India Gate
India Gate is a majestic high arch, 42 meters high, built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I. Beneath it burns an eternal flame. From the base of the arch one can get a good view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.A fascinating and wonderful monument! Enjoy the lush green lawns of India Gate, which house the famous boat club and a children's park. The lawns come alive in the evening with picnicking families and couples taking a stroll. Little children run about playing with balloons and eating ice-creams purchased from nearby vendors. The use of special lighting means that the monument looks even more striking at night than it does by day. From the base of arch one can get a good view of Rashtrapati Bhawan. The entire monument is extremely beautiful and the arch stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone which rises in stages to a huge molding
Click here for more information
|
Splendours of Akshardham Temple
Akshardham temple complex in Delhi-a sprawling pink sandstone and white marble temple complex of the Swaminarayan. The complex will double up as a modern centre of spirituality and learning about Indian culture. t is expected to become a major tourist attraction of Delhi. The temple complex will be spread on 30 acres of the Yamuna bank. Its architecture draws inspiration from the temples of Badrinath (Uttaranchal), Somnath (Gujarat) and Konark (Orissa).Swaminarayan Sect that controls Akshardham complex seems to have been part of the bhakti movement and born of the philosophy of Sahajanand Swami (1781-1830) who was considered an incarnation of Lord Swaminarayan and was a powerful social activist.
Click here for more information
|
Red Fort
The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Quila, is Delhi's signature attraction, rising high above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the wealth and power of the Mogul empire. The massive sandstone walls were built in the 17th century to keep out marauding invaders and still dominate the skyline today. Inside are an array of exquisite buildings, which once provided the living quarters for Shah Jehan, his courtiers, family and staff of three thousand. Visitors can marvel at the intricate decoration and only imagine the scenes here at the empire's height when the walls were studded with precious stones and a 'stream of paradise' drove an ingenious air conditioning system. The fort was the scene of the Indian uprising of 1857 and the mighty Lahore Gate, on the west side of the fort, remains a potent symbol in the fight for Independence.
Click here for more information
|
Jama Masjid
Shah Jehan, the architect of the Red Fort and much of Old Delhi, built Jama Masjid between 1644 and 1656. This grand structure is situated on a hill a few hundred yards west of the Red Fort and towers over the mayhem of Old Delhi's sprawling streets. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque and can hold 25,000 worshipers at one time. Wide red sandstone steps lead to entrances on the North, South and East sides of the mosque. Inside is the massive courtyard dominated by two red and white striped sandstone minarets that cap the main prayer hall on the west side (facing Mecca). There are smaller towers at each corner of the mosque; energetic visitors can climb the 122 narrow steps of the southern one to be rewarded with magnificent views of Old and New Delhi. Those wearing shorts or skirts can hire a lunghi to cover their legs.
Click here for more information
|
Qutab Minar Complex
Dominating the ruins of the earliest existing settlement of Delhi is the city's famous landmark- the Qutab Minar. The imposing victory tower 73 metre high was built by Qutbuddin Aibak (1192-98) the founder of the Slave Dynasty. The tapering, fluted structure has five storeys, each marked by intricately carved projections or balconies.
Elaborately carved pillars-which come from Hindu temples of the earlier setdement of Qila Rai Pithora embellish the courtyard of a nearby mosque. At the centre of the courtyard is the amazing Iron Pillar-the dhvaja stambha (flag pole) of a Vishnu Temple (4th-5th century AD). Cast in a process that is lost to the present world, the 7.2 metre pillar has not rusted through the centuries. Other interesting structures in die vicinity include die base of another unfinished tower - the Alai Minar
Click here for more information
|
| 1 2 |