Delhi holidays are visually powerful and overwhelming. Delhi is a vibrant city full of colours, green gardens, people to watch and museums full of history and art to fulfil even the most desirous of intellectuals. Throughout Delhi you’ll find many places to explore the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. You can visit the National Gandhi Museum to learn about his works and while there, be sure to visit Gandhi’s Samadhi (the place where he was cremated). You can also visit the Gandhi Smriti, the home where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was ultimately assassinated. If your Delhi holiday leads you to explore the National Gallery of Modern Art, prepare your senses for extreme visual stimulation. The galleries contain modern artwork of varying styles that explore Indian culture from a foreigner's perspective, from the perspective of a native who was trained in the European art schools and some works that just make you question why and how they were made.

Delhi holidays will be full of sound; road noise and car horns will bombard your ears, chatting and laughing people will be ever-present as you wander the streets and music will periodically float by from street performers. Delhi’s overwhelming quality is part of what makes it interesting and piques the curiosity of first-time travellers. Though sound may seem ever-present in Delhi, there’s an easy way to escape; step into a temple. As you enter the Lotus Temple your ears will be blasted with total silence. This marvel of architecture and place of worship for people of all religions, as is philosophically aligned with the Bahá’í faith, is a great place to escape and meditate away from the sounds and heat of holidays in Delhi. The Qawwalis at Nizamuddin Dargah are known for their mesmerizing ability to sing Sufi devotional songs alongside traditional Indian instruments.

As you wind through the streets on your holiday in Delhi, your nose will be inundated with smells from each food establishment that you pass. The food of Delhi is known for being rich in spices and butter. While much of the population in Delhi is vegetarian, the culture is well known for inventing tandoori chicken which is heavily spiced and cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. The cuisine of Delhi is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural history of the place, with strong ties back to the Mughal Empire. Much of the food in India is tied to the region in where it was created, making a wide-range of traditional food throughout the country. In Delhi you’ll find lots of heavily spiced curries and fantastic street food. A favourite is saag paneer and butter chicken where bread is used for eating and soaking up every last bit of curry. While exploring the cuisine during your Delhi holiday, be sure to try some chaat or street snacks. Many travellers recommend the samosa, a fried pocket pastry, or kulle which is a fruit chaat consisting of hollowed out fruits or vegetables topped with pomegranate seeds, chickpeas, lime juice and chaat masala which is a salty tangy spice mix. For dessert, be sure to try a fruit or spiced lassi, which is a smoothie-like drink, or gulab jamuns, which are like fried doughnut holes covered in sweet syrups. The foods of Delhi are wide-ranging and will fulfil even the most adventuresome of gourmands.

One of the best ways to explore a place is in the markets, watching and seeing all the wares available for sale. Located in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar are the best places to explore and find gifts for taking home with you to family and friends. With so many shops, you might want a tour guide to get you through thereby guaranteeing that you find exactly what you’re looking for and so much more. The chaos and crowded sidewalks of the market can be over stimulating, but if you’re interested in buying a sari or other clothing from a shop, you’ll be welcomed in with open arms and offered a steaming cup of masala chai tea to help along your decision. Don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering a shop and make sure you haggle and haggle and haggle some more- until you get the price you want.

Springtime is the perfect time of year for exploring Delhi outdoors. Delhi is home to many parks and gardens, which are great ways to escape the city. You can picnic, practice yoga, walk or just sit and watch the other people go by. During this time of year you’ll find the flowers in full bloom. During the day, the average temperature is a balmy 24 degrees, with temperatures getting down to 10 degrees at night. Be sure to pack a range of clothing to stay warm but not be sweltering in the sun.

During the summer you can expect temperatures up to 47 degrees and only drop to 30 degrees at night. Though the temperatures are hot, touring Delhi in the summer can still be great. If your holidays take you to Delhi between the months of April and June, be sure to bring light cotton clothes, lots of sun protection and plan to spend the afternoons inside. By touring in the late afternoon and early evening, you’ll be able to avoid the hottest part of the day and still see everything Delhi has to offer.

Though not as wild as the coastal towns, Delhi does experience monsoon season. From July to mid-September you can expect to get wet during your holiday in Delhi. The monsoon season is still hot in Delhi with temperatures around 30 degrees, so you’ll find relief and coolness in the rain showers. The monsoon rains also bring a new glow to Delhi as they wash away all the dust and bring the smell of clean rain into the air.

With temperatures hovering around 20 degrees, autumn is a great time to spend your holidays in Delhi. From September to November, you’ll experience dry, cool weather. This is another great time of year to spend your Delhi holidays outdoors. Whether you’re walking the streets, exploring the gardens or wandering the markets searching for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, you’ll enjoy the cool, dry weather.

December and January are the coldest months in Delhi with temperatures getting down to 8 degrees. Though rare, temperatures can dip below freezing during this time of year so be sure to bring warm clothing and bundle up while exploring the outdoor markets and being outside. December is the driest month in Delhi so you’re safe to leave your umbrella at home. Winter is a fantastic time of year to stay warm by eating all the spicy curries you can find and sipping on hot masala chai at every opportunity. 

The temple is a complex of many small structures with the main monument built according to Vaastu Shastra (Science of Construction). It is 141 ft high, 316 ft wide and about 370 ft long supported by 234 pillars with floral carvings and also has 11 huge mandapas (domes) and decorated arches. There has been absolutely no use of steel to reinforce any of the structures in the temple complex. There is a plinth that has several stone statues of elephants known as Gajendra Plinth.

The pink sandstone and white marble used in the temple symbolizes perennial charm and virtue. There are over 20,000 statues of Hindu gods and goddesses, floral carvings, intricately carved pillars and arches that have made from white marble and pink sandstone.

The temple complex took 11,000 skilled craftsmen over five years to build. The temple has various structures that incorporate Mughal, Jain, Gujarati, Oriya and Rajasthani architecture which add to the beauty of the temple.

Besides the temple complex, there are many attractions spread across the 100 acre premises of the temple. There is an art gallery, musical fountain, a huge screen in the special theatre which shows many educational films and several exhibitions held from time to time throughout the year. A major attraction in the temple complex is the World Peace monument.

While visiting the temple, it is advisable not to carry electronic items as camera phones, cameras and other electronic items are not allowed inside the temple complex. You can see the light and music show at the musical fountain for a nominal admission fee. Entry to the temple and garden around the temple is open to all without any admission fee from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm every day except Monday. The various exhibitions can be viewed between 11 am and 6:30 pm.

SHOPPING

There is a souvenir shop in the temple complex that sells various religious photos and models of the temple and few of its most popular structures like the main temple and statues.

Situated along the Yamuna River, the fort spread over 254 acres, was designed to incorporate the pre-existing Salimgarh Fort. The construction of the fort began in 1638 and took a decade to finish. Situated at the eastern edge of Shahjahanabad, the fort gets its name from the massive wall of red sandstone. The wall is about 2.5 km long and it varies in height from 60 ft on the river side to 110 ft towards the city.

It was surrounded by a 10m-deep moat. It was crossed on wooden drawbridges but was lated replaced with stone bridges. A moat surrounded the fort and it was fed by waters from the Yamuna River.

Various monuments in the fort – the Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audiences, the Chatta Chowk, the Khas Mahal, the Diwan-i-Khas, the hammams, the Moti Masjid, the formal garden, the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, etc. still speak of the Mughal love for architecture and splendour.

The Red Fort was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Shah Jehan decided to move his capital from Agra as he wanted to bring prestige to his reign. He also wanted a fresh canvas to give life to his ambitious building schemes and interests. Construction began in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. At its heyday, over 3000 people lived within the premises of the Delhi Fort complex. The fort’s importance and glory waned with the falling fortunes of the Mughals. However, it was catapulted again to centre-stage during the First War of Independence in 1857.

After the revolt was suppressed, the fort was captured by British East India Company. It later became the headquarters of the British Indian Army. After India’s independence, Indian Army took control of the fort. Indian Army vacated the fort in 2003.

Several pavilions and gardens in the fort were destroyed by the British for use as headquarters of their army.

The mausoleum stands in the centre of a 30-acre garden known as the Char Bagh or Four Gardens. The Persian-style garden was modeled on the Garden of Paradise. Humayun’s Tomb was declared a World Heritage Site in 1993. Restoration work: Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) along with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has painstakingly restored the monument to its pristine glory. The restoration process culminated in 2003. As part of the restoration efforts around 12 hectares of lawns were replanted and over 2500 trees and plants were planted.

FUN FACTS

The last Mughal Bahadur Shah Zafar took refuge in Humayun’s Tomb during the First War of Independence in 1857. He was arrested along with his sons by the British from the mausoleum. The site was chosen on banks of Yamuna river, due to its proximity to Nizamuddin Dargah, the mausoleum of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.

One can see verses from the Holy Quran carved in Kufic style of Islamic calligraphy on the walls of the minaret. The minaret was used to summon the faithful for the prayers in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Inscriptions further indicate repairs of the minaret carried by Sultan Sikander Lodi in 1503 after it was struck by lightning. In 1802, the minaret was severely damaged by an earthquake and was repaired by Major R Smith of the Royal Engineers, who replaced the capola with a Bengali-style chhatri. The chhatri was later removed by the Governor General Lord Hardinge in 1848. The chhatri stands at the left side of the minar and it’s called Smith’s folly.

FUN FACTS

Several movies have been shot at the Qutub complex. The song Chand sifarish from the Aamir Khan-Kajol starrer Fanaa was shot here. Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar song from the film Tere Ghar Ke Saamne starring Dev Anand and Nutan was shot completely within the Qutub Minar. It was the last movie to be shot inside the tower.

One of the most remarkable things about the temple is that although it’s been made by the Bahai community, the temple is open to worshippers from all over the world irrespective of their religion, nationality, ethnicity or colour. An exceptional feature about the temple is that it does not have any idols of any God. It just consists of a prayer hall for meditation. Unique prayer sessions are held in the hall which recites teachings from all the religions.

The temple design is composed of 27 freestanding marble clad petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The prayer hall holds up to 2500 people. The surface of the House of Worship is made from white marble from Greece, which was also used for the other houses of worship of Bahai faith. Nine ponds surround the temple and it is set among lush green gardens and the whole property covers an expanse of 26 acres.

The tomb is built in red sandstone and buff stone. The tomb stands on a high terrace which is surrounded by a plush green Mughal garden which spreads over 300 sq. meters. The garden in front of the tomb is called Charbagh. The tomb has a gate on the East and pavilions on the other sides, namely, “Moti mahal” or the pearl palace, “Jangli mahal” or the sylvan palace and the “Badshah Pasand” or the emperor’s favourite.

One can see great designs and carvings on the marble and buff sandstones at the entrance of the main mausoleum while the main entrance of the tomb is huge and exhibits fine ornamental paintings. The mausoleum houses two graves — one of Safdurjung and that of his wife. The mausoleum also had a mosque and a courtyard within its premises. The central square chamber of the tomb is surrounded by eight rooms. The rooms are rectangular in shape except the corner ones which are octagonal.

The mausoleum has also lent its name to the Safdurjung Airport, Safdarjung Road, Safdarjung Hospital and localities like Safdurjung Enclave and Safdarjung Development Area (SDA), all in the Delhi.

All three gates are double storied and are built entirely from red sandstone like the fort itself. When the fort was in use, the Bada Darwaza and the Humayun Darwaza were used to enter the fort but today tourists are allowed entry only from the Bada Darwaza. The Talaqi Darwaza, which was the northern entrance, was always closed even during the time the fort was in use and hence named Talaqi.

A must see show when you visit Purana Qila is the Sound and Light Show which presents the history of Delhi which takes you back 5000 years as jets of water put on a captivating show in the nine pools in front of the steps. There is a lake near the old fort where boating facilities are available. It also allows to see the fort from water as you gently glide on a boat.

There are a number of exquisite structures within the fort premises like the Kairul Manzil, Qila Kuhna Masjid, Sher Mandal and a museum near the fort that holds many artifacts belonging to the Mughal era. Other attractions near the fort within walking distance are Nila Gumbad, Delhi Zoo, India Gate and Nizamuddin’s Shrine.

There are no places to stay in the dargah. There are no places to eat in the dargah; however, there are many restaurants outside the dargah complex. The dargah can be visited any time during the year. It is advisable to visit the dargah during the winter months of October to March. Jama’at- Khana Masjid: Built in 1325 by Khizr Khan, son of Ala-ud-Din Khalji, the mosque is located to the west of Hazrat Nizamuddin’s tomb. Built with red sandstone, it is the oldest structure in the complex. It consists of three bays and low domes.

Chini Ka Burj: It was built during the era of the Lodis. ‘Chini-ka-Burj’ means ‘tower of tiles’.

Tomb of Jahan Ara: Located to the south of Hazrat Nizamuddin’s tomb, Jahan Ara’s tomb is simple structure without any roof and covered by earth in accordance with the princess’ wish. The princess had willed, “Let naught cover my grave save the green grass, for grass well suffices as a covering for the grave of the lowly”.

Amir Khusro’s Tomb: Amir Khusro was one of the chief disciples of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Khusro’s tomb is locatednext to that of the saint.

Kali-Or Kalan Masjid: Built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, prime minister of Feroze Shah Tughluq, the mosque is built from rubble stone. Originally, its courtyard was partly covered and partly uncovered as in the Khirki-Masjid. Its eastern doorway has an inscription mentioning that it was built in 772 AH (1370-71) by Kimam Shah Maqbul, son of Khan-i-Jahan.

Delhi holidays are visually powerful and overwhelming. Delhi is a vibrant city full of colours, green gardens, people to watch and museums full of history and art to fulfil even the most desirous of intellectuals. Throughout Delhi you’ll find many places to explore the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi. You can visit the National Gandhi Museum to learn about his works and while there, be sure to visit Gandhi’s Samadhi (the place where he was cremated). You can also visit the Gandhi Smriti, the home where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was ultimately assassinated. If your Delhi holiday leads you to explore the National Gallery of Modern Art, prepare your senses for extreme visual stimulation. The galleries contain modern artwork of varying styles that explore Indian culture from a foreigner's perspective, from the perspective of a native who was trained in the European art schools and some works that just make you question why and how they were made.

Delhi holidays will be full of sound; road noise and car horns will bombard your ears, chatting and laughing people will be ever-present as you wander the streets and music will periodically float by from street performers. Delhi’s overwhelming quality is part of what makes it interesting and piques the curiosity of first-time travellers. Though sound may seem ever-present in Delhi, there’s an easy way to escape; step into a temple. As you enter the Lotus Temple your ears will be blasted with total silence. This marvel of architecture and place of worship for people of all religions, as is philosophically aligned with the Bahá’í faith, is a great place to escape and meditate away from the sounds and heat of holidays in Delhi. The Qawwalis at Nizamuddin Dargah are known for their mesmerizing ability to sing Sufi devotional songs alongside traditional Indian instruments.

As you wind through the streets on your holiday in Delhi, your nose will be inundated with smells from each food establishment that you pass. The food of Delhi is known for being rich in spices and butter. While much of the population in Delhi is vegetarian, the culture is well known for inventing tandoori chicken which is heavily spiced and cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. The cuisine of Delhi is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural history of the place, with strong ties back to the Mughal Empire. Much of the food in India is tied to the region in where it was created, making a wide-range of traditional food throughout the country. In Delhi you’ll find lots of heavily spiced curries and fantastic street food. A favourite is saag paneer and butter chicken where bread is used for eating and soaking up every last bit of curry. While exploring the cuisine during your Delhi holiday, be sure to try some chaat or street snacks. Many travellers recommend the samosa, a fried pocket pastry, or kulle which is a fruit chaat consisting of hollowed out fruits or vegetables topped with pomegranate seeds, chickpeas, lime juice and chaat masala which is a salty tangy spice mix. For dessert, be sure to try a fruit or spiced lassi, which is a smoothie-like drink, or gulab jamuns, which are like fried doughnut holes covered in sweet syrups. The foods of Delhi are wide-ranging and will fulfil even the most adventuresome of gourmands.

One of the best ways to explore a place is in the markets, watching and seeing all the wares available for sale. Located in Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar are the best places to explore and find gifts for taking home with you to family and friends. With so many shops, you might want a tour guide to get you through thereby guaranteeing that you find exactly what you’re looking for and so much more. The chaos and crowded sidewalks of the market can be over stimulating, but if you’re interested in buying a sari or other clothing from a shop, you’ll be welcomed in with open arms and offered a steaming cup of masala chai tea to help along your decision. Don’t forget to remove your shoes before entering a shop and make sure you haggle and haggle and haggle some more- until you get the price you want.

Springtime is the perfect time of year for exploring Delhi outdoors. Delhi is home to many parks and gardens, which are great ways to escape the city. You can picnic, practice yoga, walk or just sit and watch the other people go by. During this time of year you’ll find the flowers in full bloom. During the day, the average temperature is a balmy 24 degrees, with temperatures getting down to 10 degrees at night. Be sure to pack a range of clothing to stay warm but not be sweltering in the sun.

During the summer you can expect temperatures up to 47 degrees and only drop to 30 degrees at night. Though the temperatures are hot, touring Delhi in the summer can still be great. If your holidays take you to Delhi between the months of April and June, be sure to bring light cotton clothes, lots of sun protection and plan to spend the afternoons inside. By touring in the late afternoon and early evening, you’ll be able to avoid the hottest part of the day and still see everything Delhi has to offer.

Though not as wild as the coastal towns, Delhi does experience monsoon season. From July to mid-September you can expect to get wet during your holiday in Delhi. The monsoon season is still hot in Delhi with temperatures around 30 degrees, so you’ll find relief and coolness in the rain showers. The monsoon rains also bring a new glow to Delhi as they wash away all the dust and bring the smell of clean rain into the air.

With temperatures hovering around 20 degrees, autumn is a great time to spend your holidays in Delhi. From September to November, you’ll experience dry, cool weather. This is another great time of year to spend your Delhi holidays outdoors. Whether you’re walking the streets, exploring the gardens or wandering the markets searching for the perfect gift for your loved ones back home, you’ll enjoy the cool, dry weather.

December and January are the coldest months in Delhi with temperatures getting down to 8 degrees. Though rare, temperatures can dip below freezing during this time of year so be sure to bring warm clothing and bundle up while exploring the outdoor markets and being outside. December is the driest month in Delhi so you’re safe to leave your umbrella at home. Winter is a fantastic time of year to stay warm by eating all the spicy curries you can find and sipping on hot masala chai at every opportunity. 

The temple is a complex of many small structures with the main monument built according to Vaastu Shastra (Science of Construction). It is 141 ft high, 316 ft wide and about 370 ft long supported by 234 pillars with floral carvings and also has 11 huge mandapas (domes) and decorated arches. There has been absolutely no use of steel to reinforce any of the structures in the temple complex. There is a plinth that has several stone statues of elephants known as Gajendra Plinth.

The pink sandstone and white marble used in the temple symbolizes perennial charm and virtue. There are over 20,000 statues of Hindu gods and goddesses, floral carvings, intricately carved pillars and arches that have made from white marble and pink sandstone.

The temple complex took 11,000 skilled craftsmen over five years to build. The temple has various structures that incorporate Mughal, Jain, Gujarati, Oriya and Rajasthani architecture which add to the beauty of the temple.

Besides the temple complex, there are many attractions spread across the 100 acre premises of the temple. There is an art gallery, musical fountain, a huge screen in the special theatre which shows many educational films and several exhibitions held from time to time throughout the year. A major attraction in the temple complex is the World Peace monument.

While visiting the temple, it is advisable not to carry electronic items as camera phones, cameras and other electronic items are not allowed inside the temple complex. You can see the light and music show at the musical fountain for a nominal admission fee. Entry to the temple and garden around the temple is open to all without any admission fee from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm every day except Monday. The various exhibitions can be viewed between 11 am and 6:30 pm.

SHOPPING

There is a souvenir shop in the temple complex that sells various religious photos and models of the temple and few of its most popular structures like the main temple and statues.

Situated along the Yamuna River, the fort spread over 254 acres, was designed to incorporate the pre-existing Salimgarh Fort. The construction of the fort began in 1638 and took a decade to finish. Situated at the eastern edge of Shahjahanabad, the fort gets its name from the massive wall of red sandstone. The wall is about 2.5 km long and it varies in height from 60 ft on the river side to 110 ft towards the city.

It was surrounded by a 10m-deep moat. It was crossed on wooden drawbridges but was lated replaced with stone bridges. A moat surrounded the fort and it was fed by waters from the Yamuna River.

Various monuments in the fort – the Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audiences, the Chatta Chowk, the Khas Mahal, the Diwan-i-Khas, the hammams, the Moti Masjid, the formal garden, the Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, etc. still speak of the Mughal love for architecture and splendour.

The Red Fort was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Shah Jehan decided to move his capital from Agra as he wanted to bring prestige to his reign. He also wanted a fresh canvas to give life to his ambitious building schemes and interests. Construction began in 1638 and it was completed in 1648. At its heyday, over 3000 people lived within the premises of the Delhi Fort complex. The fort’s importance and glory waned with the falling fortunes of the Mughals. However, it was catapulted again to centre-stage during the First War of Independence in 1857.

After the revolt was suppressed, the fort was captured by British East India Company. It later became the headquarters of the British Indian Army. After India’s independence, Indian Army took control of the fort. Indian Army vacated the fort in 2003.

Several pavilions and gardens in the fort were destroyed by the British for use as headquarters of their army.

The mausoleum stands in the centre of a 30-acre garden known as the Char Bagh or Four Gardens. The Persian-style garden was modeled on the Garden of Paradise. Humayun’s Tomb was declared a World Heritage Site in 1993. Restoration work: Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) along with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has painstakingly restored the monument to its pristine glory. The restoration process culminated in 2003. As part of the restoration efforts around 12 hectares of lawns were replanted and over 2500 trees and plants were planted.

FUN FACTS

The last Mughal Bahadur Shah Zafar took refuge in Humayun’s Tomb during the First War of Independence in 1857. He was arrested along with his sons by the British from the mausoleum. The site was chosen on banks of Yamuna river, due to its proximity to Nizamuddin Dargah, the mausoleum of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.

One can see verses from the Holy Quran carved in Kufic style of Islamic calligraphy on the walls of the minaret. The minaret was used to summon the faithful for the prayers in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Inscriptions further indicate repairs of the minaret carried by Sultan Sikander Lodi in 1503 after it was struck by lightning. In 1802, the minaret was severely damaged by an earthquake and was repaired by Major R Smith of the Royal Engineers, who replaced the capola with a Bengali-style chhatri. The chhatri was later removed by the Governor General Lord Hardinge in 1848. The chhatri stands at the left side of the minar and it’s called Smith’s folly.

FUN FACTS

Several movies have been shot at the Qutub complex. The song Chand sifarish from the Aamir Khan-Kajol starrer Fanaa was shot here. Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar song from the film Tere Ghar Ke Saamne starring Dev Anand and Nutan was shot completely within the Qutub Minar. It was the last movie to be shot inside the tower.

One of the most remarkable things about the temple is that although it’s been made by the Bahai community, the temple is open to worshippers from all over the world irrespective of their religion, nationality, ethnicity or colour. An exceptional feature about the temple is that it does not have any idols of any God. It just consists of a prayer hall for meditation. Unique prayer sessions are held in the hall which recites teachings from all the religions.

The temple design is composed of 27 freestanding marble clad petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The prayer hall holds up to 2500 people. The surface of the House of Worship is made from white marble from Greece, which was also used for the other houses of worship of Bahai faith. Nine ponds surround the temple and it is set among lush green gardens and the whole property covers an expanse of 26 acres.

The tomb is built in red sandstone and buff stone. The tomb stands on a high terrace which is surrounded by a plush green Mughal garden which spreads over 300 sq. meters. The garden in front of the tomb is called Charbagh. The tomb has a gate on the East and pavilions on the other sides, namely, “Moti mahal” or the pearl palace, “Jangli mahal” or the sylvan palace and the “Badshah Pasand” or the emperor’s favourite.

One can see great designs and carvings on the marble and buff sandstones at the entrance of the main mausoleum while the main entrance of the tomb is huge and exhibits fine ornamental paintings. The mausoleum houses two graves — one of Safdurjung and that of his wife. The mausoleum also had a mosque and a courtyard within its premises. The central square chamber of the tomb is surrounded by eight rooms. The rooms are rectangular in shape except the corner ones which are octagonal.

The mausoleum has also lent its name to the Safdurjung Airport, Safdarjung Road, Safdarjung Hospital and localities like Safdurjung Enclave and Safdarjung Development Area (SDA), all in the Delhi.

All three gates are double storied and are built entirely from red sandstone like the fort itself. When the fort was in use, the Bada Darwaza and the Humayun Darwaza were used to enter the fort but today tourists are allowed entry only from the Bada Darwaza. The Talaqi Darwaza, which was the northern entrance, was always closed even during the time the fort was in use and hence named Talaqi.

A must see show when you visit Purana Qila is the Sound and Light Show which presents the history of Delhi which takes you back 5000 years as jets of water put on a captivating show in the nine pools in front of the steps. There is a lake near the old fort where boating facilities are available. It also allows to see the fort from water as you gently glide on a boat.

There are a number of exquisite structures within the fort premises like the Kairul Manzil, Qila Kuhna Masjid, Sher Mandal and a museum near the fort that holds many artifacts belonging to the Mughal era. Other attractions near the fort within walking distance are Nila Gumbad, Delhi Zoo, India Gate and Nizamuddin’s Shrine.

There are no places to stay in the dargah. There are no places to eat in the dargah; however, there are many restaurants outside the dargah complex. The dargah can be visited any time during the year. It is advisable to visit the dargah during the winter months of October to March. Jama’at- Khana Masjid: Built in 1325 by Khizr Khan, son of Ala-ud-Din Khalji, the mosque is located to the west of Hazrat Nizamuddin’s tomb. Built with red sandstone, it is the oldest structure in the complex. It consists of three bays and low domes.

Chini Ka Burj: It was built during the era of the Lodis. ‘Chini-ka-Burj’ means ‘tower of tiles’.

Tomb of Jahan Ara: Located to the south of Hazrat Nizamuddin’s tomb, Jahan Ara’s tomb is simple structure without any roof and covered by earth in accordance with the princess’ wish. The princess had willed, “Let naught cover my grave save the green grass, for grass well suffices as a covering for the grave of the lowly”.

Amir Khusro’s Tomb: Amir Khusro was one of the chief disciples of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Khusro’s tomb is locatednext to that of the saint.

Kali-Or Kalan Masjid: Built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, prime minister of Feroze Shah Tughluq, the mosque is built from rubble stone. Originally, its courtyard was partly covered and partly uncovered as in the Khirki-Masjid. Its eastern doorway has an inscription mentioning that it was built in 772 AH (1370-71) by Kimam Shah Maqbul, son of Khan-i-Jahan.

On top of that, these colourful people are warm and hospitable. Tourists can enjoy watching as well as participating in a number of festivals hosted in Jaipur, from the new Jaipur Literary festivals to the folk Gangaur, Kite, and Teej festivals. You can also shop from a huge range of handicrafts. The lively bazaars in this city are famous for their Rajasthani jewellery, shoes and fabrics. Holidays in Jaipur will fascinate any tourist and spellbound them with the romantic aura that will transport you to an era of tradition and royalty.

Communication during your Holiday in Jaipur is very easy with a minimal knowledge of English or Hindi.  Hindi and Rajasthani are the main languages spoken here however English is spoken at most restaurants and hotels where the staff can converse in Hindi and English. The traditional dresses, like the skirts and tops are woven with traditional fabrics by women here. You will see most women dressed in shalwar kameez and saree. Tourists with skimpy and revealing dressing can expect to be a stared at so it is best to dress modestly. With the exception of taxi and rickshaw drivers, a common practice here is tipping- from porters to the bearers, stewards and tourist guides. The average tip in restaurants and hotels is the 10% of your total bill.

Jaipur is called the Pink City as a result of the pink color of construction material used all over the city. This pink color has a history of its own and a tradition that has been followed since 1876, when the Maharaja Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink as a symbol of hospitality to the visiting Queen Victoria and Prince of Wales. The Pink City is undoubtedly one of India’s most magnetic and beautiful cities. Whether it is the architecture, culture, traditions, or jewellery of Jaipur, they always manage to charm the tourists with their deep roots in history. The majestic palaces and forts, the exquisite temples, the beauteous landscapes, the opulent cultural heritage all make Jaipur a must visit destination for travelers. There is magic in the air from the moment you step inside the city you can feel the happiness and joy. The pinkish color of Jaipur has a romantic vibe that enchants hearts.

The moderate sunlight and cool breezes during October make it easy for travelers to head out for shopping and sightseeing during daytime. Winter starts in November and it ends by February. The evenings are usually cold during winters and the temperature can stoop down to 4 ° C at night time, especially in the month of January. This is the ideal time to plan holidays to Jaipur as you can shop and be a part of other activities till afternoon. A major festival, The Jaipur Literature Fest is held in January and it attracts people from across the globe. March sees Jaipur buzzing with the Elephant festival; it is a major tourist attraction too.

This is summer time in Jaipur. Weather is extremely hot during the daytime and that can make your sightseeing experience unpleasant. The temperatures can hike up to 47 °C. In April the Gangaur festival and also a fair are celebrated and organized. 

Jaipur experiences the monsoon rains during this season. June doesn’t see a lot of rain while it pours a lot during August. Many hotels and restaurants have great deals and offers on stays as this is off-season. For budget travelers, this is the time for a holiday to Jaipur. Teej, a famous festival that occurs during the month of August.

Before the Kachhwaha clan of Rajput ruled Amber, the place was founded by the Meenas in 967 AD. They dedicated the town to Amba, the Mother Goddess. The Goddess was known as ‘Gatta Rani’, ‘Queen of the Pass’ to the Meenas. Around 1037 AD, Amber was conquered by Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs and ruled it until 1727 AD. It became the capital in 1036 AD.

During their regime, several structures were built and expanded, especially during the reign of Raja Man Singh I in 1600. The construction of the fort was started in 1592 AD and it was further expanded by successive rulers. The Diwaan-e-Khas and the Ganesh Pol was built by Mirza Raje Jai Singh I. Later in 1727 AD, Sawai Jai Singh II moved the capital from Amber to a founded new town, which stands today as Jaipur. Maharani Jodha Bai, wife of the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar belonged to the Kachhawa clan of Rajput. She was the eldest daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber.

The fort is three km long and just over a km wide with heavily fortified walls made of red sandstone. There is a well maintained square garden within the fort. There are embankments in every corner that slope down to give access to the upper lever of the structure. There is a watch tower in the middle of the fort complex that is on a raised platform which is an excellent place to get a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

The Aram Temple and garden in the courtyard on the northern end of the fort has a triple arched entrance that is known as the ‘Awani Darwaza’. This triple arched gate was repaired recently and provides beautiful views of Sagar Lake. The fort was a major centre for cannon production during Mughal era and many of the manufactured weapons are now on display in the museum inside the premises of the Jaigarh Fort.

The magnificent gateway with the colossal fortified wall features Indo-Persian architectural style. There are two other temples in the fort premises too – Ram Harihar Temple of 10th century and Kal Bhairav Temple of 12th century.

The task of converting the garden house into a guest house and a hunting lodge was given to Sir Swinton Jacob. Marble halls, corridors and courtyards were added to the garden site and Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II made Rambagh Palace his main residence in 1931. There were alterations and additions to the initial structures but they were all carried out with meticulous detail so that the Rajput architectural style remained intact. The well maintained gardens and flower beds that add to the beauty of the palace, remained unchanged. The garden is a mix of Mughal and Rajasthani styles and has also been featured in books and magazines. The palace also boasts of a mini golf course.

The palace was also home to Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, among the most beautiful women in the world. The palace also hosted many dignitaries from India and abroad like Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. With rich textures, exquisite art collections and lavish furnishings, the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur is your chance to step back into time and relive the royal past of Rajasthan. Though, the palace is a hotel now, visitors are allowed to take a tour.