RICH IN HERITAGE, WILL DEFINETLY BECOME RICHER ON CWG 2010/Vishal Sonar

Monuments of a place surely eulogize about the past grandeur. And often more. Delhi is an ancient land, where the culture rose to soaring pinnacles long before modern civilization made its way into everyone's heart. Today, “Delhi walas” are justly proud of their rich heritage, that in itself a reason to plan a vacation trip to this capital city. Thanks to a vocal movement, conservation today takes precedence over development concerns and a lot of the country's architectural heritage is remarkably well preserved, while the rest is being restored to its pristine glory. So rich is the heritage - both secular and sacred - ranging from grand Mughal forts to the towering temples portraying exquisite architecture. Somewhere it is the ornate Nagara style, somewhere it is the opulent Gothic architecture. Tourists can also visit the fine churches and public buildings that pepper the lush green land of Delhi. The grand colonial buildings made in European style can be found dotting the Central Delhi terrain.



Visit the complex of monuments and remnants at the Qutub Complex, comprising of the famous Qutub Minar and Iron Pillar. Worth a visit are the memorials of Humayun's Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb and Lodi's Tomb, which stand as a testimony of the rich Mughal architecture. Check out the ramparts of Feroze Shah Kotla and Havelis situated in the narrow crowded lanes of Chandni Chowk. A must visit are the colonial architectural grandeur, from the exquisitely designed Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House, to the lush green lawns of India Gate that commemorates the soldiers who laid down their lives for their Nation and the Sectariates of North and South Block.

The ancient monuments nestling in the modern quarters of the capital give something more than just a pleasure of reconnaissance; it also gives a satisfactory pleasure of discovery. The ruined ramparts, along with a dreamy traveler, move to find the long forgotten glory. Wander around, touch the moss covered red sandstone walls, enter the grand marble palaces that roost inside the colossal forts...do anything, go anywhere, but believe us you cannot forget the erstwhile royal pleasures and the definition of power that are carved on the walls of every building. Besides, if you happen to visit the ruins of the Purana Kila, situated near to India Gate, you can also enjoy a round of boat cruise on the shimmering waters of the nearby lake. Visit India Gate, where besides appreciating the grand architecture of the War Memorial, you can also freak out in the lush manicured gardens while munching some spicy ready-to-eat delicacies sold by the local vendors. Children can also enjoy horse riding and elephant rides that makes for a memorable evening. Interestingly, the light and sound shows that are held in the colossal forts in the evenings also re-create history in an amazing way.

Some Fact Files -




1) Monumental Heritage : Jantar Mantar, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Akshardham Temple, Qutab Minar, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Garden.



2) Mughal Heritage : Jama Masjid – Biggest Mosque in India, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb – Replica of Taj, Safdarjung Tomb and Lodi's Tomb, Lodhi Garden.



3) Colonial Heritage: India Gate – Heart of Delhi, Parliament, Rashtrapati Bhavan.



4) Renowned Temples : Kalkaji Temple, Hanuman Mandir, Lotus Temple, Birla Mandir, Akshardham Temple – A Wonder of Creation, Digambara Jain Lal Mandir Ji, Chattarpur Mandir, ISKCON Temple, Sai Baba Mandi



5) Renowned Mosques: Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah, Moth-Ki-Masjid, Jamali-Kamali Mosque & Tomb, Quwwatu'l Islam Masjid or Qutub Mosque, Khirki-Ki-Masjid.



6) Famous Forts: Red Fort –

Location: Near Delhi Gate at Old Delhi.

Highlight : The Light and Sound Show held Every Evening.



Old Fort –

Location : 4 km away from Connaught Circus.

Highlight : Kuhna Masjid Inside the Fort Built by Sher Shah



Tughlakabad Fort –

Location : 15 km From Delhi.

Highlight : Tomb of Giyasuddin.



7) Famous Museums : Air Force Museum in Palam, Delhi Cantt., Shankar's Doll Museum on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, National Museum of Natural History on Barakhamba Road.



8) Famous Parks and Gardens : Roshanara Bagh, Rose Garden, Deer Park, Mughal Gardens, Lodhi Gardens, Talkatora Garden, Nehru Park, Buddha Jayanti Garden, Kalindi Kunj.