Delhi has a rich historical past as is evident from the various monuments which bear witness to the rich and varied heritage of Delhi. Delhi shares its borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, but the boundaries are not obvious as the population has spilled over to these states and now Gurgaon and Faridabad and NOIDA and Ghaziabad are a part of the capital territory.

Towering sky-scrapers next to historical monuments, posh South Extension market and the crowded Bazaars of Chandni Chowk, the Greater Kailash colony and the Yamuna Pushta slums --- all exist side by side. This is the rich and poor Delhi, this is old and new Delhi. This is the seat of the government, the capital of India.

What to see:

Red Fort

Built by the Mughals in 1638, the Red Fort has been constructed in red sandstone. The massive walls of the Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila rise 33 metres and were designed to keep the invaders out. Surrounded by the clamour of Old Delhi, the Red Fort forms the focal point patriotic emotions during the Indpendence and the Republic day. The main gate of this massive structure is known as the Lahore Gate. The vaulted arcade of Chatta Chowk, a covered Bazaar given to selling tourist junk, leads into the huge fort compound. Inside the fort is a veritable treasur trove of magnificent buildings including the Drum House, the Diwan-i-Aam (House of public audiences), Diwan-i-Khas (House of private audiences), the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and the Palace of Colour. The Department of Tourism organizes the sound and light show in the evenings which makes the fort come alive with emotions.

Jama Masjid

This great Mosque, situated opposite to the Red Fort, is the largest in India. It is capable of holding 25000 believers. It was built in 1644 by Shah Jahan who also constructed the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal at Agra. This exquisite mosque has three great gateways, four towers, and two minarets constructed of strips of red Sandstone and white marbles.

Chandni Chowk

Congestion, chaos and colour mark this market place which was once the original capital of 'Hindustan'. The new capital has spilled out to New Delhi and left Chandni Chowk gasping for breath. The main street of `Old' Delhi is a magnificent bazaar. During the Mughal period, it was lined with trees, magnificent mansions and had a canal flowing flowing down its centre. A Jain temple at the street's eastern end attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year. At the western end of the street is the Fatehpuri Mosque, built by one of Shah Jahan's wife in 1650.

The Chandni Chowk market is famous for whoelsellers and retailers. You can find everything here from electronic items to daily wera clothes.

Humayun's Tomb

The best preserved example of Mughal architecture in Delhi, the grand Humayun's Tomb is one of the most beautiful buildings of the city. Built by Haji Begum, Humayun's wife, int the mid 16th century, it incorporates elements of Mughal architecture used un the construction of the Taj Mahal at Agra.

Qutub Minar

Built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak in 1193, it is a 73 metre high tower of victory, built after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five storeys, each tapering over the one below. Each storey has a separate balcony. The view from the topmost storey is wonderful, but due to a nasty accident, the entrance to the tower has been banned. The first three storeys of Qutab Minar are made of red sandstone and the fourth and fifth storeys have been constructed in marble and sandstone.

Raj Ghat

Not far fron the banks of the river Yamuna, Raj Ghat has a simple memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was assasinated by Nathuram Godse in 1948. A commemorative ceremony is held here every Friday, the day he was assasinated. Two museums dedicated to the Mahatma are close by. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, was also cremated to the north of the memorial at Shanti Van(Forest of Peace). The area is now a beautiful park labelled with trees. The Zinat-ul Masjid(Most Beautiful of Mosques) towers over the Raj Ghat.

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Shopping in Delhi:

The main markets of Delhi are the Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Ajmal Khan market, INA market, Defence Colony, Khan Market, Lajpat Nagar market, Sarojini Nagar market, M-block Market in Greater Kailash, the South Extension market, Kamla Nagar market, Karol Bagh and the Connaught Place.

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Festivals:

Besides the national festivals Delhi has numerous festive occassions to celebrate. The Republic Day Parade down the Rajpath; Delhi Rose Show(held in January at Safdarjung's Tomb); Flower Show(in February at Purana Quila and also in the Delhi University); Urs(April/May and November/December - at Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia's tomb); Phool Walon ki Sair(is celebrated in September/October).