Delhi

• Capital: New Delhi
• Famous for/as: Historical
• Population: 1,38,50,507
• Religions: Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Bahai Faith
• Area: 1,483 sq km
• Altitude: 293 m
• Language: Hindi, English, Punjabi, Urdu
• Best Season: October-March
• Weather: Summers: 25° - 47°C Winters: 2° - 22°C

Places to See Around

Gateways of Lal koth Chhattarpur Mandir Ala-i-Darwaza Jantar Mantar Janpath Market Teen Murti Bhawan (Nehru Memorial Museum) Mughal Garden Garden of Five Senses Akshardham Temple Sacred Heart Church Sarojini Nagar Market Karol Bagh Market Humayun's Tomb The Tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq India Gate Air Force Museum Siri Fort Qutub Minar Ashokan Pillar Jama Masjid

Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to present days writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has been captured, sacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and the modern Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region. Delhi is believed to have been the site of Indraprastha, the legendary capital of the Pandavas during the Mahabharata. Delhi re-emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Gangetic plain during the Delhi sultanates.