Delhi - Tour The Capital

By Author: Nagma Biswas
Total Articles: 26
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It was the Slave Dynasty that took up Delhi as its seat and gave it its modern identity of being the capital of the country which is now the modern India. However, the area in and around Delhi is believed to have been inhabited much before the Delhi Sultanate was established. It is believed to be the site of the legendary Indraprastha, where the battle of Mahabharata was fought. Whatever might be the date of its foundation, Delhi has always been a coveted spot all rulers have lusted for it. Even though the British originally had Calcutta as their capital, it was later on moved on to Delhi and has ever since continued to be the same.

With a long and glorious history to boast of, Delhi is full of structures and forts from various dynasties who have ruled the country from here. The sacking and rebuilding cycle that Delhi has witnessed, has been particularly interesting. While the Moghuls left behind majestic structures like the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, the British gave the Lutyens' side of Delhi. A heady mix of various races and cultures, Delhi has come up with a completely unique culture of itself and a distinct ...
... identity of its own.

A good way to surf what can be called the essence of Delhi is to take a tour of the Connaught Place. The throbbing center of Delhi, this is one place that has the best and the worst of everything. Its position is however threatened by South Delhi, as lately, it is this area of the city that has garnered maximum attraction. A brainchild of the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, this area is home to the most important buildings in the country. Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace), the North and South Secretariats, Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House), and India Gate, are all present in this area.

Ever since Delhi came into being, it has been a heaven for shopping. Still the Palika Bazaar and Chandni Chowk make for the best places to shop at. Even though, big malls have entered the arena, these traditional shopping streets still catch the fantasies of most tourist and locals. Food is another thing one can look forward to in Delhi. Almost every possible cuisine can be expected here. Right from regional delicacies to International favorites, there has to be a place in Delhi that serves it.

From swanky malls to designer boutiques and from sleek cafes to happening nightclubs, Delhi has it all. It's almost impossible to surf the entire city in one go. It is multi-layered and multi-faceted. It is always advisable to go around with someone who knows the city well or catch hold of a good travel manual on Delhi. If you choose to stay at some hotel in Delhi, things would be easier as most hotels organize city tours and even arrange for vehicles to take you around.

Nagma Biswas is an author writing about travel and tourism in India and abroad. To book Hotels in Delhi visit Sarovar hotels.