Delhi city - personal review. Entertainment & Leisure Modern Delhi

The Indian capital is one of the most ancient cities in the world. According to the popular theory developed by Indian scholars, the history of Delhi includes the history of about 8 different cities that existed here at different times.

The earliest mentions of Delhi refer to the legendary events described in the famous epic Mahabharata. It was here, on the banks of the Yamuna River, that Indraprastha- the fortress of five brothers from the royal family of the Pandavas.

The first historical mention of Delhi dates back to the 1st-2nd centuries. AD, when the Rajput prince Dehlu (from the Anglicized version of whose name is the modern name of Delhi) founded a settlement here, on the territory of which the Lalkoth fort was later built to protect against Muslim raids. Under the legendary prince Prithviraj (Rai Pithor) the fort Lalkot has grown to the size of a full-fledged city.

Delhi Sultanate

At the end of XII, the territory of North India was invaded by Muslim conquerors from the territory of modern Afghanistan. In 1192, Sultan Mohamed Gori defeated the troops of the last Hindu ruler, Lalkot, and captured the city. His successor, Qutb ad-Din Aybak, founded the Delhi Sultanate in 1206, which became the main force in the North Indian Plain for the next three centuries of Indian history. The capital of the Delhi Sultanate became the city Mehrawi, which was located in the southwestern part of modern Delhi.

The power of the Delhi sultans by the end of the XIV century gradually declined. First, a vast area in the Western Deccan broke away from the Delhi Sultanate, whose rulers formed the new Bahmanid Sultanate. Then the great Mongol conqueror Tamerlane completely devastated Delhi during the campaign of 1398-99.

Delhi - the capital of the Great Mughals

Finally, the Delhi Sultanate fell under the blows of a new wave of Muslim conquerors from the northwest, armed with new tactics and actively using firearms in battle. In 1526, one of Tamerlane's descendants, Khan Babur, utterly defeated the troops of Sultan Ibrahim Lodi and took Delhi.

Babur made the captured city one of the main centers of the state he created - the Mughal Empire. From here he continued his conquests, expanding by the end of his reign his new empire from Western Afghanistan to the banks of the Ganges.

Babur's son Hamayun moved the capital of the Mughals from Agra to Delhi. However, the emperor was unable to keep the new royal residence, and in 1536 the rebellious Afghan ruler of Bihar Shershah captured Delhi and a significant part of the lands belonging to the Mughals. The new ruler ordered to destroy the buildings of his predecessor and start the history of Delhi from a new leaf, laying a city in their place. Shergarh(the remains of this city are known today as the Old Fortress - Purana Qila).

Hamayun still managed to reclaim Delhi after 25 years of foreign rule. Today, the capital of India is adorned with its majestic tomb, which is considered one of the main attractions of Delhi. But his son Akbar, under whom the Mughal empire reached the zenith of its power, moved the capital to the new city of Fatehpur Sikri, the ruins of which still adorn the surroundings of Agra.

Delhi was able to obtain capital status again under the great builder of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan. The Great Mogul founded his new residence in the vicinity of Delhi - the city Shahjakhanabad, which was built 10 years later. Shahjahanabad (now called Old Delhi) includes such world famous landmarks of Delhi as the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid Mosque.

Delhi under the rule of the British invaders

The second half of the 18th century was a tragic era in the history of Delhi and the entire Mughal Empire. In 1739, Delhi was devastated by the troops of the Persian ruler Nadir Shah.

At this time, the rulers of the growing Maratha Confederation joined the struggle for the possession of the main city of India. In the course of a series of battles, Delhi changed hands several times, until in 1771 the Marathas managed to finally liberate Delhi and put the emperor Shah Alam II under their control on the throne.

However, in 1803, during the 2nd Anglo-Maratha War, the British East India Company defeated the Maratha Confederation and took control of the ruling Mughals of Delhi. After the suppression of the Sepoy uprising (1857-1859), finally establishing their power in India, the British briefly moved the capital to Calcutta. In 1911, King George V restored Delhi to the title of capital of British India.

The new masters of Delhi decided to modernize the capital of their main colony on the British model. To this end, a new part was added to Old Delhi, called New Delhi without unnecessary fuss. The main government and administrative buildings of the colonial administration were located here. The main designer of New Delhi was the British architect Edwin Lutyens, after whom the whole area was named new capital British India.

Modern history of Delhi

After the proclamation of India's independence in 1949, Delhi was officially proclaimed the capital and seat of the country's government.

Today Delhi is a modern metropolis with a population of over 14 million people, which is recognized as one of the most dynamically developing capitals in the world.

DELHI, capital of India, administrative status - National Capital District of Delhi. Area 1484 km 2 ; population 16 314.8 thousand people (2011, census; Muslims - 10%, Sikhs - 5%), including urban 11,007.8 thousand people; The 2nd most populous city in the country after Mumbai. New Delhi is located within the borders of Denmark, south of Old Delhi (Shahjahana-bad) (New Delhi; area 42.7 km 2, population 295 thousand people, 2011)– the official capital of the country, the seat of all the highest bodies of state power.Located in the north of India, in the central part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain (the height of the central part of the city is 300 m), on the Jamna River (basin of the Ganges River), at the confluence of the Najafgarh Canal; in the east it borders with the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the south, west and north - with the state of Haryana. Together with numerous suburbs [in the state of Uttar Pradesh - Ghaziabad in the east, Noida (Noida) and Greater Noida in the southeast; in the state of Haryana - Faridabad in the south, Gurgaon in the south-west, Bahadurgarh and Jajar in the west, Rohtak in the north-west, Sonipat in the north] forms an agglomeration with an area of ​​46.2 thousand km 2 and a population of approx. 21.8 million people (2011). One of the largest transport hubs in India. Here originate the national highways Delhi - Mumbai (expressway on the Delhi - Gurgaon section; part of the Atari - Delhi - Kolkata - Petrapol highway), Delhi - Kolkata (expressway on the Delhi - Noida - Agra section; both form the frame of the "Golden Quadrangle" of India), Delhi - Lucknow, Delhi - Fazilka (border with Pakistan), Delhi - Himalayas (border with China). Internal and external ring roads have been built. The largest bus passenger system in the country (includes a system of high-speed transit buses). Seven railways converge in D. lines; within the city - railway ring (also used for passenger traffic); several large railways operate. stations. Suburban rail system messages. Indira Gandhi International Airport (formerly Palam, built during World War II; Passenger Transportation from 1962; modern name since 1986; in the southwestern part of the National Capital District of Delhi; 40.9 million passengers in 2015). Safdarjung Airport (1929; main until 1962; closed as a passenger airport in 2002; in southern New Delhi; now used as a training and government helipad). Metro (2002; 6 lines, 146 stations in 2015).

It is believed that D. grew up on the site of a settlement founded in the first centuries of the new era on the ruins of an ancient Indian city. Indraprastha... This settlement eventually received the name Dhillika, or Dilli (Delhi). From the 8th century. D. played an important role in the internecine struggle of the Rajput dynasties, primarily the Tomars and Chaukhans. In 1206, after the conquest of North India by the Turkic-Afghan troops of Muhammad Guri, the capital Delhi Sultanate... In the 13-18 centuries. a major trade and craft center in North India. At the end. 14th century, after the invasion of the sultanate of Timur's troops, the capital was moved to Agra. However, the first Mughal ruler Babur returned D. to its original status. From 1526 D. - the capital Mughal Empire... Under Akbar and Jahangir, the capital of the empire was transferred from Denmark, respectively, to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra, but Shah Jahan again proclaimed D. the capital. After the collapse of the Mughal state in the 2nd quarter. 18th century D. was exposed to the raids of the Marathas and the invasion of the troops of Nadir Shah. Captured by the British in 1803; until 1858 it remained the residence of the Mughal emperors who had lost real power. In 1857-59 it was one of the centers Indian popular uprising... In 1911, the capital of British India was moved from Calcutta to Denmark (now Old Delhi) and the construction of New Delhi began. After India gained independence (1947), the importance of Denmark as an administrative, political, economic, and cultural center gradually increased.

The city is famous for its preserved historical and architectural monuments. From the 12th century. it became the center for the formation of Indo-Muslim art in India with new types of portal-dome architecture. On the site of a Hindu fortress of the 10th century. the city of Lal-Kot (on the southern outskirts of modern D.) was created, in which the monuments included in the listWorld heritage: a stainless iron column (early 5th century), the Kuvvat-ul-Islam mosque (built of stones from Hindu temples of the 7th-11th centuries in 1193-98), the Qutb-Minar minaret (early 13th century), the Alai- Darvaza (1311, openwork carving); as well as heavy early mausoleums resembling fortresses (Iltutmysh mausoleum, after 1235). New residences of rulers were erected near Lal-Kot: Siri (built from 1303), Tughlakabad (from 1321; mausoleum of Giyas ad-Din Tughlak, 1325), Jahanpanakh (14th century), and others. The period of active development and expansion of D. - 2- I am gender. 14th century; the buildings are constructed of rubble stone and are almost devoid of decor (the ruins of Firozabad, 1351–88; the tombs of the rulers of the Lodi dynasty, 1451–1526). AtGreat Mughalsin the architecture of palaces and religious buildings, erected from red sandstone with marble inserts, increased color and decorativeness (the Kilai-Kukhna mosque in the Purana-Kila palace and fortress ensemble, 1541; the Humayun mausoleum, 1562–76, included in the World Heritage List). The heyday of Mughal architecture in Old Delhi falls on the 2nd Thursday. - ser. 17th century: the huge palace and fortress ensemble Lal-Kila (Red Fort, 1639–48; it includes an archaeological museum and an Indian war memorial), including the palaces of Rang-Mahal, Divani-Am, Divani-Khas (1627–58 ), so-called. Pearl Mosque (1662); dominating the panorama of Old Delhi, the 3-domed Cathedral Mosque (Jami Masjid) (1644–58). Old Delhi is still a traditional oriental city, replete with narrow streets and shopping malls. New Delhi with a multicentric layout and wide streets was built in 1911–31 (under the direction of architects E. Lachens and H. Baker: an ensemble of government buildings, India Gate All India War Memorial, 1931; Lakshmi-Narayan Temple, 1933–39) and actively developing: the memorial park Reg-Ghat with the places of cremation of M.K.Gandhi (1948), I. Gandhi (1984) and R. Gandhi (1991); the building of the Belgian Embassy (1983, architect S. Gujral), the National Institute of Immunology (1990, architect R. Reval); Baha'i Temple of the Lotus (1980–86, architect F. Sahba).

The largest scientific and educational center in the country. Indian National Academies: Sciences (originated in 1935 as the National Institute of Sciences of India; modern name since 1970), Music, Dance and Drama (AcademySangeet Natak; 1952), arts (AcademyLalit Kala; 1954, officially opened 1957) and literature (Academy"Sahitya"; 1954 ... Indian Council for Social Research (1969), Indian Council for Historical Research (1972). National Physics Laboratory (1950), Laser Technology Research Center (1950), Defense Research and Development Organization (1958; both under the Indian Ministry of Defense), Biochemical Technology Center (1966), Telematics Development Center (1984), Indian Spine Injury Center ( 1997); Institute of Pulmonology and Tuberculosis "Rajan Babu" (1935), All India institute medical sciences (1956), institute physiology and related sciences of the Ministry of Defense (1962; research in the field of military physiology and neuroscience), defense research and analysis (1965; research and training in the field of international relations, strategy and security), National institute Urban Planning (1976), National institute Immunology (1981), Institute of Liver and Bile Sciences (established in 2010 as a clinical hospital; implements educational programs); Central Forensic Laboratory (one of 4 in India), andresearch laboratory amerthe Ican company IBM (1998; one of the 8 largest laboratories of the company in the world), etc.Among the institutions that simultaneously carry out research and educational activities, universities: National Islamic (1920), D. (traces history from 3 colleges; 1922; one of the largest in the country; there are 84 colleges in its structure), Technological D. (1941 ), named after J. Nehru (1969); National Academies: Medical Sciences (1961), Engineering (1987), Agricultural (1990); Institutes: Agricultural Research (1905), Indian Technological (1961), Pharmaceutical Sciences and D. Research (1964), Indian Mass Communications (1965), National Fashion (1986). Academy of Music (2000); D. School of Music (1966; teaching Western classical music). Numerous colleges. The public library of Denmark (1951; over 1.8 million storage units; with 35 branches). National Archives of India (founded in 1891 in Calcutta; in D. since 1911).

National Museum (1949; over 200 thousand exhibits). National Museums: Crafts and Handlooms (1956), Natural History (1978), Railway (1977); The National (Memorial) Museum of MK Gandhi (founded in Mumbai in the late 1940s; in Denmark since 1951; officially opened in 1961; with a library); National Science Center (National Science Museum; 1992). National Gallery of Modern Art (1954; over 14 thousand exhibits). International Museums: Dolls (1965) and Toilets (1992). The Teen Murti Bhavan complex, which includes the J. Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (1964), the J. Nehru Memorial Fund (1964), the Center for Contemporary Research (2004) and the Planetarium (1984). Other museums: Parliament (originally opened 1989; re-opened in a new building in 2002; modern interactive in 2006), Sanskriti (1990; consists of 3 museums: Everyday Art, Terracotta tribal art and textiles), multimedia "Eternal Gandhi" (2005; in the building "Gandhi Smriti", the former "House of Birla", where he spent his last days and on January 30, 1948 was killed by M. K. Gandhi), Indian Air Force (at the Indian Air Force base "Palam"). The Ghalib Institute (1969; named after the Indian poet M. Ghalib; it includes the poet's museum, library, art gallery and concert hall " Ghalib Auditorium "). Concert Hall "Kamani Auditorium" (1971; theater, dance and music performances). Chamber Theater "Akshara" (1972). The following festivals are held annually in D.: the cultural Phool Walon Ki Sair (since 1812) and Diwali, the musical Qutub, the religious Durga Puja, Mahavir Jayanti, Maha Shivaratri, and Krishna Janmashtami, and Dr. Zoo (1959). City parks: M.K.Gandhi (1961), Buddhas (1964), J. Nehru (1969), "Hills of Delhi" (1993; "green lungs" of the city), "Garden of Five Senses" (2003), etc.

D. - organizer of numerous international sports competitions and events (1951 - 1st Asian Games; 1982 - 9th Asian Games; 1989 - Asian Athletics Championship; 2010 - Commonwealth Games; 2010 - World Field Hockey Championship among men ; 2011 - one of the sites of the Cricket World Championship). Half Marathon (2005; annually). Nehru Cup (1982; football; did not take place in 1998-2006). Stadiums: "Feroz Shah Kotla" (1883, one of the oldest operating in the country for playing cricket; 40.7 thousand seats; base of the D. cricket team), National "Dhyan Chand" (1951; reconstruction 2010; 16.5 thousand seats; ball hockey), Karnail Singh (1954; athletics, football, field hockey, boxing, badminton; owner - state company Indian Railways), named after J. Nehru (1982; reconstruction 2010; 60 thousand seats; base of the Indian national football team), "Ambedkar" (2007; 20 thousand seats; football), named after I. Gandhi (1982; 14.3 thousand seats; the largest indoor stadium in India). Sport complexes: "Siri Fort" (1982; basketball, swimming, shooting, tennis, aerobics, etc.), "Yamuna" (1999; tennis, rugby, boxing, etc.), "Thyagaraj" (2010; netball, kabbadi, etc.) ). Swimming complex named after S.P. Mukherjee (1982; reconstruction 2010). Tennis courts "R. K. Khanna "(1982; reconstruction 2009; 5 thousand seats; they hosted the women's tournament" Indian Open "). Shooting range "Dr. Karni "(1982). Int. the Buddha circuit (in Greater Noida; it hosted the Formula I Indian Grand Prix; 1st race in 2011).

GRP of the National Capital District of Delhi approx. 4.51 billion ind. rupees (2014/15; 9th place in the country among the states and union territories of India). This is where the "growth corridors" of Delhi - Mumbai and Delhi - Kolkata originate, linking the city with the country's two most important economic centers. In the structure of the economy, the leading role is played by the service sector - 82% of the GRP (2010/11), the share of industry - 17%, agriculture - 1%. The main sectors of the service sector are: administrative, financial (including real estate), transport and logistics, business, telecommunications and information services, social welfare, culture, research activities, education, healthcare, tourism and maintenance of military facilities. The civil service employs 0.6 million people. (2010/11). D. is the center of the political life of India; all the supreme authorities, the headquarters of the leading political parties (Indian National Congress, Bharatiya Janata, and others), and diplomatic missions of states are located here. D. is the second center of corporate governance in India after Mumbai. It is home to the Delhi Stock Exchange (DSE; 1947; about 3000 companies are listed), the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX; 2008), the headquarters of a number of major state-owned companies [Indian Oil Corporation (oil industry), ONGC Videsh "(In the structure of" Oil and Natural Gas Corporation "; oil and gas industry)," Gas Authority of India "(sale and transportation of natural gas)," National Thermal Power Corporation "(thermal energy)," Steel Authority of India "," Jindal Stainless "(both - ferrous metallurgy)," Bharat Aluminum Company "(aluminum industry)," Bharat Heavy Elecrticals "(heavy and power engineering)," Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals "(pharmaceutical industry)," Indian Railways " (railway transport) and its regional branch - the Northern Railway, " Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India "(carriage of goods on special railway freight corridors)," Air India Regional "(domestic air transportation)," Pravan Hans "(helicopter transportation)," Airport Authority of India "(development of airports)," Bharat Sanchar Nigam "," Mahanagar Telephone Nigam "and" Bharti Airtel "(all three are telecommunications services),"National Small Industries Corporation"(Support for the development of small businesses), etc.], a private diversified conglomerate" Delhi Land & Finance "(DLF), a private-cooperative company" Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative "(production of mineral fertilizers), some private companies [" Bhushan Steel "( ferrous metallurgy), "Hindustan Aluminum Corporation"(Aluminum industry)," Suzuki Motorcycle India "(a division of the Japanese" Suzuki Motor Corporation ")," Hero MotoCorp "(both - the production of motorcycles and scooters)," Avtec "(automobile engines and other auto parts)," Computer Maintenance Corporation "(IT technologies), etc.], the State Bank for the Development of Small Enterprises and the Refinancing Agency (MUDRA Bank), state commercial banks National Housing Bank (serves the housing sector) and Punjab National Bank (various financial services), the state financial company Tourism Finance Corporation of India (supports tourism development), Rajkamal Prakashan, Motilal Banarsidass, Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers and Allied Publishers, representative offices of leading foreign companies and monetary institutions.

There are production divisions of IT companies: American MetaOption, Indian MindExtend Technologies, Netsity Systems, NextGen IT Solutions, One Earth Infotech, etc. The tourism business is developing rapidly; in 2008 D. was visited by approx. 2.4 million foreign tourists (15% more than in 2007 and 2.8 times more than in 2004). The city hosts the annual World Book Fair (since 1972; one of the largest in the world), international festivals: photography (since 2011), cars (the largest in Asia; both - once every two years), mango, etc. Exhibition and congress centers: Vigyan Bhavan (1956), Pragati Maidan (1972; opened for the 25th anniversary of Indian independence) and India Habitat (1993). On the territory of the National Capital District of Delhi, there are several medical centers and hospitals of national importance (including at medical research and educational institutions), as well as large military facilities (including the Western Command of the Indian Air Force).

The suburbs of D. Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad host the headquarters of a number of companies producing cars, motorcycles and scooters, tractors, electronics, pharmaceuticals, IT development, etc., as well as the Indian Inland Waters Authority. paths (in Noida).

There are 29 industrial zones in the National Capital District of Delhi (2010), of which 12 are in the northern part, 7 in the south, 6 in the west, 4 in the east. Leading industries: mechanical engineering and metalworking, chemical, light and food industries. Production of electrical equipment, electronic equipment and components, products made of polymeric materials, household chemicals and personal hygiene products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, clothing, footwear, food products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, etc. Handicraft production of carpets, furniture, dishes is widespread. textile, leather, pottery, wicker, chased, jewelry and other products.

Large industrial centers are the suburbs of D. Gurgaon (production of cars and trucks, motorcycles and scooters, auto parts, tractors, medical and electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals, etc.), Noida and Greater Noida (cars, auto parts, electronic equipment, oil and gas equipment and others), Ghaziabad (auto parts, etc.) and Faridabad (motorcycles, tractors, etc.). Industrial enterprises in Gurgaon and Noida operate within the special economic zones of the same name. The industrial zones of Noida and Gurgaon are among the largest in the country.

The power supply of the National Capital District of Delhi and its suburbs is provided by three gas-fired (capacity, respectively, 1,500 MW, 330 MW and 270 MW) and two coal (705 MW and 135 MW) TPPs.

Delhi city in India - Photos, Sightseeing

Delhi city- the capital of India. One of the most interesting cities the world. Here splendor and poverty, civilization and the Middle Ages coexist side by side.

Delhi is one of the largest and noisiest cities in the world. It is home to over 20 million people. A city without a bright face, all its attractions are the Jama Masjid Mosque, Red Fort and the Gateway of India arch, and in the rest of Delhi these are antediluvian huts, roads and endless fences behind which all beautiful houses are hidden.

Delhi is the most developed and most civilized city in India. Here the largest number educated people. Here good roads and wide streets. There is a lot of greenery and neat areas with a European layout. Despite the fact that Delhi is the most developed city in India, most of its inhabitants live in squalid shacks. Dirty tangled wires hang overhead, narrow streets without sky and apartments without doors. Nobody is afraid of theft here. There is still nothing to take. Of course, there are many rich people in Delhi, but you will not find them on the street. They live behind strong gates in their palaces and communicate only with their own kind. The home of the Indian rich man looks more like an antique shop. Gold coins, silver cups, weapons and jewelry. The home of an ordinary resident of Delhi is more like a barn. Shabby walls, bare floor, no furniture, people here and eat and sleep on the floor. They are used to it.

Every city in the world has its own unique smell. Delhi has this smell, well, very specific. And this despite the fact that Delhi is considered the cleanest city in India. More recently, the capital was drowning in feces. Hundreds of people died from infections. Therefore, one day the local authorities decided to cleanse the city. Firstly, street toilets were installed at every corner, and secondly, people began to explain that it is not hygienic to shit anywhere.

India is famous all over the world for its dancing. Hindus believe that life on earth was created in a dance by the god Shiva. In India, dance is an analogue of communication, each movement means a certain message.

80% of the inhabitants of India are vegetarians. And it's not even a matter of religion and a great love for animals, it's just that most of them are so poor that they cannot afford such a luxury as meat. The most common Indian food is rice, several plates with different spices.

All tourists who come to Delhi must go to the city of Agra to look at the famous mausoleum of the Taj Mahal. Huge temple complex amazing... This is the greatest creation of human hands. Without controversy, this is the main attraction of India and must-see. It was built 450 years ago by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife who died giving birth to his 14th child.

All Delhi attractions

Delhi Sultans

Start at the southern end of the city where the Qutub Minar is located (Qutb Minar), a symbol of the influence of Islam on India. The first Sultan of Delhi, Qutb ud-Din, began to build it, but the construction was completed only in 1368. The 73-meter tower was erected in honor of the conquest of Delhi by the sultans.

The tower consists of five tiers, each of which is a tapering cylinder with sharp and rounded edges. The tiers are separated from each other by balconies. The top of the tower is inaccessible, because a narrow staircase leads to it, which is dangerous to climb, so the best point for a panoramic view of the city is the top floor of one of the tallest modern hotels.

Near the minaret of Qutb Minar is the destroyed mosque Kuvwat al-Islam (Quwwat-ul-Islam-Masjid, which means "The Power of Islam")... It was erected by local Hindu artisans as the Qutb did not have skilled Muslim workers. The material was taken from 27 Hindu and Jain temples destroyed by the artisans' own elephants. The resulting mosque is the temple pillars stacked on top of each other. The sculptures were plastered over, but the Indian carvings remained. Islamic architectural style appears in five arches with characteristic pointed tops in the prayer hall, but even here the decorations are natural and in Indian style.

In the courtyard of the mosque, there is a seven-meter iron column (Iron Pillar), preserved from the IV century. and brought here by the Rajput founders Dilliki, but no one knows where. Even after 1,600 years of standing in the monsoon rains, it did not rust. It is believed that this monument to Garuda, the bird that served the god Vishnu as a means of transportation (vahana), has special properties.

Mughal city

To the east of the India Gate in New Delhi, on an ancient embankment, is a dilapidated 16th-century fort. Purana Kila (Old fort)... It is now believed that in the place where Purana Kila stands was the first ancient "city" of Delhi, called "Indraprastha" and founded by the Pandava dynasty from the "Mahabharata".

The oldest building of the Mughal period in Delhi is the Kila Kuhna Masjid. (Qila-i-Kuhna-Masjid) with a carefully carved cornice of graceful pointed arches. This building illustrates an important transition from the Turkic-Afghan style to the exquisite Mughal style influenced by Persian art. The mosque was built in 1541 by Sher Shah. Sher-Mandal (Sher-Mandal), an octagonal tower located south of the mosque served Sher Shah as a palace of pleasure, but it was destined to be the place of death of his rival and successor, Humayun.

After Humayun's death, his widow Haji Begum built a magnificent monument in Nizamuddin, Humayun's tomb. He later inspired architects in the construction of the Taj Mahal. The monument is located on a raised terrace in the center of walled lawns, shaded by trees, but without the water that once ran through the canals ("Rivers of life"), or rectangular bodies of water that adorned the Taj Mahal. Made of finely combined materials - red sandstone and beautiful white marble finished in gray, Humayun's tomb has its own charm - a place of relaxation and serenity. The majestic dome unites four octagonal chambers above the trellised arches of the terrace. It is the first typical masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The numerous six-pointed stars in the main arches are not Jewish Stars of David, but esoteric emblems that can be seen throughout the country.

Red Fort towering over old Delhi (Lal-Kila) was built by Shah Jahan when he moved the capital from Agra back to Delhi. Its construction was completed in 1648. Behind the ramparts of the fort is the citadel of Delhi, which is rather a palace, most of which is decorated with white marble, and only a small part - with local red sandstone. It is believed that the same architect who erected the Taj Mahal worked on his project.

South of the fort, look out for the monumental elephants at the Delhi Gate. As part of the original project, they were destroyed by Emperor Aurangzeb, who considered such images to be idolatry. Viceroy Lord Curzon installed exact copies of these statues in 1903. Enter the fort on the west side through the Lahore Gate and you will find yourself on a vaulted bazaar street - an idea that Shah Jahan borrowed from Baghdad. Imagine Rajput princes riding elephants through the gallery to Naubat Khan (Naubat Khana, Drum House) where the imperial orchestra played and visitors were required to dismount.

Walk, accompanied by the ghosts of these nobles and commoners, through the Drum House to Divan-i-Am (Diwan-i-Am, Public Audience Hall)... Here, under a canopy with 40 columns, the emperor sat cross-legged on his throne - "The place of the shadow of God."

At noon, surrounded by the nobility, he held a reception, and ordinary visitors were escorted into the courtyard one floor below. As you look around the room, you will surely admire the mosaics of birds and flowers at the back of the room.

Enter Divan-i-Khas (Diwan-i-Khas, Private Audience Hall) only privileged persons could, with tickets. It is located on the left, among the apartments of the palace on the Jamna River. The hall is still very beautiful, with carved ornaments on marble columns and pointed arches, and one can imagine how magnificent it was before the sack of Nadir Shah in 1739. His Persian troops cut gold from the columns and inlaid - from the ceiling, and then took fabulously beautiful Peacock throne. Above the arches you will see the inscription:

“If there is heaven on earth,
He is here, he is here, he is here! "

Even more damage was inflicted on the fort by the British, having recaptured it from the poorly organized defenders of Bahadur Shah at the end of the 1857 uprising. Only a few of the apartments survived, such as the main harem, Rang Mahal. (Rang Mahal, Beautiful palace) ... The paintings on the walls disappeared and the water of Nahr-i-Bihisht (Paradise River) no longer flows into the courtyard, but mirrored mosaics continue to adorn the ceiling and walls of the six boudoirs, giving the impression of a starry sky as the candles are lit. Building located at the southern end of the palace complex, Mumtaz Mahal (Mumtaz Mahal), was part of the imperial harem, and now there is a small museum of Mughal art.

Northwest of the Private Audience Hall is the white marble Moti Masjid. (Moti Masjid, Pearl Mosque) is another contribution to the fort made by Aurangzeb, Shah Jahan's successor. Each evening, a sound and light show at the Red Fort tells the story of her story. For details, contact the Indian Tourism Bureau at 88 Janpath.

Raj Ghat (Raj Ghat), simple memorial in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, overlooks the Jamna river. In its spirit, it is far from the structures of the Mughals, but it is an integral part of old Delhi. On lawns with trees planted by members of the state during their visit to the memorial, a square marble slab marks the site of Gandhi's cremation. There is an inscription on it - his last words: "Oh my God". Nearby is a sign on which is inscribed his most famous saying: "Think of the face of the poorest and most helpless person you have ever seen, and ask yourself if the step you intend to take will be a step of at least some help." ... There is also a museum that showcases the highlights of Gandhi's life. To the north is Shanti Wana (Shanti Vana) where members of the Nehru clan were cremated.

On an exposed rock to the southwest of the Red Fort is another imposing edifice erected during the reign of Shah Jahan, the Jama Masjid. (Jama Masjid, Big Friday, or Cathedral, mosque)... On hot days in the morning or late in the evening, it is almost invisible, but at other times you will see three staircases leading to the arched entrances to the mosque.

The 100 m² courtyard is surrounded by long colonnades with pavilions at each corner. The prayer hall is imperial in style, with two lotus-shaped lanterns on two pillars at the gate, with gracefully protruding balconies on the minarets and stripes that accentuate the shape of the convex marble domes.

New Delhi

For those nostalgic for the British Empire, please note: Clive Road was named Tiagaraja, Queen Victoria Road became Rajendra Prasad, and Curzon Road became Kasturba Gandhi Marg. Although the statues of English leaders have also disappeared, the British spirit persists in the city's layout. Previously, the quarters where the British lived were separated from the Indian quarters by rail. Likewise, the new city, built for the British government of India, is separated from old Delhi by a railway line running from Amritsar to Agra. British neoclassical architecture mingles with elements of the past - Buddhism, Hinduism and Mughal times - and the layout is imbued with imperial self-confidence. As a statesman who once visited India once said: "What magnificent ruins will come of this!"

New Delhi's commercial center is a circular gallery and bustling roundabout in Connaught Square (Connaught Place)... With their cinemas, banks transport agencies, restaurants and craft shops, it seems to be the only place whose new name, Indira-chowk (Indira market), is not popular.

Near Jantar Mantar you can observe the joyous atmosphere accompanying popular Hindu rituals at Hanuman Mandir (Hanuman Mandir, temple of the monkey god Hanuman)... Hanuman is a good deity that was believed in before the accession of classical Hinduism. This explains why no one even thinks of offending little langurs. (thin-bodied monkeys) and macaques running around here.

Connaught Square is located on the northeast - southwest axis linking the Jama Masjid Mosque in old Delhi with the Indian Parliament, Sansad Bhavan (Sansad Bhavan)... Designed by the famed Herbert Baker, the overly massive, pillared rotunda that adorns the Houses of Parliament looks best when lit at night.

The Viceroy's Residence Building, now the Presidential House, Rashtrapati Bhavan (Rashtrapati Bhavan), has wings extending from the large gray-blue dome of the central building. Its tranquil ponds and lawn gardens highlight the splendor of England's heyday. The building is located on an artificial hill on the avenue where solemn processions take place, Raj Path (Rajpath), which is planted with park plants. On this avenue on Republic Day, January 26, parades are held. At the other end of the Raj Path is the Gateway of India (India Gate), a war memorial designed by Edwin Lutens in the style of triumphal arch, which pays tribute to the 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in World War I.

There is a dome next to the arch. Now it is empty, but it used to house a giant white marble statue of the English King George V, which was moved to the site of the ceremonial receptions on the occasion of the coronation in the northern part of the city.

Delhi museums

At the National Museum (National Museum) on Jan Path (Janpath), south of Raj Path, contains an incomparable collection of antiques spanning 5,000 years of Indian history. The exhibits are collected from all over the subcontinent. Set aside at least three hours to pay tribute to his treasures.

Vintage lovers railways enjoy the exhibition of vintage steam engines at the National Railway Museum (National Rail Museum) located outdoors next to Canakiapuri (Chanakyapuri), southwest of Raj Path.

Nehru Memorial Museum (The Nehru Memorial Museum) dedicated to the independence and life of the first prime minister of India. It is located on Tin Murthy Road (Teen Murti Road) in the house where the commander-in-chief of the Indian British army lived before Nehru. (The planetarium is located there.)

Make sure your taxi or rickshaw driver takes you to the right hotel / store, as they often try to drop customers off at places where they are paid commission.

Refuse the taxi drivers' offers to bring you to the hotel / shop of their choice.

Avoid the chatty young people who hang out in crowded places and call themselves students wanting to practice their English.

Don't trust the helpful guys who direct you to the "travel agency" in Connaught Place (Connaught Place)... There is only one government agency in India and it is located at st. Janpath (Janpath), 88.

Carry small money with you (about 50 rupees) as drivers in Delhi often don't have change.

Ignore the barkers who intentionally stain your shoes and then offer to clean them for money.

Where to stay

We advise you to book the hotel in advance, as the most best places fill up instantly and new visitors are easy prey for the commission business sharks. Most Delhi hotels pick up their guests from the airport by prior arrangement.

Remember that the noise from the street can be unbearable - book a quiet room and don't forget your earplugs. Besides, in inexpensive hotels the service can be very different, so check a few rooms before checking in. Delhi's budget establishments tend to offer creepy rooms, dirty bathrooms, and poor service. Many tourists head to lively Paharganj (Paharganj), the area near the New Delhi train station with the cheapest dorms.

The average price has increased in recent years, making homestay an attractive alternative. Check with India Tourism Delhi or visit www.incredibleindianhomes.com and www.mahindrahomestays.com for details.

For those planning to stay for a long time, we advise you to rent a furnished apartment - see the ads in the latest issues of the Delhi City Guide, Delhi Diary and local newspapers. Two more good sites are www.speciality-apartments.com and www.delhiescape.net.

Delhi hotels with a minimum rate of Rs 1,000 levy a 12.5% ​​tax on suites and often a service charge or tip (5-10%) ... Prices in this chapter are excluding taxes. In most hotels, checkout time is 12.00; things can usually be left in the storage room (sometimes for a small fee).

Better to call or email confirmation of your reservation one day before arrival.

Shopping

Delhi is a fantastic place to shop, with everything from bazaars, where there are a lot of people wanting to cheat on you, to expensive jewelry boutiques. There is an excellent selection of various handicrafts, fabrics, clothing, carpets, jewelry and a kaleidoscope of sarees.

In Delhi, you can bargain everywhere except shopping malls and other shops with fixed prices. Many taxi and rickshaw drivers deliberately lure you into shops where they are paid a commission and may refuse to take you to the best shops; so don't listen to their arguments.

If you are going to buy something from an art gallery (many of the exhibits are for sale), check out First City and Time Out recommendations.

The bazaars of old Delhi are an attack on all senses: a mixture of the smells of flowers, urine, incense, tea, exhaust gases and fried. Markets are crowded on Mondays and Fridays and other afternoons. We advise you to come here at 11.30, when the shops are already open and there are not so many people yet.

For silverware (there is also gold) go to Dariba Kalan near Sisganj Gurdwar (Sisganj Gurdwara)... Nearby is Kinari Bazaar (literally "finishing bazaar") famous for its dawn (gold-woven cloth) and zardozi (gold embroidery); this is the main place where the dowry is bought. The Textile Market offers fabric and linen rolls, and electronic gadgets is a specialty of the Lajpat Rai / Chrowri Bazaar market - the wholesale market for paper and postcards. Nearby is Nai Sarak, who sells wholesale supplies of stationery, books and sarees.

Not far from the Fatehpuri Mosque, there is a fragrant spice market with mountains of ground scarlet chili, fiery yellow turmeric, pickles, tea and nuts. This is a wholesale market, packed spices are rarely sold here; for them go to Roopak in Karoi Bagh.

Daryaganj Book Market North of Delhi Gate - Bookworm Paradise (open on Sundays from noon).

Hazards and irritants

Hotel advertisement

Taxi drivers at Delhi International Airport often act as barkers. These sneaks will try to convince you that your hotel is overcrowded, bad, dangerous, burned down or closed. Their job is to drive you to the hotel where they will receive a commission. Some can be kindly taken to a "travel agency", where his colleague will allegedly call the hotel and confirm the taxi driver's story, but in fact will talk to his accomplice through the wall. Alternatively, the driver can say that he is lost and stop near the travel agency to find out the way. And the agent, in turn, will kindly call the hotel and find out that your room has been booked twice and is already occupied, and with a great desire to "help" will direct you to another hotel, where he will receive a commission, and you will overpay for the room.

Tell annoying taxi drivers that you have already paid for the room and recently confirmed your arrival, or that relatives or friends are expecting you. If this does not affect the taxi driver and he becomes too intrusive, ask to stop the car and write down its number. For the sake of peace, it is advisable to contact your hotel a day in advance and confirm the reservation.

Travel agencies

Be vigilant when choosing agencies, as tourists often complain that they were charged too much or poorly served. To avoid trouble, ask those who have been to Delhi for a recommendation, or take the list of agencies in the India Tourist office (Janpath, 88)... Think twice before paying for something. Choose agencies that are part of the Travel Agents Association of India or Indian Association of Tour Operators.

Be especially careful when ordering tours outside Delhi. Judging by the reviews of tourists, very often they take money, and then it turns out that an additional fee is required. Given the number of dissatisfied people, we can definitely come to the conclusion that it is better not to book tours from Kashmir to Delhi.

Train station barkers

The most obnoxious are at the train station in New Delhi. Here they may try to prevent you from entering the second floor at the International Tourist Bureau and redirect you to the local (expensive and often questionable) agency. Remember that the International Tourist Bureau office is never closed or moved. It is in its permanent place on the 1st floor, from the side of Paharganj.

Other scammers in Delhi say your ticket needs to be verified before use (for a fee) or stamp. Still others convince passengers waiting in line for additional tickets that it costs money to check the status of their reservation. Don't believe it.

Internet access

Internet cafes in Delhi are mushrooming after the rain, and most of them are in Khan Market, Paharganj and Connaught Place, and in most cases an hour costs about 35 rupees, one page print is 5 rupees and a scan / burn on CD is 25 rupees. Places where wi-fi is available are marked with the icon.

mass media

Buy Delhi Diary for the latest news (10 rupees)... In the excellent monthly magazine First City (50 rupees) many interviews and articles on various topics, from theaters to bar reviews, and in Time Out Delhi (40 rupees)- fashion events in Delhi. Magazines and newspapers can be purchased at stalls and in bookstores.

Phone and mail

There are telephone booths everywhere in Delhi, from where you can call city, long distance and international numbers. Dhl (23737587; Mercantile Bldg, 1st floor, Tolstoy Marg; 8.00-20.00 Mon-Sat) There is international air delivery. Connaught Place Post Office (sector A; 8.00-20.00 Mon-Sat); Main Post Office New Delhi (23364111; Baba Kharak Singh Marg; 10.00-13.00 and 13.30-16.00 Mon-Sat) Correspondence on demand can be obtained at the main post office; check that mail is directed to GPO General Post Office, New Delhi - 110001.

Tourist information

Beware of unknown travel agencies and information centers. Don't be fooled - there is only one official agency in Delhi, India Tourism Delhi. Barkers may say (incorrectly) that they are his employees - do not believe it.

For the location of local travel agencies, contact India Tourism Delhi or call the helpline on 197.

India Tourism Delhi (Government of India; 23320008/5; www.incredibleindia.org; Janpath, 88; 9.00-18.00 Mon-Fri, Sat to 14.00) Here you will be given travel tips and a free map of Delhi and the surrounding area. Here is a list of recommended agencies and bed & breakfasts. A special department deals with complaints from tourists.

Transport

Delhi is a major international transport hub and hub for domestic bus, rail and air connections. Delhi airport can be disrupted by fog in December and January (the flight schedule is often confused); we do not advise to book tickets "back to back" during this period.

Airplane

International and local flights are operated from Terminal 3. For more information, call the international airport (124-3376000; www.newdelhiairport.in)... The new Terminal 3 has 14 waiting rooms with wi-fi, TV, table and bed (315 rupees / hour).

For basic information on domestic flights, see the timetable air traffic in India (Excels Timetable of Air Services Within India, Rs 55) available at any newsstand. Ask for the most direct route when booking (quick)... Please note that prices fluctuate and some carriers may be significantly cheaper when ordering online.

Domestic Arrivals and Departures Local check-in starts one hour in advance.

Domestic Airlines Air India Office (3 Safdarjung Airport; 9.30-17.30) located in South Delhi. To confirm the departure time, call 1407.

Other Local Airlines: Jagson Airlines (23721593; Vandana Bldg, 11 Tolstoy Marg) Kingfisher airlines (23730238; 42 Sector N, Connaught Place) international arrivals The arrivals hall has 24-hour currency exchange, ATM, taxi and car rental, tourist information desk, cafes and bookstores. international departures Do not forget to take a coupon at the check-in counter to attach it to your baggage (mandatory for security control).

Bus

Bikaner house (23383469; Pandara Rd) Not far from the Gateway of India; good public bus system. These are the best buses going to Jaipur (Super Deluxe / Volvo 325/625, six hours, every hour), to Udaipur (750.15 hours, once a day); to Ajmer (400, nine hours, three times a day) and Jodhpur (500, 11 hours, once a day).

Main Bus Station in Delhi, Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT; 23860290; Kashmiri Gate; around the clock), located north of railway station in Old Delhi. There is a 24-hour luggage room (14 rupees per bag)... This station is rather haphazard, so you need to arrive at least half an hour before departure.

Private buses

In addition to public buses, there are comfortable private buses (including express trains) departing from major cities but on a different schedule (ask the schedule at travel agencies or hotels)... Examples - Delhi to Jammu route (500 rupees, 15 hours) or at McLeod Ganj (650 rupees, 14 hours)... Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) also sends a bus to Dharamsala from Connaught Place. There are buses to Agra, but by train it is much easier and faster.

Train

It is easier for foreigners to book tickets at the International Tourist Bureau (23405156; 1st floor, New Delhi railway station; 8.00-20.00 Mon-Sat, until 14.00 Sun)... Don't believe anyone, including the porters, that a flight has been rescheduled or canceled, and go straight to the second floor of the main building to order tickets. When booking, if you are paying in Rupees, you may be asked to present your currency exchange receipt (or a check from an ATM) so keep them with you just in case. You can pay for your ticket with traveller's checks: US dollars, euros or pounds sterling, Amex US dollars or euros, or Barclays checks. Change is given in rupees. Don't forget your passport. Arriving here, enter your passport details in the booking form, then wait until you are informed about the availability of the necessary tickets. Then queue up at any other counter to pay for your ticket.

There are two main stations in Delhi: in Old and New Delhi, in Paharganj; specify which station serves your destination (New Delhi train station is closer to Connaught Place)... If you are leaving Delhi train station, save more time as Old Delhi is often congested and very slow. There is also the station of Nizamuddin, south of Sander Nagar, where they come and from where they leave (more often in southern directions) different trains.

Porter services will cost Rs 30 per bag.

Moving around the city

The metro system has recently expanded greatly, stations have appeared outside the city, which greatly facilitates the road to places that were previously difficult to access due to traffic jams. Most of Delhi's attractions are located near the metro. Local buses have eerie crowds, so subways, taxis and rickshaws are preferred. To pay, carry a change with you.

To / from airport

Many international flights arrive at terribly inconvenient times, so it is worth booking your hotel in advance and giving your arrival time notice. Booking a transfer from the airport in advance will cost more (through a travel agency or hotel) than taking a taxi, due to parking fees in the airport parking lot (from 140 rupees) and admission fees per person who enters the arrivals hall to meet you (80 rupees)... Sometimes the greeters are not allowed into the building for security reasons, and they all stand near exits 4-6.

Delhi's new high-speed metro is the best means of transportation to / from the airport; then there is a metro line between New Delhi and Dwarka Railway Station, sector 21, via Shivali Stadium, Dhaula Kuan NH8 (Mahipalpur Station) and Indira Gandhi International Station (Terminal 3)... Trains run every 10 minutes from 5 am to 1 am.

Comfortable air-conditioned buses run to the airport every 40 minutes from ISBT stop, Kashmir Gate, via Red Fort, LNJP Hospital, New Delhi Train Station (exit 2), Connaught Place, Parliament Street and Ashoka Road (50 rupees)... There are several more routes - one of them is through Saket and Vasant Kunj, the other is through Khauz Khas and Vasant Vihar.

Delhi Traffic Police Prepaid Taxi counter works inside the arrivals terminal ("Delhi Traffic Police Prepaid Taxi Desk"; hotline 23010101; www.delhitrafficpolice.nic.in)... The service costs about Rs 310 to Connaught Place, plus 25% from 11pm to 5am.

You will be given a voucher with the specified arrival point. The driver must know him. Do not lose the voucher until you reach the place - without this voucher he will not receive the money.

Taxis can be booked in advance at the Megacabs counter in the arrivals terminal at the international and local airports. A taxi to the center of Delhi costs 600 rupees, but you will arrive in a clean air-conditioned car and you can pay with a credit card.

Automobile

Many operators offer chauffeured vehicles. The companies listed below receive positive reviews from clients. There is a general limit for distance and time per day - 80 km and 8 hours. All offer tours outside Delhi (including Rajasthan) but you have to pay more. The prices shown here are for travel in Delhi. Beware of scammers who claim to be company employees or claim that its office is no longer open.

Kumar Tourist Taxi Service (23415930; [email protected]; 14/1 sector K, Connaught Place; with / without air conditioning Rs 800/900 per day; 9.00-21.00) Near the York hotel. A tiny office run by two brothers, Bittu and Titu. Their prices are among the lowest in Delhi.

Metropole Tourist Service (24310313; www.metrovista.co.in; 224 Defense Colony Flyover Market; car without air conditioning per day from 850 rupees; 7.00-19.00).

Cycle rickshaws and bike

Wheeled rickshaws still operate in parts of Old Delhi, although they were banned in Nandi Chowk to reduce congestion. Hopefully they are not banned in other areas as this is very comfortable view transport, drivers deftly maneuver in traffic jams in Old Delhi. Tipping for such a grueling job is welcome.

Wheeled rickshaws are prohibited in Connaught Place and New Delhi, but they can be used from Connaught to Paharganj (about 30 rupees).

The largest selection of new and used bicycles can be found at Jhandewalan Cycle.

Underground

Delhi has a wonderful metro, the arrival / departure of trains is announced in two languages ​​- Hindi and English. The two carriages are for women only - look for the pink badge on the platform. Trains can get crowded during peak hours (approximately 9.00-10.00 and 17.00-18.00).

Tokens (8-30 rupees) sold at metro stations; you can buy a one-day or three-day tourist pass (70/200 rupees) for unlimited short distance travel; or smart card (50 rupees, upon return, you will be refunded its cost), which can be topped up in the amount of Rs 50 to 800 - 10% savings compared to buying tokens.

Latest updates (and diagrams) look at www.delhimetrorail.com or call 23417910.

Radio taxi

If you have a local phone, you can call a radio taxi: clean cars with air conditioning and an honest meter. The cost is 20 rupees per km. After calling the operator, you will receive a CMC with the car number, and in the next message - the taxi pick-up time (order 20-30 minutes in advance)... Can be ordered online.

Some companies:

• Easycabs (43434343; www.easycabs.com)
• Megacabs (41414141; www.megacabs.com)
• Quickcabs (45333333; www.quickcabs.in)

Taxi and auto rickshaws

All taxis and autorickshaws in Delhi have a meter, but often it “doesn't work” or the driver refuses to turn it on in order to rip off more. It is better to agree in advance with the taxi driver about the cost of the trip; if he refuses, find a more accommodating one. From 23.00 to 5.00 taxis and auto rickshaws charge 25% on top.

One of the most beautiful cities country. In Delhi, located in the north of the country, the government sits. In a growing metropolis that exceeds the size of Beijing and New York, life is literally in full swing. Life in the city is in full swing, the city is overflowing with people.

In ancient times, Delhi was the center of various religions and empires, each of which tried to perpetuate itself in temples and monuments. Delhi's monuments and buildings reflect the unity of antiquity and modernity in a country that is trying to take its place in the global economy.

Delhi landmarks

South of New Delhi, in the old part of the city, rises 73 meters - the tallest brick minaret in the world and the main attraction of Delhi. This is not a straight tower, it was specially built slightly inclined so that if it falls, it will not be on the mosque. On the territory of the architectural complex Qutub-Minar, there is also black iron pillar dated to the 4th century. This iron column is 7 meters high and weighs about 6 tons. The pillar was first forged and then rolled on the sand, and now the silicon contained in the sand keeps it from corrosion.

One of the main attractions of Delhi is an architectural wonder -. This is one of seven similar temples in the world - one on each continent. The building was probably named the Lotus Temple for its shape, which resembles this sacred flower. Since its construction in 1986, it has been visited by 50 million people. It is visited daily by about 10 thousand people, it is one of the most visited buildings in the world.

Akshardham - the largest Hindu temple in the world... This building is quite new - it was opened in 2005. The temple was built with voluntary donations, which totaled $ 500 million. This grand building is 42 meters high, 94 meters wide and 106 meters long. This architectural complex strikes with its luxury and beauty of the decoration - it is decorated with more than 20 thousand sculptures. Also, the temple is decorated with numerous columns, domes and pyramidal towers.

The Taj Mahal Hotel, which opened in New Delhi in 1903, presents the best numbers in the country. From antique white marble to beautifully decorated rooms, the hotel combines old-world aesthetics with modern comforts. Each of the 565 rooms is tastefully decorated with architectural excellence.

The city of Delhi is home to the famous Gateway of India- a memorial built in memory of the fallen soldiers who fell during the First World War and the Anglo-Afghan wars. The memorial is an arch 42 meters high, at the foot of which an eternal flame burns, and the names of more than 90 thousand dead soldiers are carved on the arch itself.

After the first Indian War of Independence in 1857, it took control of Delhi. In memory of the struggle for independence, all over Delhi installed monuments to the great spiritual teacher Mahatma Gandhi... Gandhi is one of the most respected world leaders of all time.

In the center of Delhi there is - the first city open bazaar. The stalls sell goods from all over India - a veritable kaleidoscope of rich and varied goods produced by Indian artisans and artists. "Dilli" means Delhi and "Haat" means bazaar. In this bazaar you can see products from all states of India.

1. The best time for a trip to the city of Delhi, the period from February to April is considered.

2. If you are going on a trip to Delhi, you should definitely take sunscreen with you in order to avoid unpleasant consequences associated with this factor.

3. Remember to drink water in plastic bottles. Water from the local water supply can be used exclusively as a technical one.

4. Vegetables and fruits purchased at spontaneous markets should be washed several times before use, or better, rinsed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

5. The most optimal means of transportation (both in terms of price and speed) is the metro. If you come to Delhi for a few days, it is best to buy a tourist card, which entitles you to free travel for a day (such a card costs 100 rupees) or for three days (worth 250 rupees).

6. In Delhi, it is customary to leave a tip, and this applies to almost all services. The most optimal tip would be from 3 to 5 rupees.