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Delhi

INTRODUCTION

Delhi is the second most populous city in India with 13 million people. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.

HISTORY

Many cities have stood on the site of modern-day Delhi – at least seven – but the fact that each ruling power has lost the city led to a legend that whoever builds a city on the site will lose it.

The city is believed to have been in existence as early as 2000 BC. It is also believed to have been the site of the capital known as Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata.

Muslim conquerors, Turkish and Afghan invaders, Tamerlane, the Mughals and the Persians all overtook the Delhi area between 1000 BCE and 1800 CE. They all built cities, plundered cities, lost cities.

The British took possession of India in 1803 with Calcutta (Kolkata) as its capital. The Indians controlled Delhi for five months during the Indian Revolt of 1857. The British regained power, and in 1877, they declared Queen Victoria the Empress of India.

The only British Emperor of India to visit the country was George V, who in 1911 proclaimed that Delhi would be the new capital. Massive construction projects began in order to create New Delhi. India became independent in 1947, and New Delhi remained the capital. Today, Delhi is the eighth most populous city in the world and the second most populous in India (second to Mumbai).

ATTRACTIONS

Jama Masjid

Lotus Temple

India Gate

Purana Qila

National Gandhi Museum

Humayan's Tomb

RESTAURANTS

Andhra Pradesh Bhavan – Come sample southern India’s spicy Andhra cuisine. Actually, at an all-you-can-eat buffet, you will be unable to resist doing more than sampling. Locals line up at the doors for this restaurant, despite the limited menu, and they do not take reservations, but it will be worth the wait.

The Yum Yum Tree – Come see why this restaurant was named the best Chinese stand-alone restaurant in New Delhi. With a wide selection of dim sum, sushi, curries, vegetarian dishes, meat dishes and seafood, The Yum Yum Tree will impress almost any palate. Try a Cherry Mai Tai and a slice of New York cheesecake for dessert.

LODGING

Wood Castle – For a good deal on a central location, go to the Wood Castle Hotel. The simple and comfortable rooms refresh the weary traveler. The hotel staff eagerly assists guests by calling for taxis or giving directions and advice.

Shanti Home – If travel has you stressed out, Shanti Home is the perfect place to stay. This hotel offers sightseeing packages that include a pick-up from the airport, so you don’t have to plan anything if you don’t want to. Still stressed? Spend time in Patra, the on-site spa, to get a massage, a steam bath and even a henna tattoo. Then, have a relaxing meal in the terrace restaurant, The Lantern. If you prefer to leave your laptop at home, the lounge has a laptop you can use any time during your stay. Forgot your cellphone? No problem. You can borrow a mobile and get “Talk Time Coupons” at the front desk. Suddenly feeling adventurous? Take a cooking class or get a suit made just for you by a tailor at the hotel.