"Dil walo ki Delhi...Meri Pyari Delhi"
New Delhi also known as " microcosm of India" and is one of the world’s top global cities.
About Delhi
Delhi was laid out to the south of the Old City which was constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. However, New Delhi overlies the site of seven ancient cities and hence includes many historic monuments like the Jantar Mantar, Humayun Tomb, and the Lodhi Gardens.The foundation of the city was laid on 15 December 1911.It was planned by two leading 20th century British architects namely Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. The new Capital was christened "New Delhi" in 1927, and subsequently inaugurated on 13 February 1931, by British India's Governor-General Lord Irwin. On 12 December 2011, New Delhi celebrated 100 years of Capitalship, making it another landmark year in the long history of the historic capital of the region of Delhi
Delhi Facts
Area: 1,483 sq km
Latitudinal parallel: 28.3oN
Longitudinal meridian: 77.13oE
Altitude: 293 m above sea level
Population: 13.85million (Census 2001)
Average Temperature: 45oC (Max) - usually in May - Jun, 5oC (Min) - usually in Dec - Jan
Desirable Clothes: Woollen for winters and light cotton for summers
Rainfall: 714 mm
Monsoon: July to mid-September
Population: 13.85 (Census 2001)
Season: Extreme climate with very hot summer and very cold winter
Best time to visit: October to March
STD Code: 011
Languages: Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi
Religions: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Bahai Faith
Historical monuments
>Akshardham Temple:
Humayun's Tomb:
Visiting Humayun's tomb is a wonderful experience where you get to see the Mughal architecture and the history of Mughal India. Humayun's tomb is preceded by a tomb with blue dome. The dome has been made with Persian tiles which became very popular since Mughals came to India.
Lal Qila (Red Fort):
Lal Quila also called the Red Fort is one of the most important monuments of India. It stands on the bank of river Yamuna. The whole structure is made of Red stone. The fort was built by Shahjahan - the Mughal King who also built the famous Taj Mahal - in 1648. Shahjahan called it the Uru-Mu’alla. Shahjahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi and Red Fort was the new capital.
Lotus Temple:
Lotus Temple is one of the remarkable architectures of Bahai faith. It is located at Kalkaji in New Delhi. The temple looks like a lotus flower and is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. The temple has no restrictions for visitors and is open to people from all religions. The place provides immaculate environment for meditation, peace and wisdom. The Bahai temple was completed in 1986. Since then the temple has received recognition from all over the world for its splendid architecture and design. Lotus Temple is among the most visited monuments in India.
Qutub Minar:
The tall and ever attractive monument of Delhi which can be seen from most parts of the city is called the Qutab Minar. Every body has the same question when one sees the structure for the first time. The question that is often being put up is "Why the monument is that big?" or "Was there any specific reason to build such a tall building or it was just a wish of the person who built it?" Well, the exact reason is assumed to have something related to commemorating the victory. Mughals used to build victory towers to proclaim and celebrate victories.
Jama Masjid:
Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India. Located in Old Delhi, the mosque has the capacity to accommodate 25000 devotees. Jama Masjid was completed in 1656 AD and it was again the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan behind this architectural masterpiece. Close to some 5000 craftsmen were involved in the construction of the msque. It is located in Old Delhi, just opposite to the famous Lal Quila or the Red Fort.
India Gate:
India Gate is situated on the Raj Path of New Delhi. India Gate was built by Edwin Lutyens to pay homage to the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I and the Afgan War. Closely looking at the walls of India Gate would let you know the names of 90,000 soldiers who died during the World War I, the Afgan War and the North-West Frontier operations. The structure was finally completed in the year 1931. India Gate was originally called the All India War Memorial.
Safdarjung Tomb
The Tomb of Mirza Muqim Abu’l Mansur Khan entitled Safdar Jung (A.D. 1739-54), victory of Avadh under Mohammad Shah (A.D. 1719-48) and later his Prime Minister is the last example of the Mughal tomb layout, which began with Humayun’s tomb. It is a typical example of the charbagh pattern of Mughal gardens
Markets to Explore
Chandni Chowk
Jahanara, the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan, founded the famous Chandni Chowk of Delhi, India. The largest trading center of North India, it is also known by the name of moonlit square. There are a number of by-lanes in Chandni Chowk Market, each specializing in a particular field. For example, the parathewali gali is famous for it's delicious parathas, the textile lane for its textiles and so on. Some of these by-lanes are:
Katra Neel Katra Neel is the cloth bazaar of Chandni Chowk of Delhi, India. Silk, satin, crepe, cotton, muslin, you will get almost every fabric of the world in this market. Bhagirath Palace Bhagirath Palace is supposed to be the largest electrical goods market in Asia. Apart from that, it is also famous medical equipments and allopathic medicines. Kinari Bazaar Kinari Bazaar is very famous for zari and zardozi work, of any and every kind. It can offer anything and everything that one may need for an Indian bridal trousseau. Dariba Kalan For silver jewelry shopping in Chandni Chowk, Dariba Kalan is the perfect place. Once a place full of gold and silver jewelers, it now specializes in silver jewelry. Chhatta Chowk Bazaar A covered bazaar, dating back to the 17th century, Chhatta Chowk Bazaar has around forty shops selling artificial and semi-precious jewelry, embroidered bags, hand painted wall hangings, fake antiques, etc Chandni Chowk Market is also famous for the mouth-watering delicacies it offers.
Nearest Metro - Chandni Chowk Metro Station ( on yellow line)
Connaught Place
Connaught Place Connaught Place popularly known as CP and officially Known as Rajiv Chowk is one of the largest financial,commercial and business centres in Delhi. Connaught Place was developed as a showmodel of Robert Tor Russel in association with W H Nicholls. It is one of the oldest and most impressive markets of Delhi. Connaught Place was named after the Duke Of Connaught who was a member of British royal family .Its’ construction work was started in 1929 and was completed in 1933. It is designed in two circles, inner circle and outer circle (Connaught Circus) . The shape of Connaught Place is based on horseshoe , this was because The British believed that a market in the shape of horseshoe would prove lucky for both shopowners as well as people who come here for shopping. The inner circle has even been beautified by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Eight separate roads lead out from Connaught Place inner circle and twelve from Connaught Circus, the outer circle. Such is the popularity and significance of Connaught Place Market of Delhi, India that it has become one of the major landmarks of the city. A trip to Delhi is incomplete without a visit to this shopping center. There are hardly any stalls in Connaught Place. Throughout the circle, there are big as well as showrooms selling goods ranging from clothing to shoes to accessories. There isn't any brand name in Delhi that you will not find in Connaught Place. Right from Wills Lifestyle to Reebok to Levis, you will find all these retail outlets here. Shopping in CP, Delhi is a pleasurable experience, as you will find everything you want in one market only. Also, there are numerous eating joints in CP, right from roadside dhabas to swish restaurants, to satisfy your taste buds.
Nearest Metro - Rajiv Chowk Metro Station
Dilli Haat
Dilli Haat, situated in the center of Delhi, is a kind of a weekly market, organized on a much grander scale. It is a permanent haat that offers an amalgamation of handicrafts, food and cultural activities. Dilli haat of Delhi, India is spread over an area of approximately 6 acres and has a typical traditional Indian village look to boast of. It is proud of its look that consists of a plaza paved with stone and brickwork and sprinkled with grass, flowering shrubs, eucalyptus trees, etc. Shopping In Dilli Haat, Delhi, is full of an exotic variety of handicrafts and handlooms ranging from intricate woodcarvings to embellished camel hide footwear, to sophisticated fabric and drapery, to gems and beads to metal crafts, and so on. The handicrafts stalls at the haat are allocated on a 15-day rotational basis to craftsmen from different parts of the country. In this way, it is made sure that different handicrafts are available to visitors at each visit. There is also an exhibition hall in the Dilli Haat complex, where handicrafts and handlooms shows are held regularly to promote them. You can also find different cuisines of India at the food plaza here. Right from North Indian to the South Indian to the Rajasthani, you will find almost every type of traditional Indian food here. Many people go to this place just to taste these mouth-watering delicacies. Also, a number of regional food festivals are held here.
Janpath Market
Janpath Market is situated opposite the famous Connaught Place, in New Delhi. It is the perfect for buying the latest fashion goods at cheap prices. The budget travelers as well as those wanting to flaunt the latest in-things, Janpath of Delhi, India is the place to be. This is one place in the capital city, where you will find more foreign shoppers than Indians shoppers. There are a fair number of showrooms also in this market. However, shopping in Jan Path, New Delhi is best done at the numerous stalls that have been put up there. One thing to remember while shopping at Janpath is to bargain as much as you can. There is no limit to how low you can get the prices to be. There is also no dearth of small cafes and restaurants here. So, do visit this place, if not for shopping, then, at least to look at the amazing stuff you can get here.
Karol Bagh Market
Karol Bagh market is one of the oldest and the most famous and flourishing shopping centers in Delhi. This market offers variety, not only in the type of goods you buy, but also in the types of shops you visit. From the big air-conditioned showrooms to the small and dainty shops in alleys, you will find everything here. The whole of the market has been sub-divided into various roads, streets and markets, each specializing in a particular field. In the following lines, we tell you about these divisions in Karol Bagh of Delhi, India
Ajmal Khan Road
Ajmal Khan Road, situated in Karol Bagh, is known for inexpensive ready-made garments, cotton yarn and embroidered garments. However this road consists of big fancy stores, international brands, along with all kinds Indian masalas (spices) are available here.
Arya Samaj
Road It is one of the best places to buy second hand books in Delhi.
Bank Street
The Bank Street in Karol Bagh is known for its numerous Jewelry shops. These shops specialize in jewelry for the bride’s special outfit.
Gaffar Market
Shopping in Karol Bagh, Delhi is incomplete if you haven't been to the Ghaffar Market. There is not a single imported product in India that is not available here. From cosmetics to watches to cell phones to footwear, you will get anything and everything here. Apart of these special items, you will find other items like furniture and furnishings, carpets , tea, fashion accessories and a lot of other items in this market.
Lajpat Nagar Market
Lajpat Nagar Market is located near the Ashram Chowk in South Delhi. The market is a mixture of roadside stalls as well as glitzy showrooms. Here, you can shop for anything, ranging from clothes to footwear to accessories to bags. You can find ethnic Indian wear on one hand and the latest in the western style clothing, on the other. If you are buying anything from the stalls in the Lajpat Nagar Market of Delhi, India, do not forget to bargain with the shopkeeper to reach a reasonable price. Lajpat Nagar Market is said to be a one-stop shop, as almost anything that you may conceive of buying, is available here. There are many things to do, other than shopping, in Lajpat Nagar Market of Delhi. One of the attractions of this market is the Mehndiwalas (Henna appliers) sitting on the pavement. They will adorn your hands with beautiful henna designs in no time at all. This market also has some watering delicacies to offer. One such delicacy is the steaming Momos sold by the Tibetan ladies here.
Palika Bazar
Palika bazaar, situated near the busy market of Connaught Place, is the only air-conditioned underground market of Delhi. It is the ideal place to go for shopping, especially when you are coming to the city in summers. There is no limit as to what you can get at the Palika Bazaar market, situated in the capital city of India. The market dates back to the 1970s and there are as many as 390 shops situated inside its complex. Almost each and everything you can conceive of, right from footwear to clothing to nightwear to perfumes to accessories to electronic gadgets to DVDs and CDs, you will get in this massive market. Palika Bazaar is also the perfect place to buy curios and small knick knacks to take back home as souvenirs. The price charged for the products will be pretty reasonable, provided you know how to bargain with the shopkeepers.
Infact, the knack of bargaining is a must in the market, as the prices quoted here are definitely going to be high. There are a lot of eating corners also inside the market area. It is advisable that while going to Palika Bazar, you take along somebody who knows about all the ins and outs of the market or there are chances that you may get lost. Lately, due to the opening of a large number of shopping malls, the market is facing a decline in its popularity
Rajouri Garden Main Market
As the name suggests the market is the central market for the residents of the place called Rajouri Garden one of the posh localities in the western part of Delhi. Old and famous for its bridal wear shops and casual wear the market is a shopper's delight for anyone who is interested in latest trends and brands. From bridal wear to daily wear the choice is endless. Season of Sales is very famous in this market.
Sadar Bazar
Sadar Bazaar is probably Delhi’s largest wholesale market of all household commodities situated on the west of Khari Baoli. Khari Baoli is the name of an ancient street in Old Delhi that has been operational as a wholesale grocery market since the 17th Century AD. It is popular for being the largest wholesale spice market in Asia and is situated close to the Historic ‘Red Fort’ and adjacent to the ‘Fatehpuri Masjid’ situated on the western end of Chandni Chowk.. History has that the Khari Baoli Market first came into existence around the Fatehpuri Masjid, a Mosque that was constructed in 1650 AD under the order of ‘Fatehpuri Begum’ who was one of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's wives. During this era, ‘Khari Baoli’ which means ‘Salty Step Well’ was used for bathing animals. It was built along the same time that ‘Lahori Gate’ was constructed. Unfortunately, today, there is no trace or ruins of this Khari Baoli and a few do state that it is now buried under the ‘Khari Baoli Market’ Road from where the name was derived. There are numerous shops like ‘Chawal Wale 13’ and ‘21 Number Ki Dookan’ in Khari Baoli market that are run by the 9th or 10th generation of their founders dating back to the early 17th and 18th Century AD. The ‘Gadodia Market’ which is located on the southern side of Khari Baoli is another old market established by wealthy Merchant during the 1920s and homes numerous Spice Shops. This Market along with ‘Khari Baoli Market’ and the ‘Sadar Bazaar’ market are known as the largest wholesale Spice Markets in Asia. Like Khari Baoli,
Sadar Bazaar is a wholesale market comprising of non-branded consumer goods. This bazaar caters to items ranging from toys, household products, daily needs products, stationeries, costume and imitation jewellery and many more. It is mostly crowded in the morning when retailers visit this market to purchase their products and sometimes even common buyers purchase items from here as it is cheaper and you have a variety to choose from in contrast to other markets who would cater only to specific items. Hence, to experience its chaos and buzz of this place, a visit is essential but do remember that this bazaar remains closed on Sundays only. Sadar Bazaar is further divided into different sub markets like the ‘Pratap Market’, ‘Swadeshi Market’, ‘Teliwara’ or the ‘Timber Market’ and so forth. Sadar Bazaar is easily accessible via road and the Delhi Metro Link. The Chandni Chowk Metro Station is situated just 2.9 Kms or 11 minutes away while the Chawri Bazaar Metro Station is located just 2.1 Kms or 12 minutes away. It also connects to the New Delhi Railway Station located just 2.6 Kms or 11 minutes away, the Old Delhi Railway Station which is just 2.4 Kms or 9 minutes away and the Indira Gandhi International and Domestic Airports situated just 22.7 Kms or 46 minutes away. Sadar Bazaar also has numerous Buses, Auto Rickshaws and Taxis that operate in and around this region which are easily available for hire.
Sarojini Nagar Market
Sarojini Nagar Market started out as the local shopping area for the huge Sarojini Nagar Government Colony, a housing project for junior officer level employees of the Indian Central Government, as well as the state Government, built in the early 1950s. Until the mid-1960s, both the housing area and the shopping area were commonly referred to by the name Vinay Nagar. The official name started being used after then, and the old name has not been used since the early 1970s.
Prior to adoption of name names, Sarojini Nagar was called Vinay Nagarand also beena nagar, Laxmi Bai Nagar was called East Vinay Nagar and Netaji Nagar was called West Vinay Nagar. Named after the famous woman freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu, this colony is encircled by Safdarjung Enclave, South Extension, Laxmibai Nagar, Nauroji Nagar, Chanakyapuri and Netaji Nagar. It is in the vicinity of Chanakyapuri, one of the most beautiful localities in Delhi, also the home of various embassies and consulates, including those of the United States and Russia. Essentially located in the South West Delhi locality of the city, Sarojini Nagar (or SN as it is sometimes called) is one of the most favoured places in the city to buy clothes and fabrics at unbeatable prices. Apart from a large number of large sized showrooms for various international and local brands, the crux of the market is formed by street side shops which sell garments of all sizes, designs and colors. Recently Sarojini Nagar was in the international news when a small shop was destroyed (and has since been rebuilt) in the Diwali Delhi blasts on 29/10/05 Delhi bombings. The market which is surrounded by government housing has the following sections, as locals call them. 90% of the shops in SN are family owned.
South Extension Market
South Extension market, situated on the Ring Road in South Delhi, is one of the up-market shopping areas of the city. It stands divided into two parts - South Extension I and South Extension II. From quality clothing to the best footwear, you will find almost anything and everything here. You will find Most of the Indian as well as the international brands outlets in South Extension of Delhi, India. For ex, big departmental stores like Ebony, Big Jos, Hopps, etc all have a presence in this market. Frequented by the hip and happening crowd of Delhi, this market offers designer wears also. However, shopping in South Ex, Delhi is a costly affair. But, if one waits for the annual sales in this market, then, they can get most of the goods at reasonable prices. South Extension Market also has a number of eating outlets, where you can get delicious food, apart from the posh pubs, bars and discotheques. However, if you want to get a real feel of Delhi, go to the roadside vendors that offer amazing Bhel Puri and Golgappas.
Transport Facility
Metro Rail
The pride of the capital 'Delhi Metro' is a
rapid transit system serving Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida in the National
Capital Territory of Delhi. It is known for its world class standards
with regard to safety, reliability, punctuality, and comfort. It has a
combination of elevated, at-grade and underground lines and uses both
broad gauge and standard gauge rolling stock
City Bus
One of the cheapest modes of transport in Delhi consists of the environment friendly CNG buses. Delhi Transport Corporation has the World's largest fleet of public transoprt running on environment friendly clean CNG fuel.
Ordinary Stage Carriage Buses:
Distance |
Fare for Adult |
Fare for Children (Age 5 to 12 yrs.) |
| Up to 4 kilometers | Rs. 5.00 | Rs. 3.00 |
| From 4 kilometers to 10 kilometers | Rs.10.00 | Rs. 5.00 |
| Above 10 kilometers | Rs.15.00 | Rs. 8.00 |
Air-conditioned Stage Carriage Buses:
Distance |
Fare for Adult |
Fare for Children (Age 5 to 12 yrs.) |
| Up to 4 kilometers | Rs.10.00 | Rs. 5.00 |
| From 4 kilometers to 8 kilometers | Rs.15.00 | Rs. 8.00 |
| From 8 kilometers to 12 kilometers | Rs.20.00 | Rs. 10.00 |
| Above 12 kilometers & Limited/Night Services | Rs.25.00 | Rs. 13.00 |
Stage Carriages-Metro Feeder Bus owned and operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC):
Distance |
Fare |
| Up to 8 kilometers | Rs. 7.00 |
| Above 8 kilometers | Rs.10.00 |
Auto Rickshaw
The fares chargeable by the operators of the auto-rickshaws in national Capital Territory of delhi shall be as under:
Auto-Rickshaw
|
Rs 19/- for first fall of 2 Kilometer (upon downing the meter) and thereafter Rs. 6.50/- per Kilometer for every additional Kilometer |
Night Charges
|
25% of the Fare(11.00PM to 5.00 AM) |
Waiting Charges
|
Rs 30/- per hour or part thereof (Subject to a minimum of 15 minutes stay) |
Luggage
|
Rs. 7.50/- shall be charged as extra luggage charges whereas the driver/ operator shall not charge and money for a shopping bag or a small suitcase |
Black & Yellow Roofed Taxi
Delhi is the only city in India which has taxicabs running only on Compressed Natural Gas. To hail a taxicab, you normally just wait on the street or go to locations called taxi stands. Taxicabs are referred to as taxis in Delhi and the word cab is rarely used.
Radio Taxis
Radio Taxis are available for local commuting as well as long distance purposes. Hiring a cab in Delhi allow you to get the cab number and driver's mobile number as well.
The radio taxis are fitted with GPRS technology, digital fare meters and thermal printers for issuing bill/receipt etc. The billing is done on a per kilometer basis from point to point. Radio cabs are available 24x7 in Delhi, So there are no problems of timing and safety.
Car Rental
The Transport Division also handles transport and travel related services for national and international events. The Transport Division has significant experience in making excellent transport arrangements for various national and international events.
HOHO Bus Service: City sightseeing the way you want
Sightseeing tours are popular in cities all over the world. Organized tours are expensive, rigid and need definite planning in advance. The Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus service provides sightseeing options to tourists who are willing to explore Delhi with a more flexible schedule. These tours are conducted in specially designed buses which move continuously along a route, allowing tourists to board or alight at any of the pick up/drop off points. The route of these buses covers monuments, museums, galleries, gardens, shopping malls, hotels and bazaars. All in all, the service is designed to provide a complete experience of the city to a tourist. The following are the salient features of the Hop On/Hop Off bus service-
- Air-conditioned environment friendly luxury buses
- Frequency- every 30 minutes
- Flexibility - tourists can hop on and hop off at any pick up/drop off point
- Entertaining and knowledgeable tour guides
- Route covers all major tourist destinations in Delhi
- Audio guides
- Online booking Facility
- Onboard ticketing facility
- Covers more than 18 tourist locations
Hi Simar,
ReplyDeleteI went through your blog and found it very interesting which is why I am leaving a message here. We soon are launching a web portal on Delhi and would love to syndicate some of the posts from your blog or have you writing fresh content for us. If this holds your interest then do contact me on richa@acropoletravels.com. Look forward to hear from You. Thanks.