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GENERAL INFORMATION
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Delhi Travel
The eternal Jamuna bears witness to the glorious and tumultuous 5,000 year old history of Delhi. The city's history begins with the creation of Indraprastha by the Pandavas who transformed this barren gift of the Kauravas into an idyllic haven. According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas founded their capital Indrapratha in the region known as Khandava-prastha.
It has a history which encompasses all the various kings and emperors who fixed their royal citadels here including - Indraprastha, Lal Kot, Quila Rai Pithora, Siri, Jahanpanah, Tughlakabad, Ferozabad, Dinpanah, Delhi Sher Shahi or then Shahjahanabad.
Chandni Chowk : The ancient market place from the times of Mughals, still hosts the descendants of royal chefs as also the famous Chudiwali gali and the Paranthewali gali.
Humayun's Tomb : The Tomb was built by Humayun's widowed Queen Haji Begum, in the 16th century AD and is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture.
India Gate : The majestic 42 meters high arch was built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I. From the base of the arch one can get a good view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Jama Masjid : Built in 1656, the Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India, and stands across the road from the Red Fort. It is an eloquent reminder of the Mughal religious fervor.
Jantar Mantar : Built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh, the Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory with masonry instruments. It has huge sun-dial and five instruments that are intended to calculate the movements of the sun, moon, stars etc.
Parliament House : This circular shaped colonnaded building has a domed Central Hall which is 90 feet in diameter. It is the hub of all political activity.
Purana Quila : Purana Quila, the Old Fort was built by the great Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century A.D. on the banks of the river Yamuna. Today, it offer boating facilities and the famous Light & Sound Show depicting 5000 years of Delhi's past.
Qutub Minar : The Qutub Minar made of red sandstone rising to the height of 72.5mts is an architectural marvel of the 13th century.
Red Fort : Delhi's most magnificent monument, the Red Fort, was built by Emperor Shah Jehan, in 1638 A.D. Enclosed in this glorious Fort is Diwan-i-am, the hall meant for public audiences; Diwan-i-Khas, where private audiences were granted; Rang Mahal, the water cooled apartment of the royal ladies; the Pearl Mosque, a lovely, ornate dream in white marble.
Raj Ghat : On the banks of the river Yamuna is the Raj Ghat where the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi was cremated in 1948, soon after India attained it freedom.
Safdarjang's Tomb : This marble domed mausoleum was the last famous Mughal monument built in Delhi in 1753-54, by the son of the second Nawab of Oudh. It is a son's tribute to his father, the Wazir of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah.
The Bahai's House of Worship : This distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble is surrounded by a landscaped garden and is a symbol of peace.