Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah - Females Are Not Allowed To Enter The Main Shrine

HAZRAT NIZAMUDDIN DARGAH

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DELHI

Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is located in the Nizamuddin West Area of Delhi. It is one of the most popular attractions in Delhi.Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is a famous dargah dedicated to Nizamuddin Auliya (1238 - 1325 CE) who was one of the world's most famous saints of the Sufi Chishti Order. He was a spiritual successor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer. 

The dargah was built in 1325, the year the saint died. It was renovated and decorated by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, as well as by later rulers.The present structure was constructed by a nobleman named Faridun Khan in 1562 AD.

The structure consists of a square chamber surrounded by verandahs, which are pierced by arched openings. The dome on top of the tomb is decorated with vertical stripes of black marble and is crowned by a lotus-cresting. This grand tomb has lattice screens, marble arches and courtyards. Devotees tie red threads to these screens with a belief that their wishes would be granted. Inside the tomb, the shrine is covered with scented dark green cloth. Devotees offer prayers, shower rose petals and light incense sticks before the shrines. 

The tombs of poet Amir Khusro and Mughal Princess, daughter of Shah Jahan, Jahan Ara Begum are also located within the Nizamuddin Dargah complex and Inayat Khan's tomb is just around the corner. Jama'at- Khana Masjid was built in 1325 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 was built during the era of the Lodis. Chini-ka-Burj means tower of tiles. The Tomb of Jahan Ara is located to the south of Hazrat Nizamuddin's tomb. It is simple structure without any roof and covered by earth as per the wish of the princess. Some of the other structures inside the mausoleum complex are the Ataga Khan's Tomb, Chaunsath Khamba, Khan-I-Khanan's Tomb, Lal Mahal and Barakhamba.

The dargah is visited by thousands of Muslims every week, and also attracts large number of Hindus and people from other religions. One can visit the Dargah any day, but every Thursday, special Qawwali programs are organized here. Islamic festivals including Urs and the death anniversary of the Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusro are grandly celebrated here. Females are not allowed to enter the main shrine. Visitors need to remove shoes and cover their head before entering the Dargah.

One of Delhi's greatest treats is hearing devout Sufis sing qawwalis, ecstatic devotional Muslim songs with a decidedly toe-tapping quality. Evenings from around 5 to 7, especially Thursday, the followers of the Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia often gather to sing in front of his dargah (tomb); this is one of the best places to catch a performance

National Museum - It Presents Two Lakhs Objects Of A Diverse Nature

NATIONAL MUSEUM

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NEW DELHI

The National Museum, New Delhi, as we see it today, has an interesting beginning. The blueprint for establishing the National Museum in Delhi was prepared by the Maurice Gwyer Committee in May 1946. An Exhibition of Indian Art, consisting of selected artefacts from various museums of India was organized by the Royal Academy, London with the cooperation of Government of India and Britain. 

The Exhibition went on display in the galleries of Burlington House, London during the winter months of 1947-48. It was decided to display the same collection in Delhi, before the return of exhibits to their respective museums. An exhibition was organized in the the RashtrapatiBhawan (President’s residence), New Delhi in 1949, which turned out to be a great success. This event proved responsible for the creation of the National Museum.

The success of this Exhibition led to the idea that advantage should be taken of this magnificent collection to build up the nucleus collection of the National Museum. State Governments, Museum authorities and private donors, who had participated in the exhibition, were approached for the gift or loan of artefacts, and most of them responded generously. 

On August 15, 1949, the National Museum, New Delhi, was inaugurated in the Rashtrapati Bhawan by Shri R.C. Rajagopalachari, the Governor-General of India. The foundation of the present building was laid by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, on May 12, 1955. The first phase of the National Museumbuilding was formally inaugurated by Dr. SarvepalliRadhakrishnan, the Vice President of India, on December 18, 1960. The second phase of the building was completed in 1989.

While the Museum continued to grow its collection through gifts  that were sought painstakingly, artefacts were collected through its Arts Purchase Committee. The Museum presently holds approximately 2,00,000 objects of a diverse nature,  both Indian as well as foreign, and its holdings cover   a time span of more than five thousand years of Indian cultural heritage.

The National Museum was initially looked after by the Director General of Archaeology until 1957, when the Ministry of Education, Government of India, declared it a separate institution and placed it under its own direct control. At present, the National Museum is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

• To collect art objects of Historical, Cultural and Artistic significance for the purpose to display, protection, preservation and interpretation (research).
• To disseminate knowledge about the significance of the objects in respect of history, culture and artistic excellence and achievements.
• To serve as cultural centre for enjoyment and interaction of the people in artistic and cultural activity.
• To serve as epitome of national identity.

The National Museum welcomes all visitors with special needs for whom visits can be organised with prior arrangement. Emails may be sent requesting assistance for visits at least 48hours before the proposed visit to rige.shiba6@gmail.com.

Wheel chairs which may be obtained at the reception on demand. It is encouraged that prior booking may be done for a comfortable and enjoyable visit. The museum is upgrading its facilities for better access and remains committed to all visitors who wish to visit.

Training opportunities to the museum personnel, permission to photograph the objects for reproduction and publication and access to the reserve collection and Library are provided to the museum professionals, scholars and the general public. Photographs of art objects are also made available to general public on payment. Advice on identification of art objects owned by individual and institutions is offered by experts with prior appointment. Free guided tours to the galleries and film shows in the auditorium are arranged everyday.

Admission	10 am to 6 pm
The Adult Ticket costs	Rs. 20/-
Foreigners Ticket costs	Rs. 650/- (including Audio Guide).
For Students	Students upto class 12th have free entry ticket (with I-cards).

Safdarjung Tomb – It Is The Last Model And Bounded By The Garden Style Of Mughals

SAFDARJUNG TOMB

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NEW DELHI

Safdarjung Tomb is one of the most magnificent tombs of India, situated in the capital city of Delhi. The tomb of Mirza Muqim Abul-Mansur Khan, entitled Safdar-Jang, who was the viceroy of Oudh under Muhammad Shah (1719-48) and later on prime minister under Ahmad Shah (1748-54). The tomb was built in about 1754 by Shuja'u'd-Daula, Safdar Jang's son.

Safdarjang Tomb dates back to the year 1753 and lies at the Lodi Road of New Delhi, near the Safdarjung Airport. Surrounded by blooming gardens, the entire complex of Safdarjung tomb covers an area of approximately 300 sq km.

The tomb is the last example of the pattern which began with Humayun's tomb. Enclosed within a large garden, divided into squares on the charbagh pattern, with tanks and fountains along the central pathway, with a gate on the east and pavilions on the other three sides, the tomb proper stands out in the centre of the enclosure.

The garden of the tomb has been designed as per the Charbagh style of the Mughal gardens. It is also said that tomb of Safdar Jung is built almost on the same pattern as the Humayun's tomb.

Safdarjung tomb has been constructed out of red sandstone and buff stone. Along with Safdarjung, the tomb also houses the remains of his wife.

All the apartments in the Safdarjang Tomb, with the exception of the corner ones, are rectangular in shape.

Red and buff sandstone has been used in its facing, a large proportion of which was stripped off from' Abdu'r-Ral,lim Khan-i-Khanan's tomb. The marble panels on its corner-towers are pleasing but rather florid.

In fact, its exaggerated ornamentation and lack of proportions, evidenced particularly by its vertical elevation, rob it of the character of a great building, although it has been rightly described as 'the last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture at Delhi'.

Entrance Fee:

Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 15 per head.

Others:

Indian Rs. 200/- per head

(Free entry to children up to 15 years)

Safdarjung’s tomb is on Aurobindo marg, near Safdarjung Airport. One can take the metro to Central Secretariat and then take a bus or an auto.

Purana Qila – It Is One Of The Very Old Historical Place In India Which Has Three Gatways

PURANA QILA

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NEW DELHI

One of the oldest forts in India, the Pura Qila was constructed by the Afghan King, Sher Shah Suri on what was supposed to be Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas. The walls of the Old Fort rise to a height of 18 metres and are spread over 1.5 kilometres.

The fort has three main entrances, the Bada Darwaza which faces west and is used as the entrance to the fort even today. The South Gate is known as the Humayun Gate and the third gate is called the Talaqi Gate or the forbidden gate.

One does not have to go far to see the old fort or Purana Quila standing stoically amidst wild greenery.Built on the site of the most ancient of the numerous cities of Delhi, Indraprastha, Purana Quila is roughly rectangular in shape having a circuit of nearly two kilometers.

The thick ramparts crowned by merlons have three gateways provided with bastions on either side. It was surrounded by a wide moat, connected to river Yamuna, which used to flow on the east of the fort. The northern gate way, called the Talaqui darwaza or the forbidden gateway, combines the typically Islamic pointed arch with Hindu Chhatris and brackets; whereas the southern gateway called the Purana Quila

Humayun Darwaza also had a similar plan.

The massive gateway and walls of Purana Quila were built by Humayun and the foundation laid for the new capital, Dinpanah.

The work was carried forward by Sher Shah Suri,who displaced Humayun, Purana Quila is the venue for the spectacular sound and light show held every evening.

Mathura Rd, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Delhi 110003

Chhatarpur Mandir - It Is Made By The Mixture Of North And South Indian's Design

CHHATARPUR MANDIR

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NEW DELHI

Chhatarpur is located south of Delhi a small village of yore, now is known more by the divine pulsations of Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir. Founded in the Nineteen seventies by Sant Shree Nagpal Baba, the place has now become a pilgrimage Centre of renown, visited by devotees from all parts of the country, nay the world.

The Mandir precincts offer to the visitors exquisite architecture, a blend of North and South. The enthralling statues of the deities like Maa Katyayani, Maa Mahishasurmardini, Ram-Darbar, Radha-Krishna, Shiv-Parvati, Laxmiji, Ganeshji, Hanumanji etc make one standstill in adoration with extreme admiration of the presence of the divine which is more eloquent than silent.

The special celebrations during Navratras, Mahashivratri and Janmashtami make the temple abuzz with religious fervour to the delight of the devotees congregating in hundreds and thousands. The lungar Prasad distributed in both the Navratras to approximately a lakh visitors daily is a rare sight to see and believe.

The Mandir, spread over an area of approximately 70 acres, has a number of structures, separate as well as combined, dedicated to each deity with large halls for congregation of devotees.

The Shiv Mandir, Ram Mandir, Maa Katyayani Mandir, Maa Mahishasurmaridini Mandir, Maa Ashtabhuji Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Laxmi Vinayak Mandir, Jharpeer Mandir, Markandeya Mandapam, Baba Ki Samadhi, Nageshwar Mandir, the Trident (Trishul), 101 feet high Hanuman Murti etc are special attractions for the devotees and even common visitors.

Visitors to the temple can park their vehicle in the free parking lot in the Dharamshala complex across the road and opposite the main Mandir entrance.

On entering the main temple complex, one can visit the temple of lord Shiva and Maa Parvati and then come to Ram Darbar consisting of (1) the idols of Sankatmochan Hanuman (2) Shri Ram with his divine consort Sita on one side and brother Lakshman on the other with his devotee Lord Hanuman at his feet and (3) Shree Radha Krishna.

Then, after climbing up stairs, a visitor would reach the sanctum of the main deity, namely, Maa Katyayani, a form of Maa Durga.Maa Katyayani had a special appeal to Babaji. At the feet of Maa Katyayani is Lord Ganesha looking at her with devotion and attention and eager to fulfill her every wish.

Mani Chhatarpur Temple , | 1 km from Chhatarpur Metro Station, New Delhi 110074, India

Qutub Minar – It was Built In The Year 1173 By Muslim Ruler Qutub-Ud-Din

QUTUB MINAR

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NEW DELHI

Qutub Minar is one of the historical place in india which is located at 15 km in south direction from New Delhi.Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom.

The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top.The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone.

At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'.

7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.

The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer.

No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement.

His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey.The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak is quite evident in the minar. The relief work and even the materials used for construction differ.

The 238 feet Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets.

Even though in ruins, the Quwwat Ui Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab complex is one of the most magnificent structures in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak started its construction in 1193 and the mosque was completed in 1197.

Iltutmush in 1230 and Alla-ud-din Khilji in 1315 made additions to the building. The main mosque comprises of an inner and outer courtyard,decorated with shafts and surrounded by piller. Most of these shafts are from the 27 Hindu temples, which were plundered to construct the mosque.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation. Close to the mosque is one of Delhi's most curious antiques, the Iron Pillar.

By Air

Delhi’s airport is the Indira Gandhi International airport and is very well connected to cities across India and the world. There are regular flights to Delhi from Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Goa, Kolkata, Guwahati and international destinations as well. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is 22 kilometers away from the city centre.

By Train

Delhi is the headquarters of the Northern Railways and there are five major railway stations in Delhi, namely the The New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station, Nizamuddin Railway Station, Anand Vihar Railway Terminal and Sarai Rohilla.

By Bus

Delhi is well connected by bus to cities like Jaipur, Agra, Alwar, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, Dehradun and even Kathmandu among others.

Few Hotels That Are Less Than 5km From Delhi Airport

HOTELS NEAR DELHI AIRPORT

Apart from being a gateway to several travel destinations in the north, New Delhi is also a great winter destination. Here are a few hotels that are located close to the airport.

 The Pride Plaza Hotel.

Avid travellers from all parts of the country and the world realise how important the national capital is. New Delhi serves as the gateway to many a destinations in the northern part of the country. Right from the forts of Rajasthan to the great heights of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, New Delhi is one city you must go through. Besides, come winters, the city itself will turn into a tourist destination--thanks to its vibrant mix of cultures and abundance of heritage sites dating back to the Mughal era and the British Raj.

When you are here in the capital, it is always convenient to stay at a place which is close to the airport. Also, you don't want to miss your flight because of getting stuck in the city's unpredictable traffic. Here are a few properties which are less than five kilometres from the airport, and can serve as your stay option when you visit Delhi.

Pride Plaza Hotel

This hotel is an expert when it comes to serving both business and leisure travellers. The massive space of the lobby, the minute attention to detail, the decor and the paintings--everything makes you feel so good as a traveller the moment you step inside the property. With 385 rooms and suites, five banquet halls, two dining venues, a fitness centre, and a spa, the hotel has everything that a traveller would ask for. The services manage to subtly merge the requirements of both a business and leisure traveller. While Cafe Pride is a 24-hour eatery serving comfort food and some delectable Awadhi cuisine at lunch, Oriental Spice is a Pan-Asian restaurant that serves as the perfect dinner venue with its widespread choice of Chinese and Thai delicacies. The Stallion bar lets you unwind with its wide choice of drinks and tailor-made cocktails as per your preferences.

Pullman New Delhi Aerocity

The Pullman New Delhi Aerocity boasts of 270 rooms and lives up to the brand name Pullman has earned globally. The theme of the hotel is inspired by the rhythmic style of a peacock dancing at the sight of dark clouds waiting for the rains in the offering. The hotel has 159 Deluxe king rooms, 50 Deluxe twin rooms, 30 Deluxe executive king rooms, 12 Deluxe executive twin rooms, 17 Superior suites, 01 Differently-abled room and 01 Presidential suite. The value added services of the hotel include a spacious banquet hall, two dining venues, one lounge bar, a coffee shop, and a bar.

Roseate House

Spread across an area of 1.6 acres, Roseate House is the latest hotel by the Bird group of hotels that owns The Roseate hotel (formerly, Dusit Devrana). The hotel features 216 spacious rooms with 15 suites, including three elite private suites. The property is home to three dining venues offering various Indian and international cuisines, a bar and a spa. Also, what makes this hotel really special is the presence of an in-house cinema hall titled Upstage, which has a plush recliners and can seat 72 people. What strikes you as a traveller is the artistic decor of the property--the design of this hotel is based on stories from a book called Bathtub by Arjun Puri.

JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity

New Delhi's first JW Marriott property is one of the new kids on the block at Aerocity and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the area. The elegantly designed property houses as 523 rooms and caters to both domestic and international travellers--be it for business or leisure. There are 313 Deluxe Rooms, 180 Executive Rooms, 29 Junior Suites and one Presidential Suite in the property. The hotel has three dining venues and a beautiful bar serving some delicious food and varied beverage options to the guests.

Train Traval From Delhi For Two Weeks

RAIL PRAGRAMME

(12 NIGHTS & 13 DAYS) - DELHI - JAISALMER - JODHPUR - UDAIPUR - JAIPUR - AGRA - DELHI

The personalized 2 weeks trip to Rajasthan & Agra starts with a train journey from Delhi to Jaisalmer. This Rajasthan & Agra Taj Mahal train travel is quite an economical way to travel as you are saving on hotels during the train travel. This culture & heritage tour of Rajasthan is good for families and elderly people. The Children will love this Rajasthan train tour. The Delhi based tour operator Services International Ltd is the best travel agency for organizing Rajasthan trips by rail. Starting from Delhi, this Rajasthan rail tour takes you through the Thar Desert to the Taj Mahal. Convert this tour to a Rajasthan budget rail tour by changing to economy hotels or convert the tour to a heritage Rajasthan rail tour by changing to heritage palaces, forts and castles. This train tour itinerary to Rajasthan is also good for visitors going to India for the first time.

Day 01 :- Arrive Delhi 

Arrive Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Delhi. 

Day 02 :- Delhi Jaisalmer 

City tour of Delhi. In Old Delhi visit Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid and drive past Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. Check-out from the hotel at 1200 hrs. In New Delhi visit Qutub Minar built by Qutub-ud-Din Aibek in 1199, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate and Lakshminarayan Temple. Drive past President's House, Parliament House and Government Secretariat Buildings. Evening transfer to rail-station for Jaisalmer night train. Night on board. 

Day 03 :- Jaisalmer 

Morning in train. Arrive Jaisalmer at noon. Transfer to hotel. Overnight Jaisalmer. 

Day 04 :- Jaisalmer Jodhpur 

Morning city tour of Jaisalmer. Visit the fort, bazaars and the old mansions known as haveli's. People still live in these ancient building dating from 12th to 15th centaury. Every house has exquisite carvings and filigreed work. Checkout from the hotel at 1200 hours. Later transfer to railway station for Jodhpur night train. Night on board. 

Day 05 :- Jodhpur 

Morning arrive Jodhpur. Transfer to hotel. City tour of Jodhpur. Visit the Meharangarh Fort situated on a low sandstone Hill, including Moti-Mahal and Phool Mahal. Also visit Jaswant Thada, an imposing Marble Memorium built in 1899 and the museum located in the Umaid Public Gardens. Overnight Jodhpur.

Day 06 :- Jodhpur Ranakpur Udaipur 

Drive to Udaipur visiting Ranakpur Temples enroute. Ranakpur Jain Temples built in the 15th century are situated in the lovely valley of the Aravali. There are 1444 pillars in the temple and none of them are similar. The magic of light & shade is really awe inspiring. Surya Temple and other Jain Temples are side attractions. Overnight Udaipur. 

Day 07 :- Udaipur 

Morning tour of Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Sahelion ki Bari, Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandir and drive around Fatehsagar Lake. Afternoon free. Overnight Udaipur.

Day 08 :- Udaipur Jaipur 

Morning free. Checkout at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to railway-station for Jaipur night train. Night on board. 

Day 09 :- Jaipur

Morning arrive Jaipur. Transfer to hotel. Visit Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the State. Visit the Sheesh Mahal or the Hall of Victory glittering with mirrors. Later city tour. Jaipur - the capital of Rajasthan was given a colour coat of pink a century ago in honour of a visiting Prince. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the notable astronomer, this city is 260 years old. Visit Maharaja's City Palace, & the Observatory . Drive past Hawa Mahal & through the pink rose residential & business areas. Overnight Jaipur. 

Day 10 :- Jaipur 

Day Free in Jaipur.Overnight Jaipur. 

Day 11 :- Jaipur Agra

Morning transfer to rail-station for Agra train. Arrive Agra. Transfer to hotel. Visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 for his Queen Mumtaz Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. Later visit the Agra Fort containing the Halls of Public and Private Audience. Overnight Agra. 

Day 12 :- Agra Delhi 

Day free in Agra. Check-out from the hotel at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to rail-station for New Delhi train. Arrive New Delhi and transfer to hotel. Overnight Delhi.

Day 13 :- Departure 

Day free in Delhi. Check-out at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to airport.

visit delhi tourism,

A Day Trip From Delhi To Utmost Beauty Cities

Greatest cities for a day trip from Delhi

After you've stood in awe of Delhi's towering Lotus Temple and explored The Garden of Five Senses, consider taking a day trip or weekend getaway to some nearby cities that have a lot of charm and other wonderful sights. Here are some of the best:

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

Of course, the top thing to see in Agra is the Taj Mahal, arguably the most famous temple in the world and a testament to eternal love. This gigantic marble mausoleum was built in the late 1600s by the Mughal Emperor in memory of his late wife. Aside from this world wonder, make sure to see the Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Red Fort of Agra has stunning motifs, colonnaded buildings and dozens of fairy-like castles. Fatehpur Sikri is a city from the late 1500s the served as the seat of the Mughal Empire. You can walk around and see its distinct architecture before heading to a nearby market for tasty street food.

Mathura

Mathura is a two-hour drive from Delhi, but it's worth a visit. This city of 2.5 million people - small by Indian standards - was an ancient industry hub, and you can check out some of the exquisite ancient architecture that survives today. Visit the Kesava Deo Temple, which hosts a small bare room - a sacred space - where followers of Hindi believe Lord Krishna was born more than 3,500 years ago. Other must-sees are the Archeological Museum, which boasts an awesome collection of Mathura School religious sculptures, which were popular during the 3rd century BC through the 12th century AD, and the Gita Temple, which stakes its claim to fame on the red pillar with the entire Bhagavad Gita written on it.

Chandigarh

Chandigarh is about a four-hour drive north of Delhi, so it would make a good spot for a weekend getaway. Plus, there's so much to do in and around this city that you'll want to stay for more than one day. With a population of just around one million people, Chandigarh is on the smaller side for an Indian city. Don't miss out on seeing the Nek Chand Fantasy Rock Garden, a gorgeous 25-acre garden with whimsical figures made of shards of China, winding walkways, flowing waterfalls and something surprising at ever turn. This fantastical garden was created by Nek Chand and everything in it that is not organic is made from recycled products. Other things to see are the Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh Rose Garden and Government Museum and Art Gallery.

Here Are The Best Attractions In Delhi For The Kids

 

BEST ATTRACTIONS IN DELHI FOR THE 

TODDLERS

If you're taking Delhi holidays with kids, it can be a children's paradise when you know where to go. Here are the best spots in Delhi for the kids:

Lohdi Gardens

Located in the heart of Delhi, these gardens are the perfect place for kids to run and release their energy. In addition, parents will love it here too, as the park is dotted with temples and various other ruins.

National Zoological Park

This wonderful zoo in a park-like setting has the most exotic wildlife and it's the only place where you can see these animals up close and personal. You and the kids will see hippos, hyenas, civet cats, brightly coloured birds, elephants and deer, among other wildlife. There are 2,000 animals located on 214 acres. You can also take a buggy ride and enjoy some sweet treats on the zoo's grounds.

Bal Bhawan National Children's Museum and Aquarium

Don't just see the land-, air- and tree-dwelling mammals. Head to this delightful combined museum and aquarium - just for children - that has everything from a collection of dolls, artwork that appeals to children, a toy train to ride, puppet shows, workshops and an aviary! Kids can also learn things like how to take care of fish, keep the tank clean and make sure their little water wonders are happily fed.

Deer Park

You'll find Deer Park in the heart of South Delhi, and you'll have a hard time believing your eyes! Did you ever imagine that in a bustling, wildly loud city you could see well-manicured green grass, shady trees and plenty of quietly grazing deer? There are also peacocks that seem to delight in showing you their shimmering fan of feathers at the most perfect moments.

Kiddyland

​If you need or want to get some shopping done, head to DLF Promenade Mall in Vasant Kunj in southwest Delhi. The reward for the kids' great behavior can be a trip to Kiddyland, an awesome play area with rope climbs, sand pits, swings, slides and plenty of places to run. There are also finger puppets, a splash zone and an eatery with a chocolate fountain. You'll be hard-pressed to find another place more worthy of the title "Kid Paradise."

Garden of the Five Senses

Kids love to explore, so take them to this wonderful garden where they can use each of their senses. They can listen to waterfalls and the bells of a giant wind chime, smell fresh flowers and see the beauty of the area. They can also take a camel ride and feel the camels' wiry hair and eat the tasty bites in the on-site food court.

Head To One Of These Nature Resorts Near Delhi In One Of The Upcoming Weekends.

5 nature resorts near Delhi where you can spend the next weekend

For those who like to travel, weekends make for the time which can be dedicated towards exploring new destinations. Located at a location surrounded by attractive destinations, the city of Delhi has plenty of weekend getaways around. In fact, some of them are known for offering experiences to travellers based on the location of a resort and the services provided by it.

Here's a list of a few resorts near Delhi that offer amazing experiences to nature lovers. We would love to know where you are heading to in the coming weekend.

Jim's Jungle Retreat

The wildlife season is just around the corner and Jim's Jungle Retreat happens to be one of the best places to spend some time with the forest life of Jim Corbett National Park. Located at the southern periphery of the Park, the Jim's Jungle Retreat is an eco-conscious wildlife speciality lodge that provides accommodation in 18 sophisticated lodges and cottages, thus allowing guests to stay in close connection with nature at all times. Staying there, you will always be surrounded by breathtaking vistas of the forest and the mountains, while there will be plenty of opportunities to go on nature walks and enjoy bird spotting. Needless to mention, the resort also provides forest safari facilities to the guests. 

For details and bookings, visit jimsjungleretreat.com

Kikar Lodge Nature Resort & Spa

You don't need to go anywhere else when you stay at the Kikar Lodge Nature Resort & Spa. Located at the foothills of the Shivalik range in Punjab, this place offers accommodation amidst nature and at the same time, offers a wide range of adventure activities as well. The property spread over 1800 acres of forest and provides a secluded retreat to its guests, far from the maddening crowd of cities and towns. The adventure activities offert by the resort include Flying Fox, quad biking, rappelling, paint ball, horse riding, night safari, cycling and archery. Besides, the forest area within which this resort is set, is a birder's paradise with more than 180 species of resident birds.

For details and bookings, visit www.thekikarlodge.com

Sitla Estate

Perched high within the lush green environs of Mukteshwar a distance of about 350 km from New Delhi, the Sitla Estate is a nature lover's paradise. It's that cosy little retreat that every mountain lover dreams of. The 150-year-old house has rooms made up in colonial style giving a guest the feeling of spending time within the walls of a rugged mountain cottage. For those with different tastes, the contemporary rooms have been built beautifully. Each of these rooms has glass windows that overlooks 39 acres of the verdant terraced estate. There's a quaint library to read books in leisure, and enough space to walk around the gentle slopes while soaking in the beauty of Mother Nature.

For details and bookings, visit www.sitlaestate.com

Water House Resort

Think of Jaipur and what mostly comes to mind are hill-top forts. But there is lushness amid the aridity too. On the drive from Delhi to Jaipur, stretches of green and hillocks appear along the highway, tempting one to spend a few hours amid the serenity. The Water House Resort has a similar appeal. A sharp right turn opposite the gate of Amity University, Jaipur, leads to a hidden gem. Built within the area of the famous Tree House Resort, the Water House Resort provides accommodation in nine wooden cottages, each with a thatched roof, built on a small rivulet. Inside, you are pleasantly surprised by décor which combines rustic charm and plush living. Also provided with each cottage is a jacuzzi, an outdoor shower and a private patio. Within every room is glass underfoot, which lets you see the water a level below, with fish in it. Ducks waddling around is a common sight here.

For details and bookings, visit www.waterhouseresort.in

Glasshouse on the Ganges

There can't be a better way to make the most of your stay at Rishikesh than a few days spent at the Glasshouse on the Ganges, owned by the Neemrana group of hotels. Offering accommodation in cottages, individual rooms and tents, there's no other resort in Rishikesh that lets you stay this close to the river. Besides, the entire property is set within a lychee and mango orchard owned by the Maharajas of Tehri Garhwal. That's a perfect marriage of royalty and nature for you. There's a garden full of tropical plants, rare species of birds and butterflies, and a private white sand beach--a feature no other resort can boast of. Needless to say, the resort offers some of the finest white water rafting tours.

For details and bookings, visit www.neemranahotels.com