India’s capital and an important gateway into the country, Delhi is a bustling metropolis – an interesting mix of fast paced modernisation and carefully preserved antiquity. For tourists, Delhi’s strategic location allows easy access to the rest of the country by road, rail and air. This is also one of the prime reasons for foreign rulers to have repeatedly chosen Delhi as their seat of power. Modern Delhi, divided as Old and New Delhi, is a conglomerate of seven cities that has spread out and intruded beyond the river Yamuna right upto the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Old Delhi expanded around Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. Built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan, it is a maze of crowded streets and intensely colourful bazaars. Lutyen’s Delhi, the seat of the British Raj, includes the President’s Palace, the Secretariat, India Gate and the Parliament building. The beautiful tree lined boulevards around Lutyen’s Delhi, Diplomatic Enclave, Connaught Circus, Janpath, and the burgeoning modern residential area form a part of the ever expanding New Delhi. Starting with the Slave Dynasty in the 12th century through the Mughal rule, upto the two centuries of British colonisation, Delhi has endured the ravages of time and also enjoyed prosperity under various rulers. Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, the Coronation Park, Mutiny Memorial – all stand testimony to an illustrious past. Even as a point of entry and exit Delhi has much to offer. And if first impressions should be the last, Delhi’s metropolis with high rise buildings and concrete flyovers interspersed with well-laid gardens, magnificent domes and Victorian buildings, form a fitting prelude to the rest of the country.
New Delhi Introduction
