This 240 ft tall tower is the tallest monument in India ushered in the new Indo-Islamic style of architecture. A 7m (23ft) high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque.
• Connaught Place
  Connaught Place is the most happening place and shopping paradise in New Delhi. It is the central business district of New Delhi. It houses some of the best restaurants, discos and hotels of the city.
• Lotus Temple
  Lotus Temple, a beautiful white marble building is a place of worship for Bahai people. It is worth visiting for those in search of spiritual rejuvenation.
• Humayun's Tomb
  Its the sandstone mausoleum of Humayun, built by his widow to house the mortal remains of her dead husband.
• Jama Masjid
  Described as the most beautiful mosque in India, Jama Masjid is located in the centre of the old city, some quarter of a mile from the Red Fort. It is also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', where 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means 'Visible'. It was built by Shajahan between 1644 and 1658. For the construction of the mosque, five thousand artisans were deployed. Having three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high, it is constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.
• Birla Mandir
  Built by family of famous industrialist R.D.Birla, Laxmi Narayan Temple is the most popular Hindu temple in Delhi. It was inaugurated in 1938 by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all strata of society be allowed to offer prayers. The temple is dedicated to Laxmi and Narayana. The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with great fervor in the temple, when lakhs of devotees visit the temple.

How to reach

• By Air
  Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights to all the major cities within and outside India. Almost all the major Air Lines have their flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi.
• By Train
  The railway network connects Delhi to all the major and nearly all the minor destinations in India. The three important Railway Stations of Delhi are New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazarat Nizamuddin Railway Station.
• By Road
  Delhi is well connected by a network of roads and national highways to all the major cities in India. The three major bus stands in Delhi are Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan and Anand Vihar. Both the government and private transport providers provide frequent bus services.