Delhi: Delhi is not a fairy tale story but a city where dreams come true. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive Dynasties Chose it as their house of power.

Modern Delhi is totally different from the famous historical monuments. The development undergone by Delhi can be gauged from the huge office complexes, enormous residential quarters, lavish shopping malls, elaborates cinema halls, vast road network and efficient bus services. The building of modern Delhi show grace, sophistication and technology in their construction.

Qutub Minar: is one of the major landmarks of Delhi. Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak initiated its construction in 1199 AD but was completed by Illtumish his successor and son-in-law. The 725meter high tapering building has 379 from top to bottom. Near the minar within its complex is a Mosque built over the curved columns and architectural members of demolished 27 Hindu and Jain Temples. Within the complex of the Mosque is the iron pillar dating back to 4th century AD. The pillar bears an inscription stating that it was erected as a flagstaff in honour of the Hindu God Vishnu and in the memory of the Gupta king Chandragupta II (BC 375-413). The pillar is the outstanding example of advancement of metallurgy in India; it is made of wrought iron and has shown no signs of rusting or decomposing even after standing out in open for almost 1600years.

Humayun’s Tomb

It is an outstanding example of Mughal splendour. Haji Begum, the Persian wife of Humayun, patronized the construction of the last resting place for her husband from 1562 to 1572 A D. It is the first garden tomb of India and stands in the middle of 36 equal gardens divided by a grid of water channels and path.

Red Fort

It is the last marvellous Mughal Fort in the historic Delhi. Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan laid the foundation of the Red Fort in 1618 A D. and it was completed in 1647 A D. Built  largely of red sandstone, the fort is covered with shell plaster polish to look ivory.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

It is a symbol of British era in the historic Delhi. Built as the residence of the Viceroy of India, it’s now the house of the president of India. Built on the Raisina hill and designed by Lutyens, the Rashtrapati Bhavan is larger than the palace of Versailles. One should not miss the Mughal gardens while visiting the Rashtrapati Bhavan. A series of ornamental fountains, waterfalls, walls, paved pathways and screens combines with scores of ornamental and fruit bearing trees, Flowers and shrubs adorn the complex. The Mughal gardens are open for public during the spring season when the nature is at its best.

The India Gate

India Gate located in Rajpath was the first Gate constructed by the British in the historic Delhi. Built as a war memorial to commemorate the death of 90,000 Indian soldiers killed in the northwest province during the first world war and the Afghan fiasco of 1919 AD. The India Gate was also designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The Gate is built of sandstone with names of the soldiers inscribed on the walls. An eternal flame celled Amar Jawan Jyoti is always kept burning to honour the soldiers who were killed in the 1971 war with Pakistan.

The National Museum

It is an integral part of the modern Delhi when you can travel back in time to know about the glories past. The antiquities on display at the museum give a thorough inkling of the diverse culture and heritage of India. You can find excavated objects like potteries, terracotta, ornaments from the Indus valley cities like Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Kalibangan, Roper etc.

The Lotus Temple

It is amongst the contemporary landmarks of Delhi. It is the worship place of the people of the Bahai Faith but is open to people of all faiths. As the name suggests it is in the shape of a Lotus Flower, 800 engineers, technicians, artisans and labourers brought this dream on paper, into reality

Places to do shopping in Delhi

If you don’t mind spending a few bucks then Delhi is the right place to be in. Shopping in Delhi is fun as it is also called shoppers paradise. Here you can find anything under the sun on sale. Shopping in Delhi can comprise of anything ranging from fabrics, to ready-made wear, electronics, to sport equipment, Jewellery to trinkets, cosmetics to accessories, footwear to bags, furniture to upholstery and much more. For shopping in Delhi, there are many places from upper class markets and Air-conditioned malls to budget markets to road side shops. For shopping you should first visit National Cottage Emporium. Here you will find the best quality at reasonable prices. Connaught place is the most popular place for shopping in Delhi. Here there are many big and attractive showroom of all Indian and imported brands. For casual, latest in fashion but reasonable in price, head for Jan path,  Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar are famous for reasonable as well as ethnic wear. If Shopping for Jewellry, head for Karol Bagh. This market probably has the maximum jewellery showrooms in Delhi. You get enormous variety in designs, styles and shapes in jewellery here.

Other markets for branded, stylish, latest and sophisticated designer wear are South Extention, Greater Kailash I, Hauz Khas village complex.

Delhi has innoviated a popular haunt for shopping in recent years where there are stalls representing the exquisites from all states of India. This place is known for antique furniture, jute and cane items, souvenirs, regional paintings, quality rugs and carpets, fabrics, ethnic, wear and traditional accessories. This is called Delhi Haat .