Title: India
1New Delhi
2INTRODUCTION
- New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city
of India is a fusion of the ancient and the
modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic
Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture
rich with culture, architecture and human
diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums,
galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising
of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old
Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of
Northern India. - The city that has served as the political,
financial and cultural centre for generations.
And to the several empires of ancient India, most
notably that of the Mughals.
3- New Delhi lies in northern India, almost entirely
in the Gangetic plains. Both Old and New Delhi
exert a beguiling charm on visitors. - Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi,
takes you through the labyrinthine streets
passing through formidable mosques, monuments and
forts. You will also discover lively and colorful
bazaars that boast to cater all sorts of good and
items at mind-blowing prices amidst a barely
controlled chaotic ambience. The imperial city of
New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture
of British Raj. - It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting
well-composed and spacious streets under the
shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and
tall and imposing government buildings.
4MAP
5URBAN LANDSCAPE
- New Delhi is structured around two central
promenades called the Rajpath and the Janpath.
The Rajpath, or King's Way, stretches from the
Rashtrapati Bhavan to the India Gate. The
Janpath, formerly Queen's Way, begins at
Connaught Circus and cuts the Shantipath at right
angles. - At the heart of the city is the magnificent
Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly known as Viceroy's
House) which sits atop Raisina Hill. The
Secretariat which houses various ministries of
the Government of India, flanks out of the
Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Parliament House,
designed by Herbert Baker, is located at the
Sansad Marg, which runs parallel to the Rajpath.
6TRANSPORT
- Public transport is an important feature
in New Delhi. There are buses, auto rickshaws, a
mass rapid transit system (otherwise called Delhi
Metro), taxis and suburban railways. - Buses
- Buses are the most popular means of
transport catering to about 60 of the total
demand. The state-owned Delhi Transport
Corporation (DTC) is a major bus service provider
for the city. Delhi Transport Corporation
operates many routes not-only in Delhi, but also
many inter-states routes. The mofussil buses
operate around 34 depots, and the inter-state
buses operate from the Three Inter State Bus
Terminals in Kashmir Gate, Sarai Kale Khan and
Anand Vihar.
7 Metro Delhi Metro,
operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
Limited. A world class metro system has been
instituted in New Delhi. In order to meet the
transport demand in Delhi, the State and Union
government started the construction of a mass
rapid transit system, including the Delhi Metro.
As of 2007, the metro operates three lines with
a total length of 65 km (40 miles) and 59
stations while several other lines are under
construction.
8 Auto Rickshaws Taxis
Auto rickshaws are one of the
most popular means of public transportation in
Delhi. Auto Rickshaws are popular in New Delhi,
and are popularly known as scooters. Since they
run on CNG, they are environmentally-friendly and
a quick way to get around. They are usually
green and yellow. A cost of a ride is in the
range of Rs.20 to Rs.75.Taxis are not as
prevalent in New Delhi as rickshaws, and tend to
be more expensive. However, both private taxis
and the state-permit Taxis.
9FESTIVALS HOLIDAYS
- New Delhi's capital status has amplified
the importance of - national events and holidays. National events
such as - Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi
Jayanti - (Gandhi's birthday) are celebrated with great
enthusiasm in - New Delhi and the rest of India.
- On India's Independence Day
- (15 August) the Prime Minister
- of India addresses the nation from
- the Red Fort. Most Delhiites
- celebrate the day by flying kites, which are
considered a symbol of freedom. -
10 Festivals Holidays
- The Republic Day Parade is a large cultural and
military - parade showcasing India's cultural diversity
and military - might. Religious festivals include Diwali (the
festival of light), Durga Puja, Holi, Lohri, Maha
Shivaratri, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha and Buddha
Jayanti. - The Qutub Festival is a cultural event during
which performances of musicians and dancers from
all over India are showcased at night with the
Qutub Minar as the chosen backdrop of the event.
11-
- Other events include the Kite Flying Festival,
the International Mango Festival and Vasant
Panchami (the Spring Festival) are held every
year in Delhi.
12 13PARLIAMENT
- Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the
country, comprises of the President and the 2
Houses the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and
Raja Sabha (Council of States). The President has
the power to summon and prorogue either House of
Parliament or to dissolve the Lok Sabha. - The Constitution of India came into force on
January 26, 1950. The first general elections
under the new Constitution were held during the
year 1951-52 and the first elected Parliament
came into being in April, 1952
14Jama Masjid
- The largest mosque in India, was built by
the great - Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644 and
completed - finally in 1658 at a cost of 10 lakh rupees, it
has 3 gateways, 4 angle towers and two 40 m high
minarets. - Situated on a rocky eminence in Old Delhi on the
other side of - road to the Red Fort. One of the finest Specimen
of Mughal - structure, its notable features
- are its bold treatment in red
- sandstone inlaid with black and
- white marble, spacious courts,
- massive pillars supporting
- engrailed arches, elegant bulbous domes - all
well - proportioned with decorative manipulation.
15- Birla House
- This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was
assasinated on January 30,1948. A 3 foot tall
stone memorial has been erected at the site.
Scenes from the Mahatma's life are painted on the
walls and ceilings of the nearby red sandstone
portion. - Parliament House
- Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, its foundation was
laid by - the Duke of Connaught in 1921. With a diameter of
125 yards and a height of 75 ft. it was completed
in just 5 - years. Located near the Central Secretariat, this
marvellous - piece of architecture can be admired only from
outside due - to security reasons.
16Qutub Minar
- About 15 km south of Delhi, in Mehrauli, this 238
feet and - 1 inch high Minar has been referred to as "one of
the - wonders of world". This soaring tower of victory
was built - immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu
Kingdom in - Delhi. Qutb-ud-din Aibak laid its foundation in
1200 A.D. - Iltutmish added 3 more storeys. After damaged by
- lightning in 1368 A.D. Firuz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt
the 4th - story, added the 5th and a harp
- shaped cupola. As of now, upper
- storeys are closed for visitors,
- yet its a treat to watch this
- Magnificent monument.
17Red Fort
- Built in almost 20 years (1639-1648), by the
Mughal monarch - Shahjahan, who shifted his capital from Agra to
Delhi had a great - significance in historical Delhi.
- Built at a cost of Rs 100 lakhs, this imposing
building in redstone has its walls that vary in
height from 18 m on the river (Yamuna) side to 33
m on the city side. - Of the 2 gates, Lahore Gate and Delhi Gate, the
former facing the Chandni Chowk is more imposing.
The Lahore Gate faces to Lahore (now in Pakistan)
and gives access to Chhatta Chowk (the vaulted
arcade). - Of the prime attractions in the fort are
Diwan-i-Am (the - Hall of Public Audiences). It was in the
Diwan-i-Am, - wherein a marble dais is said to have
- supported Shahajahans famous Peacock throne
- which was valued at some 6 million pound
- sterling was taken away by Nadir Shah when
- he looted Delhi in 1739.
18India Gate
- This 42-metre high free standing arch, designed
- by Lutyens was founded on February 10 1921 by
- the Duke of Connaught. It commemorates the
- 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War
I. - Amar Jawan Jyoti, another memorial, added
- under the arch in 1971 is the nation's
- tribute to Indian Jawans, who laid
- their lives during Indo-Pak War of
- 1971. The names of the soldiers
- are inscribed all along the walls
- of the arch.
19Jantar Mantar
- Of the 5 astronomical observatories built by
Maharaja - Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), Jantar
Mantar, at - Delhi is one of them (others were erected at
Ujjain, - Varanasi, Jaipur and Mathura).
- Built in 1724, it contains 6
- masonry instruments, the largest one
- Samrat Yantra (Supreme Instrument)
- is like a sun dial. Built for observing
- the movements of the stars and the
- planets, through these Yantras one
- can learn about the shortest and the longest
- day of the year, days of the week, months, time
and other - astronomical data.
20CURRENCY CREDIT CARDS
- The Rupee is the currency of India. The issuance
of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank
of India. The most commonly used symbols for the
rupee are Rs, ? and ??. The ISO 4217 code for the
Indian rupee is INR. In most parts of India, the
rupee is known as the rupee, roopayi, rupaye,
rubai. - Credit Cards American Express, Master Card, Visa
and Diners Club credit cards are generally
accepted by large establishments including
hotels, shops and airlines.
21CLIMATE
- Summers are very hot, though the humidity
levels are not much as in Calcutta and Bombay.
Temperatures in the summer months can touch 45
degrees Celsius with May and June being the
hottest months. - Rains are spread over a month from early July and
humidity levels at this time can cause
uneasiness. The winter months October-end to
February-end are cold and dry and the minimum
temperatures can go as low as 3 degrees Celsius
in late December and January. - Heavy woolens are ideal during this time and can
give a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment.
Weather bulletins and forecasts are given
regularly over the television and in the
newspapers and are normally accurate as they are
based on satellite information.
22LANGUAGE
- Delhi is very much a mini India, attracting
people from all parts of the nation. A perfect
example of cosmopolitan culture. English, Hindi,
Punjabi and Urdu are most commonly spoken. - In hotels and restaurants the staff speak English
while the tourist guides are also well versed
with the language. Indians being friendly can
always help tourists who may not understand any
other language than English.
23FOOD CUISINE
- You will find the choicest variety of Indian food
in Delhi, a melting pot of the countrys myriad
cuisine. From the many restaurants offering world
cuisine to the delectable street cuisine, Delhi
has something to satiate any palate. Most hotels
serve continental food and the city offers a
variety of fast food outlets as well.
24TIPPING
- Tipping is common for porters in hotels as also
the stewards and bearers and tourist guides,
though it is not the practice with taxi and auto
drivers and other means of transport within the
city. The standard tipping amount in hotels and
restaurants is 10 of the total bill.
25SHOPPING
- There is almost nothing that is not available in
Delhi and within the very recent past outlets of
big international names in fashion and retail
have sprung up all over the city. And for one
wanting to shop only for Indian goods the variety
is almost mind-boggling. In fact as far as
shopping is concerned, Delhi could well be termed
the world within a city.
26SMOKING
- Smoking is banned in public places, public
transport and government offices, inside cinema
halls and theatres located in the state of Delhi.
In several other places, boards prominently
display the ban on smoking. Most hotels and
restaurants have separate smoking zones.
27Dos Donts
- Delhi is a large city that has emerged through
the confluence of many contrasting cultures and
traditions. Hence, there is a lot to explore and
experience. It can be a confusing place for
newcomers, especially since it is always teeming
with people from various communities. To make
their visit a pleasant one, visitors should
follow few general guidelines. - It is a good idea to make reservations for
accommodation and transportation facilities well
in advance, so that there is no last minute
hitches when one arrives in the city.
28Dos Donts (contd)
- The best months to visit Delhi are Feb.- March
and Sept.- Nov. Between April and September the
extremely hot weather can be very taxing. If one
is visiting during that time, carrying a bottle
of mineral water and sunscreen lotion is a very
good idea. - The tropical sun is strong during summer months,
so guard against sunstroke and dehydration. Wear
a hat and dark glasses when you go out. Drink
lots of liquids, water and fruit juice. Allow
sweat to evaporate, wear loose cotton clothes.
Use sunscreen lotions and talcum powder as a
precaution against prickly heat rashes.
29Dos Donts (contd)
- One should keep a fair amount of the local
currency, especially loose change with one while
travelling through the city. This way one can
avoid having to pay a bit extra at any point. - One should trust one's own judgment when it comes
to shopping and should beware of touts and
agents. Bargaining is often the norm here (except
in the up-market areas, of course!), so it is a
good idea to be aware of the prevailing rates
before starting the actual shopping. - If you feel lost or confused approach the traffic
policemen to guide you. - Beware of beggars and even mendicants or anybody
who approaches you for alms or donations. Keep
your wallets safe, as you would anywhere else.
30Dos Donts (contd)
- Stay away from so called Tourist Information
Centres which are near New Delhi Railway
Stations, as they are not tourist offices, but
tourist agents out to fleece unsuspecting
visitors. - Indian's take sport very seriously and especially
relish cricket victories against the likes of
England. - Delhi has a surprising amount of sporting
facilities for the active traveller including
cricket pitches and a beautiful golf course at
the Delhi Golf Club.
31Dos Donts (contd)
- Bring a phrase book or phrase list with you.
You'll get the most mileage out of a Hindu/Urdu
phrase book in the north. You won't likely need
it to get your point across, but it surely shows
a lot of respect to give the language a try. If
you have to learn one phrase, go for "Your child
is beautiful." That will surely get you a lot of
smiles and warm responses... ) - The key is to keep the most valuable things
closest to you. You shouldn't remove the security
belt when you're out and about, so that's where
you'll keep you money, passport, tickets (unless
you're about to use them), medical prescriptions,
and the like.
32Dos Donts (contd)
- For travel health, it is best to use your common
sense. Take care what you eat or drink. It is
best to carry your own mineral water. Hot tea and
coffee are good alternatives. Indian travellers
do not worry too much about water, because they
are tuned to local conditions. Even so,
contaminated drinking water remains the main
reason for most stomach-related diseases. - Diarrhea (the English call it 'Delhi-belly') is
the most common stomach ailment. Take a three or
five-day course of anti-diarrhea tablets duly
prescribed by a doctor. Along with medication,
drink a lot of water with salt and sugar as
diarrhea leads to dehydration. Alcohol, milk,
meat, fried and spicy foods should be avoided.
Porridge, stew and the local khichdi are easy to
digest and, therefore, recommended.
33At a Glance
- Area 1483 sq. kms
- Altitude 239 m above sea level
- Density 9294 persons per sq. Km.
- Languages Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi
- Climate Extreme Hot in Summer and Cold in Winter
- Maximum Temperature 46 Degree Celsius
- Minimum Temperature 04 Degree Celsius
- Winter December February
- Spring March to mid April
- Summer April end to August
- Autumn September to November
34At a Glance (contd)
- Best time to Visit October to March
- River Yamuna
- Time Zone GMT/UTC 5.5
- Daylight Saving Start End not in use
- Currency Indian Rupee (Rs)
- Electricity 230-240V 50HzHz
- Electric Plug Details South African/
Indian-style plug with two circular metal pins
above a large circular grounding pin - European plug with two circular metal pins
35EMERGENCY Nos.
- Police 100
- Fire 101
- Ambulance 102
- Accident Trauma 1099