Delhi Tours - Attractions |
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Candni Chok
It was the eyes and ears of the Mughal's commercial instincts and is today one of the country's best known wholesale markets for textiles, electronic goods and watches. The entire area was designed by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter and was then inhabited by the well-to-do families of that time. There is however a word of caution and that is that there are several elements who are believed to be selling duplicate goods and the tourist needs to be careful about this.
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JAMA MASJID
Opp Red Fort (1 km west) between 1650 to 1656, based on the plan and design of Ostad Khalil, the then great sculpture, Emperor Shahjahan built Juma Masjid at the cost of Rs 10 crore- it may be said as the replica of Moti Masjid in Agra. It is called Masjid-e-Jahanuma. It is the heartbeat gate was meant for Royal Family and Shahjahan used to come on every Friday and on every festival by walk from the fort.
The north and south gates were meant for common people. Alike Bho Jhala hill top on a high dais at the head of the highest peak there were 2 minars of 40 m high. Buy ticket Rs 5, get up flights of 122 steps and view around from the South Minar. The premises of the South Minar is 1076 sq ft wide. 2,5000 devotees at a time may sit together for namaz.
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The original Prayer Hall is 201´120 ft with the height of 135 ft made in combination of red sand stone and white marble. In the interior, to the west or Mecca-facing 3 tombs were made of Marble. At the head of the original Prayer Hall there is white and black marble made tomb. The inscription from Quran, on the west wall bow type arch, in the midst at central reck there is mihrab or the seat of Chief Imam. It took 5 years & 5000 people to built Masjid. It was the last work of Shahjahan. In the biggest Juma Masjid in India, it has a great treasure kept in the N-East corner of the white shrine a hair of the beard of Hazrat Mahmmad, his used chappal, a chapter of Quran (original), the canopy of his tombstone and the foot print of Mahmmad on the stone.
The main Iman of this Juma Masjid is the direct descendent of the original and first Imam appointed by Emperor Shahjahan and till now there is no break in its descendency. People of different religion are not allowed in between 12-30-14-00. If you desire to go, you should go bare-footed, head covered and wearing lungi, - these are norms and all these are available on payment. If you want to get photographs, you need to buy ticket.
In 1739 taking advantage of the bad time of Mughal Empire, Nadir Shah, the Persian Emperor captured Delhi. In 1803 British kept blind poet Bahadur Shah in the throne of Delhi for show holding the real administrative power. Bahadur Shah took side to the Sepoy uprising in 1857 that led his deportation to Rangoon by the British.
And he was the last Mughal Emperor. British charged huge cannon shell on the city damaging most of Delhi. British General Le Hudson killed all male members of Bahadur Shah's family including his minor children and hanged their dead bodies at the first floor of the main entrance of the old Fort from the side of Feroz Shah Kotla. Since then the main door of the first floor is known as Khuni Darwaja. Going further on Mathura Rd there is Khairul Manzil Palace.
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JANTAR MANTAR
The Maharaja of Jaipur Sawai Jay Singh II founded it. A little distance of Connaught Circus at Sansad Marg it was built in 1725. It is space observatory a house that is instrumental in observing astronomical and aeronotical movements of sun, moon and other stars and planets. The huge Prince Dial is unique. It is next to that similar one in Jaipur in size and grade. There are other Jantar-Mantars in Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura. Open from 9-00 to 19-00. There is one Bhairab Temple as old as Jantar-Mantar. |
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Old Fort
It is 4 km away from Connaught Circus to the S-East of India Gate, the foundation of this Fort was started by Humayun in 1530 but remained incomplete as he was defeated by Afghan hero Sher-Shah-Suri in 1541. It is located in the pre-historical Indraprastha (as is surveyed and proved in 1955 findings) of the Mahabharata and completed by Sher Shah as the 6th city or Killa or the Fort. Later it was named Shergarh.
On the 3 sides by Jamuna. From 3rd BC to pre-Mughal period, there was fort in Indraprastha. Humayun built a new one.
Old Indraprastha became Dinpanaha. The Fort was encircled with high walls having 3 main entrances. Entering through the Zoo Garden or the Talaki Entrance of north, you will see
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the octogonal peaks made of sand stones on Sher Manzil. After the death of Sher-Shah-Suri in 1548, Humayun recaptured Delhi in 1555 defeating Sher Shah' son Islam Shah. Humayun also destroyed Shergarh. However, Sher Manjil founded by Sher Shah became Humayun's library.
In 1556, hearing Muezzin Azaan he intended to attend the prayer and coming out from his library he suddenly fell down from the stair cases and died 3 days later. Red grey colour bow-shape arch of Sher Shah gate is beautiful.
Behind Sher Manzil on the right at Humayun (Red) Darwaja or Entrance is Field Museum with the collection of (open 8-00 to 18-30) anthropological exhibits. The museum has a collections of Mughal dynasty, Sultanate dynasty, Rajput dynasty, Gupta dynasty, Sunga dynasty, Mourya dynasty and of the era before Christ.
The coin collections of Sunga dynasty (200-100 BC) is remarkable. Killa-e-Kuhana Mosque founded by Sher Shah in Indo-Afghan sculpture is unique. However, the killa is on the rage of ruin now. Highway are made through this killa. On the right of this killa is Zoo Garden at a little distance, Hazrat Nizamuddin Rly Stn.
The new attraction of Old Fort is Sound & Light show. By the light of renowned Tapas Sen, the rise and fall of Delhi from Indraprastha to Mughal era becomes live in Sound & Light show, duration of which is 1 hr. Voice given by Jaya Bachhan, Om Puri and others. English version: Sept-Oct & Feb- April 20-30 to 21-30, Nov-Jan 19-30-21-30, May-Aug 21-00-22-00; Hindi: 19-00-20-00/18-00-19-00/19-30-20-30hr. Ticket 25, Free upto 5 yrs old, |
NATIONAL MUSEUM
The National Museum is another interesting spot located very close to India Gate. The museum has a rich variety of all facets of ancient Indian history and also of central Asia. In fact the museum takes one through a fascinating journey of what ancient India was all about, pottery, rare coins, and numerous such things including art and architecture, costumes are for all to see. It's something every tourist should find time to visit even if the schedule is tight.
On the right of Rajpath at Janpath is National Museum or Yadughar. Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone in 1955 and the museum was opened to visitors in 1965. Collections from Mahenjadaro, Harappa, Lothal, Kalibangan and antiques of prehistorical periods are on display. The history dated back to 5000 years are vividly displayed in the museum.
The collections of Indus civilization, Brahminical, Jain and Buddhist sculptural antiques are all there. The colour paintings of Mughal, Rajput, Deccan are praiseworthy. Besides, there are the holy Git Gobinda, the holy Mahabharata, the holy Bhagabat Gita in golden alphabet, Octogonal mini Quran, Babamama in Babar's handwriting, Jahangir's diary, musical instruments of more than 300 types, varieties of tribal dresses enriched the museum.
The antique collections of Sir Aurel Stein has added the attraction of the museum. The evolution of ornaments through ages from prehistoric era to recent modern time, its shape, size, design and pattern and of metalic combinations with or without jewel set are all on display in the ornament gallery of the museum. It draws tourists most.
You may attend film show here at 14-30, which is a regular feature. Except Monday open daily from 10-00 to 17-00 3019538. |
INDRA MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Another national museum has been built at 1 Safdarjung Rd in memorium of Indira Gandhi, on May 27, 1985. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her own body guard on 31 Oct, 1984. A glass cage has covered the spot where her body fell down. Before being bullet sprayed in from point blank range, Indira was on her way along the garden road out of her residence.
At that place Czechoslovak Govt made a artificial water flow by crystal on steel plate of 33´25 m. The crystal stream on the steel plate is designed and planned by the Czech architect Jaroslav Mirich.
3 rooms are full with articles which were in use by Indira. Photographs of Indira are also there. The blood-stained sari and other dress materials of Indira are chemically preserved in the museum. You may go inside the private chambers to view reading room, dinning room, Dewan-i-Aam, Dewan-i-Khas etc. Except Monday open everyday from 10-00 to 17-00 3010094.
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Located in the Jaipur House near India Gate. The building was the palace of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It has around 4,000 paintings of modern artists and also included are graphics and sculptures. The gallery arranges special exhibitions for those who wish to exhibit their works. Rabindranath, Abanindranath, Nanadalal Bose, Jamini Roy, Amrita Shergil and other's creative works are on display. This gallery has a huge collection of art and literature and journal on art and culture and painting of old and modern schooling. At Chanakyapuri behind Bhutan House, except Monday and national holidays, in the months of April to September daily between 9-30 to 19-00 and Oct-March Open from 10-00 to 17-00. The gallery also houses a library which can be used by museum, which is open from 1000 hours to 1700 hours, is closed on all holidays and observes Monday as its weekly off.
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NEHRU MUSEUM
To the south of Rashtrapati Bhawan Tinmurti Rd the house that was built as per plan and design of Robert Tor Russel in 1948 as the residence of the British Commander-in-chief, has been converted as the residence of the Prime Minister of India in 1954. Since then the residence of Jawaharlal Nehru was at Tinmurti.
After his death in 1964, it was converted to Nehru Museum. In his private life, and as a Prime Minister, the prizes he got are on display. The photographs of Nehru is also of an added attraction. A library is also opened. Open from 10-00 to 16-30, except Monday. Open to all. In season, at 11-30, 13-30, 15-30, 16-30 you may view Nehru's life as a part of Indian freedom struggle in Nehru planetarium or Son-et-Lumiere at Tinmurti. Ticket Rs 10 and Rs 5, 3014673. The rose garden at Tinmurti is beautiful. At Jawaharjyoti Garden, the historical speech on 14-15 August, 1947 has been inscribed in stone there.
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DOLLS MUSEUM
Sankar's International Dolls Museum was founded in 1954. More than 6000 Variety representing almost 85 countries of the world are on display in the museum. Dolls of Japan deserves special mention.
However, 1/3 of total dolls is Indian - Indian cultural and the cultural life style has been projected in the fashions of dolls. The ticket is Re 1. Except Monday open every day from 10-00 to 17-00. Besides, there is B C Roy Children's Library and children's play corner. The doll museum is situated at Nehru House close to Income Tax Office at Bahadur Sah Jaffar Marg near Delhi Gate. |
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NATIONAL RAIL MUSEUM
It was built as per plan of British architect M G Satto on 1957, 1st Feb, on the carpet area of 10 acres of land. The museum displays 27 locomotives and 17 carriage.
The saloon car of the Maharaja of Baroda (1886), the carriage of the Maharaja of Mysore made of teak covered with ivory; the cabin of the Prince of Wales (1876), the carriage in which the ashes of Gandhiji was carried in 1948; Fairy Queen of 1855 (oldest steam engine in the world); evolution of Indian Rail from steam engine to present era are vividly displayed.
Even, the skull of an elephant who struck a Mail train in 1894, with his head is also projected here in the exhibition. The Toy train is running - you may buy here as a souvenir of your visit. Restaurant and Libraries are also there.
Beautiful Tibetian handicrafts are on display which were brought with Dalai Lama from Lasa in Tibbet House at 16 Jorhbagh close to Hotel Oberoi. Tibetian handicrafts are on sale. Open from Monday to Friday between 9-30 to 13-00 and 14-00 to 17-00 except Sunday and Saturday.
In the evening, view the film show on Light and Sound at Red Fort in Hindi or English version Son-et-Lumiere or the history from Mughal to Indian Independence.
Collect your ticket and information from ITDC, L Block, Connaught Place, 3320331. Opp to Red Fort is Chandni Chowk, Parliament St, and Connaught Circus- visit on foot. New Delhi is growing gradually day to day. Chanakyapuri is the symbol of latest architectural and sculptural designs. All Foreign Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Enclaves are at Chanakyapuri.
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QUTUB MINAR
13 km to the south of Connaught Circus at Lalkote of 8th century Tomor Rajputs, the 72.5 m high Victory Pillar stands as a victory stand of a Muslim King Kutub-ud-din-Aibak in India. At Kila Roy Pithora, on the dilapidated fort of the last Hindu king Prithwiraj, this victory stand was made like throne in Gajni. In 1199 Kutub-ud-Din started its construction and it was completed in 1236 by Iltutmish, the son-in-law of Kutub. However, there is a 2nd opinion. Some say, the construction came to an end around 1357-68 during the reign of Feroz Sah Tughlak.
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However, the Kutub which was built in Afghan style underwent repairing and remaking for more than occasions. Revolving steps of flights are 367 in number in slightly leaned Kutub. It has some spl features- at its root the radius is being 14.40 m which gradually reduced at its top to 2.44 m. In Kupee language it has been inscribed on Kutub that- The Tower was erected to cast the shadow of God over both East and West. Aayaat from Quran is also inscribed. At the foot of the Minar a Mosque was built in 1197.
The 5 storeyed Qutub Minar is a remarkable instance of sculpture in India. The 1st floor made of sand stone by Kutub, the 2nd & 3rd floors made of sand stone by Iltutmis and the 4th and 5th in both sand stone and marble by Feroz Shah Tughlok in 1368.
However, the earthquake of 1803 destroyed it , in 1829 British Major Robert Smith re-built the tomb. Later the tomb was brought down from the Minar and reset it in the garden beside. In 1981, some students died of stampade while on their way up the steps of flights. Since then, ascending 5th floor is forbidden and not more than a group of 4 at a time is permitted to ascent only upto 1st floor of Kutub. Recently, Kutub is enshrined with huge lighting. |
THE GRAVEYARD OF MAHMOOD
The oldest graveyard of India lies at 4.08 km to the west of Kutub on way to Palam. It is built in 1229 in Hindu-Muslim sculptural combination. Mahmood the son of Iltutmis is laid here at rest. Very few tourists come here to visit due to no publicity.
At a little distant, close to the ruin of 4th Delhi city Jahanpana, there is Khirki Mosque built in 1380 by a Nazir of Feroz Shah Tughlak. At a little distance at the crossing of Aurobinda Marg and Panchshil Marg there is Begumpuri Mosque built in 14th century by Khan-e-Jahan
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PRAGATI MAIDAN
On the left of this Zoo, there is Pragati Maidan. Founded in 1982 on the eve of Asian Games. Various Trade Fairs are being organised throughout the year. States have found their permanent stalls here with their products and merchandises. There are different museums set up here on different items of Indology. Visit Nehru Pavilion, Defense Pavilion, Indira Pavilion, Son of India Pavilion, Village Complex comprising of 7 acres of land, Energy is Life, Craft Museum with the collections of 20000 specimens of weaving products metal products - Daru and wooden products- earthen moulds and images and artifice along with other sculptural and cultural specimens for your entertainment from 10-00 to 17-00. On holidays it remains open till 20-00. At No 5 gate of Pragati, aiming at entertainment for the children, Appu Ghar Amusement Park, 3318681 has been founded, open from 12-00 to 20-00. Open from 12-00 to 20-00. Govt of India's Tourist Dept have founded Open Air Theatre here at Killa. Opp to it is Supreme Court.
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