New Delhi Tourist Guide - Lutyon's Delhi - An Insider's View

New Delhi Tourist Guide - Lutyon's Delhi - An Insider's View - Destination Overview
  • Package Prices
    Starting from Rs 8999/- Covering Delhi historic Site Seeing and Hotel Stay
  • Location: New Delhi,India -110001
  • Altitude: 216meter
  • Longitude: 28°36?50?N
  • Latitude: 77°12?32E
  • Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi
  • Nearest Train Station: New Delhi Railway Station
  • How to reach: New Delhi is well connected by Internationally with All major flights connecting with Indira Gandhi International Airport and Delhi is well connected with Rest of the India through Flights and Trains

New Delhi Tourist Guide - Lutyon's Delhi - An Insider's View

Delhi is the capital city of india, it is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
 
Lotus Temple - Bahai Temple of Worship New Delhi
 
 
Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
 
 
The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to present days writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

 
Delhi Tourism Facts
  • Season: Extreme climate with very hot summer and very cold winter
  • Best time to visit: October to March
  • Languages: Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi
  • Religions: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Bahai Faith
 

World Class Facilities in Delhi


Delhi is at par with any other city in the world. It can boast of a new international airport and the new metro rail which is a convenient mode of travel for the common man.
 

About Delhi Metro

 
The Delhi Metro is one of the fastest ways to commute in Delhi and has transformed public transport in the city so much so that the Metro line has become the life-line of New Delhi. Recently a superfast airport express has been put in service to connect the airport with the central part of New Delhi. The many flyovers which have been constructed at whooping costs showcase Delhi as a modern city.
 

About Pragati Maidan - New Delhi

 
Pragati Maidan is another tourist destination. It is a large area of land covered with pavilions which can house exhibitions from other states as well as countries. It is a permanent construction for International Trade Fairs. Delhi has a mix of the traditional and modern.It is a melting pot of all kinds of people and a visit to this wonderful city is a must.


 

New Delhi Special Architecture


 
The New Delhi town plan, like its architecture, was chosen with one single chief consideration: to be a symbol of British power and supremacy.All other decisions were subordinate to this, and it was this framework that dictated the choice and application of symbology and influences from both Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architecture.
 

New Delhi is home to several historic sites and museums. The National Museum which began with an exhibition of Indian art and artefacts at the Royal Academy in London in the winter of 1947–48 was later at the end was shown at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in 1949. Later it was to form a permanent National Museum. On 15 August 1949, the National Museum was formally inaugurated and currently has 200,000 works of art, both of Indian and foreign origin, covering over 5,000 years.
 

 

About India Gate

 
 
The India Gate built in 1931 was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.It is the national monument of India commemorating the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives while fighting for the British Raj in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
 

 

About Rajpath - New Delhi

 
The Rajpath which was built similar to the Champs-Élysées in Paris is the ceremonial boulevard for the Republic of India located in New Delhi. The annual Republic Day parade takes place here on 26 January.
 
 

Tourist Attractions in New Delhi
 

About Gandhi Smriti


Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on 30 January 1948. Rajghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated on 31 January 1948 after his assassination and his ashes were buried and make it a final resting place beside the sanctity of the Yamuna River. The Raj Ghat in the shape of large square platform with black marble was designed by architect Vanu Bhuta.
 
 

About Jantar mantar - New Delhi


 
Jantar Mantar located in Connaugth Place was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets.
 
 

About Qutub Minar  - Delhi


Qutub Minar constructed with red sandstone and marble, and is the tallest minaret in India,with a height of 72.5 meters (237.8 ft), contains 379 stairs to reach the top,and the diameter of base is 14.3 meters where as the last store is of 2.7 meters.

 

Museums of Delhi


New Delhi is home to Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, National Museum of Natural History, National Rail Museum, National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, National Philatelic Museum, Nehru Planetarium, Shankar's International Dolls Museum and Supreme Court of India Museum.
 
 

About Lutyens' Delhi - New Delhi


 
India Gate and Rajpath
Tour Guide


 
Situated along the ceremonial Rajpath avenue (meaning King's Way) in New Delhi, India Gate is a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan wars and World War I.The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. The cenotaph (or shrine) in the middle is constructed with black marble and depicts a rifle placed on its barrel, crested by a soldier's helmet. Each face of the cenotaph has inscribed in gold the words Amar Jawan (in Hindi, meaning Immortal Warrior). The green lawns at India Gate are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike.
 
Every year the Republic day celebrations are made in Delhi.The armymen and other citizens of India who are awarded or who participate in the celebration walk through the Rajpath.
 

 

About Sansad Bhavan - New Delhi


 
Sansad Bhavan or the Parliament of India is a circular building designed by the British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in 1912–1913. Construction began in 1921, and in 1927 the building was opened as the home of the Council of State, the Central Legislative Assembly, and the Chamber of Princes.
 

 

About Rashtrapati Bhavan - New Delhi


 
Built with a mix of Western and Indian styles, Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally built for the Governor General of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the Viceregal Lodge, the name was changed in 1959 after India became a republic. Now it is the Presidential Palace of India.
 

 

About Connaught Place - New Delhi


 
Connaught Place is known for its vibrant atmosphere and planned layout. It has been the hot-spot both for the business men as well as tourists both from the country and abroad. The present day Connaught Place plays the role of a welcoming host to the continuous down stepping of huge masses who are attracted to the popular tourist destinations here.
 
 

Places of tourist attractions in Connaught Place New Delhi

 
  • Hanuman Mandir, an ancient temple with a mention in Guinness Book of Record,
     
  • Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory of 18th century,
     
  • Maharaja Agrasen ki Baoli 
     
  • State Emporiums with the collection of ethnic specialties of the states.
     
  • Palika bazaar - Underground market in cannaught place.
     
  • Janpath - an open-air shopping complex, lies on the road connecting the inner and outer circle
     

 
 
Lodhi Gardens Guide - New Delhi
 

 

Lodhi Gardens, once called Lady Willingdon Park, laid out in 1930 this beautiful park contains 15th and 16th century monuments that are scattered among its well-kept lawns, flowers, shady trees and ponds. During the early morning and evening hours, the sprawling garden is a favourite spot for fitness freaks and those in search of solitude.


Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

Humayun's Tomb was built for Humayun's widow, Hamida Banu Begum. Designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the structure was begun in 1562 and completed in 1565. The tomb established a standard for all later Mughal monuments, which followed its design, most notably the Taj Mahal.
 
Purana Quila Delhi
 
The Purana Quila (Old Fort) is a very good example of Mughal military architecture.Built by Pandavas, renovated by Humayun, with later modifications by Sher Shah Suri, the Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward, and every inch a fortress. It is different from the well-planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of the later Mughal rulers. Purana Quila is also different from the later forts of the Mughals, as it does not have a complex of palaces, administrative, and recreational buildings as is generally found in the forts built later on. The main purpose of this now dilapidated fort was its utility with less emphasis on decoration. The Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher are two important monuments inside the fort.  
 
Red Fort Delhi
 
The decision for constructing the Red Fort was made in 1639, when Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel) — Delhi's seventh fort — ready in all its magnificence to receive the Emperor. Though much has changed with the large-scale demolitions during the British occupation of the fort, its important structures have survived.On every independence day the Flag of India is hoisted by the Prime Minister of India here.
 
Salimgarh Fort
 
Salimgarh Fort, which is now part of the Red Fort complex, was constructed on an island of the Yamuna River in 1546. But a gate called the Bahadur Shahi Gate for entry into the Fort from the northern side was constructed only in 1854-55 by Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal ruler of India. The gate was built in brick masonry with moderate use of red sandstone. The fort was used during the Uprising in 1857 and also as a prison which housed Zebunnisa daughter of Aurangzeb and the British imprisoned the freedom fighters of the INA. The layout of the Red Fort was organized to retain and integrate this site with the Salimgarh Fort through the Bahadur Shah Gate. The fort has been renamed as Swatantrata Senani Smarak and a plaque at the entrance to the fort attests to this.
 
Chandni Chowk
 
Chandni Chowk, a main marketplace in Delhi, keeps alive the city's living legacy of Shahjahanabad. Created by Shah Jahan the builder of Taj Mahal, the old city, with the Red Fort as its focal point and Jama Masjid as the praying centre, has a fascinating market called Chandni Chowk. Legend has it that Shah Jahan planned Chandni Chowk so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted. The market was divided by canals. The canals are now closed, but Chandni Chowk remains Asia's largest wholesale market. Crafts once patronized by the Mughals continue to flourish there. Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in central north Delhi, the Laal Quila (The Red Fort) and Fateh Puri Masjid. With the most famous mosque of Delhi Jama Masjid in the vicinity, along with Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Gauri Shankar Mandir, Jain Mandir and a lot of small temples, the place witnesses a genuine cultural harmony.
 
Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is located in Qutb complex, Mehrauli in South Delhi. It was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of Delhi in 1206. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up to a height of 72.5 meters and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an. Qutub-ud-din Aibak began constructing this victory tower as a sign of Muslim domination of Delhi and as a minaret for the muezzin to call the faithful to prayer. However, only the first story was completed by Qutub-ud-din. The other stories were built by his successor Iltutmish. The two circular stories in white marble were built by Ferozshah Tughlaq in 1368, replacing the original fourth story.
 
The balconies in the tower are supported by exquisite stalactite designs. The tapering tower has pointed and circular flutings on the first storey and star-shaped ones on the second and third stories.
 
The Qutub Minar is also significant for what it represents in the history of Indian culture. In many ways, the Qutub Minar, the first monument built by a Muslim ruler in India, heralded the beginning of a new style of art and architecture that came to be known as the Indo-Islamic style. Other monuments around the Qutub complex, are Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Balban's tomb, Quli Khan's Tomb, Rajon Ki Baoli in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, besides Jahaz Mahal and Adham Khan's Tomb near by.
 
Tughlaqabad
 
When Ghazi Malik founded the Tughlaq Dynasty in 1321, he built the strongest fort in Delhi at Tughlaqabad, completed with great speed within four years of his rule. It is said that Ghazi Malik, when only a slave to Mubarak Khilji, had suggested this rocky prominence as an ideal site for a fort. The Khilji Sultan laughed and suggested that the slave build a fort there when he became a Sultan. Ghazi Malik as Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq did just that: Tughlaqabad is Delhi's most colossal and awesome fort even in its ruined state. Within its sky-touching walls, double-storied bastions, and gigantic towers were housed grand palaces, splendid mosques, and audience halls.

 

Places of worship in Delhi Guide
 


Akshardham Temple
 

 

Akshardham Temple it is the largest Hindu temple in the world. It was built in 2005. In the sprawling 100-acre (0.40 km2) land rests an intricately carved monument, high-technology exhibitions, an IMAX theatre, a musical fountain, a food court and gardens.
 
 
 

Birla Mandir or Laxminarayan Temple


 
The temple is built in honour of Lakshmi (Hindu goddess of wealth), and her consort Narayana (Vishnu, Preserver in the Trimurti) by B. R. Birla from 1933 and 1939, when it was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. The side temples are dedicated to Shiva, Krishna and Buddha. The temple spread over 7.5 acres, is adorned with many shrines, fountains, and a large garden, and also houses Geeta Bhawan for discources. The temple is one of the major attractions of Delhi and attracts thousands of devotees on the Hindu festivals of Janmashtami and Holi.
 

 

Cathedral Church of Redemption
 

 

Cathedral Church of Redemption, also known as Viceroy Church. Located east of Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was used by then viceroy of British India.The Church derives its name from Palladio's Church of Il Redentore in Veniceas well as Lutyens St Jude's Church, Hampstead Garden Suburb.
 
The Cathedral was built in eight years and was completed in the year 1935. Cathedral was designed by Henry Medd. Cathedral was built in such a manner that even in the extreme summers it remains cool and serene. The Cathedral Church of the Redemption serve
 
 

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib - Delhi


 
One of the most prominent and largest Gurdwaras in Delhi, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most visited one in the Delhi. Millions visit this Gurdwara from all over the world and of all religions to offer their prayers at this elegant yet historical Gurdwara in Delhi. The Gurdwara marks the place where the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Harkrishan lived his last breath serving the helpless population ravaged by smallpox and cholera epidemic.The Gurdwara offers free food (langar) to all visitors and devotees throughout the day.
 

 

ISKCON Temple - New Delhi


 
ISKCON Temple also popularly called as the Hare Krishna temple is a famous Vaishnava temple with deities of Sri Radha Krishna. Located in South Delhi, the construction of the temple began in 1991 and was completed in 1998 under the planning of internationally renowned architect Achyut Kanvinde. The temple primarily built with red stone is recognized for its unique architecture which blends the traditional Vedic with contemporary style. The complex also houses a one of a kind in the country Robtic show which explains the message of Bhagavad Gita. Another highlight of the temple is beautifully drawn paintings of the Lord done by the foreign devotees. Apart from these, the temple acts as study base for those wish to study the Vedic scriptures, Yoga and provides facility for practicing Bhakti Yoga as given by Srila Prabhupada. The temple also serves the devotees pure vegetarian food at its 'Govindas'
restaurant. The temple is easy to approach as it well connected by buses and Metro trains.
 
Jama Masjid
 
The Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, commonly known as Jama Masjid, is the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and completed in the year 1656, it is one of the largest and best known mosques in India.
 

 

Lotus Temple - New Delhi


 
The Lotus Temple is a Bahá'í House of Worship, situated in South Delhi and shaped like a lotus. It was built by Bahá'í community. It is a must watch place in new delhi....really amazing & peaceful place.
 

 

St. James' Church - New Delhi
 

 

St. James' Church is one of the oldest churches in India.

 

Nizamuddin Dargah - New Delhi
 

 

Nizamuddin Dargah is the Mausoleum of the famous Sufi Saint Nizamuddin Auliya, Delhi.
 

 

Museums In Delhi Tour Guide
 

 

National Agricultural Science Museum
 
National Agricultural Science Museum (NASM), situated in the National Agricultural Science Centre campus of ICAR in,Pusa,todapur Village, New Delhi, is the first of its kind in the country. Spread over a two storey specially designed building of floor area of 23,000 sq ft, the musggfgfeum portrays the development of agriculture in India since prehistoric time and the present state-of-the-art technology in agriculture in our country, with a futuristic projection.  

National Museum, New Delhi
 
The National Museum, New Delhi is one of the largest museums in India. It holds variety of articles ranging from pre-historic era to modern works of art. It is run by the Ministry of Culture, part of the Government of India. The museum is situated on the corner of Janpath and Maulana Azad Road.
 
National Rail Museum
 
The National Rail Museum is a museum in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi which focuses on the rail heritage of India it opened on the 1 February 1977. It is located in over 10 acres (40,000 m2) of land with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. A toy train offers rides around its site on regular days. The museum houses the world's oldest operational steam locomotive the 1855 built Fairy Queen certified by the Guinness Book of Records.
 
 

Raj Ghat & Shanti Van - Delhi


 
On the bank Yamuna River, is the serene and final resting place of Mahatma Gandhi the father of the nation. Raj Ghat where visiting dignitaries pay homage.Two museums dedicated to Gandhi are situated nearby. Lying close to the Raj Ghat, the Shanti Vana (literally, the forest of peace) is the place where India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated. The area is lush green with saplings which have now grown into trees planted by visiting dignitaries and heads of state. Buddha Jayanti Park which is on the Ridge Road is a well maintained park for the public. Many Bollywood movies have been shot here. Delhi has a mix of the traditional and modern. Where you might see the latest car on the road, there might be a bullock cart alongside.It is a melting pot of all kinds of people and a visit to this wonderful city is a must.
 
Shanti Vana
 
Lying close to the Raj Ghat, the Shanti Vana (literally, the forest of peace) is the place where India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated. The area is now a beautiful park adorned by trees planted by visiting dignitaries and heads of state.
 
National Zoological Park
 
The National Zoological Park is a 176-acre (71 ha) zoo near the Old Fort in Delhi, India. The zoo is home to about 1350 animals representing almost 130 species of animals and birds from around the world.