Delhi Tourism Comes with Hidden Surprises for Tourists (Part-1)

On concluding my business trip at Agra, I had two days in my hand when there nothing much to do. To make the most of my time, I planned to visit Delhi. This capital city of India unfolds its charm in mainly the two areas-the Old Delhi and the New Delhi. Delhi tourism is formed by its historical monuments, lush green gardens, happening shopping malls and much more.

Chandni Chowk Delhi

I was very much relaxed after my business trip as the task was already accomplished successfully and I was free to encash the time in hand. I contacted a good hotel at Karol Bagh and stayed there. At night while relaxing at hotel, I was busy in planning out the vacant time.

I started my Delhi sightseeing with RedFort. This majestic structure, known as the Red Fort or Lal Quila situates in old Delhi. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, this huge structure captivated my attention as long as I was there and even after I moved ahead.

Having heard a lot about Chandni Chowk in Delhi, I entered this area. Though I found it very congested yet a rickshaw ride helped me out. I tasted lip-smacking food in Parantha wali gali that made my visit to Chandni Chowk worthwhile. This area has so much to offer that you cannot do without shopping. Same happened to me; I shopped some beautiful traditional dresses and handicrafts from the market.

From there I headed towards another famous Delhi tourist attraction-Rajghat. That was a peaceful place where all I could witness was the memories of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation. I was so fascinated by the experience that I decided to visit the Gandhi Memorial Museum that lies nearby. It showcases the life cycle of the great soul through a movie.

Red Fort Delhi

India gate became the next attraction that I explore. By the time, I reach India Gate, it was evening and I could clearly see that it was an ideal picnic time for Delhiites. There were many people, came with families and all were enjoying different activities-playing games, boating or relishing ice-creams.

At night, I came back and enjoyed a delicious dinner at hotel and soon I was transported to the dreamland.

History Tells Its Own Tale In Delhi's Monuments

That was a cool and pleasant morning in Delhi. While enjoying my tea with Sam, my cousin, in the balcony, I was quite excited to see the headline in the newspaper. It said that the Delhi Government had signed an agreement with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) for protection and conservation of 92 monuments. Those monuments would get a facelift as part of the Delhi government's move to make them attractive from touristic point of view ahead of the Commonwealth Games. We had a quick shower and left for the historical monuments of Delhi, which are part of the heritage of India.

Our exploration started from the Humayun's tomb, a magnificent and marvellous structure of the Mughal Empire. Built in 1565 AD by Hamida Banu Begum (Humayun's widow), the structure is preceded by a tomb with blue dome made with Persian tiles. Along with the unique architecture and carvings, I was highly impressed with the well maintained huge garden. Another admiring monument was the 72.5 m high Qutab Minar, that boasts of being the highest monument in India. Sam told me that this tower was built to celebrate the victory of Mohammed Gauri over the Rajputs in 1192. Located near this might of Islam, is the 7.2 m tall Iron pillar (Ashoka Stambha), which stands tall unaffected by the test of time.

While passing through the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, we reached Jantar Mantar.I was overwhelmed to see this 1724 structure, which is known as the largest astronomic observatory of stone. Amazing and commendable work by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur. We stopped at Connaught Place for a quick bite, and then headed for India Gate, the identity of Delhi. I was aware with the fact that it was built in 1931 in the memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. But this 42 m high, free standing arch with an eternal flame (Amar Jyoti), touched my heart. I could see the names of the soldiers inscribed on the walls of this monument. It was surrounded by several huge gardens and water pools. Sam told me that it serves as a favourite picnic spot of the locals and the tourists in the evening.

Our next halt was the majestic Red Fort that is situated on the banks of the River Yamuna. In a circumference of over 2.2 km, it was built by the Mughal emperor Shajahan with an aim of concentrating the Mughal power in one monument. I paid short visits to Naubat Khana, Diwan-e-Am, Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-e Khas, Hammam and Shah Burj, which are the major attractions. Our last halt was the citadel of Humayun- the Old Fort (Purana Quila). This 1583 structure has three gates - Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza, and an amazing two-storied octagonal pavilion in red sandstone. I enjoyed a spectacular sound and light show there. Visiting so many colourful aspects of this historical city was an out of the world experience. It was simply exploring India in miniature.