Delhi ike phoenix has emerged from its ruins 11 times: each time livelier and more vibrant. The first instance of the region being capitalised was during the time of the Mahabharata War, when the five Pandava brothers built an immense and highly sophisticated fortress called Indraprastha and ruled the country from there.
In more recent times, ‘Dhili’ was founded by Tomara ruler, Anangpal. Qila Rai Pithora named after Prithvi Raj Chauhan (also known as Rai Pithora), was a thirteen-gated fort in Delhi. The other distinct citadels on Delhi in chronological order were built as follows:
- Mehrauli, built by Qutubuddin Aibak in 12th century;
- Siri, built by Alauddin Khalji in 1303;
- Tughluqabad, built by Ghiyasuddin Tughluq (1321–1325);
- Jahanpanah, built by Muhammad bin Tughluq (1325–1351);
- Ferozabad, built by Firuz Shah Tughluq (1351–1388);
- Lodi Complex, built by the Lodi rulers and the least significant of all dynasties of Delhi Sultanate (1451–1526);
- Dinpanah built by Humayun and Shergarh built by Sher Shah Suri, both in the area near the speculated site of the legendary Indraprastha (1538–1545);
- Shahjahanabad, the walled city built by Shah Jahan from 1638 to 1649, containing the Lal Qila and the Chandni Chowk. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire during Shah Jahan’s reign. It is presently referred to as “Old Delhi“.
- Lutyens’ Delhi or New Delhi, the city built by the British on the south-west, declared Capital on December 12, 1911.
Inevitably these developments have left their distinct imprints on the city. From among these, we take you today to the 7 must visit site of Delhi as we see them today.
Humayun’s Tomb
It was built by Humayun’s wife, Haji Begum in the middle of the 16th century. It is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal and is one of the best examples of the Mughal Architecture.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Nizamuddin East with a blend of Islamic architecture, domes, geometric patterns and propositions. Listening to Sufi music with the moonlit Humayun’s Tomb as the backdrop, the three-day Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, designed and directed by filmmaker and painter Muzaffar Ali, is an out of body experience.
Old Fort
‘Pandavas’ had built their capital, ‘Indraprastha’ at the place where the old fort stands today. This fort was the seat of administration for many emperors. The legendary Prithviraj Chauhan ruled from here till he was defeated by Ahmad Shah Abdali in the battle of Panipat. This Fort has three arched gateways- The Bara Darwaza, The Humayun Gate and The Talaqi Gate.
Located near the National Zoological Park (originally Delhi zoo), this is a venue of daily sound and light shows ‘son et lumiere’ after sunset. This is an apt representation, of what Delhi is all about – layers and sub layers of history emergent from eras bygone; a saga of destruction and creation, of a new city built every time to be subsumed by a newer one. A must watch.
Jantar Mantar
It is a collection of salmon colored structures. These were built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur. It is also an attraction for the tourists. The astonishing part of these observatories is that they can calculate many astronomical movements very accurately. Many instruments here can trace the path of the astronomical universe. Some of these instruments are called Samrat Yantra, Jai Prakash, Ram Yantra, Niyati Chakra and Misra Yantra.
Situated near the famous Connaught Place and Janpath it also gives some excellent opportunity to indulge in street shopping and bargaining which is typically Indian. Palika Bazaar, Emporiums, Hotel Le Meridien, Bercos, McDonalds, Nirula’s, Nizam’s Kathi Kababs, Parikrama Revolving restaurant, Keventers and many more attractions for the foodies are located nearby.
India Gate
It is the national monument of India and is situated in the heart of Delhi. It was built by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1931. It commemorates the soldiers of the Indian army who lost their lives while fighting for the Indian Empire who are symbolized by the eternal flame “Amar Jawan Jyoti”.
Republic Day Parade is held here every year. Places of attraction nearby are Rajpath, Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, National gallery of Modern Art, National Museum of Natural History and many more. No Delhi visit is complete without an evening spent at India Gate Lawns.
Red Fort
“The Blessed Fort” or the Red Fort, was the residence of the royal family. It was built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It is also a monument which the tourists love to visit.
It is the largest fort in india, situated opposite Chandni Chowk, Gurudwara Sis Ganj, eating joints like chaatwalas, paranthe wali gali, Haldiram, and Chaina Ram Sindhi confectioners.
Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
It is one of the most prominent sikh gurudwara in Delhi. The place is known for its association with the 8thSikh guru, Guru Harkrishan, and also has a sarovar inside it. The worshipers find it very peaceful to be here and it has become the center of attraction for all. Gurbani (holy songs), and Guru ka langar sat ‘Bangla Sahib’ are a must on a visit to Delhi.
Akshardham Temple
It displays the Hindu tradition, culture, spirituality and architecture and was built in accordance with the Vastu Shastra. It is a store of musical fountain, theatre and a hall of values.
The temple has made it to the Guinness Book of World Records for being the world’s largest Hindu temple, elephant sculptures, exhibition halls, and musical fountain. It is a spiritual Disney land where one is transformed to ….
An option to explore Delhi is to stay in a homestay with the local people who proudly call themselves Delhiites and proclaim born and brought up in Delhi. It is a popular saying in Delhi that it belongs to ‘Dilwalas’ literally meaning people with a large heart referring to their hospitality. This way you would be able to see the place from the eyes of the local people, and possibly explore more of the hidden delights of the city such as ‘Qawalli’ at Nizamudin’s tomb, Golf by the lakeside at ‘Bhalaswa’, shopping for the antiques in quaint by lanes or discovering city’s many subcultures tucked in places like ‘Chitranjan Park’ for a mini Bengal or Rajauri Garden for a mini Punjab.
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(Guest Author: Rashmeet Kaur)
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