places to visit in new delhi

ISKCON Temple 

Built by the Hare Rama Hare Krishna cult followers this temple is dedicated to the Lord Krishna. Built on a hillock, this complex is elegantly built and is one of the largest temple complexes in India. 

Laxmi Narain Temple 

One of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialist G. D. Birla in 1938, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place. The temple is dedicated to Laxmi, the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. The temple has well grafted gardens. Popularly known as the Birla Mandir.


Red Fort 

Built in 1648, this sprawling fort of red sand stones along the river Yamuna is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 km in circumference. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. after he transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi. The fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate facing the famed Chandni Chowk market. The Fort has Diwan-e-Aam, and Diwan-e-Khas where the king would grant audience to the public and would grant audience to important people respectively Adjacent to this is the Rang Mahal, the water cooled Apartment for the royal ladies. A Light and Sound show is held in the evening.


India Gate 

Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations and Rallies. India Gate is towards the eastern end of Rajpath.

Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar made of red sandstone rising to the height of 72.5mts is an architectural marvel of the 13th century. Also a must is the visit to Ashoka Pillar dating back to the 5th century. Though made of iron it has with stood the weathers of time.A very interesting belief is assigned to this pillar- Stand with your back to the pillar, and if you can hold your hands around it, then make a wish and it will surely come true.

Jama Masjid 

JamaMasjid is one of biggest mosques in India-A magnificent architectural gift by emperor Shah Jahan. Completed in 1658, this mosque has three gateways, four angle towers and two minarets. You can enter the mosque but take precaution to take off your shoes and make sure that you are properly dressed before entering . One can also go to the top of minarets. From here you can have a birds eye view of Delhi. 

Nizam-ud-Din Shrine 

It's one of Delhi's major attractions. It's the tomb of the famous Sufi saint Nizam-ud-Din Auliya. Inside the premises of the shrine is a tank which is surrounded by many other historically significant tombs. The shrine also has the tomb of Amir Khusru and the grave of princess Jahanara, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. It is worth visiting the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as it is a popular time for worship, and Qawwali singers start    performing after the evening prayers. 

For further information on the places to visit in Delhi and how to get there, please visit the official website of Delhi Tourism Department.

Purana Quila: The Purana Quila is a good example of medieval military architecture. Built by Humayun, with later-day modifications by Sher Shah Suri, the Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward and every inch a fortress. It is different from the well planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of the later Mughal rulers. Purana Quila is also different from the later forts of the Mughals, as it does not have a complex of palaces, administrative and recreational buildings, as is generally found in the forts built later on. The main purpose of this now-dilapidated fort was its utility, with less emphasis on decoration. The Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher Mandal are two important monuments inside the fort.

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places to see delhi

Travelers from across the world have on their North India tour itinerary, the golden triangle tour of India. Comprising of the exotic Indian destinations like the Indian capital Delhi, the pink city Jaipur and the city that treasures the Taj, Agra offers a tour package to the Indian golden triangle that adds unforgettable moments to the Indian holiday.

Day - 1 Arrive Delhi 
Arrive Delhi International/domestic airport by any convenient flight in the evening/night. Meet & greet on arrival by our representative at the airport and transfer to hotel. Afternoon free for independent activities.
Overnight stay at the hotel. 

Day - 2 Delhi
Morning after breakfast at the hotel proceed for the full day tour of Old and New Delhi in the afternoon. Old Delhi was an ancient walled city. Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in 1650 switched the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Shah Jehan possessing an exquisite talent, especially in architecture, created the seventh city and in the process brought about Delhi's glorious renaissance. Here you will see Red Fort, the most opulent Fort and Palace of the Mughal Empire. The fort is Shah Jehan's symbol of power and elegance, built by behind sandstone walls. 

Its main gate (Lahore Gate) faces Chandni Chowk, the perpetually congested avenue heading west from the Red Fort, is filled with twisting lanes, small streets and crowded bazaars. 

Also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial site of the Mahatma Gandhi; Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; and Chandni Chowk, the bustling and colorful market of the old city. Chandni Chowk was the commercial centre of Delhi in the old time and you will see it come alive in the morning as the trading day starts.

New Delhi was designed and built by the British in the 1920's - it's a city of wide boulevards impressive Government buildings, green parks and gardens. In 1911 King George V announced the transfer of the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. The King's architects, Lutyens and Baker, set in motion the Design and construction of Delhi's eighth city - New Delhi. Lutyens designed an "Imperial City" having palatial-sized buildings set amid broad tree-lined avenues punctuated by Mughal style gardens, complete with fountains and shallow pools. It took 20 years to complete this immense undertaking only to have the British pack up and relinquish the subcontinent in 1947.

You will visit two monuments from Delhi's past - Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar. Your drive takes you along the ceremonial avenue, Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate and Parliament House. Also visit the local Bahai Temple {Lotus Temple}.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day - 3 Delhi - Agra - 210 KMS & 04-05 HRS
After breakfast at the hotel, check out from the hotel and drive to Agra. Enroute visit the tomb of Akbar Sikandra. Later continue drive to Agra. On arrival check in to the hotel.Afternoon free for independent activities.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Note : Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday
Day - 4 Agra
JaiEarly morning visit the most beautiful monument of love the Taj Mahal. Return to hotel for late breakfast. Later proceed for the sightseeing of Agra city visit the Agra Fort from where one can get the most moving view of the Taj from the little octagonal tower in the Agra Fort which lies across the river Jamuna. Afternoon transfer to hotel Taj View for Lunch. Afterwards visit the Pearl Mosque and the Tomb Itamad-ud-Daula built by Empress Noorjehan in memory of her father. Optionally in the evening you may visit to the souvenirs market of Agra, one should visit Oswal Emporium where they have built a mini Taj Mahal inside their showroom and it took 10 years for the artists to complete the mini replica of the Taj.
Overnight stay at the hotel 

Day - 5 : Agra - Jaipur- 260 KMS & 05-06 HRS
MoAfter breakfast, drive to Jaipur (once the capital of Rajasthan province - now known as "the abode of Rajahs"). Everywhere you will see the monuments of its Rajput rulers. Jaipur is one of the main centers for shopping in India - especially with regard to textiles, jewellery, stones carpets, etc. On the way you will visit Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city that was built by Emperor Akbar as his capital. Ponder the mysterious desertion of this capital city that was dramatically abandoned a few years after it was built. Upon arrival in Jaipur, check in at hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day - 6 Jaipur
After breakfast depart for a half day excursion to Amber Fort. 11 Kms. from Jaipur, Amber Fort is a marvelous example of Rajput architecture with its terraces and ramparts reflected in the Maota Lake below. Go up the fort on the back of a gaily caparisoned elephant, true to the style of the Maharajas of the past. The interior of the fort has various royal halls decorated with intricate ivory, mirror and glass work complemented by exquisite wall paintings. As you move between the rooms of this magnificent structure, you will feel the history and visualize the pomp and grandeur of a kingdom never conquered. After your tour return to the hotel or to a city restaurant where you can relax or enjoy a lunch on your own. 

At around 2 p.m. venture back into the city, for the tour of Jaipur. This afternoon you will visit the City Palace Museum where you can see an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal Art. The museum is resplendent with its collection of robes of royal princes, carpets, an armoury of old weapons, miniature paintings portraying court scenes, battle scenes and processions, also visit the awe inspiring Jantar Mantar (an accurate observatory built in 1726 AD). Also included is a photo visit at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) - a five storied wonder with a spectacular pyramidal facade and overhanging windows with latticed screens, domes and spires. 
Overnight stay at the hotel. 

Day - 7 Jaipur - Delhi - Departure - 235 KMS & 04-05 HRS
Morning free in Jaipur. Afternoon drive back to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi transfer to Delhi airport to take flight for onwards destination. 
End of services with happy memories. 

Optional Tour- Ex. Delhi
DELHI- MUSSOORIE- RISHIKESH- HARIDWAR

Day 01 Delhi - Mussorie - Drive - 7/8 HRS
After An Early Breakfast Commence Drive To Mussoorie, En Route Stopping At Dehradun (The Capital Of Uttaranchal - A New State In India). Afternoon Arrive In Mussoorie And Check In Hotel. Rest Day At Leisure. Overnight At Hotel.

Day 02 In Mussoorie
Morning Visit Kempty Falls - The Largest Waterfall Of The Area. Afternoon Free For Own Activities. Overnight At Hotel.

Day 03: Mussoorie - Rishikesh Drive - 4 HRS.
Morning Drive For Rishikesh - The City Of Saints With En Route Visit Of Dhanolti And Chamba From Where One Can View Over 200 Miles of The Central Himalayan Range. Afternoon Visit Ghats And Temples. Overnight At Hotel.

Day 04 Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi - Drive - 7 HRS.
Morning Drive To Haridwar. Visit To Ghats And Temples And Mansa Devi By Ropeway. Continue Drive To Delhi. Tour Terminates On Arrival.














source: visit to places in delhi {www.delhiplaces.com}

old fort visit place

Old Fort Delhi

Introduction

The Purana Quila or the old fort is one of the most captivating tourist sites that narrate the history of Delhi in details. Constructed by the Mughal emperor – Humayun, the Purana Quila is evidence to the glory of the Mughal art. The Purana Quila is situated in New Delhi and is said to guard the ruins of the city of Indraprastha that is mentioned in the Mahabharata.

History

Known as Dinpanah meaning the ‘refuge of the faithful', the Purana Quila was built between 1538 and 1545 by the Mughal emperor Humanyun. The fort originally lay on the bank of the river Yamuna before the river changed its course. The Purana Quila was built by Humayun in an attempt to build a city of his own. But characteristically, the Old Fort did not bear the name of its creator unlike the other emperors erecting such structure. When Sher Shah defeated Humayun most of the structures inside the old fort were demolished and was renamed as ‘Shergarh' . But once again as Humayun recaptured his city from Sher Shah's son he took the task of completing the city and rebuilding its old glory.

Description

The Purana Quila is another reminder of the bygone Mughal era which excelled in architectural styles. The Purana Quila has three majestic gates:
The Humayun Darwaza
The Bara Darwaza
The Talaqi Darwaza

The three gates are double storied and built with red sandstone. The Humayun Darwaza and the Bara Darwaza were the two gates that were open for entry inside the old fort. Entry was prohibited through the Talaqi Darwaza as the name suggests. Talaqi means ‘forbidden'

• The other two attractions at the fort site are:
• Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid,
• Sher Mandal
• the small museum

The Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid was built by Sher Shah when he had captured the Purana Quila after defeating Humayun in 1541. The prayer hall is the most imposing part of the masjid that has five doorways with horse shoe shaped arches. The original plans of building the entire place with marble was jeopardized due to supply shortage. But the fusion of marble and sandstone has given the masjid a unique style.

The Sher Mandal is now an observatory, octagonal in shape. The structure and style of the building suggests that the Sher mandal was built for entertainment purposes. The style and design of the building proves a definite coupling of the Muslim and Hindu architectural magnificence. When Humayun recaptured the Purana quila from Sher shah's son, he used the Sher Mandal as his own library.

The museum at the gate of the Purana Quila has many artifacts recording the beginning and end of a glorious era of the Mughal period.

How to get there

Tourists can avail local buses, taxis and auto rickshaws from different points within the city. Many hotels arrange for conducted tours for tourists.

Get more information on other tourist attractions in Delhi while browsing our site and for online booking, please fill in the form given.

Red Fort

About Red Fort
Red Fort or Lal Quila as it is more popularly known is a masterpiece of architecture and one of the most haunting spots for tourists from both India and abroad. This colossal fort on the banks of the river Yamuna, built by Shahjahan as the citadel of the 17th Century Delhi is a significant link between the past and the present, for it is from here that the prime minister of India addresses the people on the Independence Day (August 15th).

Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of the Red Fort in 1638, which was completed in 1648. The fort contains - halls of public and private audience, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the fort continues to be an impressive evidence to Mughal grandeur.

The Architecture
The Red Fort with thick red sandstone walls, bulging with turrets and bastions is one of the largest and oldest monument in Delhi India. The Fort rises above a wide dry moat in the northeast corner of the original city of Shahjahanabad, now Old Delhi. Its walls extend from 2 kms and vary in height from 18 m on the river side to 33 m on the city side.

The Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences where the Emperor would sit and hear complaints of the common folks. The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private audiences where the Emperor held private meetings. This hall is made of marble and its centre-piece used to be the Peacock Throne, which was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739.

The other attractions within this monument are the Royal Baths or hammams, the Shahi Burj, which used to be Shahjahan's private working area and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. The Rang Mahal or the "Palace of Colours" housed the Emperor's wives and mistresses. This palace was crowned with gilded turrets, delicately painted and decorated with an intricate mosaic of mirrors, and a ceiling overlaid with gold and silver that was reflected in a central pool in the marble floor.

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visit to place in delhi

India Gate

The first place which pops into any Indians mind while remembering the sacrifice of brave soldiers of India, is the place called India gate. The place in the capital of India. The relation of sacrifice and India gate is very close. India Gate is constructed as a memorial for the memory 90,000 soldiers who laid down their lives during World War I and second Afghan war in 1919. Located at Rajpath, New Delhi, it is also known as the All India War Memorial Constructed in sandstone, the gate is 42 meters in height and is popular relaxation area during the summer evenings. For Delhites gate also act as popular picnic spot during winter. The foundation stone of this magnanimous structure was laid in 1921 by the Duke of Connaught and dedicated to the nation in 1931 by the hands of Viceroy, Lord Irwin. The gate has arch at the top .The height of the arch is 87'6" internally and136' externally. India Gate is also credited as the first gate to be constructed in New Delhi. The names of the soldiers in the memory of whom the Gate was constructed has been inscribed on its walls.

Amar Jawan Jyoti:

 Burning in a shrine under the India Gate arch since 1971 is the Amar Jawan Jyoti which means the flame of the immortal soldiers. This marks the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. The shrine is made of a black marble cenotaph with a soldier's rifle placed on 

its barrel, crested by a soldier's helmet. Each face of the cenotaph has inscribed in gold which says the words "Amar Jawan" which means the Immortal Warrior. This cenotaph is itself placed on one edifice which has four torches on its four corners that are perpetually kept alive. Just at the rear of Amar Jawan Jyoti, the flags of Indian armed forces stand tall.

crested by a soldier's helmet. Each face of the cenotaph has inscribed in gold which says the words "Amar Jawan" which means the Immortal Warrior. This cenotaph is itself placed on one edifice which has four torches on its four corners that are perpetually kept alive. Just at the rear of Amar Jawan Jyoti, the flags of Indian armed forces stand tall. Today, it is customary for the President, the Prime Minister as well as visiting Guests of State; to pay homage at Amar Jawan Jyoti on occasions of State ceremonies. On each Republic Day i.e. 26 January, before joining the annual parade at Rajpath the Prime Minister of Union of India pays homage to the soldiers along with Heads of all Armed Forces i.e. Navy, Army and Air force.

Raj Path:

Raj path i.e. the royal way on which the India gate is present is the way which connects National Stadium to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of President of India. It was the Viceroy of India's residence before India got its independence from Great Britain.

Accommodation:

Being the capital of nation, there is a wide variety of lodging options in Delhi.

Getting There:

Airways: Indira Gandhi International Airport is connected to most of the big cities in world directly. The Palam Airport is the domestic airport which is connected with every airport in country by direct flights.

Railways: Delhi is connected to every part of the country with rail. Old Delhi, Hajarat Nijammudin and New Delhi are the main railway stations of Delhi. To visit India gate you must get down at New Delhi railway station. You have a unique option of metro rail to reach here.

Road ways: Public transport buses are available from almost all parts of the city to India gate.

Lotus Temple ( Bahai Temple )

The Bahá'í House of Worship in Delhi, India, popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flowerlike shape, is a Bahá'í House of Worship and also a prominent attraction in Delhi. It was completed in 1986 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent. It has won numerous architectural awards and been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles.

As with all other Bahá'í Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all regardless of religion, or any other distinction, as emphasized in Bahá'í texts.

The Bahá'í laws emphasize that the spirit of the House of Worship be that it is a gathering place where people of all religions may worship God without denominational restrictions. The Bahá'í laws also stipulate that only the holy scriptures of the Bahá'í Faith and other religions can be read or chanted inside in any language;

while readings and prayers can be set to music by choirs, no musical instruments can be played inside. Furthermore no sermons can be delivered, and there can be no ritualistic ceremonies practiced.

Since its inauguration to public worship in December 1986, the Bahá'í House of Worship in Delhi has, as of late 2002, attracted more than 50 million visitors, making it one of the most visited buildings in the world. Its numbers of visitors during those years surpassed those of the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal. On Hindu holy days, it has drawn as many as 150,000 people; it welcomes four million visitors each year (about 13,000 every day or 9 every minute).

This House of Worship is generally referred to as the "Lotus Temple". In India, during the Hindu festival Durga Puja, several times a replica of the Lotus Temple has been made as a pandal, a temporary structure set up to venerate the goddess Durga. In Sikkim a permanent replica is of the Hindu Legship Mandir, dedicated to Shiva.

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delhi places to visit

Delhi Haat ( Dilli Haat )

Delhi Haat ( Dilli Haat ) is a combination food plaza and craft bazaar located in the heart of Delhi, one near the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, opposite INA Market on Sri Aurobindo Marg, and another at Netaji Subash Place, adjacent to Netaji Subash Place Metro Station. Delhi Haat ( Dilli Haat ) has stalls representing each state of India, giving a complete variety of tastes available all over India.There are also stalls of crafts from all over India, and from a variety of cultural traditions of India. Around 2003, this market became fully wheelchair-accessible, including an accessible bathroom. This is a relative rarity in India.There are plans to open more Delhi Haats ( Dilli Haats ) all over Delhi, one has opened at Dilli Haat, Pitampura.

Unlike the traditional weekly market, the village Haat, Delhi Haat ( Dilli Haat ) is permanent. Some shops are permanent but other sellers are rotated, usually for fifteen days.Products offered may include rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, sophisticated fabric and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts,

 and silk and wool fabrics. Shows promoting handicrafts and handlooms are held at the exhibition hall in the complex. To sell wares, there is an application process and spaces are allocated according to which state the seller is from.
 There is a nominal entrance fee to shop at Delhi Haat ( Dilli Haat )

Lodi Tomb

Evidence of the sixth city, said to have been built by the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties is found only in the tombs and mosques in the famous Lodi Gardens, which is a favourite point for early morning walkers from the posh south Delhi coloniesLodi Tomb Situated about 3-kms to the west and adjoining the Indian International Centre are the Lodi Gardens.History has it that the tombs are remnants of another city that was sought to be built in Delhi. Muhammad Shah's tomb built in 1450 is a prototype for the later Mughal style tomb of Humayun, a design that would eventually develop into the Taj Mahal.

Other tombs include those of his predecessors Mubarak Shah -1433, Ibrahim Lodi - 1526 and Sikander Lodi - 1517. The Bara Gumbad Mosque is a fine example of its type of plaster decoration.

Parliament House

The seat of Indian Parliament is a marvelous piece of architecture designed by the famed architect Lutyens and constructed under the direct supervision of Sir Herbert Baker. Visitors are not allowed to loiter inside the building without special permission, for security reasons. For the foreign visitors permits are given only after they obtain an introductory letter from the respective embassy. Designed as a circular structure, the House is 171 meters in diameter and about one-third of a mile in circumference. The two semicircular house chambers flank the Central Hall with its impressive dome. The building has a continuous open corridor on the first floor fringed with a colonnade of 144 creamy sandstone pillars. The exterior walls of red sandstone are carved in geometric patterns that echo Moghul jaalis. It is a marvellous piece of architecture which can be admired only from outside on account of security restrictions. It is domed almost circular structure about a kilometer in circumference and is the seat of the Indian Parliament. During the sessions of Parliament there is a flurry of activity in and around the structure. The Parliament House- Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament house is the supreme law making body in the country. The parliament consists of three halls- Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the central hall.

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delhi places

Jantar Mantar

A unique structure raised in 1724, now lies in the heart of Delhi's commercial centre near Connaught place. This is the Jantar Mantar, one of several astronomical observatories raised by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. The various abstract structures within the Jantar Mantar are, in fact, instruments that were used for keeping track of celestial bodies. Yet, Jantar Mantar is not only a timekeeper of celestial bodies, it also tells a lot about the technological achievements under the Rajput kings and their attempt to resolve the mysteries regarding astronomy. The Jantar Mantar of Delhi is only one of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh II, the other four being located at Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain and Mathura.
All of these were built as far back as AD 1724-1730 during the period generally known as the dark age of Indian history, when the last great Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had died and the Mughal Empire was rapidly declining. During this period of turmoil, Muhammad Shah ascended the throne of the Mughal Empire. As many enemies surrounded him, he sought the alliance of the Hindu rulers. Of these, the most notable was Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber, who came into limelight since the days of Aurangzeb. When Jai Singh ascended the throne of Amber in 1699, he was barely eleven, but sharp and shrewd far beyond his years. The then Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was so impressed with the young ruler that he gave Jai Singh II the title of 'Sawai', meaning one and a quarter of an average man in worth.
As Jai Singh repeatedly proved himself a worthy ally of the Mughals, Muhammad Shah, who was seeking a dependable ally, zeroed in on Jai Singh and duly raised him to the rank of governor of Agra and later, of Malwa. Legend Behind Jantar Mantar Jai Singh was passionate about two things-arts and the sciences, chiefly astronomy. Once, at the court of Muhammad Shah, he found the Hindu and Muslim astrologers embroiled in a heated argument over certain planetary positions. It was imperative that the positions be known accurately to determine an auspicious hour for the emperor to set out on an expedition. Jai Singh offered to rectify the then available astronomical tables, an offer that was readily accepted by the Mughal emperor.
The result was an onsite Jantar Mantar in Delhi, an astronomical observatory where the movements of sun, moon and planets could be observed.

Jai Singh's idea was to create a rebirth of practical astronomy among the Indian masses and practicing astronomers. However, the lofty ideals of the Jantar Mantar remained unfulfilled as the country at that time was in chaos and the full potential of this observatory was never realized. In the beginning, Jai Singh tried to use brass instruments in this observatory, but soon gave them up because of several inherent flaws. They were too small, for one thing, their axes were unstable so the center often got displaced. He then decided to follow the style adopted by the renowned Arab astronomer, Prince Ulugh Beg, builder of the famous 15th century observatory at Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The massive masonry instruments at Samarkand suited Jai Singh's architectural tastes and promised to be more accurate because of sheer size. In 1730, Jai Singh sent a mission to the king of Lisbon. On its return to Jaipur, the mission brought back a telescope and the court astronomer by the name of Xavier de Silva. The Observatory This unique observatory was completed in 1724 and remained operational only for seven years.
 

Astronomical observations were regularly made over here and these observations were used for drawing up a new set of tables, later compiled as Zij Muhammad Shahi dedicated to the reigning monarch. Jai Singh named his observatory Jantar Mantar, which is actually pronounced, as 'Yantra Mantra', yantra for instrument and mantra for formula. A huge sundial known as "Samrat Yantra" or 'Prince of Dials',

 meant to measure accurate time of the day within half a second and the declination of the sun and other heavenly bodies dominates it.
Jai Singh himself designed this yantra. Other yantras were also meant for the study of heavenly bodies, plotting their course and predicting eclipses. The two pillars on the southwest of Mishra Yantra are meant to determine the shortest and longest days of the year. Interestingly, in December one pillar completely covers the other with its shadow while in June it does not cast any such shadow at all. After the completion of the first Jantar Mantar and with a view to verifying astronomical observations made at Delhi, Jai Singh built similar, even if smaller observatories, at other important Indian cities-Jaipur, Varanasi, Ujjain, and Mathura. The Jantar Mantars may have fallen into disuse but they remain an integral part of India's scientific heritage. It presents that the spirit of scientific enquiry was not dead in India and would have yielded rich results if only an opportunity of research and development had been given to it. This monument situated just a stroll away on the Parliament Street, still remains one of the most intriguing structures of the capital, one that burst in a flood of questions inside the curious mind of the tourist. Timing : Daily 9.00am - 7.00pm.

Old Fort Delhi

Introduction

The Purana Quila or the old fort is one of the most captivating tourist sites that narrate the history of Delhi in details. Constructed by the Mughal emperor – Humayun, the Purana Quila is evidence to the glory of the Mughal art. The Purana Quila is situated in New Delhi and is said to guard the ruins of the city of Indraprastha that is mentioned in the Mahabharata.

History

Known as Dinpanah meaning the ‘refuge of the faithful', the Purana Quila was built between 1538 and 1545 by the Mughal emperor Humanyun. The fort originally lay on the bank of the river Yamuna before the river changed its course. The Purana Quila was built by Humayun in an attempt to build a city of his own. But characteristically, the Old Fort did not bear the name of its creator unlike the other emperors erecting such structure. When Sher Shah defeated Humayun most of the structures inside the old fort were demolished and was renamed as ‘Shergarh' . But once again as Humayun recaptured his city from Sher Shah's son he took the task of completing the city and rebuilding its old glory.

Description

The Purana Quila is another reminder of the bygone Mughal era which excelled in architectural styles. The Purana Quila has three majestic gates:
The Humayun Darwaza
The Bara Darwaza
The Talaqi Darwaza

The three gates are double storied and built with red sandstone. The Humayun Darwaza and the Bara Darwaza were the two gates that were open for entry inside the old fort. Entry was prohibited through the Talaqi Darwaza as the name suggests. Talaqi means ‘forbidden'

• The other two attractions at the fort site are:
• Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid,
• Sher Mandal
• the small museum

The Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid was built by Sher Shah when he had captured the Purana Quila after defeating Humayun in 1541. The prayer hall is the most imposing part of the masjid that has five doorways with horse shoe shaped arches. The original plans of building the entire place with marble was jeopardized due to supply shortage. But the fusion of marble and sandstone has given the masjid a unique style.

The Sher Mandal is now an observatory, octagonal in shape. The structure and style of the building suggests that the Sher mandal was built for entertainment purposes. The style and design of the building proves a definite coupling of the Muslim and Hindu architectural magnificence. When Humayun recaptured the Purana quila from Sher shah's son, he used the Sher Mandal as his own library.

The museum at the gate of the Purana Quila has many artifacts recording the beginning and end of a glorious era of the Mughal period.

How to get there

Tourists can avail local buses, taxis and auto rickshaws from different points within the city. Many hotels arrange for conducted tours for tourists.

Get more information on other tourist attractions in Delhi while browsing our site and for online booking, please fill in the form given.

source: visit to places in delhi {www.delhiplaces.com}