The capital of India - Delhi - is huge, eclectic, noisy, rather dirty and at the same time quite a green metropolis. Seven-odd million people live here. What is remarkable about this city?
The main thing about Delhi
Inside the metropolis, a small part stands out - the New City. These places were built up in 1911-1923 especially for the British colonial administration, which then moved the central residence from Calcutta to New Delhi. About 294,000 people live on this territory (data for 1991), and all the main government agencies of the country are located here. The city of Delhi is literally divided into two main parts: Old and New. During Muslim rule, Old Delhi was the capital of India. These places are rich in attractions: ancient forts, monuments and mosques of the Islamic period of India. The new city of Delhi is truly imperial. It occupies an impressive territory, pierced by long shady boulevards.
An incomprehensible and exciting mix
It is here that the contradiction of the present and the past, the new and the old, is clearly visible. Centuries-old traditions in architecture, inherited from empires that succeeded each other, a special way of life that has been preserved from generation to generation - all this has a great influence on the modern course of life of a metropolis. The city of Delhi, or Dehli, got its name in honor of the first urban settlement of the Middle Ages, located in Mehrauli - a place near the modern city. Of all seven cities that existed in India in the Middle Ages, this was the very first.
India. Delhi. sights
Many of the architectural monuments of India, in particular Delhi, are under the protection of UNESCO. The main attraction of Old Delhi is the Red Fort with red sandstone walls. The fortress has the shape of an octagon surrounded by a moat. This is a unique architectural masterpiece from the time of the Mughal dynasty. The construction of the imperial residence was completed by Shah Jahan in 1648 and created the king’s unique throne made of pure gold interspersed with diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. In one of the pavilions of the Fort you can see oboes, cymbals and other ancient musical instruments. In the palace you can visit the memorial, archaeological museums.
Walking around the Fort, you can look at the very first indoor market that appeared in India, where amazing souvenirs are sold. In addition, in the city you need to see the Jami Masjid mosque, the National Museum, the mausoleum of the Emperor Humayun of the Mughal dynasty, the house of Vera, and the archaeological park Mehrauli.
Climate
The city of Delhi amazingly combines the heat of the desert and the cold climate of the Himalayas. Between April and October, temperatures can reach +40 ° C. July and August are the time of the monsoons. In winter, air temperature may well drop to zero. At this time, the city of Delhi is covered in dense fog, because of which flights are often canceled. The periods from February to April and from September to November are the most pleasant (+ 20- + 30 ° C). We wish you a pleasant and exciting trip to amazing India!