Delhi is the capital city of India and is located in the northern part of the country. It has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with a mix of modern and traditional elements. Delhi is divided into two parts: Old Delhi and New Delhi.
Old Delhi is the historic part of the city, which was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. It is known for its narrow streets, bustling markets, and historic monuments such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk. The famous street food of Old Delhi is also a major attraction for tourists.
New Delhi is the modern part of the city and is known for its wide roads, government buildings, and luxury hotels. It houses many important government institutions such as the Parliament House, Supreme Court, and various embassies. The India Gate, a war memorial, and the Lotus Temple, a Bahai House of Worship, are some of the other major tourist attractions in New Delhi.
Delhi is a major center for education, commerce, and industry in India. It has a rich cultural scene and hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous Republic Day Parade and the Diwali Festival of Lights.
History of Delhi
The history of Delhi can be traced back to the 6th century BC, when it was known as Indraprastha and was the capital of the Pandavas in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. However, the city gained prominence in the medieval period when it became the capital of several powerful empires.
Delhi’s first major empire was the Tomara dynasty, which ruled from the 8th to the 12th century AD. They were followed by the Chauhan dynasty, which built the Qutub Minar, one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks.
In the 13th century, Delhi was conquered by the Sultanate of Delhi, which was founded by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. The Sultanate of Delhi was followed by the Mughal Empire, which ruled from the 16th to the mid-19th century. The Mughal emperors built several monuments and structures in Delhi, including the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Jama Masjid.
In the 19th century, Delhi was captured by the British East India Company and became part of British India. It remained under British rule until India gained independence in 1947 when Delhi became the capital of the newly formed Republic of India.
After independence, Delhi underwent rapid development and modernization. In 1950, the city was declared a Union Territory and in 1991, it was designated as the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Today, Delhi is a major center for commerce, culture, and education, and is one of the most important cities in India.
The population of Delhi
As of 2021, the population of Delhi, India is estimated to be around 31.8 million people. Delhi is the second most populous city in India after Mumbai, and it is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
The population of Delhi has grown rapidly in recent decades due to migration from other parts of India and from neighboring countries. The city has a high population density, with an average of over 11,000 people per square kilometer.
The population of Delhi is diverse, with people from various linguistic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. The majority of the population is Hindu, followed by Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians. Hindi is the most widely spoken language in Delhi, although English is also widely spoken, particularly in business and government circles.
The high population density and rapid growth of Delhi have created a number of challenges for the city, including congestion, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure. The government of Delhi has implemented a number of initiatives to address these issues, including improvements to public transportation, the implementation of green policies, and the development of new housing and infrastructure projects.
Best Hotels to Stay
Delhi has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the best hotels to stay in Delhi include:
The Leela Palace – A luxury hotel located in the Diplomatic Enclave of New Delhi, offering opulent rooms and suites, a spa, several restaurants, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
The Taj Mahal Hotel – A luxurious hotel situated in the heart of New Delhi, offering elegant rooms and suites, a spa, several restaurants, and a beautiful outdoor pool.
The Oberoi – A luxury hotel located in the commercial district of New Delhi, offering spacious rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, several restaurants, and a rooftop bar.
The Lodhi – A boutique hotel set in 7 acres of lush greenery in central Delhi, offering stylish rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars.
The Roseate – A luxury hotel located near the airport, offering spacious rooms and suites, a spa, several restaurants and bars, and a beautiful outdoor pool.
Andaz Delhi – A contemporary hotel located in Aerocity, offering stylish rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, a spa, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool.
The Imperial – A luxury heritage hotel located in central Delhi, offering opulent rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, a spa, and a beautiful outdoor pool.
These are just a few of the many excellent hotels to choose from in Delhi. The city has a wide range of options to suit all budgets and preferences, so it’s worth doing some research to find the perfect hotel for your needs.
Best Foods of Delhi
Delhi is renowned for its street food and offers a variety of delicious dishes that are unique to the city. Some of the best foods to try in Delhi include:
Chole Bhature – A popular Punjabi dish consisting of spiced chickpeas (chole) served with fried bread (bhature).
Butter Chicken – A creamy, tomato-based chicken dish that originated in Delhi.
Aloo Tikki – Fried potato patties served with chutneys and yogurt.
Paranthas – Fried, stuffed bread served with a variety of fillings such as potato, onion, paneer, and spinach.
Golgappe/Pani Puri – Crispy, hollow spheres filled with flavored water and spices.
Dahi Bhalla – Fried lentil balls served with yogurt, chutney, and spices.
Kebabs – Grilled or roasted meat skewers, often served with a variety of spices and chutneys.
Biryani – A flavorful rice dish made with meat, spices, and vegetables.
Lassi – A refreshing yogurt-based drink often flavored with fruit or spices.
Rabri Falooda – A sweet, creamy dessert made with milk, and vermicelli, and flavored with rose syrup.
These are just a few of the many delicious foods to try in Delhi. There are many more local specialties to discover, so it’s worth exploring the city’s street food scene to find your favorite dishes.
Car Rentals in Delhi
There are several car rental options available in Delhi for those looking to explore the city and surrounding areas. Some popular car rental companies in Delhi include:
Zoomcar – A self-drive car rental service with a wide range of vehicles available for rent, including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars.
Avis – A popular car rental company with a variety of vehicles available for rent, including sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars.
Ola Rentals – A service offered by Ola cabs that allows users to book a car and driver for a fixed period of time, with options for a variety of vehicles including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs.
Savaari – A car rental service that offers a range of vehicles including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars, as well as chauffeur-driven cars.
Hertz – A global car rental company with a presence in Delhi, offering a variety of vehicles for rent including sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars.
Carzonrent – A car rental service that offers a range of vehicles including hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars, as well as chauffeur-driven cars.
These are just a few of the many car rental options available in Delhi. It’s worth doing some research to find the best rental company for your needs and budget. It’s also important to note that driving in Delhi can be challenging due to traffic congestion and narrow roads, so it may be advisable to hire a driver or opt for a chauffeur-driven car rental service.
Best Locations to Visit
Delhi is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture, and there are many interesting locations to visit. Some of the best locations to visit in Delhi include:
Red Fort – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Red Fort is a magnificent fort made of red sandstone that served as the residence of Mughal emperors for over 200 years.
India Gate – A war memorial located in the heart of the city, India Gate is a popular spot for picnics and evening strolls.
Humayun’s Tomb – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun’s Tomb is the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayun and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Qutub Minar – The tallest brick minaret in the world, Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important historical landmark in Delhi.
Lotus Temple – A Bahai House of Worship known for its unique lotus-shaped architecture and serene atmosphere.
Akshardham Temple – A massive Hindu temple known for its intricate carvings and beautiful gardens.
Chandni Chowk – One of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi, Chandni Chowk is known for its vibrant atmosphere and street food.
Hauz Khas Village – A trendy neighborhood known for its boutiques, cafes, and art galleries.
Jama Masjid – One of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid is a stunning example of Mughal architecture.
National Museum – A must-visit for history buffs, the National Museum is home to a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase India’s rich cultural heritage.
These are just a few of the many interesting locations to visit in Delhi. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just exploring the city, there’s something for everyone in Delhi.
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