:: Wellcome to Delhi :: Delhi Tourism, Delhi Tourism in India, Lakesparadise !

Standing on the west banks of River Yamuna, New Delhi is the capital of India. It is the third-largest city of the country consisting of two parts: Old Delhi and New Delhi. There is a legend that the Pandavas (of the epic Mahabharata) originally founded this city, which was then called as Indraprastha, around 1200 BC. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities.

Attractions In & Around

Alai Minar :- The unfulfilled dream of Ala-ud-din as the victory tower, Alai Minar stands 27 meters high built of red sandstone, uncompleted, originally planned to be built along similar lines of Qutab Minar. Alai Darwaza is the main gateway to the entire complex housing the tomb of Imam Zamin, the tomb of Altamish and the mosque.

Birla Mandir :- The famous Birla temple patronized by Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated this temple in 1938 after Raja Baldev Birla constructed it, is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is close to Connaught Place and is frequented by many devotees regularly.

Chandni Chowk :- Chandni Chowk, the commercial area of the Mughal’s entirely designed with great love and care by Jahanara Begum, Shahjahan’s favorite daughter, has now transformed itself into a colorful shopping area, which is one of the country’s best known wholesale markets.

Charity Bird's Hospital :- Next to Chandni Chowk right across the Red Fort is Charity Bird’s Hospital –a hospital for wounded birds where treatment is provided free of cost. It is a lilting music to the ears of bird lovers.

Connaught Place :- This place is a veritable treasure trove for tourists, abound with everything related to tourism. The entire area with colonnaded buildings growing houses many shops, restaurants, banks and airline offices is situated very near to New Delhi Railway station. This complex is a big traffic circle.

Diwan-E-AamThe 13 meter high sandstone obelisk with Ashoka’s edict stands a testimony to the history of this old city in ruins which has seen Hindu and Muslim rulers over years.

Diwan-E-Khas :- Diwan-e-khas is an exotic marble chamber with intricate artwork inside the Red Fort where the Emperor held private meetings with “Khas” (important) people. The famous Peacock Throne adorned this magnificent hall before Nadir Shah carted it off to Iran in 1739.

Feroz Shah KotlaThe 13 meter high sandstone obelisk with Ashoka’s edict stands a testimony to the history of this old city in ruins which has seen Hindu and Muslim rulers over years.

Gandhi DarshanA photographic documentation of the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi is exhibited at Gandhi Darshan located at Raj Ghat, where the Mahatma’s mortal remains are kept. The Smarak Sangrahalaya is a memorial containing Gandhiji’s personal possessions.

Hauz Khas :- Hauz Khas is the historical battleground where Timur defeated Mohammed Shah Tughlaq in 1398. One can find the remnants of an ancient college and Feroz Shah’s tomb here and on the east to a short distance the Moth ki Masjid –built in the finest Lodi style.

Humayun's Tomb :- It is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of Agra. The tomb of Begai Begum, wife of Emperor Humayun was buried here. The construction took eight years to complete which was made of white marble and red sandstone.

India Gate :- Straight down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan is this landmark, a 42-meter high arch War memorial built in memory of innumerable soldiers who laid down their lives during the Afghan war and World Wars. A flame, Amar Jawan Jyoti, is kept perpetually alive here. The stretch of lush green lawns spreading from here is a major crowd puller

Indira Gandhi Memorial :- MuseumThis museum was the former residence of Indira Gandhi at 1 Safdarjang Rd. It displays some of her personal effects, including the sari she was wearing at the time of her assassination.

International Dolls Museum :- The famous cartoonist Shankar started this museum in 1954, as a personal collection. Located on the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, in the Nehru House, this museum displays about 6000 dolls from 85 countries.

Iron Pillar :- This pillar stands in the courtyard of the Jama Masjid but it has been there since long before the mosque's construction. A six - line Sanskrit inscription indicates that it was initially erected outside a Vishnu temple, and was raised in memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta Vikramaditya.

Jama Masjid :- It is the country's largest mosque, built in 1656, where thousands of Muslims offer prayers. It lies opposite the Red Fort and is surrounded by a large number of shops, which deal in a variety of goods

Jantar Mantar :- Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory with masonry instruments, built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. It houses a huge sundial and other instruments intended to show the movements of the sun, moon etc. This massive salmon colored structure is only a short stroll down Sansad Marg (parliament street).

Lahore Gate :- The Lahore gate gets its name from the fact that it faces towards Lahore, now in Pakistan. It leads to a vaulted arcade, the Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar). This arcade was also known as the Meena Bazaar, where ladies of the court shopped.

Lodi Gardens :- About 3 kms. to the west of Humayun's tomb and adjoining the India International Center are the Lodi Gardens, where the tombs of Sayyaid and Lodi rulers are built.

Lodi's TombThe tombs of the Sayyaid and the Lodi rulers are in the midst of the famed Lodi Gardens. Mohammed Shah's tomb (1450) here was a prototype for the later Mughal-style tomb of Humayun. Other tombs include those of his predecessor Mubarak Shah (1433), Ibrahim Lodi (1526) and Sikander Lodi (1517). The Bara Gumbad Mosque is a fine example of its type of plaster decoration.

Lotus Temple :- It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith, located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi. Shaped like a half opened Lotus flower, this temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility.

Mughal Gardens :- Situated within the President’s Estate, these gardens boast of the finest varieties of roses in the country. The lawns are the place where the President hosts tea parties.

National Gallery Of Modern Art :- Located very close to India Gate, this building was earlier the residential palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It exhibits around 4,000 paintings, graphics, and sculptures of modern artists. The gallery arranges special exhibitions

National Museum :- The National Museum is located on Janpath, housing an excellent collection of bronzes, terracotta sculptures, paintings and costumes, which give a detailed insight into Indian history and way of life. The collection consists of rare coins and pottery.

Nehru Museum :- This museum was once the residence of the first Indian Prime Minister, but it was then called as Teen Murti Bhavan. It displays the photographs and newspaper clippings, which give a fascinating insight into the history of the independence movement.

Nizamuddin :- It is the shrine of the Muslim Sufi saint, Nizamud-din Chishti, who died in 1325. Situated across the road from Humayun's tomb, it is one of several interesting tombs here. Other tombs include the later grave of Jahanara - the daughter of Shah Jahan, Amir Khusru - a renowned Urdu poet, Atgah Khan - a favorite of Humayun and Akbar.

Parliament House :- The seat of Indian Parliament is a marvelous piece of architecture designed by the famed architect Lutyens and constructed under the direct supervision of Sir Herbert Baker. Visitors are not allowed to loiter inside the building without special permission, for security reasons.

Pragati Maidan :- This massive complex is the venue of the annual India International Trade Fair usually held in November. It has permanent buildings for pavilion of all the states of the country.

Purana Qila :- It is believed that this place was Indraprastha the capital city of Pandavas. Many of the present standing monuments were built during the period of Sher Shah Suri. The double-storied octagonal towered mosque is cited in history as the tower from where, Emperor Humayun accidentally fell to his death. The lake at the foothills has boating facilities.

Quwwat-Ul-Islam-Masjid :- Known as the Quwwat Ul Islam (Might of Islam), this is the earliest extant mosque in the country, constructed originally in 1197 AD during the period of Qutub-Ud_Din Aibak. It was built from the remains of twenty-seven Hindu and Jain temples.

Rail Transport Museum :- 140 years of Indian Railway history and heritage is preserved in this Rail Transport Museum located in the diplomatic area of Chanakyapuri with exotic and fascinating collections of Engines and other exhibits. It houses a Victorian age engine built in 1885 still in working condition.

Raj Ghat :- A sacred place lying on the banks of river Yamuna, to many an Indian is Raj Ghat where the Father of Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was cremated. These grounds have been tread by many great persons –the list which includes such great names like Queen Elizabeth II, Eisenhower, Ho Chi Min etc., in paying sincere respects to thehumble soul.

Raj Path :- More popular for being the venue of the annual Republic Day parade Raj Path is an immensely broad road, designed by Lutyens. Ornamental ponds on either side flank it.

Red Fort :- The hot seat of power of the sub-continent, the symbol of control, the Red Fort locally known as Lal Qila built of Red Sandstone was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Annual Independence Day parade is held on the open grounds in front of the Fort. The light and sound show held in the evenings bring to life the Days as it was over the years with important events, which have marked the history of India.

Royal Baths :- Hamams or the Royal Baths for the royal were huge rooms with domes fixed with colored class on the roof to allow natural lightings. This place that is now closed for public viewing contains fountain in the middle and the floors inlaid with pietra dura work.

Safdarjang Tomb :- This monument built in red and brown sandstone with two storied towers in the corners is one of the last examples of the Mughal architecture, which houses the tomb of Safdarjang.

Secretariat BuildingPopularly known as the North Block and South Block the present seat of the ministry of Finance and External affairs respectively was the original Secretariat built on Raisina hill. These imposing structures are topped with Chatris on the corners giving it a typical oriental look.

Sound & Light Show :- The eventful history Red Fort has been witness to is brought out as a sound and light show every evening on the ramparts of the Red Fort.

The Zoological Park :- Established in 1959 over 86 hectares of greenery, Delhi Zoo is home to more than 2000 species of animals and birds from Africa, America, Australia and Asia. Lying adjacent to Purana Qila it is a perfect place to see a variety of animals.

Tibet House :- The fascinating personal collection of ceremonial items brought by Dalai Lama when he fled Tibet following Chinese aggression is exhibited in Tibet House on Lodi Road.

Tughlaqabad :- Lying east of Qutab Minar the third city of Delhi with 13 gateways is Tughlaqabad built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tuglaq.

Getting in, Around & Away
AIR : : Indira Gandhi International Airport serves as the gateway to the capital for international destinations. Palam airport serves the domestic destinations.
RAIL : One can reach Delhi from any parts of India and vice-versa as it is well connected to all major and minor destinations throughout India. It is also the headquarters of Northern Railway.

Tourist Information Center
1 Tourist Information Centers(Govt)
Delhi Tourism Development Corporation (DTDC),
N-36, Middle Circle, Connaught Place,
New Delhi,
Tel : 3313637, 3315322.

Government Of India Tourist Office Counter,
IG International Airport,
Tel : 391315 Ext. 2377/2440 (Open Round The Clock)

Delhi Travel & Transportation Development Corporation Ltd.
Dilli Haat, Sri Aurobindo Marg,
Opp. INA Market,
New Delhi 110 023, India
Phone : +(91)-(11)-4629365, 6119055

Coffee Home - I Annexe,
Baba Kharak Singh Marg,
New Delhi - 11 0001.
Tel. : 011-3365358, 3363607
Fax : 011-3367322
(7 am to 9 pm )
Open : Everyday