 Delhi is a citadel for tourists from all over the world. Due to a variety of historic places, it is often tough for tourists to decide the places to visit.
Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker designed New Delhi and today the city houses many important government buildings and embassies, coupled with places of historical interest. Both Old and New Delhi leave the everlasting impression on the visitor's memory. This city makes you lose yourself while unwinding the Mogul's past in the narrow streets of Old Delhi before changing into the wide open spaces of New Delhi.
If we delve in to the past as per Hindu mythology, Delhi was known as the legendary city of Indraprastha, which featured in the Mahabharata over 3000 years ago, but historical evidence suggests that the area has been settled for around 2500 years. From 12th century to 1802 AD, this city noticed the inconsistent rule of various rulers. However, in 1803 British captured this city and British rule was established. Despite being not the capital city at that time, it was still an important commercial centre supporting population of 150,000 till the start of the 20th century.
This historical city possesses several attractions like the Humayun's Tomb, Purana Quila (old fort), Qutab Minar, Red fort and Jantar Mantar.
Humayun's Tomb: This majestic monument overpowers the tourist entering through the lofty double storeyed gateway. It has in the centre a large square garden, enclosed by high walls on three sides making river as the forth boundary.
Purana Qila: This ancient fort was built by the Afghan ruler, Sher Shah. He completed the fort during his reign from 1538-45 which marks a return to the historic Afghan style with massive walls and three large gateways. The Qila-i-Kuhran Mosque, or Mosque of Sher Shah, nearby manages to give a fair idea of its dignity. There is a small archaeological museum too just inside the main gate.
Qutab Minar: This superb building dates the onset of Muslim rule in India. This minar is roaring 73m/240ft-high, symbolizing the victory that was started in 1193, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi.
Red Fort: Popularly known as Lal Qila, it rises to 33 meters showing magnificent power and strength of the Mughal Emperors. The fort's main gate, also known as the Lahore Gate, symbolizes the modern Indian nation. It attracts large crowd on the eve of Independence Day.
Jantar Mantar: This unique architectural meander was built by the Rajput King of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh in 1724. It was believed to have stonework instruments used for observing the movements of the stars and planets.
After independence, Delhi has prospered as the capital of India largely due to rapid economic development and enhanced medical facilities.
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