Delhi – A City of Living History and Modern Marvels

This megacity is quite an assault on the senses, despite the relative peace and modernity of the International Airport, which is the entry point to India for so many travellers. Traffic jams are a fact of life in Delhi, and the noise of the horns and the seemingly chaotic driving habits can be overwhelming at first! But …. Delhi has an incredible amount to offer its visitors and is a must-see destination.

Delhi is divided into Old Delhi and New Delhi. New Delhi is the capital of India, which was moved from Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1911. Sir Edwin Lutyens planned New Delhi, and the ‘Lutyens’ Delhi’ style combines British classical architecture with traditional Indian style, resulting in some impressive buildings and monuments such as India Gate, an impressive memorial to honour the British Indian Army, and a central meeting point for Indians and tourists alike. 

The wide boulevards and diplomatic enclaves contrast with the more haphazard style of Old Delhi, much of which dates back to the 1600s, and buildings such as the Jama Masjid Mosque are reflective of the Mughal era.  Chandni Chowk is a vibrant bazaar selling almost anything you could think of, and a rickshaw ride down the narrow streets must not be missed!

Other fascinating places to visit include Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, and the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, as well as the hugely impressive Red Fort. As always in India, places of worship from different religions sit side by side, and all are worth a visit to understand how this incredible country evolved.