Mirza Asadullah Khan GhalibI asked my soul: What is Delhi? She replied: The world is the body and Delhi its Life
Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Jerusalem and Varanasi. It is the Capital Territory of India and a modern-day citadel that's dotted with ancient monuments.
History and Culture
Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. The oldest alleged incarnation of the city shows up in the Indian mythological epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha.
Travelers to Delhi get two cities for the price of one. 'Old' Delhi, the capital of Muslim India between the mid-17th and late 19th centuries, is full of formidable mosques, monuments and forts. It's a lively area of colourful bazaars, narrow streets and barely controlled chaos. In contrast, ‘New’ Delhi, the imperial city was also created by the British Raj, is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings.
Love history and you'll be left salivating as you trace your way through the eras, clambering across the ruined forts of Tughlaqabad, Siri, Purana Qila and Shajahanabad; exploring the magnificent tombs of eminent historical figures; and visiting the still-vibrant temples, mosques and shrines that throng with devotees today, as they have done for hundreds of years.
Interesting facts about Delhi
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Delhi's Khari Baoli (Spice Market) market is Asia's largest wholesale spice market.
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20% of Delhi's landmass is covered by forests.
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Completed in 1986, Lotus Temple in Delhi is the only place of worship of the Baha'i community in South Asia. The Lotus Temple is open to people of all faiths.
Climate
- September - March