NEW DELHI & OLD DELHI SIGHTSEEING

Starting New Delhi Sightseeing & Old Delhi Tour  duration is 8 hours x 2 days.

Day 1 :  New Delhi
HIGHLIGHTS : Qutub Minar ,  Lotus Temple , Humayun Tomb , Lodhi Garden , Connaught Place area.
Then after lunch we will visit:  : India Gate ,  Rashtrapati Bhawan , Teen Murti Bhawan, Jantar Mantar & Birla Temple

Day 2 :  Old Delhi & New Delhi
HIGHLIGHTS : Rajghat , Red Fort , Jama Masjid , Jain Lal Temple, Chandni Chowk
After lunch, we will visit: : National Gallery of Modern Art , Purana Quila , Nizamuddin Dargah & Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

New Delhi the capital of India, is a city of marvellous contrast. Its past and present mesh seamlessly to make it an exciting palace to visit. The sprawling modern metropolis of Delhi enfolds within its limits the remains of seven earlier cities. Today the imposing forts and tombs of these earlier times co-exist comfortable with the elegant edifices of the British Raj and modern high rise buildings.
 

SIGHTSEEING PLACES

Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb, the red and white structure, was raised by his widow, Haji Begum, as a tribute in his memory in the 16th century. This building which is supported by a lofty, double-storeyed gateway costs 1.5 million rupees.

The tomb of Humayun, the famous Mughal emperor, was commissioned by the first wife of Mughal emperor Humayun, Empress Bega Begum, in 1569. The designs of the monument are believed to be the brainchild of a Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, Humayun’s tomb is believed to be the first garden tomb constructed in India. Today a site for every heritage walk, Humayun’s tomb is a top tourist attraction of Delhi tourism with many national and international tourist visiting it every day. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1993 by the UNESCO and this has resulted in the historical monument gaining huge popularity. There are many other small monuments within the premise of Humayun’s tomb such as Isa Khan’s tomb which was built prior to the Humayun’s tomb. The tomb’s complex accommodates the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun along with the graves of Bega Begum, Hamida Begum and Dara Shikoh as well as other significant Mughal members.

India Gate
One of the must visit places in Delhi, India Gate is one place you can’t afford to miss. One of the best Delhi darshan places, India Gate during the evening is a magnificent site to visit.

Originally referred to as All India War Memorial, it has names of Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War I, engraved on its wall. The names of martyrs of Anglo-Afghan War are also engraved on its wall. Situated opposite to Rashtrapati Bhawan, it’s on the other side of the Rajpath. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the construction of India Gate begun in 1921 and completed in 1931.

There are 4 eternal flames placed under India Gate, referred to as Amar Jawan Jyoti. The famous republic day parade starts from Rashtrapati Bhavan and terminates at India Gate.

Jantar Mantar
Built in 1725 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is a huge sun-dial known as the Prince of Dials. It was also used to observe the movements of stars and planets. The instruments at Jantar Mantar are fascinating for their novel approach. However, it has now become impossible to predict the time accurately because of the towering buildings that surround it. Recently the area has been restored to it's pristine glory.
 

Lodi Tomb
Said to be the remains of another city that was sought to be built in Delhi, the tombs are in the midst of the famed Lodhi Gardens and is believed to have been built by rulers of two dynasties, the Sayyaids and the Lodis.

Qutub Minar
13 km to the south of Connaught Circus at Lalkote of 8th century Tomor Rajputs, the 72.5 m high Victory Pillar stands as a victory stand of a Muslim King Kutub-ud-din-Aibak in India. At Kila Roy Pithora, on the dilapidated fort of the last Hindu king Prithwiraj, this victory stand was made like throne in Gajni. In 1199 Kutub-ud-Din started its construction and it was completed in 1236 by Iltutmish, the son-in-law of Kutub. However, there is a 2nd opinion. Some say, the construction came to an end around 1357-68 during the reign of Feroz Sah Tughlak.

However, the Kutub which was built in Afghan style underwent repairing and remaking for more than occasions. Revolving steps of flights are 367 in number in slightly leaned Kutub. It has some spl features- at its root the radius is being 14.40 m which gradually reduced at its top to 2.44 m. In Kupee language it has been inscribed on Kutub that- The Tower was erected to cast the shadow of God over both East and West. Aayaat from Quran is also inscribed. At the foot of the Minar a Mosque was built in 1197. The 5 storeyed Qutub Minar is a remarkable instance of sculpture in India. The 1st floor made of sand stone by Kutub, the 2nd & 3rd floors made of sand stone by Iltutmis and the 4th and 5th in both sand stone and marble by Feroz Shah Tughlok in 1368.

Safdarjung's Tomb
It is 5 km to the S-West from Connaught Place at Arvind Marg on the way to Kutub. Between 1753-74, Nawab Suja-ud-Dulla erected Safdarjung on the graveyard of Nawab of Ayodhya Mirza Mukim Abul Mansur Khan, like the tomb of Humayun. In the middle of Mughal Garden Charbagh, it is the last tomb or graveyard of 40 ft high. On the 4 sides, there are 4 stone made Azan Minar. In the courtyard, there is rose garden.
Beside it, mini airport, Safdarjung of Delhi Flying Club is located. In 1980, Sanjay Gandhi died in an air crash in this airport. Adjacent to the south, there is the battle field, where Mahammad Shah Tughlak was defeated by Taimur in 12 Dec, 1398.

Tughlaqabad
The Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq lies 8km east of the Qutab complex. The fort is partially in ruins, but still worth a visit. A well preserved tomb which lies south of the fort is a fine example of Tughlaq architecture.

Feroz Shah Kotla
Erected by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1354, the ruins of Ferozabad, the fifth city of Delhi can be found at Feroz Shah Kotla, Just off Bahadur Shah Zafur Marg between the old and new Delhi's. In the frortress-places is a 13-metre-high sadstone Ashoka pillar inscribed with Ashoa's edicts The remains of an old mosque and a fine well can also be seen in the area, but most of the ruins of Ferozabad were used for the construction of later cities.

Palaces of Worship in Delhi Information

Lakshminarayain Temple
Birla Mandir, DelhiThe Laxmi Narayan Mandir (temple) built by B.D. Birla is a modern Hindu temple dedicated to Laxmi (goddess of wealth) and Narayana (the preserver). It was inaugurated by Gandhi with the stipulation that it should be open to all castes (including the untouchables) and all faiths, so it is more welcoming to foreigners than the average temple.
After visiting so many ancient Hindu temples, it was fun to see a modern functioning one. The whole temple was quite garish, and noisy with chants over the loud speaker system, but it was also strangely peaceful. In the garden there was a tree wound with colored strings, and two women were praying at the foot.

Temple Architecture
The highest tower in the temple reaches a height of 165 feet while the ancillary towers reach 116 feet. The Geeta Bhavan, a hall is adorned with beautiful paintings depicting scenes from Indian mythology. There is also a temple dedicated to Buddha in this complex with fresco paintings describing his life and work. The entire complex, especially the walls and the upper gallery are full of paintings carried out by artists from Jaipur in Rajasthan. The rear of the temple has been developed as an artificial mountainous landscape with fountains and waterfalls.
 

Lotus Temple
Lotus Temple - DelihBaha'i Temple, is known as one of the most beautiful architectural temples in India. Popularly called Lotus Temple as it is built in the shape of a Lotus flower and reaches a height of more than 40m. It was completed in 1986 and one can enjoy its exquisite beauty even from a kilometre distance, at night. The House of Worship is surrounded by nine large pools of water that not only enhance the beauty of the building, but also play a significant role in the natural cooling system of the prayer hall. An adjunct of the main building is its ancillary building which houses offices, a conference hall, a library and an audio-visual room.
The common characteristic of Bahá'i Houses of Worship is that they are all nine-sided. Nine is the highest digit and symbolises comprehensiveness, oneness and unity. Within the prayer hall only the Holy Scriptures of the Bahá'í Faith and earlier Religions are read or recited, according to arranged programmes. At other times, all are welcome to meditate and pray in silence. No lectures are permitted, nor any rituals performed in the prayer hall.

Rajghat
4 km away from Janpath to the N-East of Feroz Shah near Delhi Gate at Ring Rd on the bank of Jamuna situated Rajghat. Jawaharlal Nehru Rd also ends opp. Rajghat. On 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi's last rites was performed here. The memorial stone of Gandhi is square in shape made of black stone. His last ward- 'Hey Ram' is inscribed on it.

Ordinary people, VIPs, foreign tourists all come here at Rajghat to pay their homage to him. On every Friday (the day of his death) a prayer is being held. Except Monday, a regular feature of projecting Gandhi philosophy in picture, sculpture and photos from 10-00 to 17-00 is being performed at Rajghat. Besides, there is Gandhi Memorial Museum projecting his life and the philosophy of Sarvodaya Movement in film from 9-30 to 17-30 except Thursday and on Sunday at 16-00 in Hindi and 17-00 in English.

Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is always filled with enthusiasts seeking different adventures ,famous for its street food, Chandni Chowk hides a gem in its heart. Nothing starts the day better than a delicious serving of hot Parathas. Paranthe Wali Gali offers you a variety of breakfast options ranging from aloo paratha, mixed paratha to khoya paratha. The three remaining shops showcase the photos of all the celebrities who have been in their shop. A famous hotspot for foodies, Paranthe Wali Gali would be the perfect start for your day.
 

Red Fort
Delhi boasts many historical place and architectural marvels but the gem in its crown has to be the Red Fort. One of the most popular monuments, made by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the fort served as a Mughal palace, housing Mughal emperors for almost 200 years. Not just a palace, the fort also served as the cultural and strategic hub of Mughal empire. Made out of red sandstone, the Red Fort is purely an architectural marvel based on Mughal design. Holding special significance in Indian Freedom struggle, Pandit Nehru, First Prime Minister of India, gave the famous midnight speech from the Red Fort itself. Situated on the banks of river Yamuna, today the Red Fort hosts many museums inside, showcasing Mughal history.

Jama Masjid
Masjid-i Jahan Numa, very close to Delhi’s heart, is the religious name for the Jama Masjid. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in between 1644 and 1656, Jama Masjid is one of India’s largest mosques. Though British wanted it to be annihilated, it still stands tall in the centre of Chandni Chowk. Boasting a capacity of more than 25000 people, Jama Masjid is a sight to behold during Eid. One of the holiest places in India, the last monument to be built by Shah Jahan, today Jama Masjid is protected by Delhi Waqf Board. Best thing to do is climb to the top of the minarets and soak in the beauty of the Old Delhi

Old Fort (Purana Qila)
English Name for Purana Qila is Old Fort. It is one of the oldest surviving forts in Delhi. Built by Sher Shah Suri, the founder of Sur empire. It is believed by the time Sher Shah Suri died in 1545, the fort was not fully complete and it was completed by his son, Islam Shah. According to historical facts, the fort which was originally constructed by Mughals was used as the inner citadel of the Mughal city. After conquering Humayun, Sher Shah Suri started further construction to the existing fort. During the partition of India and Pakistan, the fort was used to house refugees seeking asylum. Until 1970, the fort had staged many cultural plays and even till the day, it hosts many musical events and theatrical performances. It also has a lake in which tourists can boat. Also, another major attraction is the national zoo of Delhi.