What to see in New Delhi, a journey to discover this city of India with a great artistic heritage, shrines, temples and museums not to be missed.
Tourist information
Delhi appears in the eyes of the tourist as a city with strident juxtapositions, where extreme wealth and extraordinary beauty often contrast with poverty and dirt, moreover modern shopping centers do not approach the many street vendors and the medieval bazaar.
The first impression is that of total chaos, with road traffic out of control that seems to endanger the lives of pedestrians, combined with the annoying sound of car horns.
Gradually, however, it is possible to settle in and then everything takes on the meaning of Indian life, with a wide range of attractions and sensations to absorb.
There are many monuments, including mosques and tombs, all surrounded by imposing colonial architecture, as well as museums, excellent restaurants, many bazaars, markets and shops.
What see
The colossal Akshardham Temple, located on the edge of the city and built in pink sandstone with marble inserts, incorporates an interesting mix of traditional Indian styles, including Mughal, Orissa, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
The soaring domes, the finely worked pillars and the more than 20,000 sculptures, depicting various deities, are the main attractions of this temple.
The Lotus Temple, a splendid Baha'i House of Worship, was designed by the Iranian-Canadian architect Fariburz Sahba in 1986 as a tribute to the lotus flower, considered a divine flower by many Eastern religions.
Large white marble petals, which open from nine pools and walkways in the shape of a lotus, symbolize the nine spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith.
Inside, the central hall rises to a height of over 30 meters.
Birla House is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was killed by a Hindu extremist on January 30, 1948.
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The house is now a poignant sanctuary dedicated to the Father of the Nation, with an indoor museum containing a collection of photographs and paintings depicting Gandhi's life.
Gandhi's personal items are on display in his bedroom, where the last steps taken before his death are also shown.
A small pavilion, known as the Martyrs' Column, marks the exact spot where he died.
Humayun's Tomb, built in the mid-sixteenth century and considered a splendid example of Mughal architecture, reflects the traditional Persian style, characterized by the squat shape of the building, with high arches at the entrance and a domed roof ending with a spike.
The tomb is located in 12 hectares of gardens designed in Persian style, therefore shaded and geometric, crossed by streams and paths.
There are also other smaller tombs, including that of the emperor's favorite barber.
Jama Masjid, a masterpiece by Shah Jahan and the largest mosque in India, was built between 1644 and 1658, about 25,000 faithful can be hosted in the courtyard.
It includes three doors, four towers and two of red and white striped sandstone, with marble minarets.
Climbing 122 steps it is possible to reach the top of the southern minaret, from which to enjoy a magnificent panorama.
Built by the great Mughal builder Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, Red Fort represents the peak of the power of the Mughal dynasty.
The gate of the main fort, Lahore Gate, so called because it faces Lahore, which is now part of Pakistan, was a powerful symbol of the struggle for independence.
It is still used today as a backdrop for the nation's prime minister's speech on Independence Day which falls on August 15 of each year.
Located in the Maharaja palace in Jaipur, the National Gallery of Modern Art contains a vast collection of contemporary Indian works of art, with works by Husain, one of the greatest contemporary artists.
There are also works by Bengali Renaissance painters and 19th and 20th century paintings by British artists Thomas Daniell and his nephew William.
There is a library related to local art, special exhibitions are frequently organized in the gallery.
The National Museum collects archaeological remains, carved pillars, Tibetan manuscripts, musical instruments, clothes, tapestries, ornaments and weapons, capable of representing much of Indian culture.
Dedicated to the extraordinary history of the world's largest railway system, the National Rail Museum in Delhi reflects the social and historical importance of everything that has actually united India in one nation.
This excellent museum houses 30 trains, plus an 1855 steam engine and sumptuous old carriages that belonged to great British and Indian characters.
The dilapidated remains of Purana Qila are considered to be the sixth city of Delhi and represent a brief interruption in the Mughal history of Delhi, when the Afghan ruler Sher Shah defeated the emperor Humayun.
Among the buildings still standing include the Sher Shah Mosque and the Sher Mandal, which is an octagonal observatory used as a library.
The north gate Talaqi-Darwaza, partially rebuilt, represents a formidable example of the fortifications built in the heyday.
The Qutb Minar complex houses the oldest Islamic monuments in India.
Built in the late twelfth century to commemorate the Muslim conquest of Delhi, the Qutb Minar is a large tower that stands 72 m high.
At its feet is the Quwwat ul Islam Masjid, the first mosque built in India in 1193.
Rajpath is the great approach to Delhi Lutyen.
At the western end stands Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President's House, an immense palace originally built as the Viceroy's residence, but now the official seat of the President of India.
This is testified by the changing of the guard in the square which takes place every Saturday morning.
The nearby Mughal gardens are open to the public on certain days of February and March.
At the eastern end is the India Gate, a popular picnic spot frequented by the population during the warm evenings and weekends.
Located in the nearby state of Haryana, the Bird Sanctuary Sultanpur is a park located about 47 km from Delhi.
It hosts about 250 species, the small lake and the marshes can be visited in the period between November and March, when it is possible to observe 100 types of migratory birds.
Southwest of Agra and a few hours by car or train from Delhi, Ranthambore National Park offers the opportunity to see the elusive tiger, along with other large wild animals, including leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, snakes and more .
There are several golf courses in New Delhi, many of which offer courses for visitors.
It is possible to organize a trip to Kanwar Shikna, in the nearby state of Haryana, to try the experience of paragliding and other sports, including hang gliding and hot air ballooning, available in various locations.
