Forts & Monuments, Delhi

Red Fort
The Red Fort, Delhi The Red Fort, with a circumference of over 2.2 kilometers, was laid out by the banks of the Yamuna river in the 17th century. The Mughal emperor Shajahan built it with the ambition of concentrating the Mughal power in one monument. Monument is perhaps not the right word. A mini-city is more like it. Unfortunately for the emperor, before he could move his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad in Delhi, he was taken a political prisoner by his son Aurangazeb. The fort is a delight to one's imagination. Imagine the Naqqar Khana (Drum room) also called Naubat Khana (Welcome Room), where once drums loudly heralded the arrival of the emperor and the Diwan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience) resounded with the incantations of the people. Amazing, isn't it? There's more to see - Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal (Palace of Colours), Khas Mahal (Emperor's Palace), Diwan-e Khas (Hall of Private Audience), the Hammam (bathing area) and Shah Burj. The fort has two main entrances - Delhi Gate and Lahore Gate. The latter get its name from the fact that it faces Lahore in Pakistan. It's entrance leads to Delhi's most crowded bazaar, Chandni Chowk.

India Gate
This imposing structure located at one end of Rajpath was designed by Lutyens as a war memorial.The names of Indian soldiers who died in World War I are inscribed on the memorial.An eternal flame, a tribute to the Unknown Soldier,is located under the arch.

Qutab Minar
Qutab Minar Of the oldest of Delhi's monuments is its proud tower, the 13th century Qutab Minar. Soaring to a height of 73 metres, the sandstone structure in the city's south was bebun by Qutb-ub-din Aibak, a slave who rose to be king and founded the first of the many Muslim dynasties that were to rule from Delhi. The inscriptions carved in lovely arabesques on its surface speak of the tower. And it is surmised that the Qutab served as a minaret of the adjoining mosque Quwwat-ul-Islam or the Might of Islam, the oldest mosque in India, built out of the ruins of 27 Hindu and Jain temples. In the centre of the courtyard of the mosque stands the unique Iron Pillor.Though exposed to the elements for 1600 years, this remains unrusted.

Iron Pillar
The 7.2 metre high pillar, standing within the Qutb Minar complex, is a proof of India's advanced knowledge of metallurgy 2000 years ago. For it continues to stand, even today, rust-free. The pillar was erected sometime between the 4th and 5th century AD as a Dhavaja-stambha (flagpole) of a Vishnu temple. It was erected in memory of King Chandragupta Vikramamditya who ruled from 375 to 413 AD. The Sanskrit inscriptions on the pillar record these facts.

Lotus Temple
The BAHAI HOUSE,called as lotus temple,of worship is a marvel of modern architecture. It is made in the shape of a lotus.it is one of the major attractions for national and international tourists.it repesents the Bahai's faith which is an independent world religion,divine in origin, all-embracing in scope,broad in its outlook,scientific in its method,humanitarian in its principles and dynamic in the influence it exerts on the hearts and minds of men.

Old Fort
Commonly known as Purana Quilla was constructed by the great Afgan ruler Sher Shah Suri after 16th centry.Architectually, it is a splendid spcimen bult on the banks of river Yamuna. Outside the fort boating excursion arrangment is provided. Music & light shows are shown evening. It was, in this, in this fort that the Mughal emperor Humayun met his death.

Jantar Mantar
It was built in 1725 AD, by Rajah of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh 2nd, as an observatory. Position of Sun, Moon & other planets can be determined with the aid of built in instruments which are six in numbers among these six; Samrat, Ram, Jai Prakash, Mishra etc are prominent.

Rashtrapati Bhawan
This palatial building was built by the British. Situated on the Rayseena hill it is spread over an area of 330 acres. As the official residence of the President of India it is one of the famous building of the world. In the west of this building is Mughal Garden which is the centre of attraction owing to it's charming array of flowres & plants.