India's capital city New Delhi is home to executive, legislative and judiciary branches of the Government of India. The city has a strong historical background, ruled by some of the most powerful Emperors in Indian history. Delhi stands in a triangle formed by river Yamuna in the east and from the Aravali range in the west and south.
As the centuries old Mughal capital, Delhi is where Mughlai cuisine originated and this city has arguably the best street food in India. The people of Delhi are referred to as or 'Delhiites' and Hindi is the official and widely spoken language. Being the capital of India, New Delhi has amplified the importance of national events and holidays such as the Republic Day on 26th January and the Independence Day on 15th August with large cultural and military parades showcasing India's cultural diversity and military strength.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit New Delhi is from October to March when the weather is at its best. During this period flowers blossom, the weather is pleasant and overall it is an enjoyable time to experience this incredible city.
Top five places to see:
India Gate – One of the most famous national monuments, the India Gate has been built as a memorial those 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting during the World War I. Burning as a shrine under the arch of India Gate is the "Amar Jawan Jyoti" (the flame of the immortal warrior), which glows in memory of the Unknown Indian Soldier killed during the First World War.
Red Fort – The 'Lal Qila' or the Red Fort is a brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as his ruling palace. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, the Red Fort is a must see when visiting Delhi for his architectural splendour.
Qutub Minar – Delicately carved and one of the most famous structures in Delhi, the Qutub Minar is made of red sandstone and marble. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tower has 379 steps, is about 72.5 metres in height and has a base diameter of 14.3 metres, which narrows to 2.7 metres at the top.
Jantar Mantar – The Jantar Mantar sundial cast shadows, which were formerly used to calculate time, lunar and solar calendars, as well as astrological movements during the 18th century. Even in present day, the instrument can measure the time of day, with an incredible degree of accuracy.
Humayun's Tomb – One of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Humayun's Tomb was built on the orders of his first wife almost nine years after his death. When Humayun died, his wife Bega Begum was so grieved over her husband's death that she dedicated her life to the sole purpose of constructing the most magnificent mausoleum in the Empire, at a site near the Yamuna River in memory of the late Emperor.