Delhi is in many ways the essence of modern India, with its vivid paradox of old and new, rich and poor, foreign and familiar. Delhi is an excellent starting point for exploring North India, not only because of ample transport connections and relatively sophisticated infrastructure, but because the history of Delhi, one of the oldest cities in the world, is essentially the history of India. The city is littered with crumbling tombs and ruins, most of which are not even on the tourist map.
Your city tour will include the following potential attractions:
Nizamuddin Dargah – Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliyaa Dargah is located in New Delhi, across the road from Humayun's tomb. The 'dargah' of revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliyaa has its devotees all over the Islamic world. The group of Qawwals have a special gift from God, or Allah. When the start singing their Qawwalis, the gathered audience cannot help but losing themselves in the melodies. They perform daily at Nizamuddin Dargah from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. and then again from 9:00 – 10:30 p.m. in the courtyard under the open skies. You can feel their passion coming across, from the pit of their stomach with vocal cords tested just short of coming apart. Playing their tablas and harmoniums, unplugged, the music reverberates within the closed compound tugging at something in your own heart. Your faith does not matter, their music is for everyone.
Lodhi Gardens - is a recreational area in Delhi, situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb on Lodhi Road. The garden in the beginning was a village that was surrounded by monuments from the Sayyid and Lodhi rule. Due to its aristocratic and well known location, the Lodhi Gardens can be located easily. In the middle of these beautiful gardens is the Bara Gumbad or the "Big Dome" and Sheesh Gumbad or the ‘mirror dome’. The beautiful remains of the then ruling empires are truly attention-grabbing. This place is a must visit and a much needed escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.
Red Fort - Built by Shah Jahan, the most prolific architect and builder of the Mughal empire. It was the seat of Mughal power from 1639 to 1857.
Jama Masjid – Commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1656, this mosque took 5,000 laborers 6 years to complete and is still the largest in Asia, accommodating up to 25,000 worshipers during holy festivals such as Id.
Raj Ghat - Where Mahatma Gandhi, "Father of the Nation," was cremated. The black granite plinth is inscribed with his last words, "Hé Ram!" ("Hail God!").
India Gate - Built to commemorate those who died in World War I. There an eternal flame burns in memory of those who gave their lives in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, their names inscribed on the memorial.
Parliament House - Northeast, at the end of Sansad Marg, is Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House), designed by Sir Herbert Baker, from where the country is managed.
Humayun’s Tomb - This tomb, built for the second Mughal emperor, launched a great Mughal architectural legacy -- even the Taj, which was built by Humayun's great-grandson, was inspired by it.
Lotus Temple - Bahá'i House of Worship, or "Lotus Temple," where 27 huge and beautiful marble "petals" create the lotus-shaped dome.
Qutab Minar – Originally built by Qutbuddin Aibak, first of the Delhi Sultanates who were to rule for some 4 centuries. Qutab Minar is a sandstone Victory Tower that he started in 1193.
