Delhi, capital of India is the third largest city of India. It is also called as twin city of India, located on the banks of the river Yamuna. The Delhi city is divided into new and old city. The old Delhi was built by Emperor Shan Jahan during the Muslim rule from the 12th to 19th centuary. Later the New Delhi was created under the British imperial rule. There are many sightseeing places to see in Delhi for a tourist such as Forts, temples, Historic buildings, Parliament house, Rashtrapathi Bhawan, Birla mandir etc.

Major tourist destinations are:-

India Gate

It is one among the most visited tourist destinations. It was built as memorial honour for Indian soldiers who were killed during the First World War. This historical edifice of Indian Gate is located exactly opposite to the president house. It serves as the venue of the republic day parade, which takes place every year on 26^th of January.

This Indian Gate was designed by the Edwin Lutyen, famous architect which stands 42m high on a base of red Bharatpur stone. Surrounding the Gate has very large lush lawns, where tourists as well as local visitors can be seen in lots.

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is the highest red sandstone tower built by Qutub-Ud-Din-Aibak in the year 1199. He completed the two floors and his descendant Shamsu'd-Din- Iitutmish completed the works by adding three more storeys. It resembles Indo-Islamic architecture. It is a five story high projected with balcony. It stands 72.5 meters high with a diameter of 14.3meters at its base and 2.7 meters in diameter at the top. It has 379steps to get to the top of the tower. There are other places close to Qutab minar they are Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Iron Pillar.

Red Fort

The most popular Red Fort in Delhi is one of the massive forts situated on the western bank of the river Yamuna. It was built by the king Shah Jahan. When he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi he started the construction of Red Fort from 1638 and completed by 1648. When coming to measurement, the wall extends from 2 km with a height of 18meters.

The fort provides the magnificent view to the visitors. The other attractions enclosed within this monument are the hammams or the Royal Baths, the shahi Burj which used to be shahjahans working area, and the moti masjid or the pearl mosque built by Aurangzeb for his personal use.

Jama Masjid

It is the largest mosque with two minarets and three domes in old Delhi. Shahjahan has built this mosque in the year 1656 AD with the help of 5,000 craftsmen. This mosque lies opposite to red fort, where it can uphold 25000 devotees. The mosque combines both the Hindu and Muslim style of architecture standing on 260 pillars support.

Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple that is located in Delhi is also known as 'Bahai House of Worship’. The lotus temple construction was completed in the year 1986. The structure of this lotus temple is shaped with 27 petals that are made of marble, dolomite, cement and sand. It’s the place of all religions to pray and it signifies peace. The prayers are conducted 4 times a day.

Prayer timings:-

1st prayer: 10.00a.m to 10.15a.m

2nd prayer: 12.00p.m to 12.15 p.m

3rd prayer: 3.00p.m to 3.15p.m

4th prayer: 5.00p.m to 5.15p.m

Birla Mandir

Birla mandir is built by the Birla family in 20^th centuary and is inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The holy deity here is Lakshmi Narain. The major attraction of this temple is you can find Hindu symbols and quotes from the Gita and the Upanishad decorated on the walls. The Geeta Bhavan in the Birla Temple has beautiful paintings of Indian mythology. The walls are painted describing the life and work of Budha, designed by artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. Durga and Shiva are other deities apart from Lakshmi narain. It attracts several devotees and international tourists in India.

Parliament House

The Parliament house is a massive circular colonnaded building with 90 ft in diameter. The parliament House also houses ministerial offices, library, and numerous committee rooms used for RajyaShabha and LokSabha meetings. It is 3 km from the city. Visitors are required to receive permission to enter the compounds of the secretariat building.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar at Jaipur is the largest stone observatory in the World and it is a special destination for a traveller. It is located in the parliament street.  Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1724, the founder of Jaipur. The cost of the ticket for entrance is Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners.

Humayun Tomb

Humayun Tomb is the beautiful architecture piece. It was built by Haji Begum, wife of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun in the mid of the 16th century. It displays the Mughal style with high arches and double domes.

The tomb was constructed with white marble and red sandstone in the year 1570.When Humayun, second Mughal Emperor has passed away, his wife Haji Begum constructed this tomb with Mughal style.

Purana Quila

Purana Quila fort was built in 16^th century B.C by the kings Humayun and Sher Shah. The walls of the fort have three gates: Talabi Darwaza, Humayun Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. Out of these only Bara Darwaza now remains open.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

Early before it was the residence of the former prime minister of India, Indira Gandhi. It is the same place where she was killed by her own body guards on 31^st October 1984.Later after her death it was converted to museum where her belongings are preserved right from her collections, photos, her sarees etc. You will have a great time visiting this museum.

Getting there:

Bus: The Delhi transport corporation (DTC) is the best way to wander around the city. It operates sight seeing tours daily at much nominal price.

Rail: The Indian railway has major and minor destinations in Delhi with three important Railway Stations. They are: New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazarat Nizamuddin Railway Station.

Air: Regular flights like Jet Airways, Kingfisher, Indian Airlines, Spice jet, Air Deccan are available from various locations.

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