Delhi has had a hoary past dating back to the epics of India. In the middle ages it was subjected to sucessive invasions from north (Afghanistan,Central Asia etc) and each invasion has left its mark in the form of various monuments, tombs, palaces and architectural relics.

The temperature in Delhi ranges from 5*C to 20*C in winter months (Oct to Mar) and 35*C to 45*C in summer. The languages spoken are Hindi and Punjabi. English is also widely spoken and understood.

For the discerning tourist Delhi is too sprawling a place with with ancient monuments and remnants of a bygone era to visit in one day. Atleast 2 to 3 days will be required to cover the more important places.

Places of tourist interest
Qutb Minar is the epitome of the entry of the Islamic culture into India.The tallest free standing stone tower in the world it is 234ft tall and is made of red stone and marble. Its five stories have projected balconies. It was originally attached to a mosque for the muezzin to call the faithful for prayers. The Qutb minar represents the rich heritage of the bygone era.

Iron pillar in the Qutb complex is a wonderful iron shaft dating back to 4th century ad.24ft tall this pillar stands there for 15 centuries in rain and sun but is absolutely rust free-a tribute to the metallurgical skill of the ancient Indians. The brahmi inscription on it tells us that it was erected by the Hindu king Chandragupta(375 to 413 ad) and was brought here by the Anang Pal the Tomar king.

India GateThis great monument of the modern times is 42 meters high with a stone arch.It has the names of Indian soldiers who died in the first world war. Below in the center burns the Amar Jawan Jyothi in the memory of unknown Indian soldiers who died in various battles.

This is a prominent land mark in New Delhi. Jantar Mantar This claborate observatory was built in 1725 by the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur, a noted scholar in mathematics and astronomy himself.The huge structures and various yantras of the observatory are a sure sign of its builder's great astronomical prowess.

Laxmi Narayan Temple is another place of worship to devout Hindus. It was built in the year 1938 by Raja Baldev Birla, a prominent Indian industrialist of the Birla family. Built in Orissan style with marble the presiding deities there are Narayana(The Preserver,) and Lakshmi(the goddess of Wealth).Gita Bhavan and a buddhist temple are situated on either side of the main temple.

Baha'i House of Worship(The lotus Temple) Near Nehru Place is situated this architectural building with a distinctive disign amidst sprawling lawns and large placid pools. This temple, shaped likle a huge lotus flower has 27 petals made of white concrete and clad in white Greek marble panels. Here people of all faith are welcome to visit the temple and to pray and meditate there in total silence. The temple is closed on Mondays for visitors.Its construction began in 1980 and was completed in 1986. This magnificent structure is ninesided. Nine is the highest digit and symbolises comprehensiveness, oneness and unity. Accordingly there are 9 pools and 27 petals(2+7=9, by numerological consideration).

Teen Murti Bhavan which was built earlier by the Britishers as the official residence of the British commander-in-chief, became the official residence of the first prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
Nehru lived here for 14 long years as Prime Minister, and after his death, it was decided to convert it into a memorial to him. It has a museum and a library, providing glimpses of Nehru's life and personalilty. Some of his personal living rooms have been preserved as they were at the the time of his death. Audio-visual shows in Hindi and English titled'Tryst with Destiny' recount the events in India's struggle for freedom.

Chandni Chowk:Meaning"silver Street" was once supposed to have been the richest street in the world. Now, this is the most fashionable business and shopping centre in Delhi, thronging with people and traffic It was made wide enough to accommodate Shah Jahan's great processions. It is also the most historically important thoroughfare in the world.
It has, in its chequered history, witnessed the pomp and splendour of the Moghuls, the plunder and massacre of Nadir Shaw's soldiers, the grandeur of the 1911 Durbar, the attempt on the life of Lard Hardinge in the year 1912, and the joyous and surging crowds celebrating their independence. on August, 15,1947. Still, however, even today, the vestiges of its vibrant personality are evident in its flourishing silver jewellery shops the bustle of business that seems to go on round the clock and in the many monuments ranged down the central avenue.
Among historically most important places in this are the Sikh Shrine, Gurdwara Sisganj, in which is a banyan tree under which Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded by emperor Aurangzeb's soldiers for refusing to convert himself into Islam.
Another very poignant place situated here is the Kotwali Police station area around which occurred the grim events that followed the rebellion of 1857. From galloaws erected in this area, sympathisers of those who rebelled against the British rule in India, were hanged daily. The bodies of three Moghul princes shot by Captain Hodson, were also exhibited here.

Spciality
Silk products, precious stones, leather and woodwork, brass work paintings, Furniture,carpets, jewellery, perfumes, oils & incense.

Conducted tours:
ITDC and Delhi Tourism(belonging to New Delhi state Govt) conduct city tours.

Tourist Information:
Government of India Tourist office,
88, Janpath, New Delhi 110 001,
Phone: 3320005.

Delhi Tourism Development Corporation Ltd
Bombay Life building N-Block,
Connought circus,
New Delhi- 110 001,