On first glance, Jantar Mantar seems like a collection of weird buildings contorted beyond belief. On closer look, the genius of the construction is apparent. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1725, it is a brilliant attempt to revise the calendar and the astronomical tables. A mammoth sun dial stands in the center of the observatory. There are many other constructions made to track the sun beams and moon cycles. Once a precise mechanism for telling time and eclipses, now Jantar Mantar is made defunct due to the overshadowing by tall skyscrapers all around. This place derives its more contemporary charm from the hordes of protests (dharnas) and hunger strikes that are organized on a frequent basis.Jantar Mantar presents the observatories through a variety of media and information sources, making it possible to explore and learn about these historic sites through interactive panoramic “VR” photographs, time lapse sequences, and 3D models as well as articles, drawings, and historic texts.  It is a comprehensive resource for exploring the observatories in depth. A “VR tour” of the Jaipur Observatory, and current information about the project can be found by following the links below

The grounds of this trust are used for professional races but they also allow amateur training. This sport is not yet taken very seriously in India, therefore, the facilities may be a bit disappointing. But if you can’t resist the roar of engines and the smell of fuel, give it a try.

Prasad Nagar Lake is located in the west Karol Bagh area of Delhi. It is mostly known for the music festivals organized at the end of each year at its banks. The Delhi tourist development board also organizes special kayaking and canoeing festivals and training sessions here. On a regular evening, you can find most locals residing in the surrounding areas going for their evening walks and enjoying the sunset.

 

Purana Qila or Old Fort, on the banks of the river Yamuna, is one of the most gorgeous exponents of Mughal architecture. This imposing structure was built by Emperor Humayun in 1533 on the site of Indraprastha (capital of the Pandavas in Mahabharata) and was named “Dina-panah”. The structure was later renovated by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri and renamed “Shergarh” in 1545. The fort, built of red sandstone has two towering gates, “Talaqi Darwaza” on the northern side and “Humayun Darwaza” on the southern side that are intricately carved. The Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid and the Sher Mandal are important monuments inside the fort. Old Fort truly adds to the vintage charm of Delhi!

When the second Mughal emperor Humayun decided to make a city of his own he decided on the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha. Humayun was quite a scholar with a fine grasp on such matters and so it is certain that the site was chosen deliberately. When his Sher Shah Suri overthrew him, he destroyed most of Dinpanah (refuge of the faithful) as the city of Humayun was called to make way for his own Dilli Sher Shahi or Shergarh. Incidentally, Humayun was probably the only emperor in history who built a city in Delhi and did not give it his own name – this was typical of Humayun’s rather sophisticated and dreamy character. The Layout of The Massive Colossal

In plan the Old fort, now simply called Purana Qila by Delhites, is irregularly orbital. The walls of the immense Qila tower down on the road that takes one to Pragati Maidan from the height of 18m, and run on for about 2km. It has three main gates – the Humayun darwaza, Talaqi darwaza and Bara darwaza (which one uses to enter the fort today). The double-storeyed gates are quite huge and are built with red sandstone. of all the gates entry was forbidden from Talaqi (forbidden) darwaza, the northern gate. It is not clear why this was so. Other Attractions of The Fort

Sher Shah Suri and his successor could not complete the city, and when Humayun defeated Sher Shah’s son to take back his city, he did not deal with Dilli Sher shahi as the latter had done with Dinpanah. In fact the Mughal emperor very handsomely completed the city and even used several of the buildings like the Sher Mandal, a rather pretty two-storeyed octagonal building. Humayun used this as his library and, then tripped to his death from its steps.

¤ Excavation of Grey Ware Pottery

Several excavations have taken place in the Purana Qila in an attempt to prove, or disprove as the case may be, whether it is indeed the site of Indraprastha or not. Diggings have yielded Painted Grey Ware pottery which has been dated to 1000BC. Similar stuff has been noticed in other sites associated with the epic Mahabharata as well, which seem to conclusively prove that this indeed was the place where Indraprastha once flourished. These excavation have also thrown up material, like coins, associated with the Gupta (about 4-5th century AD) and post-Gupta ages (700-800AD) of Indian history as well.

¤ Qila-i-kuhna Masjid

One of the most fascinating buildings, and also one of the few that still survive, in the Purana Qila is the Qila-i-kuhna masjid. Sher Shah Suri built it in 1541 (also see History) and he was obviously out to make a definite style statement. The mosque is quite a place; its prayer hall measures 51.20m by 14.90m and has five doorways with the ‘true’ horseshoe-shaped arches. Apparently the idea was the build the whole mosque in marble, but the supply ran out and red sandstone had to be used instead. But the builder used the material at hand very skillfully and the result is quite spectacular – the red sandstone and the marble contrast beautifully with each other to give the mosque a very distinctive air. The mihrabs (prayer niches) inside the mosque are richly decorated with concentric arches. From the prayer hall, staircases lead you to the second storey where a narrow passage runs along the rectangular hall. The central alcove is topped by a beautifully worked dome. In the courtyard at one time there was a shallow tank, which had a fountain. The mosque has an inscription which says ‘As long as there are people on this earth, may this edifice be frequented, and people be happy in it.’ A noble thought – amen to it.

 

Nobody quite knows why this structure was built. Some believe it was erected as a symbol of victory of the Muslim rule in India. What is indisputable is that it is one of the finest monuments in the country and one of the most recognized, second only to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Its construction was started Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi in 1200, but managed to finish only the base. His successor, Iltutmush added three more storeys, and later, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone. The fourth and fifth floors are made of marble and sandstone.

Qutub Minar is the pride of Delhi. The tall minaret was constructed in 1192 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, and later completed by his successor Iltutmish. The soaring conical tower is an exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture.

Qutub Minar is a World Heritage Site and has survived the ravages of time impressively. The Minar of Delhi is surrounded by a lush green garden, which is an ideal leisurely place for visitors. Qutab Minar is the favourite destination of tourists. It is India’s most visited monument attracting around 3.9 million visitors every year.

Each of the 5 storeys and tower of Qutub Minar has unique designs.

It was hit by lightening couple of times and was damaged. The subsequent rulers repaired it. Thus it is standing mightily as it was before till date.

Qutab Minar is a great masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The base of the Qutub Minar measures 14.32 meters and the top of the structure measures 2.75 meters. The bird eye’s view of Delhi city from the top is amazing. The base of first storey has alternate angular and circular flutings, the second one is round. The third storey of the Qutub Minar has angular flutings. The balconies projecting out heighten the beauty of the Minar.

The tower is so high that around 379 steps are needed to be climbed to reach the top. Another taller tower adjacent to Qutub Minar is named Alai Minar which is somewhat tilted in one direction.

The verses from the holy Qur’an are carved on sandstone walls of Qutub Minar. This monument serves the purpose of calling people for prayer in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. This is a tower of victory, a monument that signify the might of Islam, or a tower for keeping a check for defense.

Tourist attractions near Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar has some adjoining structures that lend shine of some of its fame. The Qutub complex houses the iron wonder nearby. The Iron Pillar is one of the metallurgical interests of the world. It is a thing to study as well as famous tourist destination. Traditionally people believe that if anyone standing in front of pillar with his back towards the column can encircle it with their arms, all his wishes will be fulfilled. Government has built a fence around it for safety.

An earthquake damaged top two floors of the minar during the rule of Firoz Shah; but was repaired by Firoz Shah himself. He built marble pavilions here. In the year 1505, earthquake again damaged it and was repaired by Sikandar Lodi. Once again the minar faced earthquake in the year 1794, then Major Smith refurbished the affected parts of the minar and replaced Firoz Shah’s pavilion with his own pavilion. This pavilion was again removed in the year 1848 by Lord Hardinge. Now it can be seen lying between the Dak Bungalow and the Minar in the garden.

Many natural conditions weathered the minar but it is still standing with all the might owing to time to time renovations and reinstated and renovated by the respective rulers

The Rainbow Art Gallery displays a variety of paintings and sculptures by various artists. The paintings displayed are basically abstract and contemporary, but there are other types of paintings like acrylic, cloth, oil, Indian, watercolor and mix media paintings among other types. Established in 1998, this gallery has now made a name for itself in the art dealing business with its annual turnover now reaching approximately $0.25 million.

To the southeast of Red Fort, between the Ring Road and the Yamuna river, lies Raj Ghat. The historic name refers to the ghat (stepped embankment) at the edge of the river, but today it stands for the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was assassinated on this same spot on January 31, 1948. A simple open black marble platform inscribed with the Mahatma’s last words, ‘Hey Ram’ (Oh God) is set in a garden with fountains and a variety of exotic trees. Prayer meetings are held every Friday at 5p.

Set in the midst of deep green lawns, Rajghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. A memorial to the father of the nation, Rajghat is a simple square platform with a black memorial stone with “Hey Ram” engraved on it.

“Hey Ram” were the last words uttered by the Mahatma before collapsing after being shot at. Located on the west bank of the River Yamuna, Rajghat is surrounded by a wooded area and several exotic shrubs that give the area a serene ambience. Walk along the ornate stone pathways as you relax on your tours to the samadhi of one of the greatest leaders, statesman and humanist ever born. India Travel Portal arranges for you to pay your respects at Rajghat and feel an indescribable peace as you approach the resting place of one of the greatest proponents of non-violence.

While touring of national capital Delhi, don’t miss the opportunity of taking pleasure in a serene ambience Raj Ghat, which is located between the main two Ring Road and on the west bank of the Yamuna River and to the southeastern side of the Red Fort. Raj Ghat is set in the midst of deep lush-green lawns where the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi was cremated on 31st January 1950.

Raj Ghat is a simple square platform with a black memorial stone with “Hey Ram” inscribed on it. The last two words “Hey Ram” were spoken by Mahatma Gandhi before collapsing after shot by Nathuram Godse. The whole construction of the Samadhi reflects the simple and nature-loving personality of the great leader.

The commemorative stands surrounded by earthworks that protect it from the flooding of the Yamuna. These walls have resulted in the open space of the memorial being converted into an enclosed garden. Keeping in mind the birthday on 2nd October as well as death anniversary on 30th January of the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi, prayers are held here.

On the day of anniversary Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated is remembered as Martyr’s Day. The Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi is positioned amidst a garden with fountains and numerous striking trees, located close to Raj Ghat are the two museums devoted to Gandhi that house a number of possessions as well as photographs of the father of nation. There is also a stunning Zinat-ul Masjid overlooking the Rajghat.