Delhi – Journey of A Royal City
Delhi – Journey of A Royal City
Delhi Facts
• Area: 1,483 sq km
• Latitudinal parallel: 28.3ºN
• Longitudinal meridian: 77.13ºE
• Altitude: 293 m above sea level
• Population: 12.8 million
• Average Temperature: 45ºC (Max) — usually in May–Jun,
• 5ºC (Min) — usually in Dec–Jan
• Desirable Clothes: Woollen for winters and light cotton for summers
• Rainfall: 1,272 mm
• Monsoon: July to mid-September
• Season: Extreme climate with very hot summer and very cold winter
• Best time to visit: October to March
Delhi is a city of many layers. It bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, many of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators. The city’s importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture — from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to William Dalrymple and film-maker Dibakar Banerjee — are never at a loss for topics. For first-timers, Delhi can seem chaotic and confusing with its crazy traffic. But scratch the surface and you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.
Delhi — a pulsating modern city with 5,000 years of history. A city that has been the centre of power play for centuries. A city with a majestic and imperial past that has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires. Delhi is timeless in appeal. Incredible to experience. Exciting to explore. The history of Delhi is as exciting as the city itself. Delhi is said to be one of the oldest cities existing in the world, along with Damascus and Varanasi. Its existence can be traced back to the times of the Indian epic Mahabharata that narrates the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas. As the wheels of time turned, various kings and emperors made Delhi their royal seat. Lal Kot, Qila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or Shahjahanabad and New Delhi. Delhi has thus been christened and rechristened. But what has remained constant is the royal aura that the city holds in its character.
Things to do in New Delhi
Delhi has two parts: the old and the new. While Old Delhi is all about alleys, bylanes, Mughal and British architectural structures, New Delhi is home to several offices and modern buildings. Some of the major attractions of the city include the Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, etc. Other sightseeing options include the Raj Bhavan, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Parliament House, Raj Ghat as well as several museums. Chandni Chowk, Karolbagh and Connaught Place have emerged as the most sought-after shopping hubs.
Food & Shopping in New Delhi
Another significant facet of New Delhi is its bazaars and its food. Tourists can walk in the bylanes of Chandni Chowk and savour some local delicacies like chaats and jalebis or just walk up to street markets like Janpath, Sarojini Nagar, Khan Market or Lajpat Nagar to shop for clothes, chappals, bags and other accessories. Haggling in these markets is a must. The Dilli Haat where craft fairs are also held is another must-visit shopping destination in Delhi
Travelling within New Delhi
The best way to get around Delhi is either by auto rickshaws or the metro, which connects major parts of the city. Tourists can opt for cycle rickshaws when exploring the quaint old bylanes of Old Delhi.
Our national capital, is not only historically rich but is a paradise for tourists of all types. Whether you are a history buff or a shopping buff, whether you are a foodie or love nature, Delhi has something for you. The only drawback is its extreme weather, whether summer or winter, so make sure you go there either close to Diwali(between September to November ) or in March- April. I would prefer March April for two reasons which make it all the more better. One is the chance to visit the extravagant and lovely nature thrown open in the way of Mughal Gardens. This is the Rashtrapati Bhavan garden which is open only for a short time when in bloom. Second reason is the Surajkund mela in nearby surajkund, a must visit for anyone who wishes to buy authentic, cheap and native handicrafts, which is around this time.
Review of Delhi is incomplete without a mention of its UP chat especially alu tikki chaat and ram ladoos. And Makki ki roti and Sarson ka saag (only in winters till april) Non vegetarians gorge on the punjabi food. Butter chicken, tandoori stuff etc. If that didn't make you pull out your dates to book your tickets to Delhi, Delhi is a short distance away from Agra. Now that's another review altogether.
Delhi Facts
• Area: 1,483 sq km
• Latitudinal parallel: 28.3ºN
• Longitudinal meridian: 77.13ºE
• Altitude: 293 m above sea level
• Population: 12.8 million
• Average Temperature: 45ºC (Max) — usually in May–Jun,
• 5ºC (Min) — usually in Dec–Jan
• Desirable Clothes: Woollen for winters and light cotton for summers
• Rainfall: 1,272 mm
• Monsoon: July to mid-September
• Season: Extreme climate with very hot summer and very cold winter
• Best time to visit: October to March
Delhi is a city of many layers. It bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, many of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators. The city’s importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture — from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to William Dalrymple and film-maker Dibakar Banerjee — are never at a loss for topics. For first-timers, Delhi can seem chaotic and confusing with its crazy traffic. But scratch the surface and you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.
Delhi — a pulsating modern city with 5,000 years of history. A city that has been the centre of power play for centuries. A city with a majestic and imperial past that has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires. Delhi is timeless in appeal. Incredible to experience. Exciting to explore. The history of Delhi is as exciting as the city itself. Delhi is said to be one of the oldest cities existing in the world, along with Damascus and Varanasi. Its existence can be traced back to the times of the Indian epic Mahabharata that narrates the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas. As the wheels of time turned, various kings and emperors made Delhi their royal seat. Lal Kot, Qila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or Shahjahanabad and New Delhi. Delhi has thus been christened and rechristened. But what has remained constant is the royal aura that the city holds in its character.
Things to do in New Delhi
Delhi has two parts: the old and the new. While Old Delhi is all about alleys, bylanes, Mughal and British architectural structures, New Delhi is home to several offices and modern buildings. Some of the major attractions of the city include the Red Fort, India Gate, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, etc. Other sightseeing options include the Raj Bhavan, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Parliament House, Raj Ghat as well as several museums. Chandni Chowk, Karolbagh and Connaught Place have emerged as the most sought-after shopping hubs.
Food & Shopping in New Delhi
Another significant facet of New Delhi is its bazaars and its food. Tourists can walk in the bylanes of Chandni Chowk and savour some local delicacies like chaats and jalebis or just walk up to street markets like Janpath, Sarojini Nagar, Khan Market or Lajpat Nagar to shop for clothes, chappals, bags and other accessories. Haggling in these markets is a must. The Dilli Haat where craft fairs are also held is another must-visit shopping destination in Delhi
Travelling within New Delhi
The best way to get around Delhi is either by auto rickshaws or the metro, which connects major parts of the city. Tourists can opt for cycle rickshaws when exploring the quaint old bylanes of Old Delhi.
Our national capital, is not only historically rich but is a paradise for tourists of all types. Whether you are a history buff or a shopping buff, whether you are a foodie or love nature, Delhi has something for you. The only drawback is its extreme weather, whether summer or winter, so make sure you go there either close to Diwali(between September to November ) or in March- April. I would prefer March April for two reasons which make it all the more better. One is the chance to visit the extravagant and lovely nature thrown open in the way of Mughal Gardens. This is the Rashtrapati Bhavan garden which is open only for a short time when in bloom. Second reason is the Surajkund mela in nearby surajkund, a must visit for anyone who wishes to buy authentic, cheap and native handicrafts, which is around this time.
Review of Delhi is incomplete without a mention of its UP chat especially alu tikki chaat and ram ladoos. And Makki ki roti and Sarson ka saag (only in winters till april) Non vegetarians gorge on the punjabi food. Butter chicken, tandoori stuff etc. If that didn't make you pull out your dates to book your tickets to Delhi, Delhi is a short distance away from Agra. Now that's another review altogether.
Blog by:
Gaurav Samrat
Comments
Post a Comment