Commonwealth Games, Places to see in Delhi

Visiting the national capital of India, Delhi, in the month of October can prove beneficial in more than one way. While visiting in October will certainly give the opportunity to witness the 19th Commonwealth Games 2010 taking place there, at the same this month is the ideal time to travel around the capital. History flashes from every corners of Delhi, making this city crowed with a huge number of historical sites and monuments.

Sightseeing in Delhi gives the opportunity to experience the co-existence of the modern and the antique, the different cultures and the lifestyles of the city. The various places to see in Delhi are reflective of its rich history.

One of the prime tourist attractions of Delhi is the Red Fort, also known as Lal Quila. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Red Fort is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area covered by this historical octagonal fort of Delhi is 2.41 km and is a must visit.

The erstwhile household of the Viceroy of India, Rashtrapati Bhawan is an example of architectural masterpiece. Located at the center of Lutyen's Delhi, Rashtrapati Bhawan in the present day is the official address of the Indian President.

India Gate, which was built to commemorate the martyred Indian soldiers of the Afghan Wars and World War I, is a principal tourist attraction of Delhi. This famous landmark is one of the biggest memorials of war India. Lawns, boat club and children's park surround India Gate.

Qutub Minar is a world heritage site, which is tucked in South of Delhi. One of the most prominent landmarks of Delhi, Qutub Minar is regarded as one of the world's tallest brick towers. Apart from being an architectural marvel, Qutub Minar, which dates back to 1193, is reflective of the Indian cultural history.

Raj Ghat, which is the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, is a premier tourist site in Delhi. The place where Gandhi was cremated is transformed into a square platform, made of black marble.

Jantar Mantar is a principal tourist place of interest in Delhi. Constructed in the year 1710, Jantar Mantar is also known as Delhi Observatory. This stone and marble structure comprise of fourteen geometric instruments which are used to measure time, searching altitude of the extraterrestrial, predicting changes in weather and also changes in behavior of the planets. Jantar Mantar, which is attracts scientists, historians and architects from all over the world is a magnificent example of a scientific achievement of ancient India.

Visiting Lotus Temple is an experience in itself. It is considered as one of world's most visited places. The temple remains crowded with tourists throughout the year.

The neighboring places of Delhi are also replete with various places of tourist interest. Agra, for example, which is located near Delhi, is houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Taj Mahal.

Last Updated on : 14 September 2010