India Gate, Delhi : India Gate is one of the most
popular centers of attractions in Delhi. It stands 42 meter high, free
standing arch, was designed by Luytens and built in 1911. India Gate was
originally called All India War Memorial in memory of the 90,000 Soldiers of
the Indian Army who died in World War I. The names of the soldiers are
engraved all along the walls of the arch. In1971, an eternal flame was also
lit here to honor the Amar Jawan (immortal soldiers).
Purana Qila (Old Fort), Delhi:
The Purana Qila is perched on a small hill which once stood on the banks of
the river Yamuna. It is renowned as the site of Indraprastha, the splendid
capital of the Pandavas, though the construction was carried out by Sher
Shah Suri sometime in between 1538 to 1545 AD. Purana Qila has a mosque
which has a double storied octagonal tower. It is said that the Mughal king
Humayun fell from the tower and died. Further, it has also a lake, which is
now being used by Delhi tourism for tourists to enjoy a boat ride.
Jantar Mantar, Delhi: Jantar Mantar Observatory is located in the
heart of the city, Connaught Place and is built by the Rajput King of Jaipur
Sawai Jai Singh in 1724. This place is renowned to have been built with
masonry instruments for observing the movements of the stars and planets.
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi: Humayuns Tomb is memorial by a grieving
wife and was built by his widow Haji Begum in 1565-66, nine years after his
death. The majesty of this royal monument becomes overwhelming on entering
through the superior double storied gateway. It is set in the center of a
large square garden enclosed by high walls on three sides, while the river
would have been the forth boundary. The Chahar Bagh is divided into smaller
squares by pathways as in a typical Mughal garden. It is said that making of
Taj Mahal was inspired by Humayun's Tomb, and in many ways this magnificent
red building is as spectacular as the famous Taj Mahal in Agra.
Chandni Chowk, Delhi: The entire area was designed by Jahanara
Begum, Shah Jahan's favorite daughter and was then inhabited by the
well-to-do families of the time. In today's time, this area is one of the
most visited market areas of Old Delhi and is full of hustle-bustle. 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 many other items.