Delhi Holidays with History

 New Delhi is the capital of India, and it's also the travel hub of northern India. As well as being an excellent base for visiting wonders like the Taj Mahal, New Delhi is the commercial and cultural heart of India. With its unique attractions, exquisite culture. The name Delhi is of uncertain etymology. In my travel guide to Delhi I am suggesting you that the name Delhi is derived from the Mauryan king, Maharaja Dhillu. However, some historians believe that the word Dilli, another name for Delhi, orignated from the Persian word Dahleez meaning frontier or threshold. Another school suggests that the city's original name is Dhillika. The Persianized surname Dahelvi is also related to residents of Delhi.

History

Delhi is believed to be the site Indraprastha, capital of the Pandavas in the Indian epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Hindu texts state that the city of Delhi used to be referred to in Sanskrit as Hastinapur, which means "elephant-city". Archaeological evidence suggests that Indraprastha once stood where the Old Fort is today. The earliest architectural relics date back to the Maurya Period (c. 300 BC); since then, the site has seen continuous settlement. The famous Iron pillar near the Qutub Minar was commissioned by the emperor Kumara Gupta I of the Gupta dynasty (320-540) and transplanted to Delhi during the 10th century. Eight major cities have been situated in the Delhi area. The first four cities were in the southern part of present-day Delhi.
 

Sightseeing In Old Delhi -

Red Fort : Built in Red Sand stone between 1639 - 1648 AD, this imposing fort is 3 kms in perimeter with the height of the wall fluctuating from 18 to 30 m at places. In the evening the Delhi Tourism Department organises a light and sound show which narrates the history of Delhi in context of the Red Fort. The light & sound show organised here is worth seeing.

Chandni Chowk : Located just opposite to Red Fort, this is the place where you can enjoy the old world charm. The hurrying crowd, the shouting vendors and overcrowded shops are the real charm of this place. You can find all types of items starting from textiles, jewelry, home furnishings, spices, household items to electronics, chemicals, ceramics, electrical, etc. Though, very crowded and congested , it is worth visiting.

Jama Masjid :  Jama Masjid built in 1650 AD by Shah Jehan (the Vth Mughal Emperor) is one place in Delhi which is a must visit. One of the Architectural beauty of the past, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but in India. Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three gateways, Four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. From the top of minarets you can have a birds eye view of Delhi.

Raj Ghat :  Along the banks of the river Yamuna is located the place where the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, was cremated. The Raj Ghat is one of the most visited Ghats. A simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948.


Qutab Minar : Qutub Minar is the most recognised landmark of Delhi. In 1199 AD, Qutbuddin erected the Qutub Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32 mtrs. it tapers to 2.75 mtrs. at a height of 72.5 mtrs. Even today, it is the highest stone and one of the finest stone towers in India. Completed by the Sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish, Qutub MInar is the finest Islamic structures ever raised. The tomb of Iltutmish, which he himself built in 1235 AD, is located nearby.

The Lotus Temple :  Completed in 1986, the Lotus Temple or the Bahai temple is set amidst pools and gardens, and adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The structure is in lotus shape so it often called the lotus temple. The view of the temple is very spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.

India Gate :  India Gate is a 42 mtrs high stone arch of triumph. It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of World War I. Below the arch is the memorial to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green grass lawns and trees. A place you should not miss.

Jantar Mantar :  Close to Connaught Place is a strange collection of astronomical instruments. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh this structure is actually an observatory. The astonishing part of these observatories is that they can calculate many astronomical movements very accurately.

Old Fort :  It is believed that the Pandavas had built their capital, Indraprastha at the place where the old fort stands today. It is also known as Puranaqila. This fort, now in ruins, was the seat for administration for many emperors. The legendary Prithviraj Chauhan ruled from here till he was defeated by Abdali in the battle of Panipat. A new light & sound show is held by the Department of Delhi Tourism every evening.

Laxminarayan Temple-   Laxminarayan Temple as viewed from the street The Laxminarayan Temple, (also called the Birla Mandir), in Delhi, India, is a temple built in honor of the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and of her consort, Lord Vishnu – the Preserver of the Hindu Trinity. It is a temple with many shrines, fountains, and a large garden . The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Janmashtami day, the birthday of Lord Krishna. The famous Birla temple patronized by Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated this temple in 1938 after Raja Baldev Birla constructed it, is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. It is close to Connaught Place and is frequented by many devotees regularly.

Humayun's Tomb -   Humayun's tomb is a complex of buildings of Mughal architecture located in Nizamuddin East, New Delhi. It encompasses the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun as well as numerous others, including the Barber's Tomb. The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. This style of mausoleum was the same that created the Taj Mahal in Agra.

ISKCON Temple -  Built as recently as 1998, the ISKCON temple complex at Hari Krishna Hill in East of Kailash is one of the most lavish and grand temples of Delhi. A fine example of architecture, it sports 'Shikharas' rising to a height of 90-ft above ground level and centrally air-conditioned hall that can hold as many as 1,500 people at once. The fine art paintings by Russian artists here depict lives and events related to Hindu mythological characters such as Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, Laxman, Hanuman and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Special sermons and
prayer meeting are held in the temple, every Sunday afternoon. Dedicated mainly to Lord Krishna, the elegant temple was built by the followers of 'Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna' cult.