New Delhi: India's Exotic Capitol

For centuries Europeans risked their lives for the scents and flavors that are distinctive to India, and even today these exotic perfumes and spices come to mind when thinking of India's capitol, Delhi. Old Delhi charms us with its timelessness, an anachronism in our modern busy world, its narrow streets dotted with ancient ruins left by past conquerors and busy bazaars filled with treasures made by local craftsmen. New Delhi soothes us after a dip into the chaos not far off, with its wide boulevards and modern skyscrapers and British rationality. Both offer countless sites, sounds and smells to entice and delight us as no other place can. This beautiful and exotic city is easy to reach by plane from anywhere in the world with the Indira Gandhi International Airport just 15km southwest of the city center, and once arrived in Delhi visitors can get all over the city on its extensive metro system.

Situated in Northern India along the banks of the Yamuna River, modern Delhi occupies the same areas as seven other cities before it. There is a saying that anyone who builds a city here is destined to lose it, and that has happened repeatedly. The earliest evidence of a city built on the site of Delhi can be traced back to about 3,000 years ago with the Indraprastha settlement. In the 12^th century there was a Hindu city built on the site, and in the 17^th century what is now considered Old Delhi was established. In 1803 the British took control of Delhi, later moving their Indian capitol from Calcutta to Delhi in 1911, at that time beginning construction of what is today considered New Delhi. Like those before them, the British lost the city not long afterwards. Today the whole area of Delhi occupies 1483km² making it the second largest city in India and the fastest growing, with a population of 13,800,000. Delhi has become the political, economic and cultural center of Northern India as well as the nation's capitol. This crowded, busy, colorful city is considered the heart of India, rich in culture and diversity, as well as history and monuments with more to see than most of its visitors can manage in one visit. Visitors should be sure to explore both old and new Delhi, sample its extraordinary cuisine, and experience the busy bazaars and emporiums filled with handmade products from around India.

Attractions

Then Red Fort

Situated in Old Delhi, this amazing fortress of red sandstone dates back to c.1638 and the times of the Shah Jahan and the peak of Mughal power in Delhi. The style is a combination of Persian, European and Indian influences, highly ornamental with a strong expression in both form and color. To get into the complex, first you have to pass the Lahore Gate, the fort's main entrance. From there you go through a covered arcade called the Chatta Chowk with its famous bazaar. The fort has a number of points of interest to visit, including the Indian War Museum that features weapons, arms and dioramas of battles from World War I. Be sure to visit the Diwan-i-am and the Diwan-i-khas, the Emperor's public and private Audience Halls, the later of which once held the famous Peacock Throne that was stolen by Nadir Shah in 1739 and taken to Iran.

Humayun's Tomb

This was the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India, built in honor of India's second Emperor, Nasiruddin Humayun (1508-1556), on his widow's orders in 1562. This elegant sandstone and marble structure with the onion dome is actually a tomb built for the emperor by Persian born Haji Begum. It is supposed to replicate paradise as described in the Qur'an, with the tomb set in the middle of the extensive formal garden. The tomb itself was later used as the model for the more famous Taj Mahal, which can be seen in the town of Agra, just a day trip away from New Delhi.

Qutb Minar

Built in c. 1193, this brick minaret is 72.5 meters high, with 399 steps to reach the top, making it the tallest brick minaret in the world. The base of the minaret is 14.3 meters across while at the top it measures only 2.75meters. It is outstanding to see, built in the Indo-Islamic style, which earned it a place on the UNESCO list as a World Heritage Site. The minaret sits next to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque built by the Delhi Sultan in c. 1198, both of which are part of the Qutb Complex in South Delhi. The Iron Pillar of Delhi, made by ancient Indian iron smiths, is also here. This pillar is made of solid wrought iron, but has miraculously withstood corrosion despite its continuous exposure to the elements for the last 1600 years. It stands 7 meters tall and is estimated to weigh over six tons.

Purana Qila

Situated in the area of Delhi occupied by the Indraprastha about 3000 years ago is the Purana Qila, or Old Fort. It was built by an Afghan ruler, Sher Shah, who ruled Delhi briefly from 1538 to 1545. With its massive walls and three beautiful gateways, this is one of Delhi's most famous landmarks as well as its most popular tourist attraction. Nearby are the Qila-i-Kuhran Mosque also built by Sher Shah and an octagonal tower built in red sandstone called the Sher Mandal. There is also a small archaeological museum at the main gate.

National Museum

This great museum is a treasure trove of Indian archeology, history, arts and crafts. Here you can see beautiful Indian bronzes, tapestries, musical instruments, ancient arms and so much more. The tribal masks and murals are worth seeing. Tours are available, and since there really is so much to see here, allow at least half a day.

Crafts Museum

This museum is built like a model village in a complex of mud huts set right in the heart of New Delhi. Visitors can enjoy watching the artisans as they work, demonstrating their techniques. Ceramics, textiles, metal work and woodwork are all featured with the production of toys, jewelry and tribal paintings also on display. Visitors can buy directly from the artisans at work or purchase pieces from around India in the museum's gallery.

Birla Mandir

This is Delhi's most important Hindu temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu and goddess Laxmi, although somewhere or other within the building a representation of most of the Hindu gods can be found. It was first built in c.1622, but was later remodeled by Indian industrialist B.D. Birla in 1938. Mahatma Gandhi was present at its opening, but only agreed to come if the untouchables were allowed to attend.

The Raj Ghat Gandhi Memorial

For anyone who admires the courage and ingenuity of Gandhi, this memorial is worth a visit. It includes two museums and a marble monument that marks the spot where Gandhi was cremated. The Gandhi Museum is filled with personal items that belonged the the Father of the Nation, plus photographs, paintings, and sculptures of him. There are also documents pertaining to his Satyagraha movement and his philosophy of ahinsa of non-violence that would be of interest to anyone who likes history. There is also a great park with five pavilions here.

Jama Masjid

This is India's largest mosque which took over 500 workers six years to build. It is also considered the most important mosque in the country, built by the great historic Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Construction was begun in 1644 and not finished until 1658, built with alternating stripes of white marble and red sandstone. The structure has two minarets standing 40 meters high each, four towers and three gateways. This breathtaking structure can hold over 25,000 worshipers in its courtyard. Visitors should remember that this is a holy place and dress and act accordingly. From the top of the minaret there is a great view of the city.

The Parks

Delhi has some beautiful parks that visitors will especially enjoy after a hot day in one of the busier areas of the city. The Lodhi Gardens include a lush green area with beautiful plants and flowers around the royal tombs c. 1441-1526. Come here to relax with a picnic and take in the atmosphere. The Mughal Garden was built by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lady Harding after World War I. They were laid out in the in a combination of the British and Mughal styles, combing water elements in the form of fountains and canals with a formal garden in a circular pattern. The waterways and red sandstone discs form the shape of lotus leaves. This breathtaking elegant garden is a pleasure to visit. India Gate, originally called the All India War Memorial was also built by Sir Edwin Lutyens from 1921-1931 in memory of the Indian soldiers who fell in World War I and the Afghan War. This park includes a children's play area and a lake with boats to rent.