IN TERMS OF HISTORY

Delhi has a strong historical background, owing to the fact that it was ruled over by some of the most powerful emperors in Indian history. The history of the city dates back to the time of Mahabharata, when it was known as Indraprastha, the city of Pandavas. According to the great epic, the place was originally a barren piece of land and was converted into a wonderful city by the efforts of the Pandavas. As other kings occupied the neighboring region, some other cities came up like Lal Kot, Siri, Dinpanah, Quila Rai Pithora, Ferozabad, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad and Shahjahanabad. Later, these cities merged into one hustling and bustling metropolitan city, which finally emerged as the political capital of free India. Delhi has been a witness to the political turmoil for over five centuries. It was ruled by the Mughals in succession to Khiljis and Tughlaqs. In the year 1803 AD, the city came under the British rule. In 1911, British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi. It again became the center of all the governing activities. But, the city has the reputation of throwing the one who sits on its throne. It included the British and the current political parties that have had the honor of leading free India. After independence in 1947, New Delhi was officially declared as the seat of the Government of India. During the Partition, of India thousands of Hindu and Sikh refugees from West Punjab migrated to Delhi. Since then, the city has not looked back. Delhi presents a beautiful blend of the varied cultures. The beauty of the city lies in the diversity it exhibits. In some places it is a garden city with beautiful parks, while in some places, it's crowded with heavy traffic. Turbaned Sikhs, colourfully dressed Rajasthani and Gujarati women, Muslim shopkeepers in Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, Tibetans and Ladakhis along Janpath and Kashmiris in the handicraft emporia around Connaught Place, all add to the cosmopolitan feel of the city. Soaring skyscrapers, posh residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes can be seen adding on to its metropolitan characteristic. This is complimented by the ancient historical monuments. The traditional and contemporary art and crafts from all over the country are available in boutiques and shopping arcades here. Other than this, Delhi has become the center stage for all the political activities in the country. The premier government, administrative and judiciary buildings are also located here. The leaders of the nation run the nation and write the future of millions of people from Delhi itself

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RAIN RAIN COME AGAIN...

I just love rain, it was rare in Delhi last monsoon but seems rain god has compensated for last year dry run...BUT Though Heavy rains bouught down the temperature, the traffic was thrown out of gear due to severe water-logging in various parts of the city.
The downpour came as a relief to the Delhiites with the city experiencing 166.6 mm rain in the first two days of the month. Various busy intersections like ITO, Minto Bridge, Nizamuddin Bridge, Dhaula Kuan, Ajadpur Sabji mandi, IIT, Hauz Khas

and industrial areas like Okhla and Peeragarhi reported endless traffic snarls.
Several autos, heavy vehicles like trucks and cars were stranded on the roads due to heavy water-logging.
"The travel time from AIIMS to Hauzkhas is just few minutes on the usual day but today it took over an hour to cover the distance," Sarita, a business executive with a private firm said. Rain Rain Rain,
Up above from the skiesu come,
As drops of joy
As drops of sorrow
As a shower of blessing from the heavens.
Rain Rain Rain,
Pitter patter pitter patteron the window panes,
thunder and lightning fill up the skiescreating an orchestral symphony.
Rain Rain Rain,
With wind, sun and clouds, seven colors u bring togetherand joy in our hearts.
Rain Rain Rain
A miracle to a droughtA curse when in glut, tiny silver crystals trickles from up above.

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BONDING OVER TEA

Cha Bars are certainly the flavour of the season and Cha Bar ar CP's Oxford Book store is certainly recommended for a cuppa. Sip as you flip, eat as you read other than feasting on the panoramic view of CP that Cha Bar offers I would suggest the Blueberry Muffins Marble Cake and of course, the teas-specially the Khobong, the Green and the Ayurvedic. Of course, the choise of Chas can be Chore-there are 67 to choose form.Most Delhi wallas are tea lovers but only within home. Outside, they talk like coffee connoisseurs. That may be changing. No longer is this humble drink confined to grimy dhabas and JNU addas, or locked behind the counters of 5-star hotel lounges. Chai is becoming cool. Tea bars are the new hotspots. The brewed beverage has started infusing into the milky layer of the Delhi social scene.

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JALEBIS AND REST....

I went out shopping one Saturday, was unimpressed with what i called the “refined” taste of air-conditioned mall chaat. “If you want street food you go to the street,” was my friend's verdict. She dug instead into a platter of fried bread and vegetables.Street foods in the mall do not immediately threaten the street food of Delhi, but the roadside vendors may well have to change the way they do business. A court order earlier this year directed the city to ban the cooking of food outdoors, though not the sale of precooked foods. The city has yet to issue final rules, but it is likely to usher in changes to chaat-making.

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DELHI BELLY

IN dELHI, LIKE MOST INDIAN CITIES, YOU WOULD FIND ALL SORTS OF FOOD AT ALL COSTS, JUST PEEP UR POCKET AND GO YUMMY!! YUMMY!!

the capital city of India is a fantastic place for epicureans. The city is renowned for typical Delhi cuisine that can tickle anyone's taste buds with relishing food diversity. The utmost multifariousness of Delhi food with the dizzying range of cuisines made the city the hub for comfortable experience for gourmets. True food culture in Delhi is a mixture of North Indian food, Mughlai Cuisines, Punjabi food and mouth watering street food. It also includes a variety of cuisines from different parts of India. Delhi is a hot spot for Continental food as well as Chinese food. We can get a number of low budget restaurants, eating joints, road side Dhabas and mobile food wagons to get the taste perception of food culture in Delhi, the capital city. A number of popular road side eateries in places like Paranthe wali gali, Annapoorna, Ghantewala, Bengali Market, Greater Kailash and Sunder Nagar are famous for entertaining their gastronomes with kababs,rotis chaat, bhelpuri, sweetmeats and biryani. The local population enjoys tandoori chicken and tandoori roti at low budget in roadside dhabas.

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BEWARE OF NIGHT

Although clubs and bars are multiplying in Delhi, you still have to look hard for them. Whenever you feel like dancing, the best option probably is to go to one of the big hotels that presumably has a private club and bar. It is quite likely that you end up watching a Hindi film or a traditional dance performance, finished off with a beer or lassi and an early night of sleep. After all, it's going to be a busy day again tomorrow. Night life is cool in delhi, almost every hotel as a big pub and a disc starting from le meridian to taj to hayatt. otherwise ´travel to noida adjoining delhi 20min by car youcan find the ELEVATES there its too good to be called indian. you can get couple as wellas stag entry there. STEEL is another good name for disc and bar kinda thing its in Gurgaon, peppers in bristol gurgaon is a good name. couple is a must on weekends but if u r good there are a lot of girls you can buy a drink for . Equipped with all major amenities that you require in the bars and the pubs of New Delhi, they are the perfect place to soar your exotic spirits. Just take a glass of drink, brush aside all your tensions and rock your body to the music played by the DJ’s. Many a times there are live performances of the bands. If you do not wish to dance, than simply take a glass of your favorite drink and watch the crowd are they engross in complete fun and festivity. If you want to learn about the crowd, then bars and the discotheques are the best places to satisfy your instincts. Though many blame that in these places the rich show off their wealth, yet they are the ideal places to realize how fast Delhi is progressing. Just sit and enjoy the taste of lovely food and drink that you get over here.Gradually, nightlife attraction is becoming top rated entertainment option that has made its way through the itinerary of all the tourists. With the advent of lounge bars , the nightlife has certainly transformed. Delhi is one of the most happening cities of India. The people in Delhi are always up to some kind of enjoyment. The crowd is really rocking in Delhi. After the entire days hustles and bustles, relaxation becomes very important. There are a wide range of recreational spots in Delhi which includes clubs, bars, discotheques, coffee joints where the night like starts after 9 pm.

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SECOND HAND KNOWLEDGE

Old Delhi is a constellation of living artefacts, and Darya Ganj’s Old Book Bazaar is among the most interesting ones. Stretching nearly 1.5 km near Darya Ganj’s Golcha cinema, the bazaar is the only source of income for many of its 200 pavement booksellers.
According to Mr. Subhash Chand Agrawal, President, Sunday Book Bazaar Patri Welfare Association, the market has been a Sunday feature in the area for the past three decades. Not all books here are second-hand. The sellers acquire books from different places. Many publishers, not able to sell the old editions of books, sell them to these pavement booksellers at cheaper prices. Also, loads of books remain unclaimed during transportation through trains and buses which are then auctioned by Railway and other transportation authorities. However, according to one bookseller, Farid Anwar, “books also come from distributors on Ansari Road”. Often, customers with old books lying at home come to sell them to these sellers. The sellers also sell in bulk acting as distributors themselves. Traders dealing in used books come from as far away as Hyderabad to buy their stock here.

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COMMONWEALTH GAMES

The 2010 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held in Delhi, India between October 3 and October 14, 2010. With a population of over 15 million, Delhi is one of the largest cities in the world. This will be the largest multi-sport event conducted to date in Delhi and India generally, which has previously hosted the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982. The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi.
This is the first time the Commonwealth Games will be held in India, which will be the third developing country to host the event (after Jamaica in 1966 and Malaysia in 1998). This is the second time the event has been held in Asia (after 1998).
In January 2005, the Commonwealth Games Federation vice-president Randhir Singh expressed concern that Delhi was behind schedule in forming an organising committee. On 18 January 2008, however, the Commonwealth Games Federation expressed its approval of Delhi's progress

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DIPLOMATIC ENCLAVE, CHANKYAPURI

Located at the distance of around 14 kilometers from the Delhi International airport, Chanakyapuri is full of embassies and foreign diplomats. Rightly named after the ancient Indian diplomat Chanakya, the locality serves as the diplomatic enclave of Delhi, full of foreign diplomats and foreign envoys. It is strategically located in the heart of New Delhi, so its proximity with the high hierarchy of India is untroubled. Roads like Nyaya Marg, Niti Marg, Panchsheel Marg, and Shanti Path takes you to Chanakyapuri.

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JHANDEWALAH TEMPLE

To have the divine experience of Shri Aadi Shakti Maa Jhandewali's darshan, devotees can plan visit to her famous temple , located in Delhi. The name Jhandewalan was given during Shah Jahan's reign, due to the prayer flags or 'Jhandas' being offered. This ancient temple has a subterranean shrine as well as one on the ground level. Thousands of devotees converge for darshan or blessing, including the rich and the famous especially during the Navratras in spring and autumn. The upper level of the temple has divine idol of Mata Jhandewali. There are idols of other Gods also at the same level. At the ground level , the original idol of Jhandewali Mata is there. There is a history attached to this idol. It is believed that Badri Bhagat, one of the great devotee of matarani, dreamed of her and she told him about this idol. Thereafter the temple was constructed at the same place. There is a divine place for performing Shiv puja in the adjoining area at the lower level itself. The offering for the Goddess are easily available in the shops in the temple vicinity.

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GURUWDARA SIS GANJ

Built on the site where the Mughals beheaded Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675, Gurdwara Sis Ganj commemorates the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It is situated in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi. According to the legend, Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded by Mughal emperor, Auranzeb, as he refused to convert to Islam. On his death, no one dared to pick up his body. Suddenly, sky became clouded, followed by a heavy downpour. Then, two of his brave disciples fled with his head and body. The head of the Guru was taken to Chakk Nanaki in Anandpur Sahib, while the body was taken to Rakab Ganj Gurudwara.

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RAKAB GANJ GURUDWARA

Gurdwara Rakab Ganj was built in 1732 by Lakhi Banjara, the devotee who performed the last rites of the martyred Guru Teg Bahadur. It is located on the Pant Road in New Delhi, facing the Parliament House. An interesting legend is attached to Gurdwara Rakab Ganj. It is said that Guruji were executed on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, for not converting to Islam. After he was beheaded, Lakhi Singh escaped with the body of Guruji to his home & cremated the body and later set fire to the house to remove any evidences. When the fire extinguished, he put the holy ashes in an urn and buried it on that site itself.

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MOTH KI MASJID

Moth ki Masjid is situated between Uday Park and the plush South Extension Part 2 area of New Delhi. An interesting legend is attached to the origin of the Moth ki Masjid, or the Lentil Mosque, of India. About 500 years old, it was built by Sikander Lodi. According to the legend, one day Sikandar Lodi gave a grain of moth (a type of lentil) to his loyal minister Miyan Bhuwa as a reward for fun. The witty minister planted the seed carefully years after years until it multiplied so many times that it could finally finance the construction of the mosque. He then went to the sovereign to ask his permission to build the mosque.

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Hazrat Nizamuddin

Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliyaa Dargah is located in New Delhi, across the road from Humayun's tomb. The 'dargah' of revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliyaa has its devotees all over the Islamic world. A settlement has sprung up here, known as 'Nizamuddin' for short. This shrine also houses the tomb of Amir Khusrau, a famous poet and the saint's beloved disciple. Encroachments plaque, the shrine, and the area itself, seem to belong to another century. The shrine was built by Muhammad Tughluq & is one of the sacred places of pilgrimage in India.

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JAMA MASJID

Shah Jahan, as his final architectural extravagance, built one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid. It is situated in Old Delhi area of the capital. Also known as Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, it was the principal mosque of the Emperor. Owing to its huge size, it took six years to be fully complete. Situated on a high platform, the austere, yet beautiful, building was built in red sandstone, with extensive use of white marble. The pulpit of Jama Masjid has been beautifully carved out of a single block of marble. It has three gateways, four soaring towers and two minarets. The 130-ft high slender minarets of the mosque grace its impressive façade.

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MAJNU KA TILA

Gurdwara Majnu ka Tila is situated on the Grand Trunk Road, in the Timarpur region of New Delhi. This shrine is dedicated to Guru Nanak, who hallowed this place during his visit to Delhi in the 15th century. The small structure was expanded in the 1980s to a larger white marble structure, with a cusped dome. It was also proposed to be covered with gold leaf work, later. There is an interesting story associated with Majnu ka Tila Gurudwara. According to the tale, a Muslim hermit used to live on this hillock, during the reign of Sikander Lodhi.

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GURUDWARA BANGLA SAHIB

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is an important historical and religious place in India. Dedicated to the eighth Sikh Guru, Sri Harkishen Sahib, it is situated near Connaught Place Market in New Delhi. Its main hall is kept simple, except for the open central shrine, covered by a small golden dome sporting a sculpted bronze cupola. Devotional music is relayed throughout the complex continuously. There is a higher secondary school, Baba Baghel Singh Museum, a library and a hospital in the Gurdwara complex. Holy water of Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, known as 'Amrit, is said to have miraculous powers of curing the sick. Before entering the shrine, the devotees take a holy dip in the holy pond, known as 'sarovar'. The birth of Guru Sri Harkrishan Sahib and death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singhji is celebrated here every year. 'Langar' or Community Kitchen Hall is organized on the east side of the complex. Here, free food is served to all the devotees, without any distinction of caste, creed or status. One can visit the main complex bare-footed only, covering one's head and wearing conservative clothes, covering legs and shoulders. According to the legend related to this Gurdwara, the seat of Guru Sahib was disputed and Ram Rai, brother of Harkishen, sought the help of Aurungzeb. Aurungzeb called Guru Harkishen to Delhi, where he was entertained royally by Mirza Raja Jai Singh in his own palace, along with Diwan Dargah Mull, Bhai Gurditta Ji, Bhai Mati Das Ji and the mother of the Guruji. Later, this fabulous mansion was converted into a Gurdwara in the memory of the Guru Sahib and was called as Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. This shrine has also had the honor of hosting sixth Guru Sri Hargobind Sahib, on his arrival in Delhi.

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CHURCH OF SACRED HEART

Situated at the south end of Bhai Vir Singh Marg in New Delhi, the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart was designed by Henry Medd. One can clearly see the Italian influence in its structure. The facade of white pillars, supporting the canopy, looks beautiful and attractive. Their setting against a dark brick background lends them an ethereal charm. On each side of the cathedral's entrance porch, there are circular arcaded turrets rising above the roof. The interiors look grand and lavish with their towering curved roof, polished stone floors and broad arches

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CATHERDAL CHURCH

Situated to the east of Parliament House in New Delhi, the Cathedral Church of the Redemption was built in eight years and was completed in the year 1935. It was designed by architect, Henry Medd. Lord Irwin, the then Viceroy, was so impressed by its high curved arches and subtle domes that it came to be known as 'Viceroy's Church'. Later, when the Viceroy escaped a near fatal accident in 1929, when an attempt was made to blow up his train, he presented the picture at the east end and a silver cross to the church as a thanksgiving gesture to the God for saving his life.

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ISKCON TEMPLE

ISKCON Temple is located at Hari Krishna Hill, in the East of Kailash area of New Delhi. It was built as recently as 1998 and is one of the most lavish and grand temples of the city. A fine example of architecture, it sports 'Shikharas', rising to a height of 90-ft above ground level. The temple has air-conditioned hall that can hold as many as 1,500 people at once. The fine art paintings by Russian artists here depict lives and events related to Hindu mythological characters, like Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, Laxman, Hanuman and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

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LOTUS TEMPLE

One of the most beautiful temples in India, the 40 m high Lotus Temple is also known as Bahai Temple, and is built in the shape of a half-opened Lotus flower. Situated near Bahapur village, it is the seventh Baha'i House of Worship in the world. Completed in 1986, this pure white marble temple is also known as Taj of Modern India. Surrounded by carefully manicured lawns, it has been constructed using marble, cement, sand and dolomite. The temple structure has 27 giant white marble petals and nine pools, indicative of the nine unifying spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith, which believes in oneness of all religions and mankind.

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Chattarpur Mandir

Chattarpur Mandir is situated just 4 km from Qutub Minar, located in the Mehrauli area of New Delhi. The spectacular temple complex is an architectural gem in itself. All the shrines in the complex are built from white marble. Comparatively recent in its construction, it rivals the splendor of the Mughal architecture of the city. Devotees from all over Delhi come to pay their homage to the deities in the temple. The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga and exhibits traits of the temple architecture of South India. On Durga Puja, one can see never-ending queues of devotees waiting patiently for their turn to ask for the blessings of the Goddess. According to the popular belief, tying a thread on the tree inside the complex of Chattarpur Mandir fulfills one's wishes. Prayers and sermons are conducted in the temple 24 hours a day. Anybody can participate in these spiritual meetings, any time. The beauty of the complex is highlighted by the lush green gardens in the area. There are also a number of temples inside the complex, dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses, like Vishnu, Ganesha, Lakshmi and Shiva.

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BIRLA TEMPLE

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir is situated near Connaught Place area of New Delhi. It was built by Raja Baldev Das in 1938. Popularly known as Birla Mandir, it is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth and her consort, Lord Vishnu. Built in Orissan style, its walls are adorned with various Hindu symbols and inscriptions from the holy books of the Gita and the Upanishads. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi and took six years to complete. According to the conditions placed by him, people of all castes, including the untouchables, were allowed to visit the temple. It is maintained by Birla family, the renowned industrialists of India.

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GALLERY OF MODERN ART

The National Gallery of Modern Art was established in the year 1954 by, the then Vice President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. The best place to see Indian contemporary art, this museum is situated at Jaipur House of New Delhi. The royal building of the museum was formerly the residence of erstwhile Maharajas of Jaipur. It houses a splendid collection of paintings, some of which are as old as 150 years! The painting treasure housed here includes the 19th and early-20th century paintings of British artists, Thomas Daniell, and his nephew, William. You can also see the artworks of renowned Indian artists, such as Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy and Amrita Sher Gill. National Gallery of Modern Art throws light on the evolution of modern Indian paintings and sculpture. There is also an Art Reference Library, with a good collection of art books, journals and periodicals as well as a sculpture garden at the back. Apart from organizing shows and gallery management, there are a number of other activities undertaken at the gallery.
A reserve collection is being carefully maintained and documented by the gallery.
The restoration department conserves the art works.
The publication department publishes 335 publications, 35 posters, postcards, etc.
The gallery is also producing and acquiring films on artists, many of which have received awards.
The gallery organizes annual summer camps of art training for children and other educational activities.

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DOLLS MUSEUM

Shankar's International Dolls Museum is a unique museum, located in the Children's Book Trust building, on the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg of New Delhi. There are about 6,000 dolls in Shankar's International Dolls Museum, collected from over 85 countries. This, in itself, is an overwhelming fact that can lure anybody to this special museum. A third of this collection comes from different parts of India only. The museum was set up by K. Shankar Pillai, a political cartoonist. The dolls in the museum are dressed in beautiful, bright-colored and dazzling costumes, representing the country or the region to which they belong.

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SANSKRITI MUSEUM

Sanskriti Museum situated in the outskirts of Delhi is broadly categorized into two parts - Sanskriti Museum of Indian Terracotta and Sanskriti Museum of Everyday Art. The Sanskriti Museum of Terracotta houses creative earthen objects made by some of the finest crafts persons, hailing from different parts of India, using their distinctive traditions and techniques. The well-documented display of terracotta crafts is complemented by the residential facilities and working space for crafts persons, where one can see them at work. It exhibits over 150 terracotta items collected from all over the nation.

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NEHRU MUSEUM

Nehru Museum and Planetarium is situated at the erstwhile residence of Late Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. It is the best place to learn about the history of the Independence Movement of India. The museum offers photographs of Jawaharlal Nehru in various phases of his life. The colonial building structure has high ceilings, teak panels, spacious verandas and well-maintained gardens. Prior to independence, this building served as the official residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in India. Nehru lived here for 16 years.

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RAIL MUSEUM

National Rail Museum, situated in New Delhi, is a must-visit for those who love locomotives. There are various models of train, engines and coaches in the museum. It also preserves the model of India's very first train, a steam engine that made its journey from Mumbai to Thane in 1853. There are a number of locomotives displayed in the open, which are simply lovable. The museum, sprawling across 10 acres of land, is a storehouse of information on the 150-yr old history of railways in India. Children love the ride in the toy train on the miniature rail track around the museum. The highlight of the museum is the Fairy Queen built in 1855, which is the best-preserved locomotive of its times.

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National Museum

A small, but well documented, museum, known as the National Museum of Natural History, is the best place to view the varied flora and fauna of India. It is situated in FICCI building at Barakhambha road in New Delhi. It was opened for the people on 5th June 1978. The museum was the brain child of former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. There is a Discovery and Activity Room for kids, where Children can participate in creative activities, such as animal modeling. It is maintained by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, with an aim to promote environmental education and create awareness among the people.

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Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum was the residence of the former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi. It is where her own bodyguards assassinated her on 31st October 1984. It was later converted into a museum, after her assassination. Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum preserves her personal belongings very well, and in such a manner, that they are rendered alive by merely their presentation. One can see the sari she was wearing when she was assassinated, a collection of rare photographs of the Nationalist movement, the personal moments of the Nehru-Gandhi family and her childhood photographs with the Mahatma.

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CRAFTS MUSEUM

The Crafts Museum is situated at Pragati Maidan area of New Delhi. It displays Indian handicrafts and offers first-hand experience of craftsmen at work. Some of the most rare and exquisite pieces of art and craft, collected selectively from all over India, are the prized possessions of the museum. Established in 1956 with an aim to showcase and promote the works of native artisans, it had over 20,000 objects on display by early 1980s. The distinctive architectural display of Indian villages and authentically constructed mud huts, adorned with folk art and tribal exhibits, such as woodcarvings, paintings, paper-mache and embroidery, attract the tourists very much

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ANSAL PLAZA

A part of HUDCO Place built on 35 acres of land, Ansal Plaza is a shopping complex situated near South Extension, one of the posh markets in New Delhi. The Plaza complex competes with the best international shopping complexes in the world in its architectural splendor, aesthetic details and shopping experience. It provides comfort and variety to the customers. One of the finest malls in India today, Ansal plaza has made shopping much more enjoyable than before.

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NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK

National Zoological Park or the Delhi Zoo is one of the finest zoos in Asia and is situated close to Purana Qila or Old Fort. It extends over a massive area of 214 acres and was established in 1959. It aims to provide natural habitat to more than 2,000 animals and birds species that have been brought here from different parts of India as well as other continents such as Africa, America, Australia, etc. Delhi Zoo proves to be an idyllic picnic spot in winters. The serenity and the greenery here seem very pleasing and offer a delightful respite from the humdrum of the city. The winding pathways lead to the administrative building, with a library on the right side, where you can get all the information on animals, birds, plants and rare zoological species in India. Visitors, especially children, love to see Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Spider monkey, African Wild Buffalo, Gir Lion and Zebras, water animals and birds such as Macaque, Banteng, Emu, Hyenas, Axis Deer, Fallow Deer, Peafowl, Hog Deer and the Jaguar. The underground Reptile Home Complex displays a wide array of snakes such as King Cobra & Pythons.

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MUGHAL GARDEN

Sprawled across six hectares of the Rashtrapati Bhavan Complex, the famous Mughal Gardens were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens for Lady Harding. These gardens combine the formal Moghul style with the British garden designs. Delhi Mughal Gardens sport Mughal canals, multi-level terraces and flowering shrubs along with European flowerbeds, lawns and privet hedges. W. R. Mustoe can be credited with planting the appropriate shrubs, plants and trees in the garden.

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LODI GARDEN

Established in the 15th-16th century by the Sayyids and Lodis, the vast grounds of Lodi Garden are famous among the joggers of the Delhi city of India. Carefully kept gardens and the medieval monuments lend a charm to these gardens. In 1968, J.A Stein and Garrett Eckbo re-landscaped these gardens giving them their present beautified form. The several tombs situated in the garden belong to the Lodi and Sayyid Era and include Muhammad Shah's Tomb and Sikander Lodi's tomb. Muhammad Shah (1434 - 44) was the third ruler of Sayyid dynasty. His tomb has been built in a typical octagonal pattern with a central octagonal chamber, verandahs, three arched openings on each side and sloping buttress. Inspired by Mubarak Shah's tomb, this tomb has a more compact plan, high dome, matching chhatris and better proportions. Apart from this, there are other tombs, namely Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad. Bara Gumbad or the Big Dome is a square tomb with an imposing dome. Its facades appear to be two storied.

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APPU GHAR

The first amusement park of India, Appu Ghar is the favorite of all children because of its exquisite roller coasters and water slides. The mini-Disneyland of Delhi was inaugurated on 19th November, 1984. It has joy rides for people of all ages. The large range of swings and rides here include the popular Roller Coaster, Big Splash, Dodgem Cars, Eerie Tunnel, Giant Wheel and Appu Columbus. Children love the thrill of riding in a Cable Car and the Speeding Cup. Since, there is no snowfall in New Delhi; the ice games at OYSTERS (a water park) are quite popular.

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QUTUB MINAR

Qutubuddin Aibak laid the foundation of Qutab Minar, as a victory tower, in 1199 AD. Originally, it rose to a height of 72.5 m. It is undoubtedly one of the finest stone towers in India and one of the most important landmarks of Delhi. Iltutmish, the son-in-law and successor of Qutubuddin, completed its construction. Nearby, one can also see the ruins of the Tomb of Iltutmish. He built it in 1235 AD, during his own lifetime, and decorated the interiors profusely, using calligraphy. The tower tapers from a base of 14.32 m to 2.75 m at its top and took 20 years to complete.Built in red sandstone, this tower sports the inscriptions of verses of Holy Quran and some intricate carvings. We can also see the ruins of the embattlements of the city called 'Siri' here. It was established in 1303 AD by Ala-ud-Din, who dug a vast reservoir in Hauz Khas to supply water to his city. Though nothing much of the city remains to be seen, it has been described by the contemporary historians as the 'envy of Baghdad, the rival of Cairo and equal to Constantinople'. Besides these, one can also see the tomb of Adham Khan and Zafar Mahal within Qutub complex and the tomb of Jamali-Kamali behind it.

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OLD FORT

Said to be built on the site of Indraprastha, mentioned in Mahabharata - the great Indian epic, Old Fort has been the seat for administration for many emperors. Now in ruins, this citadel had the glory of being the seat of the legendary ruler, Prithviraj Chauhan. Sher Shah Suri built it after he demolished the Humayun's city, Dinpanah. There are bastions on the corners of the western wall of the fort. The 2-km long ramparts of Purana Quila boast of three double-storied main gates sporting 'chhatris' on top. They can be found in north, south and west. The northern one is called the 'Talaqi-Darwaza' (the Forbidden Gate) and has a carving of marble lions engaged in combat with a man in its front. One can still see the remnants of the colored tiles which used to ornament its exteriors. However, it is said that Sher Shah could not complete the construction of Old Fort and it was finished by Humayun. Thus, the southern gate of the fort is known as Humayun Darwaza. There is a wide moat on the northern and western sides of the fortress and a causeway connected the fortress with the main land.

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JANTAR MANTAR

Situated at Connaught Place area of New Delhi, Jantar Mantar is one of the five observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler and founder of Jaipur, in India. Smaller than the one at Jaipur, it is still astonishing because of its capability to make accurate calculations of many astronomical movements. Constructed in 1724, the giant abstract masonry instruments of Jantar Mantar are the evident of the technological genius of the times in the field of astronomy. Jai Singh was a keen astronomer and a noble in the Mughal court.

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ISA KHAN'S TOMB

Isa Khan's Tomb is situated just outside the Humayun's tomb precincts in New Delhi. It was built in the honor of Isa Khan, a brave and valiant noble under Sher Shah, the Afghan ruler who had overthrown Humayun. It was built in 1547, in an octagonal pattern. It is an architectural gem in the Islamic art in India and remained a model tomb amongst the ruling families in its time. Said to be inspired by the tomb of Sikandar Lodi, which is 300 years older than the Isa Khan tomb, it can boast of having more graceful proportions. The 'chhatris' or small kiosks and pinnacles around the dome that were introduced here look quite elegant.

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RAJ GHAT

Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most visited sites in Delhi. It consists of a simple square black-marble platform that stands on the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Nearby, there are cremation sites of Jawaharlal Nehru - the first Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri. Raj Ghat is situated to the south of Red Fort and is very peaceful. The black marble tomb is inscribed by the words 'Hey Ram!', the last words that were spoken by Mahatma Gandhi, as he fell down after being shot by Nathuram Godse. The whole edifice of the Samadhi reflects the simple and nature-loving personality of the great leader. The cenotaph stands surrounded by earthworks that protect it from the flooding of the Yamuna. These walls have resulted in the open space of the memorial being converted into an enclosed garden.

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RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN

Rashtrapati Bhawan was formerly known as 'Viceroy's House' and was occupied by the Governor-General of India, until independence. Also known as President's House, the building holds a prominent position in New Delhi. Designed by the British architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, this classical building uses colors and details peculiar to Indian architecture. It was completed by 1929 and was officially inaugurated in 1931. It was in 1950 that President started living in this ceremonial building and the 'Viceroy's House' was renamed as 'Rashtrapati Bhavan.' It has 340 decorated rooms and a floor area of 200,000 square feet. It presents a blend of Mughal and European architectural styles. While Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of India, Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament House is the center of political power in India Parliament House is one of the most magnificent buildings in New Delhi. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, it took six years to be constructed. It was inaugurated on 18th January, 1927 by the then Governor-General of India, Lord Irwin. The massive circular edifice has a circumference of about one-third of a mile and stretches across six acres. The beautiful works that make the architecture of the Parliament House so special include the layout of fountains both inside and outside the building, statues, murals and marble 'jali' (mesh) that adorn its windows. It houses Lok Sabha (House of the People), Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the erstwhile Library Hall (formerly the Princes Chamber). Along with this, there are well-planned garden courts, accommodation for Ministers and Chairmen, Parliamentary Committees, Party Offices, important offices of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha here. Secretariats and the offices of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs are also located here.

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