Red Fort : It 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.

The mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, after ruling from Agra for eleven years, decided to shift to Delhi and laid the foundation stone of the Red Fort in 1618. For its inauguration in 1647, the main halls of the palace were draped in rich tapestry and covered with silk from china and velvet from Turkey. With a circumference of almost one and a half miles, the fort is an irregular octagon and has two entrances, the Lahore and Delhi Gates.

Jama Masjid : It is the largest mosque in India. It was begun in 1644 and completed only in 1658. There are two minarets (40m in height), four angle towers and three gateways. Built during the rule of Emperor Shah Jahan, the mosque is made of white marble and red stone.

Rajghat : On the banks of the Yamuna, is the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948.

Chandni Chowk : This shopping bazaar is the main street of Old Delhi. In spite of it being terribly crowded, irrespective of the time of the day or night, it is frequented by Indian and foreign tourists alike. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Jantar Mantar : This is an observatory constructed during the rule of Maharaja Jai Singh II ( around the year 1725). There is a huge sun-dial known as the Prince of Dials. India Gate This arch of triumph bears the names of several thousands of Indians who lost their lives during WW1.

Rashtrapati Bhavan : Opposite India Gate is the official residence of the President of India. The building exhibits Mughal as well as Western architectural style. Surrounded by huge gardens, this was completed in 1929.

Old Fort : This fort with its massive walls was started by Humayun but was completed around 1540 by Sher Shah (the Afghan ruler who had defeated Humayun).

Qutab Minar : 73m in height, this tower tapers from a diameter of 15m to 2.5m. There are five distinct storeys, each of which has a protruding balcony.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple : This was constructed in 1938 by the famous industrialist BD Birla. It is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

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.

 Delhi Excursions

Surajkund : Situated 11 km from the Qutab Minar on the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Surajkund is the site of a perennial lake surrounded by rock-cut steps. The Sun temple built by a Tomar chieftain named Surajpal stood here during AD 1000, the remains of which can still be seen. It was around this temple and pool that a tourist resort came up in Surajkund. What began as simple tourist centre in 1987 flowered into a celebration of the centuries-old crafts traditions of India at the annual Surajkund Crafts Mela. As spring glides in, full of warmth and vibrancy leaving the grey winter behind, Surajkund adorns itself with colourful traditional crafts of India. Craftsmen from all over the country assemble at Surajkund during the first fortnight of February to participate in the annual celebration known as the Surajkund Crafts Mela.

Badhkal Lake : Situated in the Faridabad district of Haryana, the panoramic Badhkal Lake is a natural pool surrounded by vast lawns and lush greenery. Just over 30 km from New Delhi, the lake is a popular picnic spot. It also offers boating facilities to tourists.

Mud Fort : Barely 80 km from the din and bustle of New Delhi stands the Mud Fort of Kuchesar, which was built in the mid-18th century by the Jat rulers. The fort has bravely withstood the onslaught of the Marathas, Sikhs, Rohillas, and Rajputs, as well as the French and East India Company. The fort was built with seven turrets so as to withstand the cannons of the British.

Neemrana : Situated 122 km from New Delhi, on a rocky outcrop just above an unspoilt village, lies Neemrana, the site of a majestic fort built in 1464 by Prithviraj Chauhan III. The Neemrana Fort, as it is known, has now been converted into a heritage resort.

Shopping Center : Delhi is a veritable paradise for shoppers, who can buy objects ranging from the simplest of Indian handicrafts to international designer labels, and often within the same shopping area. Delhi is unique in that it has representative outlets for the handicrafts of each Indian state. This in it self presents a staggering array of goods, and at very affordable prices. In the last decade there has been a dramatic change in Delhi's markets. Shopping in Delhi is a delight so if you are interested in shopping and you wish to grab a fragment of Indian culture then Delhi is where you would like to explore the possibility of doing so.