Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Capital City of India - New Delhi

Delhi is the capital of India. Delhi is the focus of the socio economic and political life of India. It spread from Narela to Badarpu. Najafgarh is the furthest point west, and Seemapuri is its eastern extremity. Shahdara and Bhajanpura are its eastern ends and are one of major shopping centres in Delhi. The NCR encompasses points south and east of the said border, namely Ghaziabad, Noida, Faridabad and Gurgaon. The streets of Old Delhi are narrow & bustling. The beauty & serenity lies inside the courts of the main buildings. All those coming for India must visit to Delhi that speaks volume about the ancient times that the city has faced.

Destinations in New Delhi

Purana Quila

The fort is said to be constructed on the historic site of Indraprastha (900BC) by Humayun and Sher Shah. Covering a circuit of about a mile, the walls of the fort have three gates and are surrounded by a mat fed by the river Yamuna. The main purpose of this fort was its utility, with less weight on decoration. The Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher Mandal are two important monuments inside the fort

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar near Connaught Place is one of the five astronomical observatories constructed by Maharajah Jai Singh in 1725. At first sight, the Jantar Mantar appears like a gallery of modern art.

Humayun's Tomb

This tomb, built for the second Mughal emperor, launched a great Mughal architectural legacy even the Taj, which was built by Humayun's great-grandson, was inspired by it. The mughals brought with them a love for gardens, fountains and water. The first mature example of Mughal architecture in India, Humayun's Tomb was built by the emperor's grieving widow, Haji Begum, in 1565 AD.

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid in Delhi is the largest and glorious mosque in India. It was the last architectural entertainment of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan built in the year 1656 AD with the help of 5,000 craftsmen. Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was made across the road from the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the work of this mosque. Every Friday, the emperor and his retinue would travel in state from the fort to the mosque to attend the congressional prayers.

Safdarjung's Tomb

The Safdarjung's Tomb is a garden tomb in a marble mausoleum. Safdarjung's tomb was built by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah. Representing the last phase of the Mughal style of architecture, Safdarjang's Tomb stands in the centre of an extensive garden.

India Gate

India Gate stands at the eastern end of the Rajpath, or Kingsway. Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War I, India Gate was built 1931. This gateway is made of Sand Stone and is very dominating and intimidating in its outlook.

Rashtrapati Bhawan

Rashtrapati Bhavan is the house of President of India. This was built during the days of British Empire. The Rashtrapati Bhawan stands out as an architectural marvel and a commanding structure that overlooks the lush green lawns around India Gate. This stretch between Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate is called the Rajpath where the Republic Day ceremonial parade is held every year. The absolutely enchanting design was conceived by Lutyens and the entire city of New Delhi is a living monument to his genius.

Rajghat

Rajghat is the cremation ground of Mahatma Gandhi - the Father of the Nation. Mahatma Gandhi were cremated here on the evening of January 31, 1948.