New Delhi Travel Tips

New Delhi today is a bustling cosmopolitan city in which the European tourist will feel at ease. The capital city of India with its multitude of interesting places to visit is indeed a tourist delight. The city has it all - stone towers, stately forts, mosques and tombs from the Mughal era, grand imposing buildings from the British Raj era, glittering bazaars full of fine jewelry, show pieces, souvenirs, and handicraft items and to top it excellent cuisine which combines the best of the east and the west. The famous Bukhara restaurant in New Delhi is one of the top 50 restaurants in the world.

Many stately government buildings are situated in New Delhi including the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Parliament House, the National Gallery of Modern Art, National Museum, and the Supreme Court. Accommodation and comforts in the city vary from spiffy five star hotels which have hosted Heads of States from the world over to comfortable economical ones which delight the budget tourist. Here are a few must visit New Delhi destinations.

The India Gate was built in 1931 and is modeled on the Arc De Troimphe in Paris. It is a memorial raised in honor of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the World War I and the Afghan War. Today, an eternal flame burns in honor of the Unknown Soldier. India Gate has an important ceremonial significance during State and military functions.

The Red Fort is a 17th century Mughal fort built by the emperor Shahjahan when he decided to shift his capital to Delhi. Every year the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of the Indian Independence Day. Ever since it was built the Red Fort has come to represent political power. Rulers have come and gone, and the Red Fort has been a mute witness as power has changed hands in the Capital. The Red Fort and the nearby Jama Masjid which is the biggest mosque in India are major tourist attractions. A beautiful Son-et-Lumiere show is held every evening at the Red Fort.

The Qutab Minar was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is located at Mehrauli in South Delhi The 238 feet high Qutab Minar is reported to be the highest stone tower in the world. The fluted red sandstone tower is covered with intricate calligraphic inscriptions and verses from the holy Qur'an.

The Raj Ghat on the banks of the river Yamuna, is the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi who is revered as the Father of the Nation. The complex also has two museums dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Baha'i Temple or the Lotus Temple has been built by the Baha'i community and is situated near the busy commercial center of Nehru Place in South Delhi. The Lotus Temple is so called because it represents the lotus flower. The magnificent lotus has three ranks of nine petals and each petal is built of white marble. The nine reflecting pools which surround the Temple represent the green leaves of the lotus flower. As you enter the hall, a feeling of peace and serenity engulfs you and leaves you spell bound.

It’s a good idea to explore nearby tourist destinations with New Delhi as a base, where you can find payable vacation rentals. New Delhi has three railways stations with trains departing for every part of the country. Popular Indian tourist destinations like the forts of Rajasthan and the pilgrim city of Hardwar and Rishikesh are a couple of hours away by road. Important Hill stations of North India like Shimla, Mussorie, and Nanital are just an overnight train journey away.