DELHI
Overview
India's capital city can be split into two distinct areas - New Delhi and Old Delhi, and while they continue to grow side by side, each retains its own charms. Old Delhi is the most historic part of the metropolis, with its origins dating back to the time of the Moghuls, the invaders from the northwest of Asia. Take a guided walk to get a feel for the old city.
On the other hand, in 1911, King George V, Emperor of India, declared that the capital of the Raj would be shifted from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Delhi. Much of the architectural work in New Delhi was done by Edwin Lutyens an English architect in the 1920s and 1930s.
There are no formal boundaries between the two, but it is just about always possible to distinguish whether you are in New Delhi or Old Delhi.
Attractions in Old Delhi include the Red Fort built in 1638 by the Moghuls to protect themselves from other invaders with the walls stretching for 1.2 miles.
Jama Masjid, built in 1650 in the old city is the biggest mosque in India and can hold 25,000 worshipers within its courtyard at any one time. With its beautiful architecture, it offers fabulous views of Delhi from its southern tower.
Chandni Chowk is a busy thoroughfare in Old Delhi, but also a functioning market, Chandni Chowk is the place to visit if you wish to feel immersed in the heart of the city.
In New Delhi, there is Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple which opened to the public in 2005. It is a beautiful structure made of pink stone and embellished with white marble, taking on the traditions of some of the older attractions in the city. There are also extensive gardens to enjoy, as well as sculptures and the chance to take a boat ride within the vicinity.
Humayun's Tomb in New Delhi is the final resting place of Humayun, the second Moghul Emperor was the inspiration for the most famous attraction in Agra. It was constructed in 1570 to contain the body of the second Mughal emperor and was the first building of its kind to feature this style of architecture. Many others followed in its footsteps all over the country, but this is the original.
‘Qutab Minar’, a symbol of Islamic presence a fine example of architecture from the Indo-Islamic period. Nobody has ever discovered why it was built in 1206, but it remains standing to this day. With five storeys and intricate carvings covering its surface, ‘Qutab Minar’ is a beautiful religious monument.
Drop in for Afternoon Tea at the Imperial Hotel. Built in the 1930s to reflect the luxuries of colonial India, the Imperial Hotel is best appreciated by attending Afternoon Tea there. Served on silverware imported from London, you're served with a platter of delicate pastries, tarts, and scones, with tea brewed in heritage China.
The hotel is proud to own one of the largest colonial and post-colonial Indian art collections in Delhi. After enjoying tea, you can take a tour of the display with a hotel guide.
Take a stroll or relax in the Lodhi Gardens, the park was originally a burial site for the Lodi dynasty, rulers from 1451 to 1525, before the Mughal invasion.
Sample the street food of Delhi there is plenty to choose from. Try Chole bhature for breakfast a combination of chana (chickpeas) masala and puri (a deep-fried bread made from raising flour). Poori Aloo (warmly spiced potato with fried bread) is another favourite any time of the day.
Best time to visit Delhi
Good time - October to March when the monsoon rains have finished, and temperatures average a comfortable 30°C (86°F). December and January can be surprisingly cool though — but a little quieter — with evening temperatures dropping to 10°C (50°F). By April they climb up to 40°C and, coupled with high humidity, this makes exploring uncomfortable.
