My trip to Delhi

Delhi is one of the most multi dimensional metropolis of India situated on the banks of River Yamuna. It is the capital city of India. Delhi is full of captivating monuments, magnificent museums, glorious shopping destinations and yummy eating places. It is also one of the oldest places to be inhabited by humans. Delhi is divided into two parts - Old Delhi and New Delhi.

India Gate

We boarded the Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express from Howrah railway station. Our train departed at 08:10 am and reached New Delhi at around 8 am the next day. At the New Delhi station there are two gates, one is known as Paharganj gate and the other one is known as Kashmiri gate. The Rail Yatri Niwas is situated near the Kashmiri gate but most of the private hotels are located in Paharganj area. We came out of the station through Paharganj gate and started searching for hotels. We booked a room in Hotel Cama. After taking a little rest we came out of our hotel. Firstly we went to see the famous India Gate. This is one of the most prominent tourist spot of Delhi. India Gate, the national monument of India was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens inspired by the Arc De Triomphe in Paris. It was built in the year 1931 and is about 42 m high. Originally a statue of King George V stood under the now vacant canopy in front of India Gate but was later moved to Coronation Park. After India's independence the India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of Unknown Soldiers now known as Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Jantar Mantar

Then we went to visit the Jantar Mantar. It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in the year 1924. The main purpose of the observatory was to compile astrological data, predict the timings and movements of sun, moon and planets. Inside the observatory we saw a number of architectural astronomy instruments including a giant sundial. In the evening we went for shopping at the Connaught Place. There were lots of shops from grocery stores to car showrooms - all arranged in a circular pattern. One can also find branches of banks, tour operators and different state emporiums. After having a great shopping time we went to see the Birla Mandir. This temple was built by G.D. Birla in the year 1938. In this temple there are idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Then we came back to our hotel.

Qutub Minar

The Next day we went to see the Qutub Minar. The Qutub Minar is a 73 m high tower which was built by Qutubuddin Aibak in the year 1193. It was a truly impressive sight. The Qutub Minar has also been given World Heritage Site status. Then we went to the Lotus temple. It is named so because it is built in the shape of a lotus flower. The view of the huge structure made up of marble was spectacular and is worth visiting. Also there are pools of water surrounding the temple where you can see the reflection of the temple. The temple remains open on all days from 9 am to 7 pm except Monday. We prayed and meditated inside the temple for some time. And after that we came back to our hotel and had lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Lotus Temple

In the afternoon we went to the Red Fort. This massive fort with walls made up of red sandstone is situated in Old Delhi. We entered the fort through the Lahore Gate. The gate leads into a long bazaar street known as the Chatta Chowk. The shops here mainly sell many items mainly for the tourists. Inside the fort we saw the Diwan-I-Aam, Diwan-I-Khaas, Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Moti Masjid and Hayat Bakhsh Bagh. Seeing this majestic structures our mind got lost. But the sun was setting. We bought tickets for the evening light and sound show. It was an awesome experience. All the historic events that were associated with this fort was recreated with the help of light and sound. I was feeling as if we had gone back to the past. After this thrilling experience we came out of the fort. Then we went for shopping at the Chandni Chowk. This market is located just opposite to the red fort. This market features a variety of shops selling numerous items at a very cheap price. But you will have to bargain a lot! Chandni Chowk was built in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It got its name from the moonlight reflecting on the canals which divided up the market. Though the canals are now closed it still retains its historical character. Before coming back to our hotel we saw the Jama Masjid. This is the largest mosque of India. Built by Shah Jahan in the year 1656, it is capable of holding 25000 devotees.

Red Fort

The day after we went to the National Rail Museum. There were many models of engines, both old and working. We also saw some old coaches which were used in the olden days. One can also have a ride on the joy train and do boating. Also there is a souvenir shop from where you can buy books, models, greetings card, memento of Bholu etc. We spent the evening at the Cannaught Place. After that we came back to our Hotel. We planned to go to Agra the next day.

Continued to Visit to Agra

How to Reach :

Delhi being the capital of India is well connected to all parts of the country as well as to cities around the world. From Howrah railway station, 12303 Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express leaves at 08:10 hrs and reaches New Delhi at 07:20 hrs. 12301 Howrah-New Delhi Rajdhani Express leaves at 16:55 hrs and reaches at 09:55 hrs. 12323 Howrah-New Delhi Express leaves at 18:45 and reaches at 17:00 hrs.

Nearest Airport - Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi

Where to Stay :

There are hundreds of hotels in Delhi. Some of them are:-
1. Hotel Cama
2. Hotel Taj Mahal
3. Hotel Woodland Deluxe
4. Hotel Swagat Palace
5. Hotel Shiv Palace

Places of Interest :

Delhi is full of monuments, temples, museums and shopping destinations. Some of the tourist spots in Delhi are the India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Birla Mandir, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple and Red Fort. Other attractions include the Akshardham Temple, Parliament House, Cannaught Place, National Rail Museum and Lodi Tomb.

For more information, please contact :

Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation
18-A, DDASCO Complex
Defence Colony
New Delhi - 110024