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Home , Dilli Haat, Ghantewala, India Gate, Old Delhi

Delhi The most famous historical city and the capital of , , is truly a reigning queen in all sense. Abounding with historical monuments, colorful , brimming pubs and night out options, humongous shopping malls and wonderful eateries, Delhi has it all. The central location of the city makes it one of the most convenient places and stopover for hundreds of destinations.

Some of the most famous monumental heritage in Delhi includes the aka Lal Qila, , Akshardham Temple and . Nowhere in the country on can find the ample numbers of markets selling goods at such low prices. The city is also is rich in museums and has many gardens.

A must visit place in Delhi is the Paarnathe Vali Gali where one can savour one-of-a-kind paranthas. Delhi is a popular destination where people belonging to different cultures, religion and class live together in Harmony.

The best time to visit the city is during the winter months from October to February as the summers here are unbearable.

Getting There Metros are the most recent and fastest means of travel in Delhi and are available in almost every part of the city. Their charges start from Rs 15 and the rates are dependent on the distance travelled.

When To Go Delhi presents a high variation between the summers and winters climates. Summers (March to June) are scorching with temperature rises to 47°C. Typically tourists avoid visting Delhi during the hot months of April to June. Winters (December to February) are very chill, with temperature dropping down to 1°C. January is foggy with heavy fogs disrupting traffics. Monsoons (July to September) are accompanied with heavy flooding rains intermittently. The gardens in Delhi are getting enlivened up during the monsoons. Best season to visit Delhi is from July to February. Keep off high winter period of January with heavy fog during which flights are also getting delayed indefinitely due to poor visibility. July to Septemebr is good for city trips and short sight seeing trips. Keep a watch on road blocks due to rains. October to December is ideal for all kinds of sight seeing activities in and around Delhi. January is chilly and fogs may disrupt the morning hours activities. February and March are pleasant and suitable for outings.

Eat & Drink A land of multiple cuisines with a variety of delicious food, Delhi stands at the top of the menu cards of the visitors. From the roadside dhabas to star hotels, this metropolitan city proffers mouthwatering and aromatic varieties of foodstuffs. Delhiites are considered as very fond of eating. So each festival and celebration is marked with an array of good food. This is probably one of the reason for considering Delhi as the restaurant capital of India.

It would be amazing to find that this city encompasses all types of restaurants serving both traditional and continental food varieties. All most all the star hotels in the capital provide Mughalai and Tandoori dishes as their special items. Exquisite varieties of Mughlai are the specialty of the restaurants in , Pandara Road Market and Connaught Place.

Vegetarians also have their own places in the homes of the Delhiites. Exceptional would be the apt word as one can say about these traditional recipies. None of the restaurants or hotels can offer such tasty foods that have been prepared by the old gharanas. Among the favourite dish, Cholle Bhature outshines all other Punjabi varieties. is the area where one can find an array of restaurants that serves traditional foodstuffs. In this era of fast foods, Chandni Chowk stands as an alluring exception, which steadfastly follows the traditional cuisine of India. Do not forget to visit , the oldest sweet shop in the capital city. At the Ghantewala Halwai, namkeens, sohanhalwa and are really fantastic.

Any mention of food in Delhi can't be complete without street food which offers all kinds of chats, sweets, and snacks in a considerably low price. A host of outstanding confectioneries, cakes, pies and minces of some of the restaurants like

www.mustseeindia.com Wenger’s in Connaught Place are renowned for their peculiar taste. Sweet lovers can try their luck in the Bengali hotels like Annapoorna where multiple varieties of dishes are available. Do not forget to have a try a paan after your delicious meal.

Eating and dining out has become a way of life to the Delhiites. Each restaurant in the city has their own peculiar foodstuffs with rich, aromatic and delicious fragrance that grabs people tremendously.

Shopping Delhi seems to be a delightful place for the shopping buffs. An extensive range of objects is in offer in the various markets scattered in and around the city. Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place and Baba Kharak Singh Marg are the most acquainted places of shoppers where the emporiums sells lovely handicraft items of almost all the states. Widest choices of artifacts and affordable prices are the main advantage of shopping in Delhi. Among the objects silver ware, leather goods, handicrafts, carpets, precious stones, jewelry, hand printed cotton and silks are the hot favourites of the visitors.

Delhi is not just a mishmash of arts and crafts from other parts of India. It holds it’s own gamut of customs. Delhi is the exquisite center of Kundan and Meenakari Jewellery, which shows complicate patterns and glittering outlook. These artforms has been a flourishing trade since from the days of the . in Chandini Chowk area would fetch you with the splendid collection of latest and traditional jewelry forms.

Apart from the ordinary artifacts, the city has an amazing collection of ornamental saris, which are the hottest bridal wares now a days. Other fascinating attractions are musical instruments, miniature paintings, wood and ivory carvings, decorated pottery items and so on. There would be an endless list, so the better option is to stroll around the market places and make you familiar with the artifacts on display.

History The city has a great history of centuries that encompass the bravery and valor of the legendary Pandavas and the might and wisdom of the Mauryans kings. A briefing of Delhi’s history would remain incomplete if there is no rendering about the great rule of Prithviraj Chauhan. As the last ruler of Hindu empire, this man helped a lot to mould Delhi in to a vibrant and sprawling city. After him, his kingdom was the strong hold of various dynasties like the Slaves and the Tughlaques.

Later the Mughals coloured it with their great love and affection for art and literature. After the first war of Indian Independence, this historic city began to play a major role in the hands of the enduring British people. It was in 1911, Delhi had been officially recognized as the capital city of British India. This sprawling city has witnessed the rise and fall of so many strong holds of power. Starting from the days of the epic period to the 21st century, Delhi played a significant role in the entire history of the nation.

Neatly compartmentalised into two, the and the , this city exhibits unique features. Bestowed with a splendorous history, Old Delhi portrays its Mughal era with its all glory. The tapered lanes of Chandni Chowk, the Jama Masjid, Red Fort reveals the patronage and compassion of the Mughal rulers towards art and architecture.

Culture Cultural life in Delhi is clothed with colourful festivals and ceremonies. Since the city is a cross section of the Indian society, Delhiites celebrates all most all festivals with much enthusiasm. Delhi Festivals symbolize the ethnicity and custom of the entire nation. The significant Festivals in Delhi are Dussera, Diwali, Maha Shivaratri, Baisakhi, Lohri, , and Christmas.

Diwali and Dussera gains slight prominence among the other festivals. Dussera commemorates the victory of Ram over Ravana. It marks the triumph of virtue against vice. Renowned as the festival of lamps, Diwali is an occasion when the entire city would be glittered with the brightening light of diyas and candles. Although India holds a meager population of Christians, Christmas in Delhi is a spectacular event.

As the capital city of a great nation, Delhi boast of so many important fiestas and ceremonies. Among the various celebrations, and mark a remarkable significance. During the Republic Day parade, vivid picture of a vibrant democracy can be witnessed in the colourful plots of different states. Most amazing and appealing attraction of the Republic Day parade might be the exhibition of gallantry and valor of the armed forces of India.

Affluent in terms of enriching cultural institutions, famous art galleries and museums, Delhi glistens and glees with various events all through the year. This city has been regarded as the seat of flourishing culture over centuries. A thriving center

www.mustseeindia.com for upcoming artists, this city proffers enormous opportunities to fortune seekers in cultural fields. Music festivals, art exhibitions, dance recitals, cinema and theater city life is full of enthralling art performances which offers a perfect podium for not only the artists but also the onlookers. An effervescent and inspired center of all art forms, Delhi presents a glittering façade of contemporary art life of India.

Travel within city Travelling around Delhi can be an exciting experience, and the city offers a lot of options of inner city travel to tourists. Tourists can either travel through public transport buses, or they can opt for auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, cabs and taxis. Delhi also has a major Metro line that covers a lot of areas within the city, and this can be a very good mode of travel for tourists, provided they know their way around the city.

Metro The New and Rail network has three major lines running between points in the city. These three lines are the Red Line, the Yellow Line and the Blue Line. The Red Line in Delhi Metro runs from to Rithala through Kashmere Gate, the Blue Line in Delhi Metro runs from to Dwarka through Connaught Place and the Yellow Line in Delhi Metro runs from Jahangirpuri to Central Secretariat through Kashmere Gate and Connaught Place. These three lines in Delhi Metro cover major parts of the entire city. Travelling through the Delhi Metro is very cost effective and prices range from Rs 8 to 30, depending on the distance travelled. Tokens should be bought in the station right before traveling through the Metro, and buying tokens in advance is not possible. In order to avoid the queues in the station, one can buy Smart Cards which will cost around Rs 100.

Bus Another mode of travel in Delhi that is very extensive is bus travel. Delhi is extremely well connected by buses, and you can catch a bus in Delhi to any destination within the city. There are normal government run DTC buses (Delhi Transport Corporation) and Blue Line buses that are privately operated. Buses are frequent in Delhi, and reaching interior places in the city can be made easier through bus travel, though all buses are normally crowded. Bus fares may range anywhere from Rs 5 to 15, and regular buses are available from every stop. You can catch regular buses in a gap of ten or fifteen minutes, so buses in Delhi can be en extremely convenient mode of travel.

Taxi Taxis are available for travel within the city of Delhi, and you can opt for taxis in order to go sightseeing around the city. Such a trip will cost you around 950 INR for a day, in an air conditioned cab. Travelling through taxis can be quite heavy on the pocket, as charges may range anywhere from 200 INR to 600 INR, depending on the distance covered. Normal taxi rates are 6 INR for the starting kilometer and 7 INR per additional kilometer. Taxis do not run on meter, though and it is advisable to decide on a rate in advance. Easy Cab- Ph: 43434343 Quick Cab- Ph: 44333222

Auto Rickshaw Tourists can also opt for auto rickshaws for travelling within the city of Delhi, as these can be a cheaper option when compared to taxis. Fares may range around Rs 10 for the first kilometer and Rs 4.50 for every additional kilometer after that. Few auto rickshaws in Delhi run on meter, so it is better to know the fares beforehand.

The best mode of travel during night time is the auto rickshaw and the Delhi Metro, provided tourists know where they are headed. There are no separate nigh fares in Delhi. Buses and prepaid taxis will be available from the airport and the railway station, with fares in prepaid taxis based solely on the specified rate chart. Local Train Travelling through trains in Delhi is not possible, as stations are few and incontinently positioned. For this reason, trains within Delhi can be avoided at best.

Cycle rickshaw These are best suited for short distance ride withing the city and charge around Rs 10 for a km.

Nightlife Recent years have shown a drastic development in the nightlife of Delhi. Confusing to state whether it’s a positive change or not, this has become a wa of life to the Delhiites. Bars and hotels that rovide hot music and discothe ues are ainin

www.mustseeindia.com momentum rapidly. People are seeking solace from their busy day life in these most modern recreational activities.

Nightlife in Delhi is definite to allure every visitor with its stunning attractions like live music shows, dance floors and high class bars. Most popular clubs that provide these amenities are Djinns, Ghungroo, Pepper's, Fireball and Annabelles. Majority of the pubs and nightclubs of Delhi are placed in, Basant Lok and areas.

Apart from these bars and pubs, Delhi’s star hotels also provide best facilities to enjoy the gripping nightlife. Those who prefer to be in a tranquil ambience, restaurants in the near vicinity of the India gate would be the idyllic location. With a wide range of entertaining facilities, the bars and the pubs of New Delhi poses to be the just right place to fly one’s striking moods.

Attractions

Chandni Chowk mustsee Chandani Chowk is one of the oldest market places of Old Delhi. Despite that, Chandni Chowk has still retained its charm. Although the place is very disorderly and congested today, once upon a time, it was well- lined with striking fountains. It was regarded as a market that sold every kind of goods.

Chandani Chowk is located opposite the Red Fort. At one end of the Chandni Chowk, one can see the , which is believed to have been built by the wives of . At the other end of Chandani Chowk, is the old police station or the Kotwali. The Sunheri Masjid, which was the place from where Nadir Shah ordered his army of men to pillage and massacre Delhi is located close by. The Chandani Chowk is still visited by many curious tourists due to its historical importance.

Connaught Place mustsee Connaught Place is a vital business nucleus and the main shopping center of New Delhi. It is officially known as the Rajeev Chowk, but popularly referred to as C.P. by the local people in Delhi. C.P. is immediately identifiable on the map of Delhi owing to it's semblance to a wheel with spokes around it. The Rajiv Chowk metro station is the crossing point for the Yellow and Blue lines of the Delhi Metro.

C.P. has been designed to resemble two concentric circles, known as the Connaught's inner circle and Connaught Circus respectively. These circles lead to many of the important roads like Parliament Street and Janpath. Even though it is logically planned, Connaught Place can be confusing for a new comer. However, its Victorian style architecture is spectacular.

India Gate mustsee India Gate is located on the Raj Path in New Delhi and is one of the most visited destinations in Delhi. The works on India Gate were commenced by to pay reverence to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting the and the Afgan War.

A close look at the huge walls of India Gate reveals the names of around 90,000 soldiers who died during these wars. The structure was completed in 1931 and since then, has attracted many a tourist. India Gate was originally known as the All India . This 42 meter tall gate has beautiful gardens and fountains around it.

The lush green lawns, the boat club, and the children’s park around India Gate make it an ideal destination for an idyllic evening out.

www.mustseeindia.com Jama Masjid mustsee Jama Masjid, was commissioned to be constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It holds the distinction of being one of the biggest and the most well known mosque of Old Delhi. Due to its setting at a very prominent center in Old Delhi, a lot of visitors visit it right through the year.

The name Jama Masjid indicates a reference to the weekly congregation of worshippers who observe prayers every Friday at the mosque. The floor of the mosque has been covered with white and black marble works to give it the look of the prayer mat typical to the Mohammedan culture.

The mosque is open from 7 AM to sunset, but tourists are not allowed to visit the premises between 12:15 and 1:45 PM. Photography is strictly banned during prayer hours. Timings: Open from 7 AM to sunset, but note that tourists are not allowed in between 12:15 and 1:45 PM and pictures should not be taken during prayer hours.

Lotus Temple mustsee Lotus Temple is one of the most incredible architectures of the Bahai faith. It is situated at Kalkaji, a place close to New Delhi. The temple has been constructed to resemble a lotus flower. The huge lotus flower has been made out of marble, dolomite, cement, and sand. The temple does not impose restrictions on any visitor and has been thrown open to people of all religions. The place is known for its spotlessly clean environment that allows believers to meditate in peace.

The Bahai temple, which was completed in 1986 by the Persian architect Fariborz Sahba from Canada is known for its prayer sessions that include prayers of all religions. Visitors are allowed a free entry to the majestic temple, but they are expected to maintain silence in the interiors. The integration of the vibrant Indian history with the modern styles of engineering and architecture stands out boldly and makes the temple unique in its appeal. Timings: closed on Mondays

Qutub Minar mustsee Qutab Minar is amongst the tallest and the most famous monuments in the world. This beautiful minaret is 234 feet high and is regarded as the tallest individual tower in the world. The Qutab Minar is one of the many masterpieces that depicted the sheer brilliance of the Mughal architects of those times. Qutub-ud- din Aibak placed the groundwork for Qutub Minar in 1199 AD and his descendant Shamsu'd-Din- Iitutmish completed the works on this magnificent structure by adding three more storeys.

The exquisitely carved minaret has a number of storeys and inscriptions all round the tower. This monument of fervent historical interest is open from sunrise to sunset. Indian visitors are charged an entry fee of Rs.10 while the foreigners have to pay Rs. 250. Visitors are allowed to carry their cameras inside in order to capture their memories. Charges: While entry into the tower itself is no longer permitted, for Rs.10 per 5 min you can view the scenery via a little webcam on top.

Red Fort (Lal Qila) mustsee The then Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Red Fort. The Red Fort is popularly known as the Lal Quila and is representative of the true splendor of the Mughal court. This imposing fort will engulf you with its size and grandeur. The scale of construction can well be imagined when one realizes that the walls of the fort are a good 2 km long!

The Red Fort is suggestive of the pomp and power enjoyed by the Mughals in the olden times. The red fort is made out of marble and designed exquisitely. The splendor of this Mughal fort lays in the fact that it has endured barbaric attacks from Nadir Shah the colonial British rulers.

www.mustseeindia.com Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple mustsee The Akshardham Temple has been constructed of recent times and was inaugurated in the year 2005. The temple has been built by the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha on the banks of the River . The Delhi Akshar Dham Mandir was thrown open to the general public after the then President APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated it. The temple stretches over an area of 100 acres and was completed in two years.

Akshardhaam Temple of New Delhi is constructed in an architectural fashion comparable to that of the Akshardham temple that is located in Gandhinagar in the state of Gujarat. Its structure is based on the olden Sthaapatya shastras of India and is erected entirely out of sandstone and marble without using steel. The main shrine house the idol of Lord Swaminarayan and a monument celebrating world peace is also prominent on the temple premises. Timings: 9 am to 6.30 pm. Closed on Mondays Charges: Entry for Monument and Gardens is free.

Ala-i-Darwaza popular The Ala-I-Darwaza is an outstanding architectural work that glorifies the rich . The Ala ud din Khilji, who was the first Khilji sultan, originally built this gateway in the Qutub complex in . The gateway is decorated with intricate marble adornments, trellis style stone screens that are an example of the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Turkish artisans who designed and constructed it.

Twenty-seven Hindu and Jain temples were ruined and the remains were used to construct the Ala-I-Darwaza. The other monuments in the complex too were constructed using the remains of the demolished temples.

Ansal Plaza popular Ansal Plaza offers the customers a world class shopping experience in South Delhi. This huge plaza is built on thirty five acres of land. Ansal Plaza is a shopping complex that is located near , which is one of the high-class markets of South Delhi.

An auditorium with a stage is located at the centre while the 45-feet high splendid Ansal Plaza is built around it. The Plaza has a French glass curtain wall that to keep away ultraviolet and other harmful radiation. The place organizes events like fashion shows, live band performances etc and thus, is an enriched shopping experience.

Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar) popular A covered bazaar was unheard-of in India during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan. The Emperor instructed Mukarmat Khan to build a covered market in Delhi. Shah Jahan was greatly impressed with the design of the covered market since it was appropriate for the hot climate of Delhi. This covered market is presently known as 'Chhatta Chowk Bazaar' or the 'Meena Bazaar', and was earlier known as the 'Bazaar-i-Musaqqaf' or the market with roof.

It is believed that some 300 years ago, this bazaar accommodated the luxury trade of the royally household, and traded rugs, exquisite carpets, jajams and shatranjis, quilts, takia-namads, shahtus, pashmina shawls, brocaded costumes, velvet pardahs etc.

Dilli Haat popular stands for the variety in Indian foods and customs in a single roomy enclosed space of six acres. A permanent and improvised adaptation of a traditional village haat, it is actually a mixture of a food plaza and craft , located in the leading locality of South Delhi. Dilli Haat is a pergola with food and handicraft stalls that represent the different states of India.

At Dilli Haat some shops are permanent, but the other shops are temporary and they display their wares usually for fifteen days. The entry fee at Dilli Haat is insignificant. A few years back this market was made wheelchair-accessible. Dilli Haat transports you to the rural life styles of India and hence, is a must visit.

www.mustseeindia.com Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) popular Diwan-i-Am is located in the premises of the Red Fort. Its purpose was to serve as a congregation area for the general public. The Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audience is a place that attracts number of visitors annually. It initially had a courtyard at its front and was exquisitely and richly decorated with gild styled stuccowork. The Diwan-i-Am had heavy curtains that were three bays in depth.

This hall of the general audiences was finely decorated with jewels and this fact is evident from the number of tiny holes on the walls of this hall where the jewels were believed to be encrusted. Diwan-i-Aam was stylishly decorated in Persian and Bengali styles of architecture. Lord Curzon restored this hall in the early nineties. The emperor’s throne is located behind this hall.

Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) popular The Diwan-i-Khas is located in the Red Fort in Delhi. The splendid Red Fort is constructed out of red sand stone and is reminiscent of the ancient Mughal culture. The Diwan-i-Khas was a hall for special members of the Mughal kingdom and the commoners were not allowed entry here.

The Diwan-i-Khas is beautifully ornamented and one can see the evidence of the finery from the number of vacant holes on the walls of the Diwan-i-Khas were the jewels were believed to be encrusted. The Emperors of those times used to hold court in this hall bejeweled golden . Diwan-i-Khas was exceptional in its carving and ornamentation, the columns were studded with gems and the entire hall was done in lattice art work. The walls were made out of crystal white marble and the ceilings were made out of sliver.

Fun N Food Village popular

Contact: Phone: 91-11-2506-4500 (/02/03) Email: [email protected]

Greater Kailash Market popular The area of South Delhi has it all; lavish cozy homes, elegant dresses, brisk crowd and bountiful markets. One of the most colorful and posh markets of Delhi, this place is a real paradise. Magnificent show rooms and outlets selling designer wears, restaurants and easy accessibility give the Greater Kailash market the edge.

The market is aslo referred to as the GK market and is divided into two zones, GK-I and GK-II. Party animals can have a time of their life as here are swanky clubs, bars, pubs and discotheques serving most exquisite variety of food. An absolute bliss in a multidimensional sense, Greater Kailash will blow you out of your mind.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib popular is located next to Gol Dak Khana near the Connaught Place. This place of Sikh worship is open to people of all faiths, castes or creeds. The premises house a sacred pond in which devotees bathe. They believe that this would wash off their misdeeds and thus allow them to attain peace of mind. Many occasions and festivals are celebrated here with great fervor within the premises.

The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee with great respect celebrates the birth of Guru Sri Harkrishnan Sahib. The death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji is also celebrated in these premises. On the east side of the main Gurdwara is the 'Langar' or the community kitchen where food is cooked to be served to all the devotees.

Hazrat Nizamuddin (Nizamuddin's Shrine) popular The Nizamuddin’s shrine was built as a commemoration of the Muslim Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Chishti. The Nizamuddin Shrine is an interesting tomb that speaks of a keen sense of architecture prevalent in the olden times. The premises of the temple include a tank which is bordered by many other tombs. These tombs are in memory of the people of Mughal times.

The grave of Jahanara, who was the daughter of Shan Jahan and Amir Khusru, who was a celebrated poet in the Mughal courts are in the same premises.

The sunset on Thursdays is an accepted time amongst the Muslims for prayers and adoration, and hence, this is the best time to visit this temple. The much-liked Qawwali singers start presenting their skills in the evening times.

www.mustseeindia.com Humayun's Tomb popular The Humayun tomb garden is one of the most popular sites of visit in Delhi. The second Mughal monarch Humayun died after he won Delhi again. His wife, Hamida Begum, who was of Persian origin, commissioned the construction of his tomb. The construction was completed within the time from 1562-1572.

Designed by the noted Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyuath. Humayun’s tomb also houses the remains of hundreds of members from the Mughal times. The tomb is situated on the bank of River Yamuna and is said to have been a pattern of later Mughal mausoleum architectural styles in India. The entry fee to this beautiful garden is Rs. 10 for Indian and $5 for foreigner. However, on Fridays the entry is free.

International Trade Fair Exhibition Centre popular

Iron Pillar popular The iron pillar stands at the center of the Quwwatul Mosque in the premises of the Qutub Minar and is often regarded as one of Delhi's most curious structures. The structure dates back to 4th century A.D. when it was erected as a flagpole in honor of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in remembrance of the king Chandragupta II.

The mystery that shrouds the iron pillar is related to how the pillar moved to its present location. The pillar also draws attention to ancient India's accomplishments in metallurgy. Standing 7.3 meters tall, this pillar is made of 98 percent wrought iron and has remained standing for 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing.

ISKCON (Hare Krishna) Temple popular The ISKCON Temple was completed in 1998 as a complex of temples. This temple has been built on a hilly terrain and is dedicated to the Lord Krishna. The members of the Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult commissioned the construction of this marvelous temple. This structure is stylishly built and is regarded as one of the major temple complexes in India.

The Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna sect followers built a series of Iskcon temples all over India and even in many other countries. A great sense of calm, peace and stillness envelope you once you enter the premises. Many spiritual activities are carried out in the temple premises throughout the year. Timings: Open from 7 am to 1 pm and 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Jantar Mantar popular The Jantar Mantar is one of the five astronomical observatories that were constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the year 1724. It is easily reachable, since it is located in the Connaught place, which is a major commercial area of New Delhi. It is a place that would pique one’s interest on seeing how our antecedents had formulated ways in order to enhance their scientific knowledge.

Jantar Mantar has a range of old-fashioned structures, which are actually instruments that were used to track the movements of the celestial bodies. Jantar Mantar is a place of heritage interest and marks the achievements of the ancestors in India in the field of astronomy.

Lahore Gate popular The Gate is the western gate to the Red Fort and was commissioned to be constructed by Shah Jahan for his new city Shahjahanabad. One of the main entrances to the fort, the Lahore Gate is a structure having an innermost arc with side towers. The octagonal fort is surrounded by high buttressing walls that have been built out of red sandstone. All the other entrances to the Red Fort are heavily guarded in light of the recent terrorist attacks. The Lahore gate is the only open entrance of the Red Fort.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir) popular The Lakshmi Narayan Temple is also known as the Birla Mandir. The Birla Mandir has been built in order to pay tribute to the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi and her companion, Lord Vishnu who is regarded as the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. The temple premises have many temples, fountains, and a big garden.

This temple was inaugurated by the hands of . The temple sees thousands of devotees on the day of Janmashtami, which is the birthday of Lord Krishna. Birla Temple is a tranquil situate where one can take a break after a hard day's work. The religious value of this shrine is known to all the Hindu devotees.

www.mustseeindia.com Light and Sound Show popular The Red Fort is a magnificent fort that represents the aristocratic styles of living of the Mughal rulers. One of the major attractions of the fort is the Light and sound show that is organized every evening to recreate the famed events that hallmark Delhi's history.

This Light and Sound Show makes history come alive with the audio effects like horses neighing, elephants trumpeting or emperors deciding the fate of their kingdom. The beautiful works of light will leave you mesmerized. The tickets are available at the fort itself and the show is conducted in English and Hindi.

Lodhi Garden popular The Lodhi Gardens is a recreational area in Delhi, situated between and 's Tomb on Lodhi Road. The garden in the beginning was a village that was surrounded by monuments from the Sayyid and Lodhi rule.

Due to its aristocratic and well known location, the Lodhi Gardens can be located easily. In the middle of these beautiful gardens is the or the "Big Dome" and Sheesh Gumbad or the ‘mirror dome’. The beautiful remains of the then ruling empires are truly attention-grabbing. This place is a must visit and a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel Palace) popular Mumtaz Mahal is a palace located in the Red Fort, inside Rang Mahal or the Color Palace. It is built entirely out of red sandstone. It is also known as the Jewel Palace. Mumtaz was the third and favorite wife of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

The Mumtaz Mahal was originally built containing six apartments that served to be the Sultan’s harem. It has now been converted into a museum and houses many artifacts belonging to yesteryears like the court textiles, weapons, carpets etc. The entry to this museum is free for all visitors.

National Museum popular The National Museum is located in New Delhi. It has in its possession over 2,00,000 works of beautiful art, of Indian as well as foreign origin. The art and craft masterpieces on display cover more than 5,000 years of our cultural legacy.

The artifacts on display represent a blend of various artistic traditions and disciplines thus being the perfect example of unity amidst diversity. The museum has an entry charge of Rs. 10 for Indian visitors and a fee of Rs. 300 for foreign visitors. Students have to pay a very minimum charge of Rs. 1 for an entry into this museum. The museum is open on all days except for Mondays. Timings: 10am to 5 pm all days except Monday Charges: Entry Rs.300 for foreigners (includes useful audioguide), Rs.10 Indians (optional audioguide Rs.150 extra), plus Rs. 300 if you want to use a camera

National Railway Museum popular The National Rail Museum is located at in New Delhi. It is a huge attraction because of its compilation of trains, locomotives and carriages.

There are beautiful models dating back to the olden days on display. The trains and coaches mark the development typical to each era of progress. The first steam engine that traveled within the Indian sub continent is being displayed in the museum. The locomotives are show cased in the open and hence, one gets a feeling as if one is walking into a garden full of railways!

This museum has a wealth of information on Indian Railways. Some of the wagons that were meant for the transport of the rich are on display and are the Viceregal Dining Car, Prince of Wales Saloon, Maharaja of Mysore's Saloon and Maharaja of Baroda's Saloon. Timings: 9:30am to 5:30pm

www.mustseeindia.com National Zoological Park popular The National Zoological Park stretches across 214 acres of land near the Old Fort in Delhi. The park is home to several species of animals as well as various types of vegetation. It offers a natural environment to over 2,000 birds and animal species that are usually found in foreign continents. The park premises also houses a library that provides good information about the resident animals and birds of the park.

The underground Reptile Home complex is a special feature of this park and is home to the rarest of rare snakes.

The park is open from 8 am to 6 pm in summers, and from 9 am to 5 pm in winters. A visit to this park would be a treat to nature lovers. Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (April to October), 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (November to March) (Except Friday) Charges: Adult: Rs 4/-, Children: Rs 2/-

Nehru Park popular The Nehru Park is a famous garden that sees myriads of visitors daily. The park has a beautiful collection of flowers, alluring little mounds and rocks emblazoned with the famous sayings of Nehru. Thus, the park attracts people of all ages. Due to the pleasing and calm ambience prevalent in the park, it has in recent times become popular with picnic goers as well as the young couples.

The 'Morning Ragas'- are the famous musical recitals that are organized every Sunday morning. Famous musicians and vocalists of India present their talents in these concerts that are typically held for two hours in the landscaped gardens of the Nehru Park.

Parliament House popular The Parliament House is the building that is of supreme importance for the Indian sub continent. The decisions affecting the ruling of the nation are passed here. The house of the Parliament is located at the end of the Sansad Marg. This splendid structure was designed by Herbert Baker and was formerly called as the Circular House. The two hundred and forty seven enormous pillars, which are representative of the Mughal style of architecture, are a unique feature of the Parliament House.

The Lok Sabha or the House of People, the Rajya Sabha or the Council of States and the library can be visited upon obtaining the necessary permit from the office on Raisina Road. For the foreign visitors, permits are granted only if their respective embassies grant them with an introductory letter. Timings: Entry is restricted to authorised persons only

Pragati Maidan popular The Pragati Maidan was founded in 1982 as the venue of the annual India International Trade Fair that is typically held in November. This seven acre land has permanent buildings for exhibition areas for all the states of the country. The Nehru Pavilion, Defense Pavilion, the Son of India Pavilion, the Indira Pavilion, and Village Complex are worth a visit. Many business units from all over the world partake in these fairs, thus resulting in industrial relationships and joint ventures. There are four entrances to this huge Maidan.

The best time to visit the Pragati Maidan is November since that is the time the India International Trade Fair is held. This fair sees some 6,000 companies, mostly from India and other Asian countries exhibit their products at an international fair of such huge magnitude.

Rajghat popular Raj Ghat is built in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna. This grave black marble podium marks the spot of Mahatma’s cremation on the 31 January 1948. An abiding flame at one end, which burns ceaselessly, flanks the platform. A stone alleyway with lawns on either sides leads to the enclosed space that has the memorial with the epitaph Hey Ram, thought to be the last words articulated by Gandhiji.

As a mark of respect, it is obligatory for visitors to remove footwear before entering the memorial. It has become a routine for foreign personages visiting India to pay their reverence to Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat.

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