In India's national capital for a holiday? You couldn't have a chosen a better holiday destination in India. You can stay in one of the heritage hotels in Delhi and explore the city at your own pace.
Delhi has seen a long line of Mughal rulers and later the British Raj, thus giving the city its unique flavour. It became the capital of Independent India, and is hence the seat of power.
Here are some great monuments and landmarks in Delhi you should not miss out on:
- Red Fort: Once the symbol of Mughal power, the fort houses wonderful halls for public and pri-vate audiences, a separate palace for the royal women, other apartments for royalty and even a mosque within its complex. Not to be missed when you are in Delhi is the special sound-and-light show held in the evenings. If you stay in one of the heritage hotels in Delhi, specifically near Civil Lines in North Delhi, the Red Fort is a mere three km away.
- India Gate: This huge arch is a war memorial that was built to commemorate Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during WWI.
- Humayun Tomb: The tomb of Humayun, the second in line in the Mughal dynasty, it is a heritage structure that symbolises the architecture of the Mughal era.
- Jama Masjid: A mere three km away from one of the famous heritage hotels in Delhi in the Civil Lines area is the Jama Masjid. The mosque, commissioned by Shah Jahan, is the largest mosque in India.
- Rashtrapati Bhavan: The official residence of the President of India, the Rashtrapati Bhavan atop the Raisina Hill was once the Viceroy's residence during the British Raj.
- Qutb Minar: A minaret built by Qutb-ud-din-Aibak, it is symbolic of the tenets of Islam, and is one of the most visited monuments in Delhi.
Want to explore more of Delhi's rich culture and heritage? You should seek out one of the heritage walks conducted by a well known heritage hotel in Delhi. These walks are conducted by experts who know the tiniest lanes and corners of the city, and can show you a side of Delhi that the travel guides won't tell you about.
More to seek and find
Delhi is not just about monuments. If you are a foodie, you are in the right city. One of North Del-hi's famed heritage hotels has a couple of restaurants that serve some of the best cuisines of the British Raj. No trip to Delhi is complete without visiting Purani Dilli or Old Delhi and exploring places like 'Paranthe wali Gali' where you get myriad varieties of paranthas!
Delhi is also about shopping, so don't miss out the shopping places such as Dilli Haat, the many shops in Khan Market, Lajpat Nagar Market, Hauz Khas, Chandni Chowk, Janpath and Tibetan Markets, among others.
Delhi has something in it for everyone, so, whether you are a foodie or a heritage lover, a luxury vacationer or a backpacker, Delhi is the place to visit when you are in India!
Martin Wynn
