By Aparajita Shankar

Delhi, the heart of India is also known as mini India Rome of the East. This historical Indian city is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Delhi has been the capital of several empires in ancient India and has grown up to be a cosmopolitan city owing to the immigration of people from across the country.

The legendary city has a mini India feel to it. The culture of Delhi is liberal and tolerable and people from different parts of India [ Photograph by - Dennis G.Jarvis ] have come and made Delhi their home.

New Delhi is third largest city and capital of India and is a combination of the ancient and the modern Indian culture. The city is a major attraction and one of the most important tourist destinations in India. It is a magnificent place to explore and is the ideal holiday option for your tours to India.

The city comprises of two parts – the Old Delhi and the New Delhi and is the business, industrial and travel hub of Northern India. The city is full of historical monuments which tell the saga of a bygone era. Each of them has a history of its own, be it Qutub Minar, Old Fort, Red Fort or the India Gate. These icons are major attractions for the tourists coming for Delhi India travel from all over the world. The warm hospitality of the city will surely steal your heart and you never know when Delhi becomes the most favorite destination of yours in the world.

The bustling markets of Delhi need special mention that make the city a shopping paradise. From the traditional jewelry, handicrafts and garments to modern electronic goods, Delhi markets are the dream destination for the travelers who love shopping. Located at the heart of the city, Connaught Place is the shopper’s delight. Dilli Haat is famous for handicrafts and handloom items. In Delhi you can find virtually everything – from simplest Indian handicrafts to international designer labels.

The city boasts of some of its greatest hotels in the whole country that offer highest-quality services to its guests. Most of the excellent Delhi Hotels are ideally situated thereby making it convenient and comfortable for the tourists to visit the places of Delhi without any hassles. Ranging from the budget hotels to the luxury accommodations, you can find every option to stay in the city.

Most of affordable and budget Delhi hotels are located near the airport and the old Delhi areas. But, if you are looking for a plush and luxurious hotel, you can simply select a great five star, four stars or a three star hotel.

The most popular places to visit in New Delhi are India Gate, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Bahai Lotus Temple, Dilli Haat, Humayun’s Tomb, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, National Science Center, Nehru Planetarium, Parliament House, Old Fort, Qutab Minar, Rajghat, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Red Fort and Safdarjang’s Tomb. The list is endless and to get the real feel of Delhi and experience the warmth and hospitality of the city, take Delhi Flights and have an unforgettable holiday experience.

Visit the site to get more information on Delhi India travel and Delhi Hotels.

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by SANJOG KR

Incredible North India is a land of breath-taking attractions, some of which are world famous. North India Tours take you through a journey filled with beauty, excitement, adventure, pleasure and luxury. Whether you are planning a honeymoon trip or wish to spend some quality time with your family, North India is the best bet.

Steeped in rich cultural heritage

Fashioned in a heavenly style

Photograph by Dennis G.Jarvis

Deeply rooted in beliefs and traditions

Dotted with fascinating attractions

The crown of India

That’s North India

Ready to fire your imagination with its bewitching attractions, North India is a home to some of the finest tourist destinations in India. Whether you want to refresh yourself with scenic beauty or sit in the lap of luxury, experience the wilderness of wild creatures, explore amazing architectural marvels, get high on adventure or participate in colorful and unique celebrations, North India will please you to the core.

Jewels Of North India

Jammu and Kashmir

Internationally fames as the ‘paradise on earth’, Jammu and Kashmir is a destination with unparalleled beauty. Its romantic aura, captivating lakes, amazing shrines, beautiful gardens and interesting houseboats beckon you to have a paradisaical experience.

Himachal Pradesh

Popular with honeymooners, Himachal Pradesh has spellbinding hill stations boasting of snow-capped mountains, lakes, valleys, waterfalls and wildlife.

Delhi

It is the place with amazing attractions like historical monuments, gardens, malls, amusement parks, a variety of cuisine, numerous bazaars and a mixed culture.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the land of raja-maharajas offers attractions like palaces, forts, havelis, monuments, gardens, luxury train, wildlife, adventure sports, delicious culinary delights, mind-blowing handicrafts and unique fairs and festivals.

Uttaranchal

Famous for adventure, pilgrimage sites and scenic beauty, Uttaranchal is aptly known as the ‘Land of Gods’.

Uttar Pradesh

It is the land of fascinating monuments like Taj Mahal, which is one of the seven wonders of the world. Adventure sports and wildlife also attracts many a tourist here. There are several religious sites in this region.

Travel North India and you are bound to get bowled over by its incredible beauty. Apart from offering a variety of tours, North India offers India Golden Triangle Tour, which covers destinations that are a big hit with tourists. The several states of North India have a diverse array of attractions to offer.

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by Deepali Sharma

The boisterous and strong Bhagirathi river gushes down from the one side and the calm and quiet Alaknanda flows in from the other, merging to form what we know as the as holy Ganges river. This is one of the five sacred confluences in the hills of Uttarankhand and the place is Devprayag, a small town in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand.

Photograph by – Deepali Sharma Sanwal

As I travel along the Ganges from Rishikesh to Devprayag, my paternal village, I am overwhelmed with a feeling of belonging and nostalgia of my childhood days, spent running around in the mango orchards and trekking to nearby hills. As a child, I had done this journey every summer with my parents to visit my grandparents. Years later, I wanted to relive the experience and decided to do away with my car and jumped into a local bus. As our bus by passed the Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh and moved up the meandering roads, the driver put on pahari music which seemed to resonate in the valleys all around. I could hear myself humming to the tunes I had grown up listening to.

The journey from Rishikesh to Devprayag is an adventurous one as one drives up the mountains and can see the Ganges flowing, looking peaceful and placid. To some, it is also scary as one can really feel scaling the heights as the distance between the road and the river increases. Depending on the time of the year, one can see colorful rafts in the water. This area has now become a popular destination for the fun and adventure lovers who love the kicks out of rafting, rappelling or simply playing with the currents of Ganga. Though the volume of water in the river has gone down considerably after the Tehri Dam became operational, it is enough for water sports. The place looks much more tourist friendly and commercially inclined now than it did few years back. However, a tea-break at Biyasi got back memories and somehow this age-old interval point seems to have been untouched by the activities in the near-by Kaudiyala and the high volume of tourists that now flock to this place. After crossing Saknidhaar, the highest point on this journey, the decent starts till one reaches the bus stand at Devprayag. A small trek up the hill took me to the comfort of my home.

Located at a height of 2265 feet, Devprayag is a small town of religious importance to the pilgrims of Char Dham darshan. In old days, when the pilgrimage was done on foot, people used stop here for a dip in the holy waters of Ganga, a tradition that is still considered as scared. One can find the local people taking the holy dip on various important days of the Hindu calendar. I had heard from my grandfather that a man called Anant Bhatt had come here from South India with Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and believed to have settled here. We are all his descendants. I often look into the mirror to see if my features look more south Indian than north Indian! The main ancestral occupation was teerth-purohit in the holy shrine of Badrinath. These purohits spend half a year in Badrinath and rest of their time in meeting their jajmaans( or clients in today’s business parlance). This has however changed and the people have ventured into other tourist related business and most have opened resorts or dharamshalas in Badrinath.

Once a small sleepy town, mainly of religious importance, Devprayag today has much more to offer. For those who are looking for adventure, spiritualism or just a relaxed time away from the hustle bustle of city life, it is a perfect place, largely unexplored so far.

For those interested in catching a glimpse of the folk and culture of the place, ask the hotel manager to arrange for a local dance. Manyaan, as it is known is a dance form where people dance in circles on beats of dhol. Though much has changed, certain beliefs still linger on all along ages. It is said that some people get possessed by Gods and Goddess when they hear the drums and then they foretell future. This is something I have seen since my childhood days, but my logical mind does not let me believe it, though I could reason out scientifically that there could be vibrations in the body that the power of music generates. But whether you wish to believe it or not, one thing is for sure, that at times the sight can be just too scary. But this is a rare thing and it is best to just join the dancing group and groove to the pahari moves.

Devprayag is a place where one can go for a weekend or spend a day or two while enroute to higher reaches of the Himalayas. People halt here on way to pilgrimage to the char-dham or if they are proceeding for trekking.

Since the place is relatively small, it does not have big shops like other hill stations. But one can enjoy local delicacies and sweets like bal mithai, jalebi and singuri in the eateries near the bus stand. A walk through the narrow by-lanes of the town and one can get a glimpse of the lives of the simple hilly people. Though the food is generally simple, it is very tasty with minimal of spices and yet mouth watering. Do not expect exotic dishes but simple food with great taste and served with a smile. One thing that cannot be missed out is the hospitality of the locals. The simplicity of the pahari people, their dressing, their food and lifestyle is well reflected in this no-frills place.

As I laid for rest in the courtyard of my paternal house, the stillness of the night descended upon me. As the night falls, thousands of stars are visible in the clear sky and feel so near that one can almost extend an arm to catch hold of them. One can see satellites and falling stars with naked eyes, especially on a new moon night. I had just forgotten what the sky looked like in the city. I could hear myself singing the nursery rhyme.. Twinkle-twinkle little star… and realized that one does neither need to wonder about the star nor it seems so high above the sky….and in no time I was fast asleep.

Next morning when I got into the bus to return to Delhi, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed. The two day visit had infused a new sense of life in me so that I could carry on with the hectic and frenzied ways of city life till my next visit to my roots. As the engine started grunting, a sense of pride filled me up. I was so thankful to Anant Bhatt (if that was his name) that he decided to settle down in this beautiful small town, right in the lap of the mighty Himalayas and the mother river Ganges.

FACT FILE

Where to stay

The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam rest house, located about a km ahead of the main market is a peaceful stay option. There are other newly opened private resorts with most modern amenities. These also organize trips and excursions on request. Though, the traffic is relatively low during off peak season, it is still a better idea to make an advance booking.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the place depends up on the kind of tourist one is. For the pilgrims, generally the peak season is in summers. However, due to its low altitude, it gets warm during the day time, though nights get pleasant. For the sporty and adventurous, end January to April is a good time for rafting. And if you want to enjoy the nature and have a relaxed time, winters are the best to just bask in the bright sun, sipping tea and reading a novel. The water of the Ganges is blue and crystal clear in winters. The place is good for any time of the year except peak monsoon. There could be land slides along the way leading to traffic blockages.

Getting there

A ten hour road journey from Delhi. The nearest rail head in Rishikesh or Dehradun. The nearest airport is at Dehradun. Air Deccan flies twice daily from Delhi.

What to do
Rafting, trekking, nature trails, meditation and relaxation.

About the author:
Deepali Sharma is an economist by profession and is a professor at an indian university. An avid travller, she loves to travel whenever she gets to. She dabbles in travel writing and photography as hobbies.

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Jane S

One of the biggest metropolis in India, Delhi is home to whopping population of millions of people. The historical, cultural and the political center of the country, Delhi has gradually emerged as the industrial hub of the Northern India. A heady mix of the old and new, Delhi retains the old heritage and glory and is one of the most modern cities in India with skyscrapers and neon lit malls. A city with its antiquity dating back to more than 2,000 years, Delhi is the one of the oldest places in the world. From street bazaars to plush shopping malls and from historic monuments to contemporary buildings, Delhi is full of surprises!

Photograph by Raghuram Ashok

Delhi has witnessed the ascent and descent of several mighty empires, this is why you will find a number of historical monuments in the city, each one representing a different era. Many of the interesting sites found in and around the city are the ruins of the buildings and areas that played a crucial role in the history of India. This is merely a reason why thousands of visitors take flights to delhi. Some of the most popular venues in Delhi include; the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the quaint streets of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, and Lotus temple, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and the newly constructed Akshardham temple in New Delhi.

The center for tourists hordes coming to Delhi is Cannaught Place. Here you will find plenty of shops, top class restaurant, and pubs too. Walking through the lanes of Cannaught Place, you will come across the largest collection of art and trade stores, where you can haggle for native crafts. If you have flexible travel plans then do spend some time visiting this place. You will surely have a good time over here. Another such place offering traditional Indian crafts is ‘Dilli Haat’, a modern craft bazaar resembling the original village market. While you are here, don’t forget to enjoy the assortment of culinary delights available at the ‘Food Brasserie’.

Whether its shopping or eating out, Delhi offers a plenty of options to its visitors. Wear your shoes, put some cash in your wallet and get ready to shop and haggle as much as you can in Delhi’s markets. From the visitors first preference, the street market at Janpath road to the fashionable market at South Extension and from the export market at Sarojini Nagar to expensive boutiques in shopping malls, there is so much for you!

The ideal time to explore Delhi is from October to November and from February to March, when the temperatures are mild. There are numerous tour operators that provide half and full day guided tours for attractions in and around Delhi. Being the National capital, Delhi is conveniently connected to all the major cities of the world, with almost all the major airlines operating out of here. If you are planning a trip to Delhi, then check out the discount delhi india airfare at Onetravelindia.com!

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By vini

The lively capital of India, the glorious pink city and alluring state of Taj Mahal, what stands common in this trio is the famous Golden Triangle, which brings them together. Welcome to Golden Triangle Tours and travel to live the saga of India with us.

Photograph by F. Mottironi

If you are planning to enjoy the royal glory and beauty of India, then plan your leisure trip with us and get soaked with the comfort that we serve. The tour package of Golden Triangle India is a fine concoction of enjoyment with relaxation. As we believe in serving leisure with comfort to all kinds of tourists, we offer range of tour packages to the destinations of golden triangle of Northern India.

Your trip with Golden Triangle Tour to the incandescent reflections of India starts from the capital of the country- Delhi, where you will be exposed to the glorious monuments along with east meeting west face of the place. Your next halt with us will be the city of valor and royal heritage -Jaipur. Here you will be taken for the excursion and sight seeing of the city, which includes, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort Palace, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and gem factory where you can witness the art of gem cutting. The next morning you will be driven to Agra, the home of splendid beauty- Taj Mahal.

The crowning beauty and beloved jewel of India, Taj Mahal surely justifies by its magnificence as one of the seventh wonder of world. The beautifully carved white marble is an epitome of love and art. A mausoleum of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal has been a marvel for the travelers from every continent. It took 20,000 workers and 17 years of labor to create it as a song of perfect creations in the world. A garden by the River Yamuna, was selected as a perfect site for the tomb. The Taj emits a balanced image, in the shimmering ornamental water channel, which divides the Mughal Garden. The two structures, a mosque and a guesthouse, built in the red stone, stand as the protectors to the mausoleum. The flower motifs of the Taj are so superfine that its been said,

They set stone flowers in the marble
That by their color, if not their perfume, surpass real flowers.

You will explore the harmonious picture of creativity and beauty in the chaste ornamentation of the Taj Mahal. For ages this monument has inspired musicians, painters and poets to reflect its charm in their composition. As a tourist it will surely inspire you to come and admire its beauty again and again.

About the Author
vineet is the author GoldenTriangle

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By: John Binder

New Delhi, part of what is commonly referred to as just Delhi (yes, there is an Old Delhi), is the most ideal base from which to discover the marvels and wonders of India’s ancient subcontinent. Travel to New Delhi to discover India’s capital city, one of the oldest existing cities in the world, then journey to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and heighten your senses in the Himalayas on your way back. Find airfare to New Delhi in minutes with cFares and experience the colorful mosaic of east and west cultures in the heart of a Delhi marketplace before you know it

Not So New Delhi

It is believed that Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt nearly a dozen times since its original establishment sometime close to 5000 years ago; surprisingly, this fact only adds to the incredible historical appeal of the clustered districts, royal edifices and spiritual sanctuaries. The generational layers of history and architecture are apparent in monuments, public art displays, and ancient gardens as New Delhi expanded to the south of the old city, incorporating preexisting communities and infrastructure.

Today, New Delhi is considered the center of the city and also the seat of government. The colossal Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) is a magnificent structure originally titled the Viceroy’s House under British rule. The 350 room palace displays a well studied blend of classical Greek and Indian architecture. If you are lucky enough to travel to New Delhi in February you will find the blooming red rose gardens open to the public. Make your way to the east side of New Delhi and back into time at the Red Fort, one of the most glorious royal compounds still standing today. Notable buildings include the Jewel Palace, Mumtaz Mahal, which once housed the Sultan’s harem and the Diwan-i-Khas, Hall of Private Audience, which was constructed entirely of marble.

Navigating New Delhi

New Delhi is centered about to major circles: Connaught Place and India Gate. Connaught Place is an excellent place to begin your walking and get acquainted with the pace and lifestyle of India’s bustling commercial zones. You will find the largest collection of crafts and trade stores in the comfort of indoor air conditioning as well as excellent bargaining opportunities. To the south, India Gate stands as a monument to Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Nearby you will find the National Museum, a must see for comprehensive Indian culture and heritage, and the Tibet House, founded by the Dalai Lama to promote the preservation and perseverance of Tibetan culture. The long wide avenue from India Gate to the President’s Palace, Rajpath, provides a wonderful escape for a quieter walk and expanses of grass ideal for a midday picnic.

Remember to take the extremes of weather into account when booking your airfare to New Delhi on cFares. The summer months exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis while late spring offers the rainy season and the winter months drop all the way down to zero. The ideal time to explore the vast and monumental sights of New Delhi is during October-November and February-March when temperatures are more mild on average.

About the Author
For more information about New Delhi, discount airfare to New Delhi, and other deals on cheap airfare & wholesale flight tickets, check out www.cfares.com.

More about Delhi:
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New Delhi
, part of what is commonly referred to as just Delhi (yes, there is an Old Delhi), is the most ideal base from which to discover the marvels and wonders of India’s ancient subcontinent. Travel to New Delhi to discover India’s capital city, one of the oldest existing cities in the world, then journey to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and heighten your senses in the Himalayas on your way back. Find airfare to New Delhi in minutes with cFares and experience the colorful mosaic of east and west cultures in the heart of a Delhi marketplace before you know it!

Not So New Delhi

Photograph by Raghuram Ashok

It is believed that Delhi has been destroyed and rebuilt nearly a dozen times since its original establishment sometime close to 5000 years ago; surprisingly, this fact only adds to the incredible historical appeal of the clustered districts, royal edifices and spiritual sanctuaries. The generational layers of history and architecture are apparent in monuments, public art displays, and ancient gardens as New Delhi expanded to the south of the old city, incorporating preexisting communities and infrastructure.

Today, New Delhi is considered the center of the city and also the seat of government. The colossal Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) is a magnificent structure originally titled the Viceroy’s House under British rule. The 350 room palace displays a well studied blend of classical Greek and Indian architecture. If you are lucky enough to travel to New Delhi in February you will find the blooming red rose gardens open to the public. Make your way to the east side of New Delhi and back into time at the Red Fort, one of the most glorious royal compounds still standing today. Notable buildings include the Jewel Palace, Mumtaz Mahal, which once housed the Sultan’s harem and the Diwan-i-Khas, Hall of Private Audience, which was constructed entirely of marble.

Navigating New Delhi

New Delhi is centered about to major circles: Connaught Place and India Gate. Connaught Place is an excellent place to begin your walking and get acquainted with the pace and lifestyle of India’s bustling commercial zones. You will find the largest collection of crafts and trade stores in the comfort of indoor air conditioning as well as excellent bargaining opportunities. To the south, India Gate stands as a monument to Indian soldiers who died in World War I. Nearby you will find the National Museum, a must see for comprehensive Indian culture and heritage, and the Tibet House, founded by the Dalai Lama to promote the preservation and perseverance of Tibetan culture. The long wide avenue from India Gate to the President’s Palace, Rajpath, provides a wonderful escape for a quieter walk and expanses of grass ideal for a midday picnic.

Remember to take the extremes of weather into account when booking your airfare to New Delhi on cFares. The summer months exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis while late spring offers the rainy season and the winter months drop all the way down to zero. The ideal time to explore the vast and monumental sights of New Delhi is during October-November and February-March when temperatures are more mild on average.

More about Delhi:
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The National Capital of culturally rich country India, the city of Delhi is among the best known cities of the world. This internationally acclaimed city offers myriads of attractions and surprises to make your trip awesome. Hotels in New Delhi can be found throughout the city. Ranging from luxurious hotels to economical hotels you would realize that variety is galore here.

You are spoilt for choices when it comes to deciding upon a hotel in New Delhi. Well equipped with world class facilities and services, New Delhi hotels fall in all price brackets. In the region of south Delhi you would find hotels like Hyatt Regency Hotel, Qutab Hotel, Grand Hotel, and Tivoli Garden Resort among others that offer excellent features to make your holiday a pleasant one. Hotels in south Delhi are very much desirable because many tourist attractions are located in the surrounding areas of these hotels. Hotels located in central Delhi are equally sought- after. Central Delhi hotels like
Taj Palace Hotel, Mohan International Hotel, Maurya Sheraton Hotel and Intercontinental Grand Hotel also offer the best of packages for your comfortable stay in the beautiful city. Metro stations and railway stations are located only a spitting distance from these hotels. The locality of central Delhi is so well connected with the metro lines and bus stands that accessing any place in Delhi is a matter of short time.

With numerous places to visit and things to do, that no matter how many time you make a trip around the city, there would always be something new to experience.

Places of Interest
St. James Church
It was James Skinner who worked up St. James Church. Sited in the vicinity of Kashmiri Gate this church is the most erstwhile in Delhi. The dome of the church resembles the one in Florence Cathedral of Italy. An interesting edifice, St. James Church is a lovely place of interest.

Qutub Minar
Being the pride of Delhi, Qutub Minar is an architectural wonder. The description of this mammoth structure is absolutely beyond words. Built under the command of Qutab ud din Aibak its erection started off in 1200 A.D. but was completed by Iltutmush in 1368 after years of being neglected.

Jama Masjid
The mosque of Jama Masjid is the most known and largest mosque in India. Constructed on the command of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it took six long years to erect this massive structure. One of the Mughal architecture masterpieces the Jama Masjid is sited in the bustling bazaar of Chandni Chowk.

Rashtrapati Bhavan & Mughal Gardens
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residential of the President of India. Completed at the cost of £12,53,000 in the year 1929 and spread over 130 hectare of land, the Building boasts of housing 340 spacious rooms and can easily accommodate 2,000 people at a time. One of the best highlights of the Rashtrapati Bhavan is its beautiful lawns called Mughal Gardens that opens its gates twice a year for public viewing.

A trip to India is incomplete without a visit this vibrant city of New Delhi.

Author is an associate editor of http://www.a1indiahotels.com. The website offers exclusive information of india and hotels in mumbai. We also provide online hotel reservation of hotels in New Delhi.

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James Hope

Delhi is the city which lived through wars and resurrection, repeatedly rising from the ashes. Every crumbling wall has a story to tell. Every yesterday is replete with history. You will experience a transition through time as you walk along the narrow bylanes of this city of dreams, tread softly.

Cradling civilizations since times immemorial Delhi goes back hundreds of thousands of years back into time.

Stone tools belonging to early Stone Age were discovered from the Aravalli tracts in and around Anangpur, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus, the northern ridge and elsewhere – evidence that the Early Man lived here.

Dating back to 2nd millennium BC, Excavations at Mandoli and Bhorgarh in east and north-west Delhi respectively have thrown up remains of chalcolithic period. 1st millennium BC as well remains of 4th-5th century AD has been traced here.

The excavations of the ancient mound of Indraprastha, capital of the Pandavas, located within the fold of the sixteenth century Purana Qila revealed evidence of continuous habitation of the site for almost 2500 years.

The capital Indraprastha in the region known as Khandava-prastha also witness to the glories of the Maurya Empire during 3rd century BC. This is the fact according to Mahabharata. The Ashokan edict engraved on a rock in East of Kailash as well as remains found in Purana Quila excavations belonging to the Mauryan period pointing to Delhi’s importance during this era.

Founded by the Tomar ruler Anangpal, the city was first known as Lal Kot discovered in the 11th century. It was extended to Qila Rai Pithora by King Vigraharaja IV (Circa 1153-64). Qutbuddin Aibak became Delhi’s first Sultan in 1206 and laid the foundations of the Qutb Minar, India’s tallest stone tower at the site of the first city of Delhi subsequently the kings of the Sultanate dynasties, Khaljis, Tughluqs Sayyids and Lodis continued to build. New cities as Delhi grew.

The second city around Siri by Alaud-Din Khalji (1296-1316); Tughlaqabad, the third city built by Ghiysud-Din Tughlug (1321-51); Firuzabad, the fifth city of Delhi, is now represented by Kotla Firuz Shah, founded by Firuz Shah Tughluq (1351-88).

The sixth city Dinpanah has its foundation laid by Humayun. This was destroyed and reconstructed as the Purana Qila by Sher Shah Suri however; it was the Mughals who took Delhi to the zenith of architectural glory.

During the reign of Akbar (1556-1605) and Jehangir (1605-27), there are some construction activities. It was Shah Jehan (1628-58) who built the seventh city, Shahjahanabad which remained the Mughal capital until 1857.

The British in 1911 shifted the capital of India to Delhi. The eighth city of New Delhi took shape in the imperial style of architecture. From then to now Delhi continues to throb with vitality and hope.

Standing tall in dignity are the ruins and ramparts. Modern buildings and giant skyscrapers are also present here. It’s a breathtaking synthesis of yesterday and tomorrow, the holding on to the past and surging ahead to the future. It’s your own choice; give whatever name you always wanted to give it. It’s Delhi, your own Delhi.
Delhi is the city which lived through wars and resurrection, repeatedly rising from the ashes. Every crumbling wall has a story to tell. Every yesterday is replete with history. You will experience a transition through time as you walk along the narrow bylanes of this city of dreams, tread softly.

Cradling civilizations since times immemorial Delhi goes back hundreds of thousands of years back into time.

Stone tools belonging to early Stone Age were discovered from the Aravalli tracts in and around Anangpur, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus, the northern ridge and elsewhere – evidence that the Early Man lived here.

Dating back to 2nd millennium BC, Excavations at Mandoli and Bhorgarh in east and north-west Delhi respectively have thrown up remains of chalcolithic period. 1st millennium BC as well remains of 4th-5th century AD has been traced here.

The excavations of the ancient mound of Indraprastha, capital of the Pandavas, located within the fold of the sixteenth century Purana Qila revealed evidence of continuous habitation of the site for almost 2500 years.

The capital Indraprastha in the region known as Khandava-prastha also witness to the glories of the Maurya Empire during 3rd century BC. This is the fact according to Mahabharata. The Ashokan edict engraved on a rock in East of Kailash as well as remains found in Purana Quila excavations belonging to the Mauryan period pointing to Delhi’s importance during this era.

Founded by the Tomar ruler Anangpal, the city was first known as Lal Kot discovered in the 11th century. It was extended to Qila Rai Pithora by King Vigraharaja IV (Circa 1153-64). Qutbuddin Aibak became Delhi’s first Sultan in 1206 and laid the foundations of the Qutb Minar, India’s tallest stone tower at the site of the first city of Delhi subsequently the kings of the Sultanate dynasties, Khaljis, Tughluqs Sayyids and Lodis continued to build. New cities as Delhi grew.

The second city around Siri by Alaud-Din Khalji (1296-1316); Tughlaqabad, the third city built by Ghiysud-Din Tughlug (1321-51); Firuzabad, the fifth city of Delhi, is now represented by Kotla Firuz Shah, founded by Firuz Shah Tughluq (1351-88).

The sixth city Dinpanah has its foundation laid by Humayun. This was destroyed and reconstructed as the Purana Qila by Sher Shah Suri however; it was the Mughals who took Delhi to the zenith of architectural glory.

During the reign of Akbar (1556-1605) and Jehangir (1605-27), there are some construction activities. It was Shah Jehan (1628-58) who built the seventh city, Shahjahanabad which remained the Mughal capital until 1857.

The British in 1911 shifted the capital of India to Delhi. The eighth city of New Delhi took shape in the imperial style of architecture. From then to now Delhi continues to throb with vitality and hope.

Standing tall in dignity are the ruins and ramparts. Modern buildings and giant skyscrapers are also present here. It’s a breathtaking synthesis of yesterday and tomorrow, the holding on to the past and surging ahead to the future. It’s your own choice; give whatever name you always wanted to give it. It’s Delhi, your own Delhi.

James Hope is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics.For more information on India travel agency, India travel agents and India tourism to visit http://www.airawat.com

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By: Mandy Chagger

Finding airfares to Delhi might not always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. Delhi is an area that one should visit at least once in a lifetime, because of the amazing things to see and do. If you can find airfares to Delhi, no matter what you might pay for it, it will be well worth the price.

Delhi is the second largest metropolis in all of India, and second only to Mumbai, or Bombay. The city has a population of 13 million people, and there are almost 22 million that live in the entire area. Delhi is one of the most popular destinations in the country because of its location in Northern India. It is also a popular destination because it is literally one of the oldest places in the world. It is a city that has been continuously inhabited since early civilizations. This makes taking a flight to Delhi on a vacation will provide you with the opportunity to see many historical sites, and to be a part of current, living history.

In the past, Delhi was a major trade route city from Northwest India. This means that even today the interesting ambiance of the old markets mingles with the more upscale markets of today. The historical aspects of these trading markets, roadways, and other areas are second to none. A flight to Delhi should include a trip to some of these market areas.

Delhi is a popular tourist and backpacker destination because of the ancient monuments that can still be seen today, as well as the archaeological sites. Several of these sites are the ruins of buildings and areas that played a significant part in the history of India. Several thousand tourists each year make it their goal to take a flights to Delhi to visit some of these sites.

One of the most popular tourist destinations within Delhi is the Old City, which was built by the Mughals. It served for a very long period, in fact, as the capital of the Mughal Empire. New Delhi, which was built during the British Raj, is also an important tourist destination because it is the seat of government in India. From 1974 to the present, government operations have been conducted in New Delhi, and many tourists plan a flight to Delhi in order to visit some of the government buildings and locations.

Another reason that one might want to take a flight to Delhi is to experience the cultural influences of many people. Because of the massive immigrations that have occurred to Delhi through the years, there are people from all over India, as well as other countries, who have settled here. Just about anyone who has ties to India will be able to trace some of their own cultural roots to Delhi in some way.

Yet, at the same time, a flight to Delhi has many of the main aspects of a flight to just about any other city in the world. Often, travelers take a flight to Delhi in order to get a taste of the Indian city life. The fact that Delhi and New Delhi, in particular, sprang up quickly means that the city culture in New Delhi is something that each traveler should experience in their own way. The city culture is part of what leads backpackers to take a flight to Delhi. With the nightclubs, bars, and other nightlife, one can have a vacation that is full of culture and history, while at the same time full of the excitement of a big city.

The ancient history of this remarkable city is evident along every street and in every area. The interesting variety of culture blends in a city that is, on the one hand modern and up to date, and on the other a reminder of the past. In fact, there are 175 monuments that you can visit which are recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India. A visit to these sites can make your entire trip to Delhi a rewarding learning experience.

Another important aspect of your flight to Delhi should be an awareness of the Indian and British mix of cultures. With old Delhi being one of the most ancient sites in all of India, and New Delhi being mostly constructed and influenced by British rule, you will see how these two cultures have managed to come together to form an entirely new culture of their own.

A flight to Delhi isn’t too difficult to find, and you should be able to get there from most of the major airports in the world. You will find that your travels in Delhi are well worth taking the time and money it takes to get there. It will be the experience of a lifetime for you and for whomever else you choose to take along.

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