Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Delhi is the capital city of India and presents an exotic bouquet of shopping, dining, and sightseeing choices for any traveler interested in exotic experiences. For many Western travelers, the iconic symbol of the Indian experience is the Taj Mahal located in the city of Agra, which is 203 km or approximately 150 miles from Delhi. The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum created by the emperor Shah Jahan to honor his queen MumTaj who died in childbirth. The white marble structure and complex is resplendent in jewels and carvings and surrounded by minarets which watch over the tombs of the Mughal king and queen.
Agra can be reached by air, by train or by conducted bus tours. Travelers may also book a Taj Mahal tour from local tour operators or government tourist offices. The Taj Mahal is a must-see for any tourist to Delhi, but please be advised that one or two days should be reserved for travel Agra is filled with opportunities to purchase soapstone or marble replicas of the Taj or other objet dart created by local artisans. Be sure to bargain with the dealers in the marketplace and never accept the first offer. It is not only an interesting experience; it is expected from the experienced buyer.
Delhi is actually composed of two different cities, Old Delhi and New Delhi. Old Delhi was the capital of Muslim India between the mid-17th and late 19th centuries. It is filled with congested streets packed with bazaars, restaurants, mosques, architectural monuments and gardens. New Delhi, was created in British Colonial India and is comparatively a lot more expansive. It is the home of modern Indias government offices, embassies and other diplomatic centers.
Sightseeing Architectural and Historical Sites in Old Delhi
Near Chandni Chowk there's a Jain temple at the street's eastern end, near the Red Fort; at the western end is the Fatehpuri Mosque, built by one of Shah Jahan's wives in 1650.
Humayun's Tomb
This is the first important example of Mughal architecture in India. Built in the 16th century by the second Mughal emperors wife, it is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and should not be missed. The red sandstone complexs architectural style is similar to that reflected later in the Taj Mahal and is surrounded by the trademark symbol of Mughal design, the garden.
Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid (Mosque) is the largest mosque in India. It was built in 1644 built by Shah Jahan, who can also list the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort to his repertoire. Travelers must cover their legs inside the mosque, but those who arrive unprepared can get robes at the northern gate.
Red Fort
Created by Shah Jahan, the Red Fort was created to keep invaders away from the Mughal capital. The fort's main gate, the Lahore Gate, is a symbol of Indian independence and is a focal point for travelers on Indias Independence Day, August 15th. The red sandstone walls, built in 1638, create a haven for travelers to escape the clamor of modern Delhi.
Qutb Minar
The Qutb Minar high tower of victory and a tribute to the Mughal empire. Construction for this structure was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi and contains the first mosque in India. The inside of the tower has been closed to visitors but it is still a magnificent site that shouldnt be missed.
Dining
As a modern cosmopolitan center, Delhi offers gourmets the opportunity to savor tastes from all over the world. La Piazza Italian Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant located in the Hyatt Regency Delhi, La Rochelle is a French restaurant located at the Oberoi Hotel. House of Ming is located at the Taj Mahal Hotel, and offer gourmet Chinese cuisine. Those who want to sample local cuisines should be sure to check out the Great Kabob Factory located at the Radisson Hotel. For those with more limited budgets, the bazaars are filled with moderately priced restaurants which tempt every palate.
Banks, Travel Agencies and Tourist Centers
Connaught Place in New Delhi is where most travel agencies, banks and other tourist centers are located.
Shopping
The center of Old Delhi is Chandni Chowk, a raucous bazaar with stores and vendors who provide a plethora of wonderful shopping opportunities for travelers. Any woman traveling to India or men wanting to impress female friends at home will want to purchase a sari. Chandi Chowk is a perfect place to find a wonderful selection of saris in silk or cotton. Be sure again to haggle with the merchants to get the best price. Although there are wonderful restaurants and theaters and cinemas in this area, there are strict curfews which curtail some of the nightlife in this area.
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