Red Fort built on the banks of river Yamuna by Shah Jahan at the peak of Mughal power is a marvelous example of the architectural works undertaken by the Emperor. The fort is 3 kms in perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters at places. When the Red fort was being built Yamuna used to flow on its one sides and there were deep moats on the other. Today Yamuna flows almost a kilometer away from the fort. In the evening, the Delhi Tourism organizes a light and sound show which narrates the history of Delhi in the context of the Red Fort. The main fort gate, called the Lahore gate, has special significance as on 15 August, the independence day, the prime minister unfurls the national flag and addresses the nation from its ramparts.

 

Jama Masjid, built by Shahjahan, is the largest mosques in India . Completed in 1658, this Mosque has three gateways, four angle towers and two 40 m high minarets with alternating vertical strips of red sand stone and white marble. The courtyard can hold 25,000 people. One can limb the southern minaret to get a breathtaking birds eye view of Delhi .

 

Purana Quila (Old Fort) It is believed that the Pandavas had built their capital, Indraprastha at the place where the old fort stands today. 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 light and sound show is held by the Department of Delhi Tourism every evening.

 

Huamayun’s Tomb, built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid 16th century, this red sand stone octagonal structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The tomb, one of the best example of Mughal architecture is spellbinding beautiful. The construction is ornamented with black and white marble geometical patterns and high arches. A massive 42.5 meters high white marble dome surmounted with a spire is the highlight of the tomb. The tomb is surrounded by a four quartered garden concept which become the typical pattern of a Mugal gardens.

 

Nizam-Ud-Din Shrine, The tomb of the famous sufi saint Nizam-ud-din Auliya is built on the way to the Humayun's tomb. Inside the premises of the shrine is a tank which is surrounded by many other tombs. It is said that there was a controversy between the rulers of Tughlakabad and the saint over building of this tank. The saint had prophesized that the city of Tughlakabad would never flourish and so it did happen. The shrine also has the tomb of Amir Khusro, the famous poet and the grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shah Jahan. It is worth visiting the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as it is a popular time for worship, and qawwali singers start performing after the evening prayers.

 

Safdarjang Tomb built in 1753-54 by the Nawab of Avadh for his father, Safdarjang, is one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in the period when the empire began to collapse. The tomb stands on a high terrace and is surrounded by a sprawling garden enclosed within high walls.

 

Hauz Khas complex, found to the west of the Delhi fortress Tughluqabad, is named for the "Special tank" of water that it contains. It is attributed to the Khalji Sultan Ala al-din (r.1296-1316), a sultan with an interest in monumental architecture and whose projects include the ambitious enlargement of the Quwwatu'l Islam Mosque. The complex also includes a large madrasa, and the tomb of Firuz Shah Taghlaq, which was a later addition. The village complex around it houses upmarket boutiques and restaurants today. There is a light and sound show in the evenings.

 

Tughlaqabad, the third city of Delhi was built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. The massively strong walls with 13 gateways protected the city and the fort. Outside the south wall of the city is an artificial lake with the king’s tomb in the centre.

 

Qutab Minar was built in 1193 by Qutbuddin either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 15 m it tapers to 3 m at a height of 73 m. One of the finest Islamic structures ever raised, It is still the highest stone tower in India. Its interiors are profusely decorated with calligraphy, though the dome has collapsed. It has a slight tilt and it is no longer possible to climb the tower.

 

Boalis (the step wells) are ancient water reservoirs built by various dynasties that ruled Delhi. Today were engineering marvels and remarkable art forms that today lie in ruins. The step-well consists of two parts: a vertical shaft from which water is drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways, chambers and steps which provide access to the well. The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells were often carved profusely with elaborate detail and became cool, quiet retreats during the hot summers. The galleries and chambers in some of the baolis went eight levels below the ground level and provided the much needed relief from the north Indian summers.

 

Jantar Mantar Few minutes walk from Connaught Place is a strange collection of solomon coloured structures. These were built by Maharaja Jai Singh and is actually an observatory. Though not as large as its compatriot in Jaipur Jantar Mantar at Delhi also an attraction for the tourists. The astonishing part of these observatories is that they can calculate many astronomical movements very accurately.

 

Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of the President of the country. Designed by Lutyens, it was the official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled India. With 340 rooms and an area of about 330 acres. It is an imposing structure and a tourist's delight. The pillars and the porticos are an architect's marvel and so are the Durbar Hall and the Ashoka Hall within the complex. Although special permission has to be obtained to visit the complex, the Mughal Gardens within the complex are a treat for the eyes and are open to the public during certain periods of the year.

 

Rajpath is the wide avenue that leads from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. It is lined on either side by well manicured lawns with water canals running through them. Beyond these lie the buildings that house the various government offices and ministries. On 26 January, the Republic Day Parade routed on Rajpath showcases the strides made by India since independence.

 

India Gate Straight down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan along a magnificent view and totally unhampered drive is India Gate which is primarily a memorial to the unknown soldier. Designed by Lutyens, the 42 metre high structure is a war memorial in honour of the soldiers who died during the second world war. The imposing structure from where stretch massive lush green lawns has an eternal flame (amar jawan jyoti) to honour the memory of the unknown soldiers.

 

Parliament House, close to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, is a marvellous piece of architecture which can be admired only from outside on account of security restrictions. It is a domed circular structure almost a kilometer in circumference, and was designed by the famed architect Lutyens. It is the seat of the Indian Parliament and during the sessions of Parliament there is a flurry of activity in and around the structure.

 

Government Buildings along on either side of Rajpth and around it follow a similar architectural design and impart an imperial glory to the entire region.

 

Raj Ghat, is the memorial and final resting place of Mahatma Ghandi, Father of the Nation. It is located in a peaceful and beautifully landscaped green area. The shrine itself is very simple: a raised square platform made of black marble which is always covered in flowers, with a perpetual flame burning at one end of it. The area also has the cenotaphs of various personalities. The most visited are Shanti Vana (Nehru) and Shakti Sthal (Indira Gandhi.)

 

Lakshmi Narayan or Birla Temple was built in 1938 by G. D. Birla, patriarch of a leading industrialist family. Located near Connaught Place, the temple is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune.

 

Bahai’s Lotus Temple / The Bahai Temple - Completed in 1986, the Bahai Temple is set amidst pools and gardens. 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 and hence the name the lotus temple. The view of the temple is very spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit.

 

Isckon Temple, completed in 1998, is a complex of temples. Built on a hilly place by the Hare-Rama Hare- Krishna cult followers, this temple is dedicated to the Lord Krishna. It is elegantly built and is one of the largest temple complexes in India . Currently the main attraction of the temple are the Robot who enact and preach the Gita.

 

Chattarpur Temple complex is located beyond the Qutab Minar in Mehrauli. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, it is built in the South Indian style. It is built over a very large area amidst beautiful lawns and gardens.

 

Bangla Sahib Gurudwara The magnificent and spacious bungalow in Delhi owned by Raja Jai Singh Amber (Jaipur) who commanded great respect and honour in the court of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb now enjoys the status of a holy shrine of the Sikhs. The eighth Guru Sri Harkishan had stayed here for a few months as guest of Raja Jai Singh. Since then it has become a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs.

 

Sisgunj Gurudwara in Chandini Chowk has beautiful golden domes. It commemorates the site of the ninth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Teg Bahadur's martyrdom; the Guru was beheaded by Aurangzeb 1675. The gurudwara has been extended from time to time and it is tough to tell apart the original structure anymore.

 

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