Delhi, known locally as Dilli, has been continuously inhabited for over 5000 years, built and rebuilt over 11 times during its long history, New Delhi India is currently the second most populous city in India with over 15 million inhabitants. New Delhi, the current capital of India and its seat of government, is a 47 square mile enclave located inside the Delhi metropolitan area. New Delhi is a planned city, build south of the old town, with wide, palm lined boulevards and beautiful government buildings built in the British Colonial style. New Delhi became the capital of the British Raj in 1911 when the British decided to re-locate the center of government from Calcutta, on the coast, to a more central location within the sub-continent. New Delhi’s many beautiful colonial palaces and monuments were not completed until the 1930’s, and it features many iconic landmarks, including India Gate, Parliament House, and the government palaces in and around Raisina Hill. The British Raj ended in 1947 and was partitioned into what became three independent countries: Pakistan to the North–West, and Bangladesh (East Pakistan) and Burma to the east, leaving the largest portion of the Old British Raj as the Independent Republic of India, currently the largest democracy in the world and the second most populous country on the planet. To visit Delhi is to encounter a crossroads of civilizations and religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism (all Indian grown religions), together with large a Muslim population and pockets of Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism. Ethnic groups from all over make Delhi one of the most cosmopolitan cities in India and the epicenter for Indian national politics, education, journalism and cricket.
Getting Around:
Delhi is served by Indira Gandhi International Airport also known as Delhi International Airport. The best way to get from New Delhi airport to the city is by taxi or a pre-arranged transfer (some hotels offer this service for free). Getting around the city is always an adventure. The Delhi Subway is an efficient and air conditioned option but its coverage is limited. A Delhi metro map will help you better with the routes. You can hire an air conditioned taxi and a driver for the day, or select between scooter or a bicycle powered rickshaws. Some sections of the city are best explored by foot.
Things To Do:
Delhi’s millennia of history has left the city with several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including The Red Fort (A Mughal Royal Residence), Qutb Minar (the world’s tallest brick Minaret), Jama Masjid (India’s largest mosque) and over 1000 historical buildings and temples built in several different styles: Mughal, Hindu, British Raj and even ultra modern architecture, like the Bahá’í’ faith’s Lotus Temple built in 1986. Old Delhi still retains its Mughal flavor with its labyrinthine spice markets offering Punjabi and northern Indian food. Take a walk around Connaught Place, built during the British Raj style, which is one of the biggest shopping complexes with shops, restaurants and colorful markets and bazaars.
Delhi Climate:
Delhi is located 225m above the sea level and the city experiences an extreme continental climate which can be intolerable sometimes. Delhi has distinct five seasons- summers, monsoon, autumns, winter and spring. Summers, i.e. from April-June are very hot and unpleasant and the temperature can rise up to 45°C. The monsoon season begins in the month of July and lasts till August. December and January are the coldest months. The best time to visit Delhi is between October and February when the average temperature is 22°C during the daytime and evenings become very pleasant and cool.
Hotel Accommodation:
Delhi has a wide range of accommodation – From luxury hotels to mid-range hotels and guest houses to low-budget and lodges. Hotels in Delhi (Luxury and Mid-Range) are carefully appointed with all necessary stay amenities for tourists and also the car rental services that take you around to the city’s most popular destinations.