Named among the ten top holiday 2014 spots by The New York Times, New Delhi presents a rich blend of past and present, with its ancient mosques and Mughal monuments, its gardens, and its bustling social and cultural life. The city is a metropolis that spans 1483 square kilometers. With a rich history that dates back to the 2nd century B.C., New Delhi has seen the dawn and dusk of many a powerful empire. Fortunately, this historical heritage translates into an unparalleled architectural heritage, offering visitors numerous possibilities to experience this vibrant city with a taste of the exotic.
Gurdawara Bangla Sahib
Visitors often rave about the spirituality and peace they find in Delhi´s ancient temples, such as Gurdawara Bangla Sahib, which is the sacred place of the Sikhs. A testimony to the memory of Sikh Guru Sri Harkishan Sahib, the construction is surrounded by a beautiful park that features a beautiful lake, and the marbled periphery and gold-decked interiors bear witness to Delhi´s ancient opulence.
The Red Fort
A testimony of the Mughal emperors, the Red Fort is a fortification built in the 17th century to fend off foreign invaders. The captivating history of this 2 km long wall can be best experienced by attending the sound and light show that takes place every evening. Located in Old Delhi, the Red Fort is open from sunrise till sunset.
The construction takes its name from the red sandstone that forms its massive enclosing walls. There is an older fort adjacent to it, and the two of them form what is known as the Red Fort Complex. There is a beautiful water channel connecting the forts, which is called Nahr-i-Behisht, a phrase that can be translated as Stream of Paradise in English. The Red Fort is one of the prime examples of Mughal architecture in the world.
Swaminarayan Akshardham
This temple made of marble and gold has been admired for many years for the perfection of its architectural design. Surrounded by green gardens and water bodies, the temple also offers a spectacular light show on evenings. Considered to be an example of traditional Hindu architecture, the temple pays tribute to historical figure Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Attractions for visitors also include a scenic boat ride, an animatronics show, and an IMAX film. Swaminarayan Akshardham makes a great family excursion for a Delhi afternoon.
Humayun’s Tomb
Dating back to 1570, Humayun´s tomb was the inspiration for the building of the Taj Mahal. Humayun was the second Mughal emperor, and the tomb still houses his remains. Surrounded by majestic gardens, this was the first of a long series of similar buildings that appeared all over India in subsequent years. Humayun´s Tomb is located in the vicinity of the Nizamuddin train station.
Chandni Chowk
One of the most interesting things about Delhi is its vibrant city life, and a visit to Old Delhi is the perfect way of experiencing it. Chandni Chowk is the old district´s main street. It is a narrow street, full of rickshaws, hand-pulled carts, pedestrians, and even animals. The chaos of life is apparent on every corner here in all its madness and beauty. Shopping for fabrics, ancient jewelry, and electronics or sampling some Indian delicacies can be fun and exciting along this crowded street, which is also home to the traditional Karim Hotel.
Whether you visit the mosques or the museums, the narrow alleys of the Old City or the modern shopping districts, New Delhi won´t disappoint. Traditional delights await on every corner, and Indian spirituality is apparent even in the smallest details; it is no wonder that visitors from all over the world keep coming in pilgrimage to New Delhi, in search of the secret of life´s meaning. Religious and spiritual people will be thrilled by the powerful atmosphere of the temples, while everyone else will marvel at their magnificent architecture and relaxing natural surroundings.
