India’s capital city, Delhi is the second most widely used entry point into the country, being on the route of most major airlines. It is well linked by rail, air and road to all parts of the country. The remains of seven distinctive capital cities – among them Shahjahanabad and Qutab Minar – can be seen. Here, museums, art galleries and cultural centers attract the finest exhibitions and performances from India and abroad. Shopping encompasses virtually everything that can be bought in the country; hotels range from the deluxe to the more modest. Most fascinating of all is the character of Delhi which varies from the 13th century mausoleum of the Lodi kings set in a sprawling park to ultra modern chrome and glass skyscrapers; and from imperial India’s Parliament House and the President’s Palace to the never ending bustle of the walled city surrounding Jama Masjid. Delhi also makes the ideal base for a series of short excursions to neighbouring places, all connected by road.

The capital of India, Delhi blends an historic past and a vibrant present. The Imperial city planned for the British by Lutyens is set in parks and shaded avenues. Legend has it that Delhi, then called Indraprastha, was originally founded around 1200 B.C. by the Pandavas, the august heroesof the epic Mahabharata. Present day Delhi is built around the ruins of seven ancient cities.

Popular Hindu mythology claims that Delhi was the site of the fabled 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. Since the 12th century, Delhi has seen the rise and fall of seven major powers. The Chauhans took control in the 12th century and made Delhi the most important Hindu centre in northern India. When Qutab-ud-din Aibak occupied the city in 1193, he ushered in six and a half centuries of Muslim rule. The Delhi Sultanate lasted from 1206 to 1526, despite its inconsistent rule, and was followed by the mighty Moghuls from 1526 to 1857. The basis of what is today Old Delhi, including the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, was built during the reign of the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan (1628-58).

In 1803, the British captured Delhi and installed a British administrator. Delhi was not the capital of India at the time, but it was an important commercial centre and had a population of 150,000 by the start of the 20th century.

When the British decided to make Delhi the capital in 1911, they built New Delhi in a grandiose imperial style, as if the sun would never set on the British Raj. Only 16 years after the city was inaugurated as the nation's capital, Delhi was torched during the trauma of Partition. In a matter of weeks it was transformed from a Muslim-dominated city of less than a million inhabitants to a largely Hindu city of almost two million.

Today, very few city residents can lay claim to being 'real' Delhi-wallahs, and most of the population of New Delhi comprises Hindu-Punjabi families originally from Lahore. Since Independence, Delhi has prospered as the capital of India. In the past decade its population has increased by 50%, largely due to rapid economic expansion and increased job opportunities.

With the introduction of Metro Rail and numerous flyovers – Delhi is rushing towards becoming the most high tech city in the Country.

Air : Delhi is well connected with major cities in India by Indian Airlines. Other private Airlines like Damania Airlines, East West Airlines, City Link Airlines also connect Delhi with Calcutta, Bombay etc.

Rail: Delhi is the headquarters of the Northern Railway and is the most well connected railhead both on broad guage (New Delhi) and meter guage (Delhi Main) railway line with all of the major places in India.

Road: Delhi is at the intersection of several national highways and is well connected by regular bus services from Inter State bus terminal (ISBT), Kashmiri Gate to:

Delhi's festival calendar begins with the Republic Day parade on 26th January. It is the most colorful of the city's festivals events and also the biggest crowd-puller. Hundreds of thousands people line the route from Rajpath to the Red Fort to watch the pageant of solders, camel crops, armored regiments, brass bands, folk dancers, school children, war veterans and elaborate floats representing the cultural diversity of India. The two hour long parade is usually rounded off with a much-awaited spectacular fly - passed presented by Air Force squadrons. A special display of folk dances also takes place at the Talkatora Stadium. Three days later the Beating of the Retreat takes place at Vijay Chowk. Various bands of the armed forces set the pace for marching troops against the grand backdrop of Rashtrapati Bhawan.

In a much lighter vein, winter also witnesses the Vintage Car Rally when the 'grand old ladies', sprucedup for the occasion, make the long haul from Delhi to Sohna. Winter is also the time for the popular Balloon Mela, the Surajkund Crafts Mela on the outskirts of Delhi, and Delhi Tourism's Gardens Festivals. The latter is a visual feast, for Delhi a blaze with flowers in the month of February Delhi Tourism also organizes cultural performances during the Garden Festivals.

Holi, the festivals of colors, marks the onset of spring. In August, the festival Janamashtami, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Ballets in the Kathak dance style depict the life of Lord Krishna.

Dussehra, commemorating the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king, Ravana. A month - long Ram Lila dance festival is organized by the Bhartiya Kala Kendra, depicting seens from the epic Ramayana, while on Dussehara evening itself, gigantic effigies of Ravana are set a fire. The biggest venue for this event is the Ram Lila ground, of Asaf Ali Road. Delhi Tourism organizes the popular Qutab Festival in October. Musicians and dancers performs at night by the city's 12th -century land mark, the Qutab Minar.

Diwali, the festivals of lights is preceded by several Diwali Melas, where food, handicrafts and a variety of earthern lamps and candles are sold. Large communities of Indians from different states reside in Delhi. As a result, regional festivals are also celebrated in the capital.

As the seat of empires for centuries, and with royalty as patrons, Delhi has long been a cultural center, attracting the best of painters, musicians and dancers. Though today's patrons have changed, Delhi is more than ever the cultural capital of the country, and is also visited by foreign dancers, musicians and theatre groups en route to the Far East.

Theatre in Delhi receives a constant impetus from the presence of the National School Of Drama. The variety offered ranges from Hindi translations of European plays, to regional theatre, as well as folk forms. Delhi's numerous art galleries reflect the country's burgeoning art scene. Well-known and new artists from all over the country display their works in these galleries. Notices of exhibitions are given in daily newspapers and specific city magazines.

Among the active galleries are Art Heritage, Triveni Art Gallery, Sridharani Gallery, Art Today, Vadehra Art Gallery, Eicher Gallery, Gallery 42, Dhoomi Mal Art Centre, Gallery Escape, Lalit Kala Akademi, LGT Gallery, Gallery Ganesha, Gallery steps, AIFACS, Max Mueller Photo Gallery, British Council Divisio Gallery, Gallery Romain Rolland, Khirkee Gallery, the Village Gallery and at times the American Centre.

Traditional crafts, too have long been practiced in Delhi. The city was particularly well known for its silver and gold enameling, and zari or embroidery in gold thread. Master-craftersmen in both crafts still live in the Walled City where there are also miniature painters.

Delhi also has fine potters, wooden toy makes, kite makers and lacquer craftsmen. In Old Delhi it is not unusual to come upon a traditional workshop. The wealth of Indian handicrafts can be enjoyed at the Crafts Museum at Pragati Maidan, at the State Emporia on Baba Kharak singh Marg, and at Dilli Haat, which is Delhi Tourism's popular venue for crafts bazaars throughout the year.

For gourmets, Delhi is synonymous with Mughlai and Frontier cuisines. The best of Mughlai cuisine can be enjoyed at Karim, (both in Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin) where recipes, dating from the times of the Mughals have been the closely - guarded secret of generation of chefs.

Delhi Ka Aangan (Hyatt Regency), Darbar (Ashoka Hotel) and Corbetts (Claridges) are among the many options available in the expensive range, while Gulati Restaurant (Pandara Market), Angeethi (Asiad Village) and Degchi (Regal Building) are among those catering to more modest budgets. The finest Frontier cuisine is available at the Bukhara (Maurya Sheraton), Frontier (Ashoka Hotel) and Baluchi (The Hilton).

At the other end of the scale are many popular road side eateries around Jama Masjid and Nzamuddin where kababs, rotis and biryani are order of the day. Every five - star hotel in the city has a Chinese restaurant, while most markets in South Delhi have a medium - budget Chinese restaurants. The popularity of this cuisine can be gauged by the immumerable Chinese food outlets of the "meals- on - wheels" and kiosk variety.

The growing sophistication Delhite's palate is discernable in the increasing number of speaciality restaurants- EI Arab (Regal Building), Dum Pukht or the process of slow cooking developed in Awadh (Maurya Sheraton), Kashmiri food at Chor Bizarre (Hotel Broadway), Thai food at Baan Thai (The Oberoi) and Sukothai (Hauz Khas Village), Japenese food at Tokyo (Ashoka Hotel) and Osaka (Hauz Khas Village), Tibetan food at eateries near Chanakya Theatre, and Mexican food at Rodeo (Connaught Place).

A delightful outlet offering a range of Indian cuisines are the food stalls ar Dilli Haat, here, the cuisine of different states is made available at very moderate rates. Set in the mindset of a spacious crafts bazaar these cafes are a very pleasant place to enjoy food.

For the more intrepid, eateries such as those at Paranthe wali gali, or chaat at Bengali Market and Sunder Nagar, bhelpuri at Greater Kailash and sweetmeats from Annapoorna and Ghantewala can be part of the gastronomical tour of Delhi.

Delhi is also synonymous with the omnipresent tandoori chicken and tandoori roti, which, when freshly had from the tandoor, makes a delicious meal. This is often available at roadside dhabas at a moderate cost.

The National Museum on Janpath is the premier repository of antiquities. Built in 1960, it has an extraordinary collection representing the entire span of Indian civilization from pre-historic times. Its galleries include finds from the Indus Valley Civilization, superb sculptures in stone, and bronzes from the Chola period, the largest collection of miniature paintings in the world, manuscripts, a Buddhist Gallery, including relics of the Buddha from Piprahwa, the exquisite Jewelry Gallery, the Anthropological Gallery of tribal art; galleries devoted to decorative and applied arts, Maritime Heritage and Pre-Columbian art, and the Central Asian Antiquities, Gallery of Auriel Stein's finds along the ancient Silk Route (the great murals however, are on display at the adjacent Archaeological Survey of India).

The National Gallery of Modern Art, housed in the residence of Jaipur's former maharajas has a superb collection of paintings dating from 150 years ago to the present day. Company School paintings of the 19th and early 20th centuries and the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Jammi Roy and Amrita Sher Gil hold pride of place amidst exhibits, which give an overview of the evolution of modern Indian paintings and sculpture. The National Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art periodically organize special exhibitions.

The Rail Transport Museum is a must for rail buffs. Its vintage display includes the oldest locomotive in the world-still working; the Viceregal Dinning Car (1889) and the Prince of Wales Saloon (1876). Children can enjoy a ride on the miniature rail track.

The Nehru Memorial Museum is at Teen Murti House where Jawaharlal Nehru lived for 16 years till his death in 1964. its special charm is that the rooms have been preserved as they were. Not far from here is the Indira Gandhi Memorial where one gets a glimpse of the life of the late Late Prime Minister.

The Gandhi Memorial Museum has a collection of memorabilia on Mahatma Gandhi. The Crafts Museum at Pragati Maidan has galleries displaying India's rich tradition of handicrafts. An added attraction is the presence of craftsperson who are bought here from different parts of the country to demonstrate their skills. In this central part of the city are also located the National Philatelic Museum of Natural History, Mandi House, and the Malliah on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg.

The Tibet House Museum on Lodi Road has a fine collection of tankhas, jewellery and ritual objects. En route to Old Delhi are the Shankar's Dolls Museum of Archeology related to the Mughal era, and the Museum of Arms and Weapons which traces the development of arms from the Mughal age to the First World War.

Moghul Monuments
Purana Quila (Old Fort), Kabuli or Khuni Darwaja, Feroz Shah Kotla,Kutub Minar, Tughlaqabad, Nizamuddin Aulia, Humayun's Tomb, Lodi's Tomb, Safdarjung's Tomb Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar and Red Fort (Son-et-lumiere show) Timings : Summer 1900 to 2000 hrs (Hindi) 2030 to 2130 hrs (English) Winter 1800 to 1900 hrs (Hindi) 1930 to 2030 hrs (English)

British Monuments
India Gate, The Secretariat Complex, Rashtrapati Bhavan & Mughal Gardens, Parliament House, Teen Murti House and Connaught Place (Son-et-lumiere show) Timings : 1800 to 1900 hrs (Hindi) 1930 to 2030 hrs (English)

Other Monuments
The Supreme Court, Raj Ghat, Shanti Vana, Vijay Ghat, Ladakh Buddha Vihara, Bahai temple, Vigyan Bhavan, Diplomatic Enclave.

Qutub Minar
The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world.

Red Fort
So called because of the red stone with which it is built, the Red Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is also closely linked with this fort. It was frorth here ht the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bhadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century long Mughal rule. It was also fromits ramparts that the first prime. Minister of India, pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free form colonial rule.

Jantar Mantar
At first sight, the Jantar Mantar appears like a gallery of modern art. It is, however, an observatory. Sawai Jia Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), a keen astronomer and a noble in the Mughal court, was dissatisfied by the errors of brass and metal astronomical instruments.

Humayun's Tomb
The mughals brought with them a love for gardens, fountains and water. The first mature example of Mughal architecture in India, Humayun's Tomb was built by the emperor's grieving widow, Haji Begum, in 1565 AD.

Jama Masjid
Work on the Jama Masjid mosque was begun in 1650 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to complement his palace at the Red Fort. More than 5,000 workers toiled for six years to complete the largest mosque in India. Every Friday, the emperor and his retinue would travel in state from the fort to the mosque to attend the congressional prayers.

Safdarjung's Tomb
Representing the last phase of the Mughal style of architecture, Safdarjang's Tomb stands in the centre of an extensive garden.

India Gate
Built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers killed in World War I, India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931.

Rashtrapati Bhawan
Formely the Viceregal Lodge, the building is the highlight of Lutyen's New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms.

Rajghat
The mortal remains of mahatma Gandhi were cremated on this spot on the west bank of the river Yamuna on the evening of January 31, 1948.

Lakshmi Narayan Mandir
Built in 1938, the temple is an ideal introduction to some of the gods of the India pantheon. The temple contains a large number of idols and visitors can also watch priests performing ritualistic prayers.

Sound and Light show at Purana Quila
This historic Purana Qila, which has stood witness to Delhi’s rejuvenation, periods of anarchy, and the rise and fall of empires, is the venue for the spectacular sound and light show which brings alive the history of the capital. Amidst the tranquillity of the splendidly panoramic environs of Purana Qila select episodes from the annals of Delhi’s historic and legendary past are brought to life. The viewer is transported centuries back in time to witness Draupadi being reduced to a dasi of Hastinapur, the gallant Prithviraj Chauhan gallooping away with the beauteous Samyogita, Sher Shah Suri being blown to bits by misfired cannon, the clash of a sword weilded by the legendary Razia Sultan, Humanyun tragically tumbling down the steps of his library, Bahadur Shah Zafar surrendering to the British.

These and many more such episodes out of Delhi’s 5000-year-old saga can be relived during this evocative 62 minutes son et lumiere. Advanced technology has made it possible to add special effects which combine with the unique ambiance to make this show a hauntingly unforgettable experience.

Timings of the show Hindi English
Nov. to Jan 6.00 - 7.00 PM 7.30 - 8.30 PM Everyday

Musical Fountain at Ajmal Khan Park
Delhi Tourism’s musical fountain at Ajmal Khan Park is spread over an area of five acres and provides a refreshing getaway from the bustle of the city.

The scintillating lights synchronised with music, and the cascading water turn this complex into a quiet, haven particularly during the heat of the summer.

The musical fountain is in operation for two hours every day after sunset except on Tuesday.

Azad Hind Gram Tourist Complex at National Highway No. 10
Azad Hind Gram Tourist Complex at Tikri Kalan is a project developed by Delhi Tourism to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and to create quality leisure space and wayside amenities for the citizens. Located within two kilometers of the Delhi Haryana border on NH-10, the architecture of the project is inspired by the language of North Indian achitecture and the traditions of Indian craftsmanship.

The elaborate mosaic domes surrounding the museum and the memorial are the focus of the complex which offers the facilities of extensive plazas, an amphitheatre, tourist information centre, souvenir and garden shop, food kiosks, a restaurant, public toilets, drinking water, public telephone and convention facilities.

Dilli Haat
This Public place provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food ad cultural activity. This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine, A unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis.

It transports you to the magical world of Indian art and heritage presented through a fascinating panorama of craft, cuisine and cultural activities. The word Haat refers to a weekly market in rural, semi-urban and sometimes even urban India. While the village haat is mobile, flexible arrangement, here it is crafts persons who are mobile. The Dilli Haat boasts of nearly 200 craft stalls selling native, utilitarian and ethnic products from all over the country. Dilli Haat is not just a market place; it has been visualized as a showpiece of traditional Indian culture- a forum where rural life and folk art are brought closer to an urban clientele. It is here that the crafts persons find an opportunity to demonstrate their artistic skills to thousands of visitors everyday.

Cultural performance at the Haat- A unique experience Take a front seat at the lively performances at Dilli Haat. The cultural Complex includes an open-air stage for cultural programmes and a children's play area. Folk theatre, music and dance add to the festive ambience of the Haat. An open-air stage, complete with an audio system and green room, provides just the right setting for entertainment. The entire area has been extensively landscaped, to provide an environment conducive to recreation and leisure.

In keeping with the overall theme, puppet shows and kite-flying demonstrations are organized. Even international troupes perform in the complex. With its free mingling crowds, the Dilli Haat is able to recreate the spirit of a meeting place.

The Garden of Five Senses
This unique garden is located at Said-ul-Azaib village, close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi. The 20-acre site is spectacularly beautiful, set amongst majestic rocks. The proximity to the Qutab is an advantage for the visibility of the project. The project is designed to stimulate one's sensory response to the environment. An amalgamation of colour and fragrance, textureand form evokes the awareness of touch, smell, sight, sound and taste.

If you wish to get a glimpse of India's art & craft, a feel of the culture of the country within the purview of the city then Delhi is the place to be in. Delhi with it's innumerable shopping complexes is able to cater to every individuals desire to acquire items that have the essence, the originality of a particular region in India. Although there are shopping complexes in almost every locality in Delhi, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk are the principle shopping areas. Multiple emporia representing every state of the country are to be seen at the famous Baba Kharak Singh Marg, near Parliament Street. Each state emporium has a slice of the best of its crafts under one roof at government-controlled prices.

Connaught Place has a long and distinguished history behind it. Named after the Duke of Connaught, a member of the British royal family, this market was designed by Designed by Robert Tor Russell in collaboration with WH Nicholls. A sprawling circular market, it was the largest of its kind in India at that time.

Apart from being the commercial and business hub of Delhi, CP has countless restaurants, watering holes, shops and emporia and cinema halls too.

Janpath - No big shops here, just small kiosks selling all kinds of cotton clothes and curios that you may like to take home. Most of the clothes are export surplus garments and are sold dirt-cheap (you just need the patience to bargain). There’s lots of silver and artificial jewellery studded with semi-precious stones in the small Tibetan shops that abound here. But then you need to know your silver from the fake stuff. Refugees who came after the Partition and Tibetans who came when China invaded Tibet settled here as traders and put up this market.

Another must while you are at Janpath is the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. Across the reoad from Janpath, in Jawahar Vyapar Bhavan, this is the place to go for Indian handicrafts.

Palika Bazaar - An underground bazaar where cheap electronic goods and clothes are there for the picking. There are around 400 shops in this market and bargaining is the mantra for shopping here, or anywhere in Delhi for that matter.

The Central Cottage Emporium in Jawahar Bhavan at Janpath is undoubtedly worth a visit for anything ethnic anc chic. It has almost anything that you might desire to buy. From furniture to clothes, to shoes that are typically Indian, to small gift items that could work as souvenirs, the Cottage Emporium has it all. The quality is absolutely the best and the prices are reasonable enough. In the rustic background of the Crafts Museum at Mathura road, one can pick up great bargains on items like shawls, pottery and paintings. A shopping complex of a similar kind is to be seen in Hauz Khas. Popularly known as The Village; you can find designer labels, authentic jewelry and gift items within the complex. The Hauz Khas Village is a complete experience with its ancient buildings, designer stuff and a list of restaurants.

For those who are interested in antiques, Sundar Nagar is just the place to be in. Of course for cheaper antiques, it is Chandni Chowk. While in that area, Dariba Kalan, a narrow street, may be visited for gold and Silver. Chandni Chowk is famous for jewelry and saris, so for those who wish to get a feel of the tradition of India, Chandni Chowk is the place to visit. Chandni Chowk is also the place to buy silverware and jewellery.

Karol Bagh is yet another famous shopping complex in Delhi of similar nature. You can find a variety of Indian clothes, shoes and accessories out here as well as precious jewelry and bridal wear. What's more, this place sells automobiles and related accessories too.

For casuals, Janpath with its rows of shops, Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar are the places you would like to visit. These places offer variety of novelties, gifts and handicraft items at bargain prices. Sarojini Nagar also has this rather big market of export surplus clothes. Here you will find clothes made for GAP, Van Hausen, Joe Boxer, Levis being sold for a song. All these clothes have been made in India for these designer brands and are sold just because they are surplus. Terrific bargains!