New Delhi

Located within the metropolis of Delhi and capital of the Republic of India, New Delhi is difficult to distinguish from its elderly compatriot but contains plenty of culture, entertainment and fabulous sights in its own right.

It is claimed by local folklore that the current site of Delhi was originally the glorious city of Indraprashtha, capital of the Pandavas, in the 6th millennia BC. Indeed, there is some archaeological evidence of its existence, although Hindu texts typically cite Delhi as formerly Hastinapur, meaning ‘elephant city’. The settlement’s history is characterised by political flux, with various dynasties coming to the fore, whether of Turkic, Central Asian or Afghan extraction. As a result, the city experienced numerous changes and, by the time of Sher Shah Suri of the Sur Dynasty in the early 16th century, the sixth city was being developed. This continued until the British took over New Delhi in 1857 after the First War of Indian Independence, but the city was only made capital in 1911 in the midst of a massive building redevelopment project.

Declared the seat of the Indian government after independence in 1947, Delhi is very much a symbol of modern India with New Delhi at its heart. Moreover, with so much to see and do, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Attractions & Culture

Classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Humayun’s Tomb is considered a prime example of the Mughal architecture of the 16th century. Central to this complex of buildings are the tomb of the Emperor Humayun, who ruled during the early 16th century, and the Barber’s Tomb, both reminiscent of the design for the Taj Mahal. Built on the orders of Humayun’s widow between 1562 and 1570, one further reason for visiting this incredible monument is the Chahr Bagh Garden design, the first of its kind in the city.

Otherwise known as the All India War Memorial, the India Gate testifies to the exploits of modern India. Built according to the design of Edwin Luytens, the Gate commemorates the Indian soldiers’ efforts in World War I and the 19th and 20th century Afghan Wars. Standing some 42 metres high, the names of the fallen are emblazoned on the sides while, at the bottom, are the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the flame of the Immortal Warrior.

Focusing on Indian spirituality is the Laxminarayan Temple. Constructed in 1622 to honour the Hindu goddess of wealth, Laximi, as well as Lord Vishnu, it was renovated both in 1793 and throughout the 20th century but still stands in spectacular fashion.

Reaching further back in time is the Old Fort. Constructed by Humayun between 1533 and 1538, its immediate function was as the citadel of the city of Dinapanah. However, the Fort is better known as purported standing on the site of the legendary ancient city of Indraprashtha.

One other fine piece of architecture is the Tughluqabad Fort. Constructed between 1321 and 1325 by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughluq and abandoned soon after, its imposing, domed façade is well worth seeing.

If you’d prefer a quiet stroll though, the Mughal Gardens are the place to go. Completed in 1929 by Edwin Luytens, they are composed of three sub-gardens, respectively titled the Rectangular, Circle and Long Gardens, and each one beautiful in their unique way.

A visit to South Delhi is well worth your time to see the Qutab Minar. This red sandstone tower was started by Qutb-ud-din Aybak in 1206 but only completed gradually in 1368 after the labour of two successors. Now reaching a height of 72.5 metres, with carvings from the Qu’ran across the sides, it’s considered the first monument of Muslim rule in the country.

Although located in Old Delhi, the Red Fort is another point of interest which simply cannot be missed. Built in 1639 and remaining fundamentally intact, it’s a symbol of Indian architecture during the Early Modern period and the centrality of Delhi.

The city is also blessed with a number of good museums and galleries. These include the National Gallery of Modern Art in Jaipur House (the only one in India, specialising in works from the mid-19th century onwards), the National Museum of Natural History in Barakhamba Road, the Delhi Crafts Museum in Bhairon Road (containing some 20,000 objects) and the Gandhi Museum near the Raj Ghat.

Cricket is a central part of Indian culture and New Delhi is no different. The city is represented by Delhi Cricket Club, who play their games at the Kotla Ground, which is also a regular Test Match venue.

Shopping

Many consider the city the best place to shop in South Asia due to the wealth of markets available. These range from Chandni Chowk in north Delhi, which focuses on goods pertaining to Indian culture, to the Khan Market and Hauz Khas, both providing luxury goods and boutiques galore. Continuing the latter theme is Kamla Nagar, which provides the best in high-street fashion.

There are also plenty of malls and shopping centres around such as The India Mall in New Friends Colony.

Nightlife & Dining

You can expect the full range of Indian cuisine to be available in New Delhi, be it Punjabi cuisine at places like Baluchi in Barakhamba Avenue, Mughlai cuisine at Dumpukht in the Diplomatic Enclave in Sadar Patel Marg, and South Indian cuisine at Dakshin in the Mariott Welcom Hotel.

You can also find international alternatives like Chinese at Sampan in New Friends Colony and Italian at La Piazza in Bhikaiji Cama Place.

Although not quite as good as Mumbai, New Delhi’s nightlife is rapidly improving. The most popular, but extremely fashion-conscious, places to go for drinking and dancing are the Fashion Bar in South Delhi and Olive in Haveli. However, there are more inclusive places like Djinns in the Hyatts Regency.

Tourist Information

  • The Government of India Tourist Office
  • 88, Janpath
  • Connaught Palace
  • New Delhi
  • 110 001
  • Tel: +91 11 332 0005
  • Web: [http://www.tourisminindia.com Tourism In India]

Airport

New Delhi is served by Indira Gandhi International Airport, a short distance from the city itself and easily accessible via bus or car.

As one of the main airports in India, you can expect international and domestic connecting flights to be available regularly.

Air India, British Airways, Jet Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways (all London-Heathrow) all use Indira Gandhi International Airport to and from British locations.