A complete guide to the city’s landmarks as well as lesser known historic monuments, religious places, entertainment venues, green spaces and shopping hubs, along with pictures and detailed practical information. Check out first-hand reviews of city’s restaurants, pubs and bars by our food critics. Refer to the Listings for seek out tourist information centers, accommodation options and other essentials. Suggested itineraries steer you through the best the city has to offer for a more enriching experience.
Delhi is a city which seems to exist in several centuries at the same time. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Down the ages the city has been built, destroyed and then rebuilt. Interestingly, many of Delhi’s rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.
The city’s importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in its rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture – from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to William Dalrymple and filmmaker Dibakar Banerjee – are never at a loss for themes.
Delhi is also the political hub of India. The Pandavas in the age of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today’s Delhi. The various Hindu and then Muslim rulers contributed to its growth. The British Raj of course decided to make it the capital of colonized India by shifting the Raj from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911. Thus, on 12 December 2011, the national capital turned 100 years old. In post independence, Delhi is not just the national capital but a thriving, throbbing metropolis with a vibrant culture – a kaleidoscope of India’s cultural diversity.
For first-timers, Delhi can seem chaotic and confusing with its crazy traffic. But scratch the surface and you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, open green spaces, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.
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