Shopping Hangout in Delhi
Pragati Maidan
On
the left of this Zoo, there is Pragati Maidan. Founded in 1982 on
the eve of Asian Games. Various Trade Fairs are being organised
throughout the year. States have found their permanent stalls here
with their products and merchandises. There are different museums
set up here on different items of Indology. Visit Nehru Pavilion,
Defense Pavilion, Indira Pavilion, Son of India Pavilion, Village
Complex comprising of 7 acres of land, Energy is Life, Craft Museum
with the collections of 20000 specimens of weaving products metal
products - Daru and wooden products- earthen moulds and images and
artifice along with other sculptural and cultural specimens for your
entertainment from 10-00 to 17-00. On holidays it remains open till
20-00. At No 5 gate of Pragati, aiming at entertainment for the
children, Appu Ghar Amusement Park, has been founded, open from
12-00 to 20-00. Open from 12-00 to 20-00. Govt of India's Tourist
Dept have founded Open Air Theatre here at Killa. Opp to it is
Supreme Court.Connaught Place
One of Delhi's most popular shopping centres built as early as 1931 there is nothing that one cannot buy here and it also has several eating houses. The state emporia buildings are also located in this area so are the head offices of major banks, airlines and other such things of importance to the tourist. The complex popularly referred to as CP is an important meeting points for all sections of people and is something which no tourist should miss if for nothing else then for its architecture and the humdrum of everyday life.
Janpath
Janpath is one of the busiest roads in New Delhi. Tourism Dept Office of Govt of India is at 88 Janpath. You may seek their assistance Monday to Friday from 9-00 to 18-00 and on Saturday from 9-00 to 13-00. Sunday closed. Janpath meets Rajpath going further south. To the east of Rajpath is India Gate and to the west is Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhawan. To the further south there is the posh area of New Delhi - Defence Colony, Lodhi Colony, Greater Kailash, Basanta Bihar etc. Indira Gandhi International Airport is towards further S-West from Rajpath via Dalhousie Rd/Sardar Patel Marg/Parade Rd. On the way various foreign Consulates and Embassies there is Diplomatic Enclave Chanakyapuri. Many star hotels are also located in Chanakyapuri.
Chandni Chowk
It was the eyes and ears of the Mughal's commercial instincts and is today one of the country's best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches. The entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families of that time. There is however a word of caution and that is that there are several elements who are believed to be selling duplicate goods and the tourist needs to be careful about this.
Dilli Haat
Food and Crafts Bazaar, opposite INA Market, is a one-stop shopping place for tourists, which not only offers various arts and handicrafts of India, but also a taste of the ethnic cuisine. Visitors can also witness the different performing arts of the country.
Parks and Garden in Delhi
The Mughal GardenThe famous Mughal Gardens is located in the premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan - the official residence of the President of India. The building and gardens designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens span an area of about 320 acres that include colourful flowering shrubs and European flowerbeds.
The gardens comprise of the Rectangular Garden, Long Garden and the Circular Garden. The Rectangular Garden is the formal garden, which derived its treatment from the water-gardens, which the Mughals brought into Delhi. The small flowerbeds, the four waterways and mown lawns produce a virtual paradise.
The gardens are open to the public from February to March every year.
Shalimar Garden
It is one of the most important Moghul gardens in the city. The Shalimar Garden, which lies in the suburbs of the city, was once the first-night staging post for the Moghuls on their way to Kashmir and Lahore. In 1658, Aurangzeb was crowned emperor here. Tickets: Available at the site and Delhi Tourism office
Shish Mahal
The beautiful central pavilion built by Shah Jahan is now in a fairly advanced state of decay. Some of the original painted flower decoration has survived.
Lodi Gardens
In these well-maintained gardens are the domed tombs of Sayyid and Lodi rulers. This garden is known for its fountains, ponds, flowering trees, blossoming shrubs and artificial streams.
In the middle of the garden is Bara Gumbad (Big Dome), a mosque built in 1494. The garden has Sheesh Gumbad (Glass Dome), Mohammad Shah's Tomb and Sikander Lodi's tomb. These tombs boast of excellent architecture, and this style was later used in the construction of Taj Mahal.
These gardens are ideal for joggers and for those who seek solitude.
National Zoological Park
The Delhi zoo, close to Purana Qila, near ITO, was established in 1959 and is spread over a massive area of 214 acres. Is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and birds. There are more than 2,000 animals and bird species from places like Africa, America, Australia and even Asia. There is a lot of greenery around the zoo and it is an ideal picnic spot especially in winter. Timings summer 0800 to 1800 hours, winter 0900 to 1700 hours. Closed on Friday.
Buddha Jayanti Park
At Palam-bound Sardar Patel Marg via Karol Bagh opp. Assam House is Buddha Jayanti Park founded on the auspicious eve of 2500 years of completion of Buddhas Great Salvation. A plant of Bodhi-Briksha was brought from Sri Lanka and planted in the commemorating park. The park is full of flowers and the garden is pleasant and charming for rest and walk. Ideal for picnic.
Forts and Monuments in Delhi
The Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort, with a circumference of over 2.2 kilometers, was laid out by the banks of the Yamuna river in the 17th century. The Mughal emperor Shajahan built it with the ambition of concentrating the Mughal power in one monument. Monument is perhaps not the right word. A mini-city is more like it.
- There is a Light and Sound Show every evening.
- Summer timing : Hindi - 7 pm to 8 pm, English - 8 pm to 9 pm
- Winter timing : Hindi - 6 pm to 7 pm, English - 7 pm to 8 pm
In 1538, the Mughal emperor Humayun laid the foundations of his city named Dinpanah, or the Refuge of the Faithful. The inner citadel of this city is today called Purana Qila or the Old Fort. An old fort, it is! One can almost smell the ancient stories oozing from the corners of the fort. The site of the fort was also Indraprasta, the capital of the famed warriors of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas. Excavations near the eastern wall of the fort reveal that the site had been occupied since 1000 B.C. Archaeologists found painted grey ware pottery and other remains, which date back to the Mahabharata. The Purana Qila has three gates - Humayun Darwaza, Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. The present entrance is the Bara Darwaza, an imposing red sandstone gate on the western wall. Inside the Purana Qila is the Sher Mandal, a two-storied octagonal pavilion in red sandstone, built by Sher Shah. Humayun used it as a library after he captured the fort. However, the Mandal is tragic, since it was here where the emperor is said to have tripped on its tortuous stairs and tumbled to his death in 1556.
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- Tickets: Available at the site and Delhi Tourism office
The
highest stone tower in India, the Qutub Minar was built by Qutbuddin
Aibak, the viceroy of Mohammed Ghori in 1192. It was built to
celebrate Ghori's victory over the Rajputs. The tower and the
victory are very significant, because both heralded the birth of a
new dynasty - Slave Dynasty. And it laid the foundations of the
Delhi Sultanate. And the rest, as one would put it after witnessing
this monumental tower, was history. The Minar is a five-storey
building with a height of 72.5 metres. The first storey of the Qutb
Minar was completed in the lifetime of Qutbuddin. His son-in-law and
successor, Iltumush, added the next three storeys. Qutb Minar is a successful tribute to architecture, as it captures one's attention by its sheer mass appeal. Even on close encounter, the attention lingers, owing to the delicate and almost ethereal carvings.
- Address: Mehrauli, Delhi-Gurgaon Road
- Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
The 7.2 metre high pillar, standing within the Qutb Minar complex, is a proof of India's advanced knowledge of metallurgy 2000 years ago. For it continues to stand, even today, rust-free. The pillar was erected sometime between the 4th and 5th century AD as a Dhavaja-stambha (flagpole) of a Vishnu temple. It was erected in memory of King Chandragupta Vikramamditya who ruled from 375 to 413 AD. The Sanskrit inscriptions on the pillar record these facts. Unbelievable, considering today, even the spoons in our kitchens cannot guarantee this kind of an immortality after centuries of scientific progress! Another thing one has to do after laying one's sight on this pillar is, to go and give it a bear hug. Besides the metallurgic excellence, it is believed that hugging the pillar will make all of one's wishes come true. So… go, see and hug!
- Address: Qutb Minar Complex, Mehrauli, Delhi-Gurgoan Road
- Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. It was built in 1931, designed by Lutyens, and was originally called the All India War Memorial. The names of the soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the arc of the gate. Later in 1971, an eternal flame was lit here in memory of the unknown soldiers who died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. India Gate stands at the end of Rajpath, and is a popular picnic site especially during hot summer evenings. At night, the Gate is brightly lit and the fountains near the Gate are lit with coloured lights. The sight is delightful.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
The house that houses the President of India and the house that boasts of having welcomed the most powerful men in history. The Rashtrapati Bhavan was designed by Edwin Lutyens and built in 1931, to be the central point of the British power in Delhi. Originally called the Viceroy's House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan covers an area of 4.5 acres of land. It has 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies and loggias, 18 staircases and 37 fountains.
- Change of Guard Ceremony:
April - October : 8:30 am
November - March : 10:35 am
The Teen Murti Bhavan housed the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. It was designed by Robert Tor Russel, the architect of Connaught Place, and the Eastern and Western Courts on Janpath. The Bhavan was originally the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in India. However, after independence the house was taken over as the residence of Jawaharlal Nehru. And on his death, the house was converted into a national memorial comprising a library and a museum. The library is one of the finest ones for information on modern Indian history. The house gets its name after the Teen Murti (three statues) Memorial, which stands on its extensive grounds. The memorial was built in memory of the Indian soldiers who perished in World War I. The Bhavan is closed to public on Mondays and on all public holidays.
Rajghat
4 km away from Janpath to the N-East of Feroz Shah near Delhi Gate at Ring Rd on the bank of Jamuna situated Rajghat. Jawaharlal Nehru Rd also ends opp. Rajghat. On 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi's last rites was performed here. The memorial stone of Gandhi is square in shape made of black stone. His last ward- 'Hey Ram' is inscribed on it. Ordinary people, VIPs, foreign tourists all come here at Rajghat to pay their homage to him. On every Friday (the day of his death) a prayer is being held. Except Monday, a regular feature of projecting Gandhi philosophy in picture, sculpture and photos from 10-00 to 17-00 is being performed at Rajghat. Besides, there is Gandhi Memorial Museum projecting his life and the philosophy of Sarvodaya Movement in film from 9-30 to 17-30 except Thursday and on Sunday at 16-00 in Hindi and 17-00 in English. Another Gandhi memorial is Gandhi Balidansthal or assassinated spot at Tis January Marg of the city. On 30 Jan. 1948 on his way to prayer at Biral Bhawan , he was assassinated by bullets. Hence, this memorial.
Santiban
To the north of Rajghat is Santiban. 1st Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's last rites was performed here on 27 May, 1964. A tombstone has been erected on his funeral place. Next to it, the tomb of Sanjay Gandhi who was died in a plane crash in 1980.
Jantar Mantar
Few minutes walk from Connaught Place is 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.
Safdarjung Tomb
The Safdarjang tomb is besides the of Safdarjang airport. This tomb was built by the Nawab of Avadh for his father. The structure is one of the finest example of architecture of its time and tells a saga of the last remnants of a dying empire.
Vijay Ghat
This is the tomb of 2nd Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. After the Indo-Pak was of 1965. Shastriji went to Taskhand in Russia on peace mission. In 1966 his last rites was performed here.
Museum in Delhi
Natural History Museum
At Barkhamba animals, huge dinosaur and huge birds of pre historic ages in FICCI building. The Discovery Room also appreciable.
View the film show from 11-30 to 15-30.
Open daily at 10-00 to 17-00, no ticket is required.
National Museum
The National Museum is another interesting spot located very close to India Gate. The museum has a rich variety of all facets of ancient Indian history and also of central Asia. In fact the museum takes one through a fascinating journey of what ancient India was all about, pottery, rare coins, and numerous such things including art and architecture, costumes are for all to see. It's something every tourist should find time to visit even if the schedule is tight.
On the right of Rajpath at Janpath is National Museum or Yadughar. Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone in 1955 and the museum was opened to visitors in 1965. Collections from Mahenjadaro, Harappa, Lothal, Kalibangan and antiques of prehistorical periods are on display. The history dated back to 5000 years are vividly displayed in the museum.
The collections of Indus civilization, Brahminical, Jain and Buddhist sculptural antiques are all there. The colour paintings of Mughal, Rajput, Deccan are praiseworthy. Besides, there are the holy Git Gobinda, the holy Mahabharata, the holy Bhagabat Gita in golden alphabet, Octogonal mini Quran, Babamama in Babar's handwriting, Jahangir's diary, musical instruments of more than 300 types, varieties of tribal dresses enriched the museum.
The antique collections of Sir Aurel Stein has added the attraction of the museum. The evolution of ornaments through ages from prehistoric era to recent modern time, its shape, size, design and pattern and of metalic combinations with or without jewel set are all on display in the ornament gallery of the museum. It draws tourists most.
Indira Memorial Museum
Another national museum has been built at 1 Safdarjung Rd in memorium of Indira Gandhi, on May 27, 1985. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own body guard on 31 Oct, 1984. A glass cage has covered the spot where her body fell down. Before being bullet sprayed in from point blank range, Indira was on her way along the garden road out of her residence.
At that place Czechoslovak Govt made a artificial water flow by crystal on steel plate of 33´25 m. The crystal stream on the steel plate is designed and planned by the Czech architect Jaroslav Mirich. 3 rooms are full with articles which were in use by Indira. Photographs of Indira are also there. The blood-stained sari and other dress materials of Indira are chemically preserved in the museum. You may go inside the private chambers to view reading room, dinning room, Dewan-i-Aam, Dewan-i-Khas etc.
Except Monday open everyday from 10-00 to 17-00 3010094.
National Gallery of Modern Art
Located in the Jaipur House near India Gate. The building was the palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It has around 4,000 paintings of modern artists and also included are graphics and sculptures. The gallery arranges special exhibitions for those who wish to exhibit their works. Rabindranath, Abanindranath, Nanadalal Bose, Jamini Roy, Amrita Shergil and other's creative works are on display. This gallery has a huge collection of art and literature and journal on art and culture and painting of old and modern schooling. At Chanakyapuri behind Bhutan House, except Monday and national holidays, in the months of April to September daily between 9-30 to 19-00 and Oct-March Open from 10-00 to 17-00. The gallery also houses a library which can be used by museum, which is open from 1000 hours to 1700 hours, is closed on all holidays and observes Monday as its weekly off.
Nehru Museum
To the south of Rashtrapati Bhawan Tinmurti Rd the house that was built as per plan and design of Robert Tor Russel in 1948 as the residence of the British Commander-in-chief, has been converted as the residence of the Prime Minister of India in 1954. Since then the residence of Jawaharlal Nehru was at Tinmurti.
After his death in 1964, it was converted to Nehru Museum. In his private life, and as a Prime Minister, the prizes he got are on display. The photographs of Nehru is also of an added attraction. A library is also opened. Open from 10-00 to 16-30, except Monday. Open to all. In season, at 11-30, 13-30, 15-30, 16-30 you may view Nehru's life as a part of Indian freedom struggle in Nehru planetarium or Son-et-Lumiere at Tinmurti. Ticket Rs 10 and Rs 5, 3014673. The rose garden at Tinmurti is beautiful. At Jawaharjyoti Garden, the historical speech on 14-15 August, 1947 has been inscribed in stone there.
Dolls Museum
Sankar's
International Dolls Museum was founded in 1954. More than 6000
Variety representing almost 85 countries of the world are on display
in the museum. Dolls of Japan deserves special mention. However, 1/3 of total dolls is Indian - Indian cultural and the cultural life style has been projected in the fashions of dolls. The ticket is Re 1. Except Monday open every day from 10-00 to 17-00. Besides, there is B C Roy Children's Library and children's play corner. The doll museum is situated at Nehru House close to Income Tax Office at Bahadur Sah Jaffar Marg near Delhi Gate.
Rail Transport Museum
Located in the south of Delhi close to the diplomatic area of Chanakayapuri it traces, through exhibits, the 140 year-old history of the Indian Railways. The museum, established in 1977, and spread over a ten-acre area, is the first of its kind in India. The highlights include the Fairy Queen of 1885 the oldest working steam locomotive, the luxury saloon of the Prince of Whales and the saloon of the Maharaja of Mysore. Timings: summer 0830 to 1130 and 1600 to 1730 hours, winter: 0900 to 1730 hours. It is closed on Mondays.
National Rail Museum
It was built as per plan of British architect M G Satto on 1957, 1st Feb, on the carpet area of 10 acres of land. The museum displays 27 locomotives and 17 carriage.
The saloon car of the Maharaja of Baroda (1886), the carriage of the Maharaja of Mysore made of teak covered with ivory; the cabin of the Prince of Wales (1876), the carriage in which the ashes of Gandhiji was carried in 1948; Fairy Queen of 1855 (oldest steam engine in the world); evolution of Indian Rail from steam engine to present era are vividly displayed.
Even, the skull of an elephant who struck a Mail train in 1894, with his head is also projected here in the exhibition. The Toy train is running - you may buy here as a souvenir of your visit. Restaurant and Libraries are also there.
Beautiful Tibetian handicrafts are on display which were brought with Dalai Lama from Lasa in Tibbet House at 16 Jorhbagh close to Hotel Oberoi. Tibetian handicrafts are on sale. Open from Monday to Friday between 9-30 to 13-00 and 14-00 to 17-00 except Sunday and Saturday.
In the evening, view the film show on Light and Sound at Red Fort in Hindi or English version Son-et-Lumiere or the history from Mughal to Indian Independence. . Collect your ticket and information from ITDC, L Block, Connaught Place, 3320331. Opp to Red Fort is Chandni Chowk, Parliament St, and Connaught Circus- visit on foot. New Delhi is growing gradually day to day. Chanakyapuri is the symbol of latest architectural and sculptural designs. All Foreign Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Enclaves are at Chanakyapuri.
