Namaste India - Part 3

Our time in Delhi was a busy one and following are some of the top attractions I remember visiting in Delhi.

Qutub Minar is the tallest minar (tower) in India, originally an ancient Islamic Monument, inscribed with Arabic inscriptions, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Qutub Minar is made of red sandstone and marble. The tower has 379 stairs,is 72.5 metres (237.8 ft) high, and its construction was started in 1192 by Qutub-ud-Din Aibak and was completed by Iltutmish.  It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as the Qutub Complex.

 

Before 1981, the general public could climb to the top of Qutub Minar by climbing up the seven-storey, narrow staircase. However, on 4 December 1981 an accident occurred when an electricity cut plunged the tower's staircase into darkness. Around 45 people were killed in the stampede that followed the electricity failure. Most of the victims were children because, before 1981, school children were allowed free access to historical monuments on Fridays, and many school groups were taking advantage of this. Subsequently, public access has been forbidden.

 


The Asoka Pillar is a mystery object and it is located near the Minar. There is a popular 'tradition' that it was considered good luck if one could stand with one's back to the pillar and make one's hands meet behind it.

The India Gate is the national monument of India.

Situated in the heart of the city, it was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Following India's independence, the

India Gate became the site of the Indian Army’s Tomb of theUnknown Soldier, for Indian Soldiers who died in World War I and the Afgan Wars.

 

Connaught Place is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centers in Delhi. It is often abbreviated as CP and houses the headquarters of several Indian firms. Named after the Duke of Connaught, the construction work was started in 1929 and completed in 1933. The inner circle of Connaught Place was renamed Rajiv Chowk (after the late Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi) and the Outer Circle was renamed Indira Chowk . Today, Connaught Place is one of the most vibrant business districts of Delhi. 

The Red Fort or Lal Qila (in urdu/hindi) is a 17th-century fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in the walled city of Old Delhi (in present day Delhi) that served as the residence of the Mughal Emperors. The construction of the Red Fort began in 1638 and was completed by 1648. The Red Fort has had many developments added on after its construction by Emperor Shah Jahan. The significant phases of development were under Aurangzeb and later under later Mughal rulers.

We booked ourselves seats for the Light and Sound Show in the evening. This is a must watch attraction! Not to be missed. It takes you back in the Mughal era. It takes place daily and lasts for about an hour or so. 

 

Chandni Chowk is a major shopping area of Delhi. If you are a shopaholic, you must visit Chandni Chowk!

The market of Chandni Chowk is very old. The origin of Chandni Chowk dates back to the Mughal era in Indian history. According to legend, Chandni Chowk market was established during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. The legend also says that Chandni Chowk market was designed by Jahanara-Emperor Shahjahan's favorite daughter. 

Founded in1639, the place came to be fondly known as 'Chandni Chowk'. A canal used to run through the streets and on moonlit night, the reflection of the moon shine brightly on the serene water.

Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest bazaar existing in India today. The attraction here is that you can find almost anything in a small confine. Good food and great temples make Chandni Chowk a popular place for both Delhites and tourists.

Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation, on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial. All guests must remove their footwear before entering the Raj Ghat walls.

 Delhi has a lot of history to offer, just like Lahore. A little bit of everything for everyone.