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RED
FORT
 Another
marvel of architecture is the Red Fort and it could perhaps be
singled out as yet another monument, which should not escape the
tourist's eyes. Known as lal qila (lal means red and qila means
fort). It is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular
octagon.
It is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 Kilometers in
circumference and is built of Red Sandstone. The Mughal King Shah
Jahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and the fort was
completed in 1648, nine years after the king shifted to this city.
The fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori
Gate, which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market.
Shah Jahan, incidentally was also the king who built the Taj Mahal
of Agra. The fort has the Diwan-e-am, where the king would grant
audience to the public to listen to their problems. The other
feature is the Diwan-e-Khas (khas means special) where the king
would grant audience to important people.
Besides this, is the Rang Mahal, the water-cooled apartment for
the royal ladies. In the basement of the fort is a market where
several traditional Indian goods can be purchased at nominal
rates. Another attraction is the Light and Sound Show held in the
evenings.
HUMAYUN'S TOMB 
This tomb, which was built
by emperor Humayun's wife, took eight years to complete and is
regarded as an example of the early Mughal architecture. The
emperor's wife, Begai Begum, was buried in the tomb and the
structure is the first of its kind built in the centre of a
well-planned garden. The combination of white marble and red
sandstone was a great influence on later Mughal architecture. It
is generally regarded as a prototype of the famed Taj Mahal of
Agra.
RAJGHAT
4 km away
from Janpath to the N-East of Feroz Shah near Delhi Gate at Ring
Rd on the bank of Jamuna situated Rajghat. Jawaharlal Nehru Rd
also ends opp. Rajghat. On 31st Jan. 1948, Mahatma Gandhi's last
rites was performed here. The memorial stone of Gandhi is square
in shape made of black stone. His last ward- 'Hey Ram' is
inscribed on it.
Ordinary people, VIPs, foreign tourists all come here at Rajghat
to pay their homage to him. On every Friday (the day of his death)
a prayer is being held. Except Monday, a regular feature of
projecting Gandhi philosophy in picture, sculpture and photos from
10-00 to 17-00 is being performed at Rajghat. Besides, there is
Gandhi Memorial Museum projecting his life and the philosophy of
Sarvodaya Movement in film from 9-30 to 17-30 except Thursday and
on Sunday at 16-00 in Hindi and 17-00 in English.
Another Gandhi memorial is Gandhi Balidansthal or assassinated
spot at Tis January Marg of the city. On 30 Jan. 1948 on his way
to prayer at Biral Bhawan , he was assassinated by bullets. Hence,
this memorial.
SAKTI STHAL
It is situated between
Rajghat and Santiban commemorating the death of Indira Gandhi on
31 Oct 1984 and her last rites was performed on 3rd Nov, 1984.
The tomb on her funeral spot is made of grey-red monolithic
stone.
BIRBHUMI
It is founded in memoriam of
Rajiv Gandhi. He was assassinated at Perumbudur 40 km away from
Chennai at 10 pm on 21 May 1991. His last rites was performed on
24 May here.
VIJAY GHAT
This is the tomb of 2nd
Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. After the Indo-Pak was of
1965. Shastriji went to Taskhand in Russia on peace mission. In
1966 his last rites was performed here.
TEEN MURTI BHAVAN
It was the official
residence of Jawaharlal Nehru when he was the Prime Minister and
after his death it was converted into a museum. Through pictures
and other literature, the various facets of the life of Pandit
Nehru have been shown.
It was built in memoriam of
5th Prime Minister Charan Singh at a distance of Rajghat on the
bank of Jamuna. The last rites of this leader were performed on
31 May 1987. Opp Rajghat on Ring Rd on the Jamuna, Babu Jag
Jivan Ram was cremated. A sculpture has been built there founded
in memorium.
All five sculptures are built side by side. Delhi tourists may
pay their visit. At its close, there is a park full of trees
planted by world VIPs visiting India as state guest in different
times since independence. A pleasant site for evening walks.
SHEESH
GANJ GURDWARA
It is believed that the night Guru Tegh Bahadur was murdered
along with three of his disciples it was raining very heavily.
Because of the fear of the Mughals nobody came to pick the
bodies up that night. The next day the head of the Guru was
taken to Anandpur Sahib and the body to where Gurdwara Rakab
Ganj is now situated. A century later a devotee named Baba
Baghel Singh searched and found this place and had this place of
worship constructed here.
Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib embraced martyrdom in Delhi on November
11th, 1675. Bhai Jaita and his associates brought his head to
Chakk Nanaki. The cremation of the head of Guru Sahib was held
here on November 17th, 1675. The trunk of that tree under which
the Guru was martyred and the well where he took his daily bath
while in prison are preserved here to this day.
When Guru Gobind Singh Sahib left Anandpur Sahib, on the night
of December 5th and 6th, 1705, he visited this place and
appointed Bhai Gurbakhsh Das Udasi as caretaker of this shrine
and began his final journey. It is believed that the central
pedestal of this shrine is the oldest structure of Chakk
Nanaki-Anandpur Sahib
APPU
GHAR
A
Mini-Disneyland
Appu Ghar in New
Delhi is a crowd puller for the residents of the capital as well
as those of neighbouring towns. Children will have a time of their
life over here, while the enjoying the various rides.
The Swinging Sensations
Appu Ghar has the usual fare of exciting games like Roller
Coaster, the Big Splash, Dodgem Cars, the Eerie Tunnel, Giant
Wheel, Columbus Jhoola - a ship high up in the sky, the Speeding
Cup, a Cable Car, a Saucer that works on centrifugal force and
lots more.
Ice Games
Appu Ghar has now introduced Ice Games at OYSTERS, where four
acres of the Water Park have been blanketed with ice for winter
sports. These include sledding, skiing, ice boating, where one can
row through a river full of icebergs and bowling on ice.
Amusements for the grown ups are also available over here such as
Rain Dance, Ice Dance all to the tune of fast music and according
to the seasons in Delhi. This water park is the best place to cool
down the sultry summer heat.
The entry to the park is from Gate No. 4 at Pragati Maidan and
remains open on all days of the week. One can visit the park on
Mondays to Saturdays from 1.30 to 9.30pm and on Sundays from Noon
to 9.30pm.
BIRLA
MANDIR
It is another landmark close to Connaught Place and was built by
industrialist Raja Baldev Birla in 1938. The temple is an
important prayer site and contains idols of several deities.
Interestingly Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated the temple, was also
a regular visitor to it and would often pray there.
BANGLA
SAHEB
 Near
Connaught Place in New Delhi, a vast and magnificent building that
once belonged to Raja Jai Singh of Amber now stands stately
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, in memory of Guru Har Krishan ji. Guru Har
Rai ji had two sons, Ram Rai was elder and the younger Har Krishan.
Ram Rai had displeased his father on account of his manifesting
miracles despite strict instructions not to do so as it was
against the Sikh faith. Guru Har Rai ji had thus ordained Guruship
to his younger son Har Krishan. Through a cunning and crafty
design, the deranged and distraught Ram Rai involved Emperor
Aurangzeb against the succession. The Emperor ordered Raja Jai
Singh to get Guru Harkrishan ji to see him in Delhi. The Raja was
a great devotee of the Sikh Guru's and he knew the true story of
the succession too. The Raja instead of presenting the Guru before
the King, made him his own guest. It so happened that at time
Delhi was inflamed with the epidemic of smallpox and people in
large gatherings had been visiting the Guru continuously. The Guru
thus could not escapee the attack of smallpox and he left for his
heavenly abode in 1664 at the tender age of just eight. It is at
this place where the Guru breathed his last and the big palace was
converted into an inspiring Gurdwara now known as Gurdwara Bangla
Sahib, which is a sacred place for pilgrimage with the Sikhs.
LOTUS
TEMPLE
Is a very
recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith and is visible from
several spots in south Delhi. Located in Kalkaji in the south of
Delhi, it is lotus shaped and has rightly been given the name. It
is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all
faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace
and tranquility.
CONNAUGHT
PLACE
 One
of Delhi's most popular shopping centres built as early as 1931
there is nothing that one cannot buy here and it also has several
eating houses. The state emporia buildings are also located in
this area so are the head offices of major banks, airlines and
other such things of importance to the tourist. The complex
popularly referred to as CP is an important meeting points for all
sections of people and is something which no tourist should miss
if for nothing else then for its architecture and the humdrum of
everyday life.
DILLI
HAAT
A Bazaar Par Excellence
Delhi Haat Food and Crafts Bazaar, opposite INA Market, is a
one-stop shopping place for tourists, which not only offers
various arts and handicrafts of India, but also a taste of the
ethnic cuisine. Visitors can also witness the different performing
arts of the country.
The Haat
The word 'haat' refers to a weekly market in rural, semi urban and
sometimes urban India. Dilli-Haat provides an atmosphere of
traditional rural or village market, but suitable according to the
needs of the contemporary world.
Dilli Haat is known as the first ever-permanent crafts market
showcasing India, housing within its premises a blend of craft,
food and cultural activities. The craftsmen here are mobile & ever
changing, which is another depiction of the richness and diversity
of Indian handicrafts and art crafts.
The Architecture
Spread over a spacious 6-acre area, the plaza is paved with stone
& brickwork, skillfully interspersed with grass, flowering shrubs,
Eucalyptus & other tall trees. A minimal built up area ensures a
relaxed & serene ambience.
The 62 stalls selling handicrafts are allotted on a rotational
basis to craftsmen who come here from all across India by paying a
mere INR 100 per day for a maximum period of 15 Days. This ensures
visitors buy authentic wares at prices within their budget.
Cuisine Delights
Visitors can also savour the unique flavors of the delightful
local foods from the various regions of India be it the momos from
Sikkim or the Bamboos hot chicken from Nagaland, Kahwa & Kebabs
from Jammu, Pooranpoli from Maharashtra or the Gujrati Dhokla. As
many as 25 food stalls are present at the Haat that offer variety
of foods, served in an eco -friendly manner.
The Cultural Complex
Dilli Haat also comprises of an open-air theatre for cultural
programmes and a children's play area. In the theatre from time to
time performance of folk music and dance is on offer to attract
the tourists. The theatre captures tantalising glimpses of the
diversified Indian culture in all its rich and varied colours,
ranging from the unique and spectacular dance of Kathakali to the
pulsating alive and vigorous Bhangra from Punjab.
Timeless Displays
Diili Haat is paradise for handicrafts and lovers. The treasurable
collection over here comprise of intricate rosewood & sandalwood
carvings, embellished camel hide footwear, Kandtha sarees from
West Bengal, Bidri work from Karnataka and Andhra, bamboo and cane
work from Assam, Aari embroidery from Kashmir, wooden icons from
Tamil Nadu, panels from Bastar and a host of other items.
Dilli
Haat is thus an important landmark of Delhi where one can enjoy
the myraid cultural, musical and art forms of India, all available
at one place.
INDIA
GATE 
Straight
down the road from Rashtrapati Bhavan along a magnificent view and
totally unhampered drive is India Gate, which is primarily a
memorial to the Unknown Soldier. Designed by Lutyens, the 42 metre
high structure is a war memorial in honor of the soldiers who died
during the Second World War. The imposing structure from where
stretch massive lush green lawns has an eternal flame (amar jawan
jyoti) to honor the memory of the unknown soldiers. A popular
picnic spot, one can see hoarders of people moving about the area
and on the lawns on summer evenings.
SAFDARJUNG TOMB
It is 5 km
to the S-West from Connaught Place at Arvind Marg on the way to
Kutub. Between 1753-74, Nawab Suja-ud-Dulla erected Safdarjung on
the graveyard of Nawab of Ayodhya Mirza Mukim Abul Mansur Khan,
like the tomb of Humayun. In the middle of Mughal Garden Charbagh,
it is the last tomb or graveyard of 40 ft high. On the 4 sides,
there are 4 stone made Azan Minar. In the courtyard, there is rose
garden.
Beside it, mini airport, Safdarjung of Delhi Flying Club is
located. In 1980, Sanjay Gandhi died in an air crash in this
airport. Adjacent to the south, there is the battle field, where
Mahammad Shah Tughlak was defeated by Taimur in 12 Dec, 1398.
KALKAJI
KALI TEMPLE
3 km to the
south of Humayun tomb and west of Mathura Rd, the Rock Edict of
King Ashoka was discovered in 1963. At a little distance, there is
18th century Kalkaji Kali Temple.
Janpath is one of the
busiest roads in New Delhi. Tourism Dept Office of Govt of India
is at 88 Janpath. You may seek their assistance Monday to Friday
from 9-00 to 18-00 and on Saturday from 9-00 to 13-00. Sunday
closed. Janpath meets Rajpath going further south. To the east of
Rajpath is India Gate and to the west is Parliament House and
Rashtrapati Bhawan. To the further south there is the posh area of
New Delhi - Defence Colony, Lodhi Colony, Greater Kailash, Basanta
Bihar etc.
Indira Gandhi International Airport is towards further S-West from
Rajpath via Dalhousie Rd/Sardar Patel Marg/Parade Rd. On the way
various foreign Consulates and Embassies there is Diplomatic
Enclave Chanakyapuri. Many star hotels are also located in
Chanakyapuri.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
A marvellous piece of
architecture which can be admired only from outside on account of
security restrictions. Close to Rashtrapathi Bhavan, it is domed
almost circular structure about a kilometer in circumference, and
was designed by the famed architect Lutyens. It is the seat of the
Indian Parliament and during the sessions of Parliament there is a
flurry of activity in and around the structure
RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official residence of
the President of the country. Designed by Lutyens, it was the
official residence of the Viceroy when the British ruled
India. With 340 rooms and an area of about 330 acres, it is an
imposing structure and a tourist's delight. The pillars and
the porticos are an architect's marvel and so are the Durbar
Hall and the Ashoka Hall within the complex. Although special
permission has to be obtained to visit the complex, the Mughal
Gardens within the complex are a treat for the eyes and are
open to the public during certain periods of the year.
MUGHAL GARDEN
Situated within the
President's Estate, these gardens boast of the finest
varieties of roses in the country besides other flowers, which
are maintained with the utmost care and thought. The lawns of
the gardens are the place where the President hosts tea
parties. Besides this there are several artificial ponds where
one can get to see a variety of fish and perhaps one of the
most interesting sights are the almost romantically designed
fountains illuminated with multicoloured lights.
Candni Chok
It was the eyes and ears
of the Mughal's commercial instincts and is today one of the
country's best known wholesale markets for textiles,
electronic goods and watches. The entire area was designed
by Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter and was
then inhabited by the well-to-do families of that time.
There is however a word of caution and that is that there
are several elements who are believed to be selling
duplicate goods and the tourist needs to be careful about
this.
JAMA
MASJID
Opp Red Fort (1 km west) between 1650 to 1656, based on the
plan and design of Ostad Khalil, the then great sculpture,
Emperor Shahjahan built
 Juma
Masjid at the cost of Rs 10 crore- it may be said as the
replica of Moti Masjid in Agra. It is called Masjid-e-Jahanuma.
It is the heartbeat gate was meant for Royal Family and
Shahjahan used to come on every Friday and on every festival
by walk from the fort.
The north and south gates were meant for common people. Alike
Bho Jhala hill top on a high dais at the head of the highest
peak there were 2 minars of 40 m high. Buy ticket Rs 5, get up
flights of 122 steps and view around from the South Minar. The
premises of the South Minar is 1076 sq ft wide. 2,5000
devotees at a time may sit together for namaz.
The original Prayer Hall is 201´120 ft with the height of 135
ft made in combination of red sand stone and white marble. In
the interior, to the west or Mecca-facing 3 tombs were made of
Marble. At the head of the original Prayer Hall there is white
and black marble made tomb. The inscription from Quran, on the
west wall bow type arch, in the midst at central reck there is
mihrab or the seat of Chief Imam. It took 5 years & 5000
people to built Masjid. It was the last work of Shahjahan. In
the biggest Juma Masjid in India, it has a great treasure kept
in the N-East corner of the white shrine a hair of the beard
of Hazrat Mahmmad, his used chappal, a chapter of Quran
(original), the canopy of his tombstone and the foot print of
Mahmmad on the stone.
The main Iman of this Juma Masjid is the direct descendent of
the original and first Imam appointed by Emperor Shahjahan and
till now there is no break in its descendency. People of
different religion are not allowed in between 12-30-14-00. If
you desire to go, you should go bare-footed, head covered and
wearing lungi, - these are norms and all these are available
on payment. If you want to get photographs, you need to buy
ticket.
In 1739 taking advantage of the bad time of Mughal Empire,
Nadir Shah, the Persian Emperor captured Delhi. In 1803
British kept blind poet Bahadur Shah in the throne of Delhi
for show holding the real administrative power. Bahadur Shah
took side to the Sepoy uprising in 1857 that led his
deportation to Rangoon by the British.
And he was the last Mughal Emperor. British charged huge
cannon shell on the city damaging most of Delhi. British
General Le Hudson killed all male members of Bahadur Shah's
family including his minor children and hanged their dead
bodies at the first floor of the main entrance of the old Fort
from the side of Feroz Shah Kotla. Since then the main door of
the first floor is known as Khuni Darwaja. Going further on
Mathura Rd there is Khairul Manzil Palace.
JANTAR MANTAR
The
Maharaja of Jaipur Sawai Jay Singh II founded it. A little
distance of Connaught Circus at Sansad Marg it was built in
1725. It is space observatory a house that is instrumental in
observing astronomical and aeronotical movements of sun, moon
and other stars and planets. The huge Prince Dial is unique.
It is next to that similar one in Jaipur in size and grade.
There are other Jantar-Mantars in Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura.
Open from 9-00 to 19-00. There is one Bhairab Temple as old as
Jantar-Mantar.
Old Fort
 It
is 4 km away from Connaught Circus to the S-East of India
Gate, the foundation of this Fort was started by Humayun in
1530 but remained incomplete as he was defeated by Afghan hero
Sher-Shah-Suri in 1541. It is located in the pre-historical
Indraprastha (as is surveyed and proved in 1955 findings) of
the Mahabharata and completed by Sher Shah as the 6th city or
Killa or the Fort. Later it was named Shergarh.
On the 3 sides by Jamuna. From 3rd BC to pre-Mughal period,
there was fort in Indraprastha. Humayun built a new one.
Old Indraprastha became Dinpanaha. The Fort was encircled with
high walls having 3 main entrances. Entering through the Zoo
Garden or the Talaki Entrance of north, you will see the
octogonal peaks made of sand stones on Sher Manzil. After the
death of Sher-Shah-Suri in 1548, Humayun recaptured Delhi in
1555 defeating Sher Shah' son Islam Shah. Humayun also
destroyed Shergarh. However, Sher Manjil founded by Sher Shah
became Humayun's library.
In 1556, hearing Muezzin Azaan he intended to attend the
prayer and coming out from his library he suddenly fell down
from the stair cases and died 3 days later. Red grey colour
bow-shape arch of Sher Shah gate is beautiful.
Behind Sher Manzil on the right at Humayun (Red) Darwaja or
Entrance is Field Museum with the collection of (open 8-00 to
18-30) anthropological exhibits. The museum has a collections
of Mughal dynasty, Sultanate dynasty, Rajput dynasty, Gupta
dynasty, Sunga dynasty, Mourya dynasty and of the era before
Christ.
The coin collections of Sunga dynasty (200-100 BC) is
remarkable. Killa-e-Kuhana Mosque founded by Sher Shah in
Indo-Afghan sculpture is unique. However, the killa is on the
rage of ruin now. Highway are made through this killa. On the
right of this killa is Zoo Garden at a little distance, Hazrat
Nizamuddin Rly Stn.
The new attraction of Old Fort is Sound & Light show. By the
light of renowned Tapas Sen, the rise and fall of Delhi from
Indraprastha to Mughal era becomes live in Sound & Light show,
duration of which is 1 hr. Voice given by Jaya Bachhan, Om
Puri and others. English version: Sept-Oct & Feb- April 20-30
to 21-30, Nov-Jan 19-30-21-30, May-Aug 21-00-22-00; Hindi:
19-00-20-00/18-00-19-00/19-30-20-30hr. Ticket 25, Free upto 5
yrs old,
NATIONAL MUSEUM
The National Museum is another interesting spot located very
close to India Gate. The museum has a rich variety of all
facets of ancient Indian history and also of central Asia. In
fact the museum takes one through a fascinating journey of
what ancient India was all about, pottery, rare coins, and
numerous such things including art and architecture, costumes
are for all to see. It's something every tourist should find
time to visit even if the schedule is tight.
On the right of Rajpath at Janpath is National Museum or
Yadughar. Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone in 1955
and the museum was opened to visitors in 1965. Collections
from Mahenjadaro, Harappa, Lothal, Kalibangan and antiques of
prehistorical periods are on display. The history dated back
to 5000 years are vividly displayed in the museum.
The collections of Indus civilization, Brahminical, Jain and
Buddhist sculptural antiques are all there. The colour
paintings of Mughal, Rajput, Deccan are praiseworthy. Besides,
there are the holy Git Gobinda, the holy Mahabharata, the holy
Bhagabat Gita in golden alphabet, Octogonal mini Quran,
Babamama in Babar's handwriting, Jahangir's diary, musical
instruments of more than 300 types, varieties of tribal
dresses enriched the museum.
The antique collections of Sir Aurel Stein has added the
attraction of the museum. The evolution of ornaments through
ages from prehistoric era to recent modern time, its shape,
size, design and pattern and of metalic combinations with or
without jewel set are all on display in the ornament gallery
of the museum. It draws tourists most.
You may attend film show here at 14-30, which is a regular
feature. Except Monday open daily from 10-00 to 17-00 3019538.
INDRA MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Another national museum
has been built at 1 Safdarjung Rd in memorium of Indira
Gandhi, on May 27, 1985. Indira Gandhi was assassinated by
her own body guard on 31 Oct, 1984. A glass cage has covered
the spot where her body fell down. Before being bullet
sprayed in from point blank range, Indira was on her way
along the garden road out of her residence.
At that place Czechoslovak Govt made a artificial water flow
by crystal on steel plate of 33´25 m. The crystal stream on
the steel plate is designed and planned by the Czech
architect Jaroslav Mirich.
3 rooms are full with articles which were in use by Indira.
Photographs of Indira are also there. The blood-stained sari
and other dress materials of Indira are chemically preserved
in the museum. You may go inside the private chambers to
view reading room, dinning room, Dewan-i-Aam, Dewan-i-Khas
etc. Except Monday open everyday from 10-00 to 17-00
3010094.
Located in the Jaipur
House near India Gate. The building was the palace of the
Maharaja of Jaipur. It has around 4,000 paintings of modern
artists and also included are graphics and sculptures. The
gallery arranges special exhibitions for those who wish to
exhibit their works. Rabindranath, Abanindranath, Nanadalal
Bose, Jamini Roy, Amrita Shergil and other's creative works
are on display. This gallery has a huge collection of art
and literature and journal on art and culture and painting
of old and modern schooling. At Chanakyapuri behind Bhutan
House, except Monday and national holidays, in the months of
April to September daily between 9-30 to 19-00 and Oct-March
Open from 10-00 to 17-00. The gallery also houses a library
which can be used by museum, which is open from 1000 hours
to 1700 hours, is closed on all holidays and observes Monday
as its weekly off.
NEHRU MUSEUM
To the south of Rashtrapati Bhawan Tinmurti Rd the house
that was built as per plan and design of Robert Tor Russel
in 1948 as the residence of the British Commander-in-chief,
has been converted as the residence of the Prime Minister of
India in 1954. Since then the residence of Jawaharlal Nehru
was at Tinmurti.
After his death in 1964, it was converted to Nehru Museum.
In his private life, and as a Prime Minister, the prizes he
got are on display. The photographs of Nehru is also of an
added attraction. A library is also opened. Open from 10-00
to 16-30, except Monday. Open to all. In season, at 11-30,
13-30, 15-30, 16-30 you may view Nehru's life as a part of
Indian freedom struggle in Nehru planetarium or Son-et-Lumiere
at Tinmurti. Ticket Rs 10 and Rs 5, 3014673. The rose garden
at Tinmurti is beautiful. At Jawaharjyoti Garden, the
historical speech on 14-15 August, 1947 has been inscribed
in stone there.
Sankar's International
Dolls Museum was founded in 1954. More than 6000 Variety
representing almost 85 countries of the world are on display
in the museum. Dolls of Japan deserves special mention.
However, 1/3 of total dolls is Indian - Indian cultural and
the cultural life style has been projected in the fashions
of dolls. The ticket is Re 1. Except Monday open every day
from 10-00 to 17-00. Besides, there is B C Roy Children's
Library and children's play corner. The doll museum is
situated at Nehru House close to Income Tax Office at
Bahadur Sah Jaffar Marg near Delhi Gate.
Located in the south of
Delhi close to the diplomatic area of Chanakayapuri it
traces, through exhibits, the 140 year-old history of the
Indian Railways. The museum, established in 1977, and spread
over a ten-acre area, is the first of its kind in India. The
highlights include the Fairy Queen of 1885 the oldest
working steam locomotive, the luxury saloon of the Prince of
Whales and the saloon of the Maharaja of Mysore. Timings:
summer 0830 to 1130 and 1600 to 1730 hours, winter: 0900 to
1730 hours. It is closed on Mondays.
NATIONAL RAIL MUSEUM
It was
built as per plan of British architect M G Satto on 1957, 1st
Feb, on the carpet area of 10 acres of land. The museum
displays 27 locomotives and 17 carriage.
The saloon car of the Maharaja of Baroda (1886), the carriage
of the Maharaja of Mysore made of teak covered with ivory; the
cabin of the Prince of Wales (1876), the carriage in which the
ashes of Gandhiji was carried in 1948; Fairy Queen of 1855
(oldest steam engine in the world); evolution of Indian Rail
from steam engine to present era are vividly displayed.
Even, the skull of an elephant who struck a Mail train in
1894, with his head is also projected here in the exhibition.
The Toy train is running - you may buy here as a souvenir of
your visit. Restaurant and Libraries are also there.
Beautiful Tibetian handicrafts are on display which were
brought with Dalai Lama from Lasa in Tibbet House at 16
Jorhbagh close to Hotel Oberoi. Tibetian handicrafts are on
sale. Open from Monday to Friday between 9-30 to 13-00 and
14-00 to 17-00 except Sunday and Saturday.
In the evening, view the film show on Light and Sound at Red
Fort in Hindi or English version Son-et-Lumiere or the history
from Mughal to Indian Independence.
Collect your ticket and information from ITDC, L Block,
Connaught Place, 3320331. Opp to Red Fort is Chandni Chowk,
Parliament St, and Connaught Circus- visit on foot. New Delhi
is growing gradually day to day. Chanakyapuri is the symbol of
latest architectural and sculptural designs. All Foreign
Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Enclaves are at
Chanakyapuri.
QUTUB MINAR
13 km
to the south of Connaught Circus at
 Lalkote
of 8th century Tomor Rajputs, the 72.5 m high Victory Pillar
stands as a victory stand of a Muslim King Kutub-ud-din-Aibak
in India. At Kila Roy Pithora, on the dilapidated fort of the
last Hindu king Prithwiraj, this victory stand was made like
throne in Gajni. In 1199 Kutub-ud-Din started its construction
and it was completed in 1236 by Iltutmish, the son-in-law of
Kutub. However, there is a 2nd opinion. Some say, the
construction came to an end around 1357-68 during the reign of
Feroz Sah Tughlak.
However, the Kutub which was built in Afghan style underwent
repairing and remaking for more than occasions. Revolving
steps of flights are 367 in number in slightly leaned Kutub.
It has some spl features- at its root the radius is being
14.40 m which gradually reduced at its top to 2.44 m. In Kupee
language it has been inscribed on Kutub that- The Tower was
erected to cast the shadow of God over both East and West.
Aayaat from Quran is also inscribed. At the foot of the Minar
a Mosque was built in 1197.
The 5 storeyed Qutub Minar is a remarkable instance of
sculpture in India. The 1st floor made of sand stone by Kutub,
the 2nd & 3rd floors made of sand stone by Iltutmis and the
4th and 5th in both sand stone and marble by Feroz Shah
Tughlok in 1368.
However, the earthquake of 1803 destroyed it , in 1829 British
Major Robert Smith re-built the tomb. Later the tomb was
brought down from the Minar and reset it in the garden beside.
In 1981, some students died of stampade while on their way up
the steps of flights. Since then, ascending 5th floor is
forbidden and not more than a group of 4 at a time is
permitted to ascent only upto 1st floor of Kutub. Recently,
Kutub is enshrined with huge lighting.
THE GRAVEYARD OF MAHMOOD
The oldest graveyard of
India lies at 4.08 km to the west of Kutub on way to Palam.
It is built in 1229 in Hindu-Muslim sculptural combination.
Mahmood the son of Iltutmis is laid here at rest. Very few
tourists come here to visit due to no publicity.
At a little distant, close to the ruin of 4th Delhi city
Jahanpana, there is Khirki Mosque built in 1380 by a Nazir
of Feroz Shah Tughlak. At a little distance at the crossing
of Aurobinda Marg and Panchshil Marg there is Begumpuri
Mosque built in 14th century by Khan-e-Jahan.
On the
left of this Zoo, there is Pragati Maidan. Founded in 1982 on
the eve of Asian Games. Various Trade Fairs are being
organised throughout the year. States have found their
permanent stalls here with their products and merchandises.
There are different museums set up here on different items of
Indology. Visit Nehru Pavilion, Defense Pavilion, Indira
Pavilion, Son of India Pavilion, Village Complex comprising of
7 acres of land, Energy is Life, Craft Museum with the
collections of 20000 specimens of weaving products metal
products - Daru and wooden products- earthen moulds and images
and artifice along with other sculptural and cultural
specimens for your entertainment from 10-00 to 17-00. On
holidays it remains open till 20-00. At No 5 gate of Pragati,
aiming at entertainment for the children, Appu Ghar Amusement
Park, 3318681 has been founded, open from 12-00 to 20-00. Open
from 12-00 to 20-00. Govt of India's Tourist Dept have founded
Open Air Theatre here at Killa. Opp to it is Supreme Court.
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