Population: Approx 12 million
Climate: Delhi is a climate of extremes. The summer lasts from mid-March to the end of June, with average maximum and minimum temperatures of 36° C and 25° C respectively. The monsoons follow the hot summer, continuing till the end of September with an average rainfall of about 26 inches. The winter extends from late November to mid-February. The coldest month is January, when both the maximum and minimum temperatures are at their lowest, 21° C and 7° C respectively.
Main Language(s): Hindi and English
Time Zone: GMT + 05:30
Phone Area Code: 011
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Airport Distance from City Center: 16 kms Taxi Rates from Airport to City: Coach Services available at Rs. 10 per person between Domestic and International. Coach service available at Rs. 20 per person to city centre. Pre-paid taxi service available from Domestic airport
Red Fort Also called the Lal Qila, the Red Fort is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. It is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 kms in circumference and is built of red sandstone. The Mughal ruler Shah Jahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and after nine years, the fort was completed in 1648. The fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate. Rashtrapati Bhavan Formerly the Vice-Regal Palace, it is the official residence of the President of India. This 340-room palace and its gardens cover an area of 330 acres. Special permission has to be obtained in advance to visit the Rashtrapathi Bhavan. Jama Masjid Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India was built by Shah Jahan. The Masjid overlooks the old markets of the city that are massed around Chandni Chowk and stretches till the great Red Fort. Walking through this area can prove to be a trip down the times, where the flavor of old Mughal charm still lingers. Qutub Minar The emblem of Delhi, the 72.55 meter high Qutab Minar was erected in the 13th century by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak. Within the complex is an Iron pillar, which has never rusted. This five-storied tower is visible from a distance of several kilometers. Which means that you could be visiting a lot of places in Delhi and the Qutub Minar stays with you. Rajpath Rajpath is worth a visit. Every January 26, the grand Republic Day Parade is held there. At one end, is the India Gate where the eternal flame burns to commemorate India's war heroes. At the other end is the Presidential Palace, the Rashtrapati Bhavan. On some days in early spring, visitors are allowed to wander around the building's famed Mughal Gardens. Diwan-i-am The hall of Public audiences is where the Emperor listened to the grievances of his subjects, settled disputes and generally dispensed justice. Diwan-i- khas The hall of Private audiences, a structure of white marble, is where the Emperor held private meetings and met dignitaries. The famous peacock throne, studded with precious stones, was in this hall before Nadir Shah carted it away to Iran. Jantar Mantar Jantar Mantar is an observatory. About 300 years old, it can measure the movement of the earth and the stars. It is also a very peaceful park in the centre of town. India Gate This massive 42m tall structure was built as a memorial to the 90,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The structure has the names of the soldiers engraved on it. An eternal flame burns here in commemoration of the brave soldiers. Lodi Gardens These beautiful gardens have majestic domed tombs of many Sayyid and Lodi Sultans. The well-kept gardens with fountains, ponds, flowering trees, blossoming shrubs and bushes are ideal places for joggers and those who seek solitude. Humayun's Tomb Haji Begum, the senior wife of Emperor Humayun built this mausoleum in the mid 16th century. The tomb is situated amidst avenues of trees, watercourses and flowerbeds. A magnificent example of refined early Mughal architecture, the structure harmoniously blends with nature. Purana Qila This is the sixth city of Delhi. Located south-east of India Gate, it is one of the most prominent monuments in Delhi. Humayun started the fort's construction but Sher Shah, who drove him out from Delhi, completed the city during his own reign (1538-1545). The massive walls and huge gates were constructed by Humayun. The octagonal Shermandal and the Quila-i-Kuhran Masjid were built by Sher Shah. Connaught Place Connaught Place is an upmarket shopping area designed by Edwin Lutyens who also designed the whole of New Delhi.
Delhi has an amazing array of places to eat, right from dhabas to 5-star restaurants. You will sample some of the finest food, standing and eating at the Indian-style fast food restaurants. Salad bars and places offering snacky meals are aplenty in the city. If this is your first visit, you must sample the staple fare, paranthas. This wheat dish comes with a variety of mouth-watering stuffings. Whatever your palate, there are places that cater to it. Cafe 100 B Block Connaught Place New Delhi Kovil E Block Connaught Place New Delhi The Host F Block Connaught Place New Delhi Metropolis Restaurant Near Rajguru Road New Delhi Tandoor Asif Ali Road New Delhi Moti Mahal restaurant Netaji Subhash Marg Daryaganj New Delhi Colonel Kababz Defence Colony New Delhi The Rooftop Hauz Khas Village New Delhi Khas Bagh Hauz Khas Village New Delhi Karims Nizamuddin New Delhi
One of the most colourful events in New Delhi is Republic Day, celebrated on the 26th of January. This day epitomises the idea of pomp and splendor, with parades and dances, speeches and floats from all over India. The Beating Retreat, which marks the end of celebrations on 29th January is a moving ceremony with military bands playing at Vijay Chowk. The national anthem seldom leaves a dry eye in the audience. The whole nation watches the televised celebrations. While most other festivals are celebrated, Diwali, the festival of lights and Baisakhi, a festival heralding the North Indian new year are the ones with the Delhi flavor.
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