New Delhi in a Day

Description:

The Lalit offers abundant luxury and there is an artistic charm in the decor and furnishings. There is a majestic grandeur in the ambiance and you will feel like a king with all the pampering. Quality services follow suit which is invigorating and totally pleasing. The few in-house restaurants in the hotel offer palatal ecstasies that will blow you off and don't miss the bar that has a quality choice of alcohol and great music. There are high quality business and health services to top up the eminent service of this all-enchanting destination.

Description:

India Gate is usually the first stop in a traveler's itinerary. It is a majestic structure, which stands high at the end of Rajpath amidst plush, green manicured lawns and water fountains carved in sandstone. Designed and built by Lutyens, it was originally called the All India War Memorial. This structure was built in honor and memory of the scores of Indian soldiers who died in World War I, the North-West Frontier operations, and the Afghan war in early 1900s. India Gate is truly unique as each martyred soldier's name is inscribed in its walls. Under it burns the eternal flame of 'Amar Jyoti'; burning since 1971. The area is especially breathtaking in the evenings when India Gate and the sparawling lawns are dramaticly lit with floodlights. Just behind the main structure of India Gate is a canopy made in sandstone. In front of it is the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the President of India. This is one of the most beautiful localities in the city and is favourite spot for picnics and outings all year round.

Description:

The buildings that form The Secretariat surround the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The North Block are the offices of the Home and Finance Ministeries and the South Block is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is a series of beautiful buildings in red sandstone with Baroque domes covered with lotus motifs and elephants - another example of the architect's, Lutyen's genius. Unfortunately, entry into the premises is not allowed.

Description:

This is the official residence of the President of India. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is an awe-inspiring complex, which was designed by Lutyens in the early 1900s. The palace-like building is a blend of Western and Mughal architectural styles; the most obvious Indian feature being the huge copper dome. It is believed to be inspired by the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi. There is a huge courtyard in the front and a lush garden towards the back. The garden is spread over a 130 acre area and is very popular with the tourists. It is open to the public only in February.

Description:

Built as a memorial for emperor Humayun by his wife in the 16th century, this structure, resplendent in red sandstone is considered to be the next best thing after the Taj Mahal in Agra. The tomb is awe-inspiring, nestled by lush green lawns on three sides and a river on the fourth. There are other tombs within the premises as well - of Humanyun Babar's and Isa Khan's. This place is not frequented just by the tourists but also has its loyal admirers who throng here in hordes. The entry in the complex is free on Fridays.

Description:

This was emperor Shah Jahan's residence, a fort of unimaginable magnitude. Built in 1648 along the banks of the Yamuna river, it is constructed in the reddest of sandstones, and extends upto two kilometres horizontally. Before 1857, the fort was a small city in itself and was home to over 3000 people. Today, it daily welcomes thousands of tourists. Only a part of the full area is accessible to public, the rest is the territory of the Indian army. The daily sound and light show in the evenings is very popular with the visitors and is a must-see. Admmission: Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners.

Description:

This is the biggest mosque in India and is one of the last buildings to be made by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The construction of the mosque took 14 years and ended in 1658. It has three entrances, and four towers. The top of the towers provide a priceless view of the old city. The mosque itself has been constructed in sandstone and marble. The central courtyard can hold up to 25, 000 people at any give time, but after 5pm, only Muslims are allowed to stay inside the premises. Word of caution: Women are not allowed to go up the minaret without a male escort.

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best eating out experiences in India. Not to be missed.

Description:

A well known name in the capital, Karim's has been serving traditional Indian preparations since a long time now. Considered one of the best, many a celebrity has been spotted dining here. Located opposite the Jamma Masjid, the famous place offers mouth watering kebabs and tasty mutton dishes. The specials include Mutton Burra, Chicken Tikka, Chicken Noor Jehan, Chicken Jahangiri and of course, Chicken Tandoori. The menu also features spicy appetizers like kebabs.

Description:

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 undisputable is that it is one of the finest monuments in the country and one of the most recognised, second only to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Its construction was started Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhiin 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. Admission: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 250 for foreigners.

Description:

The Iron Pillar is inscribed with a Sanskrit inscription that says that it was built as a pole for a temple in the 4th century. But that's just about all that is known about this structure. The most fascinating thing about this pillar is that it has remained rust-free for over 2000 years. Another insolvable mystery is that the kind of iron used to make this pillar can only be produced in small quantities through electrolysis - today. How it was made so many centuries ago defies explanation.

Description:

This is the tomb of Iltutmish who died in 1236. He was the son-in-law and successor of emperor Qutubuddin Aibak. It has an exquisite sculptural character and has inscriptions from the Holy book of Quran on its walls, which have been delicately carved out like fine lace work in stone.

Description:

If you have received a shout out from The New York Times, then you know you are onto something. Urban Pind, Delhi's lounge bar which aims to blur the line between the old and the new, has interiors which boast of murals inspired from the Khajuraho Temples, spacious and hookah-den inspired ethnic charm; all blended with a contemporary, minimalist ambience. The music varies from jazz and salsa to Bollywood fusion and house music, which is played every Thursday night (Costa Del House). The food is light and scrumptious and the bar has something to offer everybody. All this and more, in the club that combines urban and village aesthetics, and new and old world charm.