Delhi
Places of Interest Travel Guides..........
Jantar Mantar
At first sight, the Jantar Mantar appears like a gallery of modern art. It is,
however, an observatory. Sawai Jia Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), a keen astronomer
and a noble in the Mughal court, was dissatisfied by the errors of brass and
metal astronomical instruments.
Humayun's Tomb
The mughals brought with them a love for gardens, fountains and water. The
first mature example of Mughal architecture in India, Humayun's Tomb was built
by the emperor's grieving widow, Haji Begum, in 1565 AD.
Qutub Minar
The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe it was
erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule
in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful
to prayer. No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of
the finest monuments in India, but also in the world.
Red Fort
So called because of the red stone with which it is built, the Red Fort is
one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is also
closely linked with this fort. It was frorth here ht the British deposed the
last Mughal ruler, Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century
long Mughal rule. It was also fromits ramparts that the first prime. Minister
of India, pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free
form colonial rule.
Purana Quila
The fort is said to be constructed on the historic site of Indraprastha (900BC)
by Humayun and Sher Shah. Covering a circuit of about a mile, the walls of
the fort have three gates and are surrounded by a mat fed by the river Yamuna.
India Gate
Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World
War I, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.
Rashtrapati Bhawan
Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New
Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located
in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms.
Rajghat
The mortal remains of mahatma Gandhi were cremated on this spot on the west
bank of the river Yamuna on the evening of January 31, 1948.
Jama Masjid
Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled
for six years to complete the largest mosque in India. Every Friday, the emperor
and his retinue would travel in state from the fort to the mosque to attend
the congressional prayers.
Safdarjung's Tomb
Representing the last phase of the Mughal style of architecture, Safdarjang's
Tomb stands in the centre of an extensive garden.
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Built in 1938, the temple is an ideal introduction to some of the gods of
the India pantheon. The temple contains a large number of idols and visitors
can also watch priests performing ritualistic prayers.
