Delhi

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India Gate
Located in Rajpath, the most prestigious area in the entirety of the city of Delhi, the India Gate was built to commemorate the death of 90,000 India soldiers, who were killed in the North West Province during the First World War and the Afghan Conquest of 1919. India Gate is also credited for being the first gate to be constructed in New Delhi. The names of the soldiers in whose memory the Gate was constructed is inscribed on its walls, beside which an eternal flame called the Amar Jawan Jyoti. The foundation stone of the memorial was laid by HRH the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and the monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. The Amar Jawan Jyoti was added to the memorial after India had gained her independence, in memory of the soldiers of the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. Today, the India Gate is one of the most important symbols of India, being at the center of the itinerary of most of the tourists who visit the country's capital city.
Red Fort:
Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan around 1638 and 1648, the Red Fort today is a busy market-place called the Meena Bazaar, selling a host of wares. History states, that the Red Fort was built when Shahjahanabad replaced Agra as the capital of the Mughal rule. Located in the eastern end of Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is symbolic of the pomp and splendor of the Mughals and their architectural prowess. The Lahori Gate which is the main gate of the fort is a structure that attracts thousands of visitors. The Red Fort is also the site of India's national functions on the 15th of August, India's Independence Day. The Rang Mahal or the palace of colors is another of the remarkable attractions of the Red Fort, noted for its beautifully Lotus-shaped fountain. Red Fort still manages to hold its visitors spell-bound with images of its regal charm.
Qutub Minar:
The Qutab Minar was named after the Sufi saint, Khwaja Qutabuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. It is believed that it served as a minaret to the adjoining mosque and was used by the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. Constructed in red and buff sandstone and covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran, Qutab Minar has five storeys surrounded by a projected balcony and buttressed by stone brackets, which are decked with honeycomb designs. There are numerous inscriptions on the Qutab Minar in Arabic and Nagari characters. The inscriptions state about the repair work done on the Qutab Minar by different rulers like Firoz Shah Tughlaq, Sikandar Lodi, as well as by Major R. Smith. The Qutab Minar was built on the ruins of Lal Kot, the Red Citadel in the city of Dhillika, the capital of the Tomar and Chauhana Rajputs, the last Hindu rulers of Delhi. There are many other remarkable buildings and structures in the Qutab Minar complex, including the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the first mosque built in India. It was constructed by Qutab-ud-din Aybak using materials of 27 Jain and Hindu temples. There is also the famous Alai Darwaza at the entrance of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, built by Ala-ud-din Khalji. To the west of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque is the tomb of Iltutmish. Close to the mosque is the 4th century Iron pillar, one of Delhi's most interesting structures.
Rashtrapati Bahwan:
The palace, comprising of more than 350 Rooms, was constructed to affirm the permanence of British rule in India. After Indian independence in 1947, the now ceremonial governor-general continued to live there, being succeeded by the Indian President in 1950 when India became a republic and the house was renamed Rashtrapati Bhavan. Various Indian designs were added to the building including several circular stone basins on the top of the palace. There was also a traditional Indian chujja or chhajja, which took the place of a frieze in classical architecture. There were also statues of elephants and fountain sculptures of cobras in the gardens, as well as grilles made from red sandstone called jaalis. The front of the palace, on the east side, has twelve unevenly spaced columns with the Delhi order capitals. These capitals have a fusion of acanthus leaves with the four pendant Indian bells that are part of the Hindu and Buddhist religions. In the North Block, there are separate wings for the Viceroy, and another wing for guests. At the centre of the main part of the palace is Durbar's Hall underneath the main dome.
Parliament House:
Earlier called the Circular House, it was added to the layout at a later stage following the reforms which created a large Legislative Assembly. This is the reason for the Parliament House being also called Sansad Bhawan. The massive, spherical building of the Parliament House comprises of three semicircular chambers for the Legislatures and a Central Library crowned by a 27.4m high dome. The dome is 173m in diameter and covers 2.02 hectares in area, enclosed by a verandah with 144 columns. The three semi-circular areas were designed for the Chamber of Princes, the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly. Today they house the chambers of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), Rajya Sabha (Upper House) and the library. The boundary wall has blocks of sandstone carved in geometrical patterns that reflect the Mughal jalis. The Parliament House is situated on the northwest of Vijay Chowk, next to the Secretariat buildings at the end of the Parliament Street (Sansad Marg), New Delhi, India. Entrance to outsiders is not allowed without official permission, whether Parliament is in session or not. To obtain a visitor's pass to Sansad Bhawan, Indian nationals should apply to the Parliament Secretariat. Foreign nationals have to apply through their embassies or high commissions. Visitors can enter the public galleries of the Indian Parliament with prior permission, after receiving an official pass. To enter the library, an entry pass can be obtained from the Visitor's reception on Raisina Road by providing a letter of introduction from a Member of Parliament.
Chattarpur Mandir:
Chhatarpur Mandir in Delhi is credited with the honor of being one of the largest and most popular Hindu temples of the capital. The temple is located on the main Guragon-Mehrauli Road, a mere 4km. drive-away from the Qutab Minar complex. The immense premises of the temple create a blissful, placid and serene ambience. The temple is entirely built with white marble and is richly embellished. Built in the south Indian style, the temple complex is spread over a large area with beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. The complex has many temples dedicated to several deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Lord Rama. Atmosphere of the temple exudes a spiritual charm as discourses and prayers are performed round the clock. People from all corners of the country throng the temple during Durga Puja days to offer prayers. The festival of Navratri also draws a big crowd. It is customary to wash one's feet, hands and mouth with water from the tap just outside the temple before entering it. Visitors are supposed to remove their shoes outside the temple.
Ashoka Pillar:
There are two Ashoka pillars in Delhi. One of the pillars was transported from Topra on Firozshah Tughlaq's orders. The other pillar, brought from Meerut, was installed near Bara Hindu Rao Hospital near Delhi University. Approximately 100 meters south of Hindu Rao Hospital along the ridge is the Ashokan Pillar belonging to 3rd century BC. It was brought by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 1356 A.D. The Ashoka Pillar was transported to his hunting lodge in Delhi from Meerut. Like the one in Feroz Shah Kotla, this pillar too has seven main inscriptions or edicts of Emperor Ashoka apart from some figures and many minor inscriptions. However, the pillar was damaged by a gunpowder explosion in 1713. The Ashoka Pillar was broken into five pieces. In 1838, Hindu Rao took possession of these pieces and donated them to the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Calcutta (Kolkata). The four lions of the Ashokan Pillar in Delhi are the main features of the historic monument. There are also non-religious interpretations to the symbolism of the pillars, describing the four lions as the symbol of Ashoka's rule over the four directions. The wheels at Ashokan Pillar in Delhi are symbols of enlightened rule (Chakravartin), and the four animals as symbols of four surrounding territories of India: - The Lion of the north. - The Elephant of the east. - The Bull of the south. - The Horse of the west.
Jama Masjid:
Architecturally, the Jama Masjid is similar to many other mosques that the Emperor of Architecture, Shah Jahan built all around his realm. These include mosques by the same name in cities like Ajmer, Agra and a number of others. The courtyard of the Jama Masjid, which is completely built of red sandstone, is accessible from the east, north and south by three different flights of stairs. These steps are used to house markets, entertainers as well as food stalls. The mosque also housed a Madrassah near the southern side of the mosque which had been pulled down after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. Facing west, the Jama Masjid is covered on three sides with open arched colonnades with a tower like gateway in the center. Also called Masjid-I-Jahanuma or the 'mosque commanding view of the world', the Jama Masjid is a constructional wonder with alternating strips of red sandstone and marble. The mosque owes much of the respect associated with it to the relics of Mohammad, which it houses. These include Quran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprint, embedded in a marble slab, all of which are still preserved. Delhi is northern India’s largest city. One part of it, known as New Delhi is officially designated the capital of India, but the names are often used interchangeably.Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Damascus and Varanasi. Legend estimates it to be over 5000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. he Red Fort (Lal Qila) is one of Delhi’s top tourist sights. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also built Agra’s Taj Mahal) as his ruling palace. Completed in 1648, the years since have not treated the buildings kindly: the rooms have long since been stripped of all objects, the marble inlays are long gone and quite a few buildings are off limits. Still, the scale remains imposing and the gardens are kept lush and green even in midwinter. Major buildings within include: - Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar). True to the name, this is a covered bazaar between the gate and the fort itself, now filled with souvenir hawkers. - Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience). This building separates the outer court from the inner court, and has a marble platform for the emperor’s throne. - Hayat Baksh Bagh (Life-Bestowing Gardens). Once a grand garden of full of fountains and streams, now sadly all dry — only dry channels and acres of green grass remain. - Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience). Built completely of marble, this is where the emperor received special visitors. - Khas Mahal (Private Palace). The Emperor’s main residence. The octagonal Mussaman Burj tower looks out toward the Yamuna River, and is where the Emperor used to appear before the public for each morning. - Rang Mahal (Colour Palace). The residence of the Sultan’s main wife. - Mumtaz Mahal (Jewel Palace). Contained six apartments for the Sultan’s harem. Now used as a museum of court textiles, carpets, weapons, etc (free). - Daawat Khana. A minor palace at the northmost end of the Fort, this was originally the residence of a prince, but it was converted into a tea house by the British, a function it continues today. Basic meals go for around Rs. 60, drinks Rs. 10-20, and it also has the cleanest toilets around. - Swatantra Sangrama Sangrahalaya (Museum of the Independence Movement). To the left after the Chatta Chowk, this is a reasonably well-presented museum on the history of independence activism in India, starting from the Mutiny of 1857 all the way to Gandhi. The only open entrance is Lahore Gate, on the west side. Security in and around the Fort is very heavy, as it was the scene of a terrorist attack in 2000 that killed three people; bags are allowed, but they’ll be X-rayed and you’ll be patted down. Tickets cost Rs 10/100 for Indians/foreigners, photography free, video cameras Rs. 25 extra. Open sunrise to sunset daily except Monday. The most scenic way of reaching the fort is to take the Metro to Chawri Bazaar and then a cycle-rickshaw through the incredibly packed bazaar to the Fort (price negotiable, aim for Rs. 20). The fort has a light and sound show (Rs.30) in the evenings between 7:30 and 9 PM depending on the season. Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. Delhi has been the political hub of India. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been located in today's Delhi. The main tourist attractions here are: 1. India Gate: India Gate is a memorial inscribed with the names of the valiant Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in World War I. This is a must visit place in New Delhi. 2. Red Fort: The decision for constructing the fort was taken in 1639, when Shahjahan decided to shift his capital to New Delhi from Agra. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel)-New Delhi's seventh fort, ready in all its magnificence to receive the Emperor. The Red Fort still retains some of its lost glory. The Red Fort was the last fort built in New Delhi and it witnessed the vicissitudes of fortune, the splendour and the fall of the Mughals, British rule, and finally the dawn of Indian Independence. 3. Rashtrapati Bhawan: This is architecturally a very impressive building standing at a height, flowing down as it were to India Gate. This stretch called the Rajpath is where the Republic Day parade is held. 4. Raj Ghat: Raj Ghat is on the bank of the river Yamuna. This is the last resting place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It has become an essential point of call for all visiting dignitaries. Besides Raj Ghat the other near by places must see in New Delhi are the two museums dedicated to Gandhi. 5. Qutab Minar: This is located at a small village called Mehrauli in South New Delhi. Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty, who took possession of New Delhi in 1206, built it. It is a fluted red sandstone tower, which tapers up to a height of 72.5 metres and is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the holy Quran. 6. Laxminarayan Temple: The temple is also called the Birla Mandir. This was built by the Birla family in 1938. It is a temple with a large garden and fountains behind it. The temple attracts thousands of devotees on Janmashtami day, the birthday of Lord Krishna. The temple is a place to visit by most of the tourist coming to New Delhi. 7. Humayun's Tomb: Humayun's wife Haji Begum built his Tomb nine years after his death. Designed by a Persian architect named Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, and completed in 1565. 8. Chandni Chowk: Shahjahan planned Chandni Chowk so that his daughter could shop for all that she wanted. It was divided by canals filled with water. The canals are now closed, but Chandni Chowk remains Asia's largest wholesale market 9. Shanti Vana: Shanti Vana (literally, the forest of peace) is the place where India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated. The area is now a beautiful park adorned by trees planted by visiting dignitaries and heads of state. 10. Bahai Temple/Lotus Temple: The Bahai Temple, situated in South New Delhi, is shaped like a lotus. It is an eye-catching edifice worth exploring. Built by the Baha'i community, it offers the visitor a serenity that pervades the temple and its artistic design. 11. Purana Quila: This is a good example of medieval military architecture. Purana Quila was built by Humayun, with later-day modifications by Sher Shah Suri. The Purana Quila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward and every inch a fortress. It is different from the well planned, carefully decorated, and palatial forts of the later Mughal rulers. Purana Quila is also different from the later forts of the Mughals, as it does not have a complex of palaces, administrative and recreational buildings, as is generally found in the forts built later on. The main purpose of this now-dilapidated fort was its utility, with less emphasis on decoration. The Qal'a-I-Kunha Masjid and the Sher Mandal are two important monuments inside the fort. Delhi is the largest metropolis in India by area and the second largest by population. It is not only the capital of India but it also carries enormous historical importance. There are so many attractions and places to travel for a tourist that it may take more than a week for you to visit all the popular tourist sites and attractions. However, the city is modern and getting around is not very difficult. The only problem that a foreigner may face is the overwhelming crowd in many parts of the city; on the other hand the metropolis also offers cool and serene retreats which are best for getting away from the hustle and bustle of this huge capital city. How to reach By Air The Indira Gandhi International Airport is one of the busiest, in terms of the number of people present at a place at any single moment, in India. It takes a little bit of time for a new tourist to get used to the overcrowded airport; however it has seen some changes in the recent months and the facilities have improved. It is advisable to avoid peak hours (late night for international & early morning for local) for arrival at the airport since it is extremely crowded at these times. The airport is divided into three terminals and two are for domestic and one for international flights Getting out of the airport is much easier if you have already booked a taxi using a private taxi firm or through your hotel. Many hotels provide taxi service to tourists so that they do not have to go through the trouble of finding transport at the last moment. However if you plan to get out of the airport in an ad hoc manner by a taxi then there are two options available for you. Just near the customs clearance gate are two booths, on the either side of the exit; one is the private taxi booth and the other is operated by the police. The private taxi booth is advisable for people who want comfort and air-conditioning. The one that is operated by the police is much cheaper and is a pre-paid service. Keep the receipt with you until you reach the destination and do not tip or pay more than the stipulated amount. Buses Delhi is connected to almost all the Indian cities by buses; public as well as private, and the numerous varieties of buses available can sometimes confuse a novice traveler. The ISBT or the Inter State Bus Termini are the most common buses and have more than four major terminals in the city. The Kashmere Gate ISBT is one of the largest bus terminals in the city and buses are even available for Nepal. Other major terminals include the Sarai Kale Khan near Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, the Anand Vihar ISBT which is located near the east bank of River Yamuna (also called swami Vivekananda bus terminus). Bikaner House bus stop connects to Rajasthan and is much cleaner and offers comfortable transport for arrival from, and departure to Rajasthan. Railway Rail is one of the convenient methods of reaching Delhi and the city has two railway stations; the Hazrat Nizamuddin and the New Delhi railway station. The former is located a few kilometers south of the city and the latter in the central part. Pre-paid rickshaws and taxis are available outside both the stations. The Hazrat Nizamuddin station has trains that leave to the southern part of India and is less crowded compared to the New Delhi railway station. Delhi is connected to almost all the cities in India through an extensive web of rail networks. Getting around Getting around the city is not very difficult as there are numerous options including the Delhi metro that has recently started. Taxis, buses, rickshaws, and trains are available for reaching almost any part of the city. The Delhi metro is in its nascent stages and therefore does not offer an extensive network throughout the city. However, Metros are a good option if you are planning to visit the old city. It is not advisable to travel using trains as these are inconvenient and uncomfortable at the same time. Moreover they do not provide an extensive network and the stations are inconveniently scattered around the city. Buses are another option but these too are cheap albeit overcrowded and extremely uncomfortable if you are not used to traveling in India. Taxi cabs are another way of getting around Delhi and these are the best option if you are on a short trip. The cost is approximately twenty dollars or 1000 INR for twelve hours which covers almost all city attractions. Moreover the radio cab service can be availed of, which is modern and air-conditioned although twice as expensive. Attractions Delhi has great historical importance and has seen many Mughal as well as Indian rulers in its courtyard. However, now the city is mostly made up of migrants from other states and is cosmopolitan in nature. The Red Fort The red fort is one of the major tourist attractions and was built by the emperor Shah Jahan in 1648. The fort has endured considerable damage; however many places in the fort are open for tourists and are grandiose in their splendor and design. Some of the places in the fort are Chatta Chowk (covered bazaar) which is a place for hawkers to sell their wares, Diwane-E-Aam (the hall of public audience), Diwan-E-Khaas (a hall for private audience), Khas Mahal (emperor’s residence), and Mumtaz Mahal which was the residence of the royal ladies. The Mumtaz Mahal is now used as a museum for textiles and various handicrafts. The Daawat Khana, roughly translated meaning Culinary House was converted to a tea house by the British and still offers food and refreshments. The fort also has a light and sound show in the evenings which gives a short description of Delhi’s history using lights and short orations. Jantar Mantar The Jantar Mantar is a place that has thirteen architectural astronomical devices that were built by Maharaja Jaisingh of Jaipur in the 1700’s. Some of the instruments are designed to measure the time of the day (accurate up to half a second) and depend on heavenly bodies such as the sun for measuring the time. The Jantar Mantar which literally means ‘instrument and formula’ was designed for observing and predicting the movements of heavenly bodies. Some instruments are simple sundials and others are more complex which help in determining the position of stars and other celestial objects. Humayun’s Tomb Humayun’s tomb is one of three sites in Delhi that comes under the UNESCO world heritage sites. The tomb itself is situated in a large red sandstone structure that resembles the Taj Mahal itself. Some even believe that the basic structure of the Taj Mahal was derived from this tomb. The tomb is amidst huge well maintained gardens that flaunt a Persian design with the quintessential Char Bagh (four corners) which adds to its splendor. Other spots to visit here are the tomb of Iza khan who was a court noble who built it in his own lifetime and the West gate that is the entrance for the humungous central garden. Also visit the south gate where you will find fewer tourists which makes it a good spot for taking photographs. Qutub complex The Qutub Minar The Qutub complex houses the famous Qutub Minar which is a tower built by Qutubuddin Aybak. The tower was one of the tallest structures in the world when it was built (1193-1368). The structure is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and old ruins which make it an ideal picnic and relaxing place. The Iron Pillar The Iron pillar, as the name itself suggests, is a seven meter high pillar built by Chandragupta II in 400 A.D. This pillar has puzzled many metallurgists around the world as it still stands after 1600 years without any significant damage. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque This is one of the oldest mosques in the city and was the first mosque in Delhi; now in ruins it still attracts many tourists from around India and the world. Even today, the ruins of the mosque have exquisitely designed engravings which were carved centuries ago. Monuments This city is dotted with monuments that are symbols of India and carry national as well as patriotic importance.  Rajpath Rajpath is the parade road that leads to the Rashtrapati Bhavan which is the residence of the President of India. The India Gate is also nearby that is a stunning view in itself at night with decorative lighting. Nehru House The Nehru house was the residence of the first prime minister of India and is also known as ‘Teen Murti Bhavan’. The place is well preserved and is open to the general populace without any fees or charges. The India Gate India Gate is a structure in remembrance and honour of the British Indian Army soldiers who died in World War I and in the Afghan War. There is also an eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti or the Immortal Soldier. This place is dedicated to the Unknown Soldier with a rifle and a helmet standing upright besides the flame. Religious Delhi was and still is one of the dynamic cities of India and is home to many religious monuments which are tourist attractions as well as places of worship. Lotus Temple The Lotus Temple is a 27 leafed concrete structure that is surrounded by gardens and lush greenery. However, there is very little inside the temple itself and is open all year round. There is no entry fee or charges so you can spend an hour in the temple if you want tranquil surroundings. Gurudwara Sis Gunj This is a Sikh place of worship where their ninth Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded on the orders of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It is a stones throw away from Jama Masjid and has a calming influence due to its peaceful and tranquil ambience. Jama Masjid Opposite to the Red Fort and located in the old city this Mosque is one of the ‘Must see’ places in Delhi. The mosque is open to anyone and there is no entry fee; however you may be charged five to ten American dollars to carry a camera inside the mosque. Tourists are also allowed to climb the minaret for a better view for a small amount. ISKCON (Hare Krishna Temple) One of the most famous temples around the world, ISKCON is a center for Krishna consciousness and also provides multimedia entertainment shows. The place is also famous for the Govinda’s restaurant and offers various delicacies among sweets. Sacred Heart Cathedral This is one of the biggest churches as far as structure is concerned and is the headquarters of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese. The church is also a ‘must visit’ location because of its stunning architecture and design. It is located near cannought place and is very close to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib which is also a place of worship and a tourist attraction. Shopping Delhi offers a vast array of products and goods for tourists as well as local residents. The place is full of shopping malls and bazaars that sell handicraft items and other hand made goods. Some of the places for shopping are Cannought place, Khan Market, Palika Bazaar, Paharganj Market, Janpath and Chandani Chowk. All types of products from antiques to branded modern goods can be procured in these Bazaars Handicrafts Delhi is famous for its handicrafts since many people from nearby places come here to sell their fine art to foreigners and Indians alike. Some of the best places to find handicrafts are Cottage Emporium at Cannought place, the State Emporium at Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and Delhi Haat. Delhi Haat is a place where many fairs are conducted and crafts can be bought at a bargain price if you are ready to spend time and energy. The fairs provide an opportunity for artists to directly sell their goods to customers in order to cut out the middleman and are beneficial to all the parties. Hotels As the city is the capital of India there are a plethora of hotels available in the city from small lodges to luxurious suites in five star hotels. Some of the better places to unwind and relax are the Taj Mahal [1, Mansingh Road], The Taj Palace [Sardar Patel Marg], Le Meridian [Windsor palace], and The Ashok [50-b Chanakyapuri]. These are all luxurious hotels; however some of the mid range hotels include the Cabana hotel [Greater Kailash 1], Hotel Ashiana [50 Ara Kashan Road, Ram Nagar], Delhi Homestay [near the Airport], and India Luxury Homes [S 504 Greater Kailash I]. There are cheaper hotels compared to these but are not recommended for families and foreigners as they are usually dirty and unhygienic. Avoid staying at a lodge or a small hotel if you are visiting with your family or are visiting India for the first time. Restaurants Delhi is the epitome of Indian culinary delights and is abundant with all types of Indian as well as continental cuisines and recipes. From the traditional Chaat and Golgappe that are sold by street vendors to the palatable luxurious desserts of the five star hotels, these delicacies are made to stun and mesmerize you with their uniqueness and taste. For continental delicacies, the best places to visit are the Taj Hotel and The Oberoi. Both are five star hotels that offer authentic continental food. If you are in search of local restaurants that can give you a taste of the neighborhood flavor then the Bukhaara [Maurya Shereton] and Punjabi By Nature [11 Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar] are a couple of restaurants that are apt for foreigners and people with disposable income. Other quality restaurants that are less costly are Karim’s [Jama Masjid, Gali Kababian] and the Club India Café [4797, Second Floor, 6 Tooti Chowk]. Other places of interest Delhi is located in such a manner that it is easy to get away from the maddening crowd to other places that offer peace and tranquility. Some of the locations that are not more than a day’s journey from Delhi are Jim Corbett National park, Nainital, Rishikesh, Shimla, and Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary which is located in Rajasthan. These places are comparatively less crowded and provide nature’s splendor and peaceful surroundings. However most of the national parks are meant for people who are ready to spend a little more and are best visited during the off-season.