Scholars have traced Delhi's roots as a city to as far back as 1000 BC. Today, the city is divided into two sections, simply called Old Delhi and New Delhi. Currently, the metropolis has an approximate population of about sixteen million inhabitants. There has been a tremendous increase in the living standards of the average 'Delhite' in the past couple of decades, and every conceivable western luxury is easily available here. Luxury hotels, restaurants, and boutique stores abound, and emporiums offer handicrafts and other treasures from all corners of the nation.

There is amazing art and architecture all over Delhi; from the awe inspiring 16th century Mosques, palaces, forts, & other monuments of the Moghul Empire, to the magnificence of countless other buildings and structures. These can range from structures many thousands of years old, to the numerous impressive bureaucratic buildings constructed during the "British Raj". Just a few examples are Moghul achievements like the massive Red Fort (and the city inside it) and the towering Qutab Minar; classic British era structures India Gate and Rashtrapathi Bhawan; modern edifices like the magnificent Bahai Temple; as well as numerous gardens designed and laid out many centuries ago.


New Delhi is the capital of India and the home of the largest bureaucracy in the democratic world. It is also the nations primary center for fine arts and other cultural endeavors. Architecturally and socially, the city is a diverse mosaic, woven with the tapestries of the cultures that have ruled and/or inhabited Northern India over the last eight centuries.


Red Fort

The Amazing Red Fort Complex was built in 1638 AD, as the palace fort of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. Named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone, which extend 1.24 miles and vary in height from 59 feet on the river-side to 108 feet on the city side.

The walls of the Fort were designed to keep out invaders, now they mainly remind of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal Emperors.

The Red Fort has been a symbol of power since the reign of Shah Jahan, has witnessed the change in Indian history to British rule, and was the place where Indian independence was first celebrated, and is still celebrated today.



Humayun's Tomb

This tomb of Humayun was built in 1570 AD, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first Mughal Garden Tomb on the Indian subcontinent. Constructed with red sandstone and meticulously ornamented, it marks the beginning of a new tradition of ornate style.

This inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. Located in the midst of a large square garden, screened by high walls, with gateways to the south and west, the tomb is a square tower surmounted by a magnificent marble dome.

The dome stands 140 feet from the base of the terrace and is topped with a copper pinnacle. The monument has recently undergone extensive renovations which have restored the gardens and array of fountains to their former splendour.


Qutab Minar

The Qutab Minar is a soaring tower of victory that was built in 1193 AD, immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi.

It is nearly 239 feet high and tapers from a 49 feet diameter at the base to just 8 feet at the top. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone while the fourth and fifth storeys are made of marble and sandstone.

At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. One of Iindia's amazing Ashoka Pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. The wrought iron pillar is one thousand and six hundred years old and is 23 feet high.

It has been exposed to all the elements (for almost two millenniums) in the scorching climate of Delhi, yet there is no fungus, no rust, no corrosion, nothing has even made the inscriptions on it any less legible. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.