|
|
New Delhi
New Delhi the capital of India,
is sprawled over the west bank of the River Yamuna and is one of
the fastest growing cities in India. Historically, the city has long been
the foremost in political importance with successive dynasties choosing it as
their seat of power, between the 13th and the 17th centuries. Remnants of
the glorious past survive as important monuments in different parts of the city.
The myriad of faces of the city are simply
fascinating. In some places it remains a garden city, tree lined and with
beautiful parks, but in some places it can also be crowded with heavy traffic. Turbaned
Sikhs, colourfully dressed Rajasthani and Gujarati women with their saris
flapping in the wind, Muslim shopkeepers along Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi,
Tibetans and Ladakhis in the street stalls along Janpath and Kashmiris in the
handicraft emporia around Connaught Place, all add to the cosmopolitan feel of
the city. Soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial
complexes can be seen along with the ancient historical monuments, and yes,
slums where everybody seems to be wearing a smile. Delhi’s boutiques and
shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary
crafts, from all over the country.
Old Delhi which
looks entirely different from New Delhi area is about 6 km north of the city
center. Actually, there is no place with the official name of ‘Old Delhi’.
It’s just Delhi. But, since there is a New Delhi, it’s simpler to say ‘Old
Delhi,’ when referring to the older part of the city. This part of town is
steeped in history and besides the obvious monuments of historic interest, is an
attraction in itself. The main drag is Chandni Chowk.
 Chandni Chowk of today is a far cry from what it used to be 300
years ago. The living remains of Shahjahanabad, the erstwhile city created by
the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Chandni Chowk was a fascinating market planned to
shine under the light of the moon and a special market for Mughal royals to
indulge within. Where three-and-a-half centuries ago, there was space, now there
are crowds of jostling people. Where once princes and princesses rode in
palanquins, today milkmen on cycles weave their way through pedestrians,
insistently ringing their bells. Where once there were processions with roses
– roses all the way – today there is the fragrance of roses and of attars
(perfumes) that recall the Mughal past, but there is also the tempting smell of
today's parathas (stuffed hand bread) and kabobs. Amongst the most populous
areas of New Delhi (and perhaps the world), Chandni Chowk is a place to be
explored and savoured for those who don’t fear crowds and have always been
attracted by mixed sounds and the human tapestry of colour, smell and noise. It
is an exciting place to visit for Indians and foreigners alike.
 The Red Fort stands strong on the banks of the river Yamuna as an
irregular octagon. It is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 kilometres in
circumference and is built of Red Sandstone. The Mughal king Shah Jahan (popular
for building the Taj Mahal of Agra) transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi
and the fort was completed in 1648, nine years after the king shifted to this
city. The fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate which
faces the famed Chandni Chowk market.
 Jamma Masjid, one of the architectural gifts given by Shah Jahan, is
one of the largest mosques in India. Completed in 1658 this mosque has three
gateways, four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. You can enter the mosque
and one can also climb to the top of minarets. From there you can have a
bird’s eye view of Delhi.
 Qutab Minar
is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak
immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five
distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m
diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storeys are made
of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At
the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be
built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that
it was built with material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'. A 7
m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you
can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish
will be fulfilled.
 India Gate is primarily a memorial to the Unknown Soldier. The 42
metre high structure is a war memorial in honour of the soldiers who died during
the Second World War. The imposing structure from where stretch massive lush
green lawns has an eternal flame to honour the memory of the unknown soldiers.
India Gate prominently located in the vicinity of Rastrapati Bhavan
(Presidential palace) is a major crowd puller during the hot summer evenings of
Delhi by virtue of its lush green lawns.
 Bahai House of Worship is set amidst pools and gardens, and adherents of any
faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to
their own religion. The structure is in lotus shape and is therefore often
referred to as the lotus temple. The view of the temple is very spectacular just
before dusk when the temple is flood lit.
 The Eternal Gandhi Multimedia Museum
one of the world’s
first digital multimedia museums. It is located at the site where Mahatma Gandhi
attained martyrdom. The museum presents the historical events of Gandhiji’s life
as well as a spectrum of information technology visions inspired by Gandhian
thought. In doing so, the project not only documents but also revives the values
by which India obtained freedom. It also redefines those values in order to
animate modern products and design.
 The Central Cottage Industries Emporium,
popularly known as the Cottage is a mirror setting of handicrafts and handlooms,
in the Indian art & craft scenario for over 50 years. It preserves and nurtures
the rich heritage of a culture dating back to over 5000 years, unfolding a rich
saga of breathtaking masterpieces by skilled artisans. To preserve and share
traditional craftsmanship globally, the Cottage was formed in the year 1948. It
is a breathtaking showcase of handicrafts and handlooms sourced from all over
the country from dedicated artisans famed nationally and internationally. Thus
transforming itself into an effective and efficient enterprise to present a part
of the dynamic Indian culture. Over the last 50 years, the Emporium has
attracted well-known personalities like Queen Elizabeth II of England, Queen Farah of Iran, Jacquiline Kennedy and a host of dignitaries from across the
world. Today, the Cottage and its logo “The Bankura Horse” constitute a
hallmark of tradition, quality and authenticity. It is a fair trading partner,
with an overriding motto of servicing the interests of the craftsmen and
availability of high quality product to its customers.
Our Hotel – In New Delhi we will be staying at
Surya Crown Plaza Hotel
|
|
