Delhi is the capital of India, and is perhaps the only city in the world that has so many contrasts in a single city. Delhi comprises of seven cities that were built by different emperors at different times. You can still see the charm of bygone eras in the ruins of Delhi and people in a mixture of traditional, ethnic dresses and designer labels. You also find the latest models of cars and cycle-rickshaws on the streets.

Delhi boasts of a rich history which has gone through ascents and descents of various empires. It is today an administrative and commercial center, and one of the most advanced cities of the country. Its unique heritage attracts tourists from all over the world.

Delhi History

With so many emperors having ruled over Delhi, it has a rich history. It was ruled by Mughals who succeeded Khiljis and Tughlaqs. It was in 1803 that the city came under British rule and in 1911 that the British shifted their capital from Calcutta to Delhi to once again become the center of governing activities.

However Delhi is known for throwing those sitting on the throne and this includes the British and the current political parties leading free India. It was after independence in 1947 that New Delhi was declared the seat of the Government of India.

It was during the partition that thousands of Hindu and Sikh refugees from West Punjab had migrated to Delhi; this is what led to the city’s varied cultures. The diversity of the city is its beauty. There are beautiful parks in some places while some places are heavy with traffic.

To bring about its metropolitan characteristics, skyscrapers, residential colonies and bustling commercial complexes have been added to the skyline of Delhi. You can find traditional and contemporary art and crafts from the country in boutiques and shopping arcades of Delhi.

In addition to all this, Delhi is the center of political activities of the country where you find government, administrative and judiciary buildings. It is from Delhi that the future of millions of Indians is determined by the leaders of India.

Delhi Location and Weather

Delhi is situated on the banks of river Yamuna with the Himalayas to its north and land on its other sides. As it is positioned inland, away from sea, it has extreme continental form of climate with scorching summers and chilling dry winters.

The scorching heat of the sun makes summer days unbearable where day temperatures can reach 48 degrees C. this is why tourists have to be careful in summers and drink lots of water before facing heat waves. Wear comfortable cotton clothes to avoid inconvenience.

In contrast, the winters in Delhi bring temperatures as low as 2 degrees C, where a typical winter day comprises of misty mornings, mid-sunny afternoons and foggy evenings. The monsoons in Delhi bring an average rainfall of 714mm, which usually starts on 29 June.

The best time to visit Delhi for a vacation is in the spring season, from February to April or the autumn season, between August to November. The blooming seasons of February and March bring colorful spring festivals like Vasant Panchmi and Holi.

Delhi Cuisine

Delhi offers spicy Indian food and sweets from different states of India which is why Delhi cuisine is famous for spice and variety. As the people of Delhi have a strong sweet tooth, Delhi is the home of famous sweets like Sandesh and Roshogullahs. You also find the Punjabi Chhole Bhature, Pinni and Mughlai and Tandoori cuisine found in Delhi difficult to resist. There are also many roadside dhabas, snack counters, eateries and restaurants in Delhi that offer variable cuisines you have to try.

Delhi Festivals

Being the capital of India, you find people of all religions and communities, from all parts of India in Delhi. This is why all religious and state festivals are celebrated with pomp and show in Delhi. Durga Puja, Holi, Diwali, Eid, Bakrid, Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti are all celebrated in Delhi with zeal and enthusiasm.

The Punjabi festival Lohri is celebrated here every year on 13^th January to mark the end of winter. This is when people arrange bonfire parties to dance and sing all night. Hindus celebrate Makar Sankranti the next day while the Kite Festival is also arranged every year on this day, on the green lawns above Palika Bazaar of Connaught Place.

Delhi Tourist Attractions

Being the capital of many empires for centuries, Delhi has numerous forts and monuments to boast of. There is a beautiful blend of the past and present in Delhi with strong citadels like Red Fort, Old Fort, Jantar Mantar, tombs of royal personages and Qutub Minar worth visiting in Delhi.

There are also many beautiful tombs, buildings and mosques with interesting history, worth visiting in the city. Jantar Mantar is one of the five observatories built by Maharaja Sawal Jai Singh II, the ruler and founder of Jaipur.

The India Gate was built by the British in honor of the unknown martyrs who had lost their lives in First World War and the Second Afghan War. One of the most visited tourist spots of Delhi is Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi.

In addition to this, Delhi has numerous beautiful and well planned parks like the regal Mughal Gardens, the stretches of Lodi Gardens which is frequented by morning joggers and picnickers and numerous imperial tombs of yore.

If you love fun and frolic, you have to visit the amusement parks of New Delhi while Appu Ghar and Fun N Food Village are frequently visited spots of tourists. The National Zoological Park is one of the best zoos of Asia, found near Purana Qila or Old Fort.

Delhi Shopping

There is a lot of shopping to do in Delhi; you find the arts and crafts of different states of India in the Baba Khadag Singh Marg found near Parliament while the Crafts Museum of Mathura Road offers beautiful paintings, pottery and shawls. There are also many antique shops found in Sunder Nagar and jewelry shops in Dariba Kalan selling intricate jewellery.

You can find the latest items for sale in Connaught Place, Sarojini Nagar and Janpath. Basically, Delhi offers everything to the shopper ranging from simple Indian handicrafts to international designer labels.