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Tourist attractions in Delhi will leave you spellbound by its sheer architectural variety that date back to the Mughal period. The imprints of grandeur and aristocracy associated with New Delhi, a throwback to British ruled pre-independence era, are still fresh and actively used as the seat of power in the capital of India.
Take a good look around on your tour to Delhi and you can even look beyond the more famous tourist attractions and see Delhi as it would have stood centuries ago. Meanwhile don't miss out on the obvious excitement on your tour to Delhi under the Golden Triangle Tours offered by Adventure Tours of India.
Red Fort, popularly known as Lal Quila, is the largest fort built under the Mughal Empire. Built by Shah Jahan, from 1618 AD to 1647 AD, Red Fort is the venue of Independence Day celebrations on the 15th of August in modern India. River Yamuna used to flow through the Red Fort Canal to prevent invasions of the fort. It now runs dry as Yamuna flow 2 kms away from Red Fort. There are many places within the Red Fort that you ought to see including Dewan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Aam, Nawab Khana, Rang Mahal, Hammams (baths), Pearl Mosque, Chatta Chowk and Musamman Burj.
Qutub Minar is symbolic with the name Delhi. The building process began under Qutub-ud-Din Aibak's reign in 1199 AD and was completed under Iltutmish. The five-storey tall tapering tower is the tallest in India at 72.5 m of which the first three storeys are built from red sandstone and the upper two floors are made of marble and sandstone. Its 379 steps are now open to tourists to walk on to the top and get a panoramic view of Delhi city. There are other places around Qutub Minar that you can't miss including Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar and Alai Darwaza.
Humayun's Tomb is a Persian style mausoleum built from 1562 to 1572 AD under the patronage of Humayun's wife Haji Begum. It has the honor of being the first garden tomb of India with water channels and paths dividing the gardens into 36 equal parts.
Nawab Shauja-ud-Daula built Safdarjung's Tomb in memory of his father when the mighty Mughal Empire was gradually conceding its grip over its territory. On your visit to tourist attractions in Delhi, you can also visit the gardens and mosque at the Safdarjung's Tomb.
Jama Masjid, built in 1656, is the largest mosque in India. Though not open to non-Muslims, Jama Masjid should still be visited to marvel at the architectural genius of the worship place and feast on the spicy biryani that is sold in the markets surrounding Jama Masjid.
Old Fort can be visited on your tour of tourist attractions in Delhi. Set on a hill site believed to be the capital city of Pandavas - Indraprastha, you can visit the mosque and lake where boating is available.
A must visit in the ruined city of Tughlagabad is the Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq. Built in a pentagonal shape, the four walls of the tomb have intricately designed arched gateways in white marble.
Rashtrapati Bhawan, built on the Raisina Hills by Lutyens, was earlier the residence of Viceroy of India and now is the home of democratic India's President. Must see are the Mughal Gardens, ornamental fountains, waterfalls and intricate paintings.
India Gate is a war memorial to commemorate the sacrifice of Indian soldiers during WWI. Built in sandstone, the names of the soldiers were inscribed on the gate so that people would remember their sacrifice and recollect their tales of bravery. Post 1971 war with Pakistan, India Gate is lit through the days and nights by the eternal flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti. It is here that homage is paid to start the Republic Day celebrations.
Parliament House, again designed by Lutyens, is a circular structure close to the Rashtrapati Bhawan that you must visit to appreciate its architectural genius. You can also move to the Supreme Court Buildings, racecourse and crisp avenues to appreciate the open spaces as conceived by the English architect Edwin Lutyens. Food from the circuit houses comes cheap and delectable as well.
Connaught Place is the heart of Delhi. Whether its business, shopping or entertainment, Connaught Place has it all in one place. Named in honor of the Duke of Connaught, it has trendy shopping malls and street markets competing with each other and thriving none the less. You must also visit the Hanuman Mandir where monkeys and worshippers abound to make your wishes come true.
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