SHOPPING HUTS ! FORTS & MONUMENTS ! TEMPLES IN DELHI ! TEMPLES ! PARKS & GARDENS IN DELHI ! MUSEUMS IN DELHI !

SHOPPING HUTS

Pragati Maidan

On the left of this Zoo, there is Pragati Maidan. Founded in 1982 on the eve of Asian Games. Various Trade Fairs are being organised throughout the year. States have found their permanent stalls here with their products and merchandises. There are different museums set up here on different items of Indology. Visit Nehru Pavilion, Defense Pavilion, Indira Pavilion, Son of India Pavilion, Village Complex comprising of 7 acres of land, Energy is Life, Craft Museum with the collections of 20000 specimens of weaving products metal products - Daru and wooden products- earthen moulds and images and artifice along with other sculptural and cultural specimens for your entertainment from 10-00 to 17-00. On holidays it remains open till 20-00. At No 5 gate of Pragati, aiming at entertainment for the children, Appu Ghar Amusement Park, has been founded, open from 12-00 to 20-00. Open from 12-00 to 20-00. Govt of India's Tourist Dept have founded Open Air Theatre here at Killa. Opp to it is Supreme Court.

Connaught Place

One of Delhi's most popular shopping centres built as early as 1931 there is nothing that one cannot buy here and it also has several eating houses. The state emporia buildings are also located in this area so are the head offices of major banks, airlines and other such things of importance to the tourist. The complex popularly referred to as CP is an important meeting points for all sections of people and is something which no tourist should miss if for nothing else then for its architecture and the humdrum of everyday life.

Janpath

Janpath is one of the busiest roads in New Delhi. Tourism Dept Office of Govt of India is at 88 Janpath. You may seek their assistance Monday to Friday from 9-00 to 18-00 and on Saturday from 9-00 to 13-00. Sunday closed. Janpath meets Rajpath going further south. To the east of Rajpath is India Gate and to the west is Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan. To the further south there is the posh area of New Delhi - Defence Colony, Lodhi Colony, Greater Kailash, Basanta Bihar etc. Indira Gandhi International Airport is towards further S-West from Rajpath via Dalhousie Rd/Sardar Patel Marg/Parade Rd. On the way various foreign Consulates and Embassies there is Diplomatic Enclave Chanakyapuri. Many star hotels are also located in Chanakyapuri.

Chandni Chowk

It was the eyes and ears of the Mughal's commercial instincts and is today one of the country's best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches. The entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families of that time. There is however a word of caution and that is that there are several elements who are believed to be selling duplicate goods and the tourist needs to be careful about this.

Delhi Haat

Food and Crafts Bazaar, opposite INA Market, is a one-stop shopping place for tourists, which not only offers various arts and handicrafts of India, but also a taste of the ethnic cuisine. Visitors can also witness the different performing arts of the country.

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FORTS & MONUMENTS

The Red Fort, Delhi

The Red Fort, with a circumference of over 2.2 kilometers, was laid out by the banks of the Yamuna river in the 17th century. The Mughal emperor Shajahan built it with the ambition of concentrating the Mughal power in one monument. Monument is perhaps not the right word. A mini-city is more like it.

Unfortunately for the emperor, before he could move his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad in Delhi, he was taken a political prisoner by his son Aurangazeb. The fort is a delight to one's imagination. Imagine the Naqqar Khana (Drum room) also called Naubat Khana (Welcome Room), where once drums loudly heralded the arrival of the emperor and the Diwan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience) resounded with the incantations of the people. Amazing, isn't it? There's more to see - Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal (Palace of Colours), Khas Mahal (Emperor's Palace), Diwan-e Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Hammam (bathing area) and Shah Burj. The fort has two main entrances - Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate. The latter get its name from the fact that it faces Lahore in Pakistan. It's entrance leads to Delhi's most crowded bazaar, Chandni Chowk. A must see!

There is a Light and Sound Show every evening.
Summer timing : Hindi - 7 pm to 8 pm, English - 8 pm to 9 pm
Winter timing : Hindi - 6 pm to 7 pm, English - 7 pm to 8 pm

Purana Quila, Delhi
In 1538, the Mughal emperor Humayun laid the foundations of his city named Dinpanah, or the Refuge of the Faithful. The inner citadel of this city is today called Purana Qila or the Old Fort. An old fort, it is! One can almost smell the ancient stories oozing from the corners of the fort. The site of the fort was also Indraprasta, the capital of the famed warriors of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas. Excavations near the eastern wall of the fort reveal that the site had been occupied since 1000 B.C. Archaeologists found painted grey ware pottery and other remains, which date back to the Mahabharata. The Purana Qila has three gates - Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. The present entrance is the Bara Darwaza, an imposing red sandstone gate on the western wall. Inside the Purana Qila is the Sher Mandal, a two-storied octagonal pavilion in red sandstone, built by Sher Shah. Humayun used it as a library after he captured the fort. However, the Mandal is tragic, since it was here where the emperor is said to have tripped on its tortuous stairs and tumbled to his death in 1556. Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Tickets: Available at the site and Delhi Tourism office

Qutub Minar, Delhi
The highest stone tower in India, the Qutub Minar was built by Qutbuddin Aibak, the viceroy of Mohammed Ghori in 1192. It was built to celebrate Ghori's victory over the Rajputs. The tower and the victory are very significant, because both heralded the birth of a new dynasty - Slave Dynasty. And it laid the foundations of the Delhi Sultanate. And the rest, as one would put it after witnessing this monumental tower, was history.

The Minar is a five-storey building with a height of 72.5 metres. The first storey of the Qutb Minar was completed in the lifetime of Qutbuddin. His son-in-law and successor, Iltumush, added the next three storeys.

Within the complex, is the famous Iron Pillar which has stood for millennia without rusting, Quwwat-ul-Islam, the first mosque built in India, and the Alai Darwaza, the gateway to the complex erected by Alauddin Khilji. The entry to the Minar has been closed, after the tower became infamous for the several suicides that were committed here.

Qutb Minar is a successful tribute to architecture, as it captures one's attention by its sheer mass appeal. Even on close encounter, the attention lingers, owing to the delicate and almost ethereal carvings.
Address: Mehrauli, Delhi-Gurgaon Road

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Iron Pillar
The 7.2 metre high pillar, standing within the Qutb Minar complex, is a proof of India's advanced knowledge of metallurgy 2000 years ago. For it continues to stand, even today, rust-free. The pillar was erected sometime between the 4th and 5th century AD as a Dhavaja-stambha (flagpole) of a Vishnu temple.

It was erected in memory of King Chandragupta Vikramamditya who ruled from 375 to 413 AD. The Sanskrit inscriptions on the pillar record these facts. Unbelievable, considering today, even the spoons in our kitchens cannot guarantee this kind of an immortality after centuries of scientific progress! Another thing one has to do after laying one's sight on this pillar is, to go and give it a bear hug. Besides the metallurgic excellence, it is believed that hugging the pillar will make all of one's wishes come true. So… go, see and hug!

Address: Qutb Minar Complex, Mehrauli, Delhi-Gurgoan Road Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

India Gate, Delhi

This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. It was built in 1931, designed by Lutyens, and was originally called the All India War Memorial. The names of the soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the arc of the gate. Later in 1971, an eternal flame was lit here in memory of the unknown soldiers who died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. India Gate stands at the end of Rajpath, and is a popular picnic site especially during hot summer evenings. At night, the Gate is brightly lit and the fountains near the Gate are lit with coloured lights. The sight is delightful.

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TEMPLES IN DELHI

Bahai Temple

The temple represents the Bahai faith which is broad in its outlook, scientific in the influence it exerts on the hearts and minds of men. It signifies the purity and the universality of the lord and equality of all religions. Visited by over four million people, annually, this gleaming lotus- like marble structure is located on Bahapur Hills (South Delhi) and it is the seventh and most recent Bahai houses of worship in the world. The temple is a must visit for every tourist who comes to Delhi.

This structure, completed in 1986, is a marvel of modern architecture. Set amidst pools and gardens, the view of the temple is very spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.

Anyone is free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The temple is around 45 minutes from Domestic Airport.

Jama Masjid

Built by Shah Jahan in 1658, it is one of the largest mosques in India with a seating capacity of more than 20,000.

The mosque is situated near the Red Fort in old Delhi. This is the area that still retains the traditional charm of markets in Mughal times.

The bulbous domes and tapering minarets built with marble stand strong and beautiful even to this day. This mosque has three gateways, four angle towers and two 40 m. high minarets. You can even go to the top of minarets and have a bird's eye view of Delhi.

Birla Mandir

Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is ideally located in central Delhi (Mandir Marg). This temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and Lord Narayana (Lord Vishnu) was built in 1938 by the prominent Indian industrialist Raja Baldev Das Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.

The temple, built in Orissan style, has a large number of idols representing various gods of Indian pantheon. The well-grafted gardens need a special mention.

Nizam-ud-din Shrine

This is the tomb of the famous sufi saint, Nizam-ud-din Auliya. Built on the way from Humayun's tomb, the premise of the shrine is a tank, which is surrounded by many other tombs. It is said that there was an argument between the rulers of Tughlakabad and the saint over building this tank. The saint had said that the city of Tughlakabad will never prosper and so did it happen. The tomb has been through several renovations ever since it was built. The present mausoleum dates back to 1562.

The complex of the shrine includes several other tombs, including that of the noted poet Mirza Ghalib (1786-1869), Amir Khusru and the grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan.

If you happen to be there at around sunset on Thursdays, don't miss out the extravagant performance of qawwali singers that takes place after the evening prayers.
Location: West of Mathura Road

Iskcon Temple

Built on a hilly place in 1998, the ISKCON Temple is a complex of temples. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, this elegant temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India. It has a large number of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult followers.

Chattarpur Mandir

Chattarpur Mandir is located beyond the Qutb Minar in Mehrauli. The temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, is built in South Indian style.

The temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful lawns and gardens. Though devotees visit these temples throughout the year, the main attraction comes during the Navarathri festival, when devotees come from far and near. During this time, there are special bus services provided to the devotees.

St. James Church

Located very close to Kashmere Gate in north Delhi, St. James Church is the oldest church in the capital. It was built by James Skinner and consecrated in 1836.

It is designed in a cruciform plan with the entrance towards the west and the altar towards the east (the standard norm in most churches the world over). The dome interestingly is very similar to the dome of Florence Cathedral in Italy that was the first renaissance structure built in the world.

Porches on the north, south and the west provide the building with three entrances. The central portion of the church is an octagon with circular columns supporting the dome.

Aurobindo Ashram

Again in the south of Delhi near the Indian Institute of Technology on the road to Meharauli it has literature on the life of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and has an ashram where devotees can come to meditate. There is also some accommodation available for devotees of Sri Aurobindo.

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TEMPLES

PARKS & GARDENS IN DELHI

The Mughal Garden

The famous Mughal Gardens is located in the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan - the official residence of the President of India. The building and gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens span an area of about 320 acres that include colourful flowering shrubs and European flowerbeds.

The gardens comprise of the Rectangular Garden, Long Garden and the Circular Garden. The Rectangular Garden is the formal garden, which derived its treatment from the water-gardens, which the Mughals brought into Delhi. The small flowerbeds, the four waterways and mown lawns produce a virtual paradise.
The gardens are open to the public from February to March every year.

Shalimar Garden

It is one of the most important Moghul gardens in the city. The Shalimar Garden, which lies in the suburbs of the city, was once the first-night staging post for the Moghuls on their way to Kashmir and Lahore. In 1658, Aurangzeb was crowned emperor here.
Tickets: Available at the site and Delhi Tourism office

Shish Mahal

The beautiful central pavilion built by Shah Jahan is now in a fairly advanced state of decay. Some of the original painted flower decoration has survived.

Lodi Gardens

In these well-maintained gardens are the domed tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers. This garden is known for its fountains, ponds, flowering trees, blossoming shrubs and artificial streams.

In the middle of the garden is Bara Gumbad (Big Dome), a mosque built in 1494. The garden has Sheesh Gumbad (Glass Dome), Mohammad Shah's Tomb and Sikander Lodi's tomb. These tombs boast of excellent architecture, and this style was later used in the construction of  Taj Mahal.

These gardens are ideal for joggers and for those who seek solitude.

National Zoological Park

The Delhi zoo, close to Purana Qila, near ITO, was established in 1959 and is spread over a massive area of 214 acres. Is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and birds. There are more than 2,000 animals and bird species from places like Africa, America, Australia and even Asia. There is a lot of greenery around the zoo and it is an ideal picnic spot especially in winter. Timings summer 0800 to 1800 hours, winter 0900 to 1700 hours. Closed on Friday.

Buddha Jayanti Park

At Palam-bound Sardar Patel Marg via Karol Bagh opp. Assam House is Buddha Jayanti Park founded on the auspicious eve of 2500 years of completion of Buddhas Great Salvation. A plant of Bodhi-Briksha was brought from Sri Lanka and planted in the commemorating park. The park is full of flowers and the garden is pleasant and charming for rest and walk. Ideal for picnic.

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MUSEUMS IN DELHI

Natural History Museum

At Barkhamba animals, huge dinosaur and huge birds of pre historic ages in FICCI building. The Discovery Room also appreciable.
View the film show from 11-30 to 15-30.
Open daily at 10-00 to 17-00, no ticket is required. Tel: 3314849.

National Museum

The National Museum is another interesting spot located very close to India Gate. The museum has a rich variety of all facets of ancient Indian history and also of central Asia. In fact the museum takes one through a fascinating journey of what ancient India was all about, pottery, rare coins, and numerous such things including art and architecture, costumes are for all to see. It's something every tourist should find time to visit even if the schedule is tight.

On the right of Rajpath at Janpath is National Museum or Yadughar. Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone in 1955 and the museum was opened to visitors in 1965. Collections from Mahenjadaro, Harappa, Lothal, Kalibangan and antiques of prehistorical periods are on display. The history dated back to 5000 years are vividly displayed in the museum.

The collections of Indus civilization, Brahminical, Jain and Buddhist sculptural antiques are all there. The colour paintings of Mughal, Rajput, Deccan are praiseworthy. Besides, there are the holy Git Gobinda, the holy Mahabharata, the holy Bhagabat Gita in golden alphabet, Octogonal mini Quran, Babamama in Babar's handwriting, Jahangir's diary, musical instruments of more than 300 types, varieties of tribal dresses enriched the museum.

The antique collections of Sir Aurel Stein has added the attraction of the museum. The evolution of ornaments through ages from prehistoric era to recent modern time, its shape, size, design and pattern and of metalic combinations with or without jewel set are all on display in the ornament gallery of the museum. It draws tourists most.

Indira Memorial Museum

Another national museum has been built at 1 Safdarjung Rd in memorium of Indira Gandhi, on May 27, 1985. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own body guard on 31 Oct, 1984. A glass cage has covered the spot where her body fell down. Before being bullet sprayed in from point blank range, Indira was on her way along the garden road out of her residence.
At that place Czechoslovak Govt made a artificial water flow by crystal on steel plate of 33´25 m. The crystal stream on the steel plate is designed and planned by the Czech architect Jaroslav Mirich. 3 rooms are full with articles which were in use by Indira. Photographs of Indira are also there. The blood-stained sari and other dress materials of Indira are chemically preserved in the museum. You may go inside the private chambers to view reading room, dinning room, Dewan-i-Aam, Dewan-i-Khas etc.
Except Monday open everyday from 10-00 to 17-00 3010094.

National Gallery of Modern Art

Located in the Jaipur House near India Gate. The building was the palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It has around 4,000 paintings of modern artists and also included are graphics and sculptures. The gallery arranges special exhibitions for those who wish to exhibit their works. Rabindranath, Abanindranath, Nanadalal Bose, Jamini Roy, Amrita Shergil and other's creative works are on display. This gallery has a huge collection of art and literature and journal on art and culture and painting of old and modern schooling. At Chanakyapuri behind Bhutan House, except Monday and national holidays, in the months of April to September daily between 9-30 to 19-00 and Oct-March Open from 10-00 to 17-00. The gallery also houses a library which can be used by museum, which is open from 1000 hours to 1700 hours, is closed on all holidays and observes Monday as its weekly off.

Nehru Museum

To the south of Rashtrapati Bhawan Tinmurti Rd the house that was built as per plan and design of Robert Tor Russel in 1948 as the residence of the British Commander-in-chief, has been converted as the residence of the Prime Minister of India in 1954. Since then the residence of Jawaharlal Nehru was at Tinmurti.

After his death in 1964, it was converted to Nehru Museum. In his private life, and as a Prime Minister, the prizes he got are on display. The photographs of Nehru is also of an added attraction. A library is also opened. Open from 10-00 to 16-30, except Monday. Open to all. In season, at 11-30, 13-30, 15-30, 16-30 you may view Nehru's life as a part of Indian freedom struggle in Nehru planetarium or Son-et-Lumiere at Tinmurti. Ticket Rs 10 and Rs 5, 3014673. The rose garden at Tinmurti is beautiful. At Jawaharjyoti Garden, the historical speech on 14-15 August, 1947 has been inscribed in stone there.

Dolls Museum

Sankar's International Dolls Museum was founded in 1954. More than 6000 Variety representing almost 85 countries of the world are on display in the museum. Dolls of Japan deserves special mention.

However, 1/3 of total dolls is Indian - Indian cultural and the cultural life style has been projected in the fashions of dolls. The ticket is Re 1. Except Monday open every day from 10-00 to 17-00. Besides, there is B C Roy Children's Library and children's play corner. The doll museum is situated at Nehru House close to Income Tax Office at Bahadur Sah Jaffar Marg near Delhi Gate.

Rail Transport Museum

Located in the south of Delhi close to the diplomatic area of Chanakayapuri it traces, through exhibits, the 140 year-old history of the Indian Railways. The museum, established in 1977, and spread over a ten-acre area, is the first of its kind in India. The highlights include the Fairy Queen of 1885 the oldest working steam locomotive, the luxury saloon of the Prince of Whales and the saloon of the Maharaja of Mysore.

Timings: summer 0830 to 1130 and 1600 to 1730 hours, winter: 0900 to 1730 hours. It is closed on Mondays.

National Rail Museum

It was built as per plan of British architect M G Satto on 1957, 1st Feb, on the carpet area of 10 acres of land. The museum displays 27 locomotives and 17 carriage.

The saloon car of the Maharaja of Baroda (1886), the carriage of the Maharaja of Mysore made of teak covered with ivory; the cabin of the Prince of Wales (1876), the carriage in which the ashes of Gandhiji was carried in 1948; Fairy Queen of 1855 (oldest steam engine in the world); evolution of Indian Rail from steam engine to present era are vividly displayed. .
Even, the skull of an elephant who struck a Mail train in 1894, with his head is also projected here in the exhibition. The Toy train is running - you may buy here as a souvenir of your visit. Restaurant and Libraries are also there.

Beautiful Tibetian handicrafts are on display which were brought with Dalai Lama from Lasa in Tibbet House at 16 Jorhbagh close to Hotel Oberoi. Tibetian handicrafts are on sale. Open from Monday to Friday between 9-30 to 13-00 and 14-00 to 17-00 except Sunday and Saturday.

In the evening, view the film show on Light and Sound at Red Fort in Hindi or English version Son-et-Lumiere or the history from Mughal to Indian Independence.

Collect your ticket and information from ITDC, L Block, Connaught Place,s 3320331. Opp to Red Fort is Chandni Chowk, Parliament St, and Connaught Circus- visit on foot. New Delhi is growing gradually day to day. Chanakyapuri is the symbol of latest architectural and sculptural designs. All Foreign Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Enclaves are at Chanakyapuri.

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