Delhi is the political heart of the country, and also a place where diversities turn into a single entity. Inhabited by people of different castes, religions and ethnicities since olden times, the place has a unique and mixed culture of its own. The uniqueness can not only be seen in the lifestyle of the city, but also in its attractions. Tourists coming to the city or locals planning to explore it on a day-off from work have a lot to discover and indulge in. From dated religious sites and medieval monuments to modern marvels, Delhi has a lot to offer for the curious minds. Here is a list of places, which you have to see while being in the city.
India Gate
This iconic war memorial stands as the pride of Delhi as well as its main international icon. Situated on the east of Rajpath, it is a commemoration to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. Another memorial named Amar Jawan Jyoti was added to the site in 1971, in the memory of deceased Indian soldiers from the Indo-Pak war.
Chandni Chowk
If some good old-style shopping is on your list, then Chandni Chowk is the place to be. It is one of the oldest and busiest marketplaces in what you call Purani Dilli, and has become a cultural icon of the capital. The 17th-century market has such a name because it once had canals, which reflected moonlight.
Lotus Temple
This Bahá’í House of Worship is recognized for its lotus-resembling exteriors, presenting a marvellous example of Expressionist architecture, and having won several awards for the same. It is amongst the most visited buildings in the world, and has been paid a visit by notable people from across the globe.
Garden of Five Senses
Spanning across 20 acres, the Garden of Five Senses is a huge park near Saket. It was designed by the eminent architect Pradeep Sachdeva, for Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTDC). The park is classified into various themed sections, comprising water lily pools, herb plantations, solar energy park, bamboo courts and Mughal-inspired gardens.
Select Citywalk
This premier shopping mall in Saket was opened back in 2007, and has now become the favorite hangout spot of the urban city crowd. Stores representing prominent Indian and international brands, along with popular food chains, fill up the mall space. The PVR Cinemas multiplex inside the mall showcases main releases, and seats more than 1000 people at a time in its various screens.
Lodi Gardens
If you want a lovely walk through the medieval history of India, then Lodi Gardens is the place to be. This beautiful green-space is dotted with several historical monuments, which is why the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken it under protection. The tombs of SikandEr Lodi and Mohammad Shah, and the Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad are main jewels of the garden’s crown.
With so much to see and discover, you have a lot to do in Delhi over a weekend. Just leave the home on a holiday and set upon exploring the various facets of the city.
If any city in India is having the diversity at its peak, it is the national capital. Refer it to the history of the city or the modern times, this diversity is reflected in the monuments and the architecture as well. On a hand, we have markets like Chandni Chowk, on the other the architecture of Lutyen’s Delhi is simply mesmerising. I congratulate the writer for bringing these explorable destinations to us.