The Red Fort, Delhi
The Red Fort, with a circumference of over 2.2 kilometers,
was built by the banks of the river, Yamuna in the 17th
century.
The fort is a delight to one's imagination.
Imagine the Naqqar Khana (Drum room) also called Naubat
Khana (Welcome Room), where once drums loudly heralded
the arrival of the emperor and the Diwan-e-Am (Hall
of Public Audience) resounded with the incantations
of the people. Amazing, isn't it? There's more to see
- Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal (Palace of Colours), Khas
Mahal (Emperor's Palace), Diwan-e Khas (Hall of Private
Audience), the Hammam (bathing area) and Shah Burj.
The fort has two main entrances - Delhi Gate and Lahore
Gate. The latter get its name from the fact that it
faces Lahore in Pakistan. A light and sound show recreates
the history of Delhi and the Red Fort.
Summer timing : Hindi - 7 pm to 8 pm, English - 8 pm to
9 pm
Winter timing : Hindi - 6 pm to 7 pm, English - 7 pm to
8 pm
Purana Quila, Delhi
In 1538, the Mughal emperor Humayun laid the foundations
of his city named Dinpanah, or the Refuge of the Faithful.
The inner citadel of this city is today called Purana
Qila or the Old Fort. Excavations near the eastern wall
of the fort reveal that the site had been occupied since
1000 B.C.The Purana Qila has three gates - Humayun Darwaza,
Talaqi Darwaza and Bara Darwaza. The present entrance
is the Bara Darwaza, an imposing red sandstone gate
on the western wall. Inside the Purana Qila is the Sher
Manzil, a two-storied octagonal pavilion in red sandstone,
built by the Afghan ruler, Sher Shah Suri. Timings:
6 am to 6 pm Tickets: Available at the site and Delhi
Tourism office
Qutub Minar, Delhi
The highest stone tower in India, the Qutub Minar was
built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the Viceroy of Mohammed
Ghori in 1192. It was built to celebrate Ghori's victory
over the Rajputs.
The Minar is a five-storey building with a height of
72.5 metres. The first storey of the Qutb Minar was
completed in the lifetime of Qutb-ud-din. His son-in-law
and successor, Iltumush, added the next three storeys.
Within the complex, is the famous Iron Pillar which
has stood the test of time without rusting. Quwwat-ul-Islam,was
the first mosque built in India, and the Alai Darwaza,
the gateway to the complex was erected by Alauddin Khilji.
Qutb Minar is a successful tribute to architecture,
as it captures one's attention, owing to the delicate
and almost ethereal carvings. Address: Mehrauli, Delhi-Gurgaon
Road Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Iron Pillar
The 7.2 metre high pillar, standing within the Qutb
Minar complex, is a proof of India's advanced knowledge
of metallurgy 2000 years ago. It stands even today,
rust-free.
It was erected in memory of King Chandragupta Vikramamditya
who ruled from 375 to 413 AD.
Address: Qutb Minar Complex, Mehrauli,
Delhi-Gurgoan Road Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
India Gate, Delhi
Formerly known as the All India War Memorial,this solemn
monument was built in 1931 in the memory of the Indian
soldiers who died in World War I. Names of 13,516 soldiers
are inscribed on its walls. Later in 1971, an eternal
flame was lit here in memory of the unknown soldiers
who died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. India Gate stands
at the end of Rajpath, and is a popular picnic site
especially during the hot summer evenings. At night,
the gate and the fountains are brightly lit. It is indeed
a beautiful sight.
Rashtrapati Bhavan
The official residence of the President of India,can
boast of having welcomed the most powerful men in history.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan was designed by Edwin Lutyens
and built in 1931, to be the central point of the British
power in Delhi. Originally called the Viceroy's House,
the Rashtrapati Bhavan has 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74
lobbies and loggias, 18 staircases and 37 fountains.
The most magnificent room in the Rashtrapati Bhavan
is the Durbar Hall, which lies directly beneath the
main dome. All important Indian State and Official ceremonies
are held here. To the west, is the famous and beautifully
landscaped Mughal Gardens, designed after the terraced
gardens which the Mughals built in Kashmir. The garden
is called the 'Butterfly Garden' as the numerous butterflies
visit the varied flowers. It is open to the public only
in February.
Change of Guard Ceremony:
April-October : 8:30 am
November-March: 10:35 am
Teen Murti Bhavan
It was designed by Robert Tor Russel as the residence
of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in India.
After independence, it was occupied for 16 years by
the first president of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Since his demise,the house was converted into a national
memorial comprising a library and a museum. The library
is one of the finest with information on modern Indian
history.Pandit Nehru's love for roses is well known
and the rose garden in full bloom is a sight to behold.
A light and sound show,'Tryst with Destiny', every evening
depicts his life and the independence movement.
Rajghat
Rajghat is the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, the
'Father of the Nation'.It is situated only 4 kms away
from Janpath, on the banks of the river, Jamuna. His
last words -'Hey Ram' are inscribed on the simple, square,
black marble plaque. Every Friday (the day of his death)
a prayer service is held, except on Mondays. Projecting
Gandhi philosophy in pictures and sculpture form is
a regular feature between 10-00 am to 5-00 pm. at Rajghat.
Gandhi Memorial Museum projects the life and the philosophy
of Sarvodaya Movement in film from 9-30 am.to 5-30 pm.
every day, except Thursday and Sunday at 4-00 pm. in
Hindi. Extensive lawns create a peaceful atmosphere.
Shanti Vana
It is the cremation site of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,
the first Prime Minister of India.
Vijay Ghat
This is the tomb of the second Prime Minister of India,
Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. Beautiful landscaped gardens
and national monuments built in the memory of the founders
of the nation stand here.
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