Delhi No other city in the world is like Delhi, the capital of India. One of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi has an excellent old town ambience in Old Delhi, and is modern in New Delhi. Stately and historic, the city is one of the undisputed highlights of the country. An array of historical sites including World Heritage Sites of Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar rests amongst other several historical treasures in Delhi’s possession. The seamless blend of old and new worlds makes for a fascinating exploration of this metropolis. The city is normally the first port of call for those planning to visit Northern India.

Sights to See

Qutub Minar
The earliest specimen of the Muslim architecture is the Qutub Minar, a gigantic 72m tower, tapering from a 15m diameter at the base to 2.5m at the top. A World Heritage Site monument built by the first Muslim ruler of India Qutub-ud-din Aikab of the Delhi Sultanate, the Qutub Minar ranks as one of the most famous attractions in India. Near the QutubMinar lies Quwwat-ul-Islam, considered to be India's oldest mosque. Visitors can also find an Iron Pillar, dating back to the 4th century AD.

Humayun’s Tomb
A forerunner of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the mausoleum of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, was built by the emperor’s wife, Haji Begum. Designed by the Persian (Iranian) architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, the tomb was completed in 1569 AD. Set in a formal Persian garden, the tomb features an artful combination of red sandstone and white marble in the outward appearance of the edifice. In the grounds, you can also find other monuments including Isa Khan’s tomb.

Red fort
Built by Shah Jahan, the palace fortress, is known as the Red Fort because of the red sandstone fabric of its rampart walls, with its halls, palaces, pavilions and serene gardens was completed in 1648. Within the enclosure of the red fort are located many fairytale buildings. The Diwan-i-Khas (also known as Shah Mahal) and the Rang Mhal (also called Imtiyaz Mahal or palace of distinctions) are the tow most conspicuous buildings inside the Red Fort. The former, with its expensive ceilings, and mingled decorations of gold, marble and precious stones, justifies the inscription engraved on it:
‘Agar firdaus bar ru –yizaminast
Haminast, u haminast, u haminast’
(if on Earth be an Eden of bliss,
It is this, it is this, none but this)
The Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i- Aam) is another famous building within the Red Fort. Son-et-lumiere shows, tracing the history of the Mughal Empire in India, outlining their glory and the eventful causes for their downfall are held in the Red Fort every evening.

Jama Masjid
The grand Jami Masjid of Delhi was built by Shah Jahan in 1656. Situated on a hill near the Red fort, this largest mosque of India took 5,000 labourers 6 years to complete and pays testament to the vision and power of Shah Jahan, who is considered to be the most prolific builder among the Mughal emperors. Jami Masjid can hold 25,000 people at one time.

Dilli Haat
Situated opposite the INA Market, this open-air arts-and-crafts market provides a unique shopping experience. You can buy regional handicrafts from different parts of the country. Apart from this, people visiting Dilli Haat can taste the regionally diverse cuisines.

Birla Mandir / Laxmi Narayan Temple
ideally located on Mandir Marg in central Delhi, the temple was built in 1938 by the prominent Indian industrialist Raja Baldev Das Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and Lord Narayana (Lord Vishnu). Built in Orissan style, the shrine houses a large number of idols of various gods of Indian pantheon. The well-grafted gardens are added attraction.

Chattarpur Mandir
Located beyond the Qutab Minar in Mehrauli, the wonderful Chattarpur Mandir is built in South Indian style. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, the temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful lawns and gardens. A constant hive of activity, the shrine becomes one of the busiest pilgrimage sites during the during the Navratri celebrations.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
One of the famous pilgrimage destinations of the Sikh religion, the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is venerated by devotees who make a trip to this holy place in the capital of India. Located in the heart of New Delhi's Cannaught Place area, the shrine was constructed at the site where Harkrishan Dev, the eighth Sikh guru, spent several months. An architectural beauty, the shrine has beautifully carved marble pillars, decorated floors and onion domes adorned with gold.

St. James Church
Located at the intersection of Church Road and Lothian Road, St. James Church is the oldest church in Delhi. Built by Colonel James Skinner, the church was consecrated in 1836. Combining the styles of Greek and Roman architecture, the church is designed in a cruciform plan with the entrance towards the west and the altar towards the east. Its dome interestingly is very similar to that of Florence Cathedral in Venice in Italy. Porches on the north, south and the west provide the building with three entrances. The central portion of the church is an octagon with circular columns supporting the dome.

Lodi Gardens
A green, shaded oasis in the heart of the city, Lodi Garden, also known as Lodi Gardens, is about 3 km to the west of Humayun's tomb. In these well-maintained gardens are the tombs of rulers belonging to the Sayyid and other Lodi dynasties.
Built in 1450, Mohammed Shah's tomb is considered to be a prototype for the later Mughal-style tomb of Humayun, a design that would eventually develop into the Taj Mahal. Other tombs include those of his predecessor, Mubarak Shah (1433), and Sikander Lodi (1517). The Bara Gumbad Masjid is a fine example of its type of plaster decoration. Also a must visit is the National Bonsai Park located on the premises of the Lodi Gardens.

Rashtrapati Bhawan
Delhi’s other architectural gem is Rashtrapati Bhavan, official residence of the president of India and formerly of the British Viceroy. The building is the highlight of Lutyen’s New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of 12,53,000 pound sterling. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms. The most magnificent room in the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Durbar hall, which is the ceremonial hall for all official functions of the President of India. The “Changing of the Guard” ceremony can be viewed from the gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, every Saturday, between 0830 and 0915 hrs in summer and between 1035 and 1100 hrs in winter. The Rashtrapati Bhawan also has an impressive garden called the Mughal Garden, which is open to the public twice a year, usually in February and March.

Bahai Lotus Temple
Shaped like the sacred lotus flower, this extraordinary temple is a major highlight of Delhi. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect FariburzSahba in 1986, it is situated at Kalkaji and has 27 immaculate white-marble petals. It is open to the adherents of all faiths who come here to pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The temple remains closed on Mondays.

National Gallery of Modern Art
Once the palace of maharaja of Jaipur, this gallery is a repository of the works of all the great modern Indian artists. Here you can find works by Amrita Sher-Gil, Nobel laureate RabindraNath Tagore and MF Husain. It remains closed on Mondays and Public Holidays.

Jantar Mantar
Built by Sawai Jai Singh II, this astronomical observatory is the earliest of the five observatories that were erected by him in different places in India. Built in 1725, it is dominated by a huge sundial and houses other instruments plotting the course of heavenly bodies.

Parliament House
A marvelous piece of architecture designed by the famed architect Lutyens and constructed under the direct supervision of Sir Herbert Baker, Parliament House is designed as a circular structure. The House is 171 meters in diameter and about one-third of a mile in circumference. The two semicircular house chambers flank the Central Hall with its impressive dome. The building has a continuous open corridor on the first floor fringed with a colonnade of 144 creamy sandstone pillars. The exterior walls of red sandstone are carved in geometric patterns that echo Moghul jaalis.

Teen Murti Bhavan
Originally the residence of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in India, the Teen Murti Bhavan housed the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. Designed by Robert Tor Russel, the architect of Connaught Place, and the Eastern and Western Courts on Janpath. the house was converted into a national memorial comprising a library and a museum after Nehru’s death. The library is one of the finest ones for information on modern Indian history. The house gets its name after the Teen Murti (three statues) Memorial, which stands on its extensive grounds. The memorial was built in memory of the Indian soldiers who perished in World War I. The Bhavan is closed to public on Mondays and on all public holidays.

Shanti VanTo the north of Rajghat is Santiban. 1st Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's last rites were performed here on 27 May 1964. A tombstone has been erected on his funeral place.

Vijay Ghat
Located near Raj Ghat, Vijay Ghat is a memorial dedicated to Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minsiter of India. His last rites was performed here.

Shakti Sthal
Located on the banks of Yamuna River, Shakti Sthal is the memorial of Indira Gandhi, the first and only woman Prime Minster of India.

Vir Bhumi
This is the memorial site of Rajiv Gandhi, 6th Prime Minister of India.

National Zoological Park
Loctated in close proximity to Purana Qila, near ITO, the Delhi zoo was established in 1959. Spread over a massive area of 214 acres, it is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia. Efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and birds. There are more than 2,000 animals and bird species from places like Africa, America, Australia and Asia. There is a lot of greenery around the zoo and it is an ideal picnic spot especially in winter.

Raj Ghat
Located on the west bank of the river Yamuna, Raj Ghat is the place where Mahatma Gandhi, "Father of the Nation," was cremated on the evening of January 31, 1948. A simple open platform inscribed with his last words, 'Hey Ram' (Oh God) is set in a garden with fountains and a variety of exotic trees. Ferozshah Kotla Fort
Firoz Shah Kotla, off Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, is home to the ruins of the palace of the fifth city of Delhi, Ferozabad, built by Firoz Shah of Tughlaq dynasty in 1354. A major highlight of the fort is a 13m-high sandstone Ashokan Pillar which was brought from Punjab by the Tughlaq ruler to be erected here.

ISKCON Temple
Built by the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKON), this elegant temple is one of the largest temple complexes in India. Lavishly decorated in a mix of ultra-contemporary and traditional styles, the shrine attracts a large number of Hare-Rama Hare-Krishna cult followers.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia
One of the most sacred Muslim pilgrimages in India, the tomb of the saint Sheikh Nizamuddin Aulia is undoubtedly one of Delhi's most fascinating attractions. A visitto the place will land you in medieval times. The complex of the shrine includes several other tombs, including that of the noted poet MirzaGhalib (1786-1869), Amir Khusbru and the grave of Jahanara, favourite daughter of Shah Jahan.

India Gate
One of the chief attractions of Delhi, India Gate was built as a memorial to commemorate the 70,000 India soldiers who died in World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens the monument was completed in 1931.

Akshardham
Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom and bliss. It brilliantly showcases the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spiritual messages. The Akshardham experience is an enlightening journey through India’s glorious art, values and contributions for the progress, happiness and harmony of mankind. Swaminarayan Akshardham complex was built in only five years through the blessings of HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and the colossal devotional efforts of 11,000 artisans and BAPS volunteers. The complex was inaugurated on 6 November, 2005.

Security & Safety:* Cloakroom Facilities Available

• Not Allowed:
1. All Electronic Items (Mobiles, Camera, Pen Drives, Hands-Free etc.)
2. All Bags
3. Purses (Shoulder Strap / Hanging)
4. Food & Drinks
5. All Personal Belongings

• Allowed:
1. Wallets
2. Ladies Purses (Handheld)
3. Jewelry
4. Passports
5. Belts & Shoes
6. Infant Baby Food

Strictly Prohibited:
• Smoking and all Tobacco Products
• Alcohol & Drugs
• Any Electronics – Mobiles, Cameras, Video Cameras, etc.
• Pets

What to Experience
Akshardham Mandir A traditional mandir (temple) dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan that reflects the beauty and spirituality of India’s ancient art, culture, and architecture
Nilkanth Varni Abhishek A hallowed spiritual tradition in which prayers are offered for world peace and continual peace for oneself, family, and friends with the water of 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds of India.

Exhibitions Hall 1 - Hall of Values (50 mins) Experience enduring human values through films and robotic shows that depict the ideals of nonviolence, honesty, family harmony, and spirituality. Hall 2 – Giant Screen Film (40 mins) Discover India through the incredible story of an eleven-year-old yogi named Nilkanth that brings to life the culture and spirituality of India's customs, the majesty of its art and architecture, and the unforgettable sights, sounds, and power of its awe-inspiring festivals. Hall 3 - Cultural Boat Ride (15 mins) Sail through 10,000 years of India's glorious heritage. Learn about the discoveries and inventions of the rishi-scientists of India, see the world’s first university of Takshashila, sail through the caves of Ajanta-Ellora and discover India's contributions to humanity through the ages.

Musical Fountain – Circle of Life(Evenings Only - 15 min.) A spectacular musical fountain show that depicts the cycle of birth, life, and death as described in Indian philosophy.

Garden of India Sixty acres of lush lawns, gardens and exquisite bronze statues, honouring India's child heroes, valorous warriors, national patriots and great women personalities who inspire values and character.
Lotus Garden A lotus-shaped garden echoing spirituality as expressed by philosophers, scientists, and leaders throughout history

Visitor Information Location: N. H. 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi, INDIA - 110092
Contact:
T: (011) 2201 6688, 2202 6688 | F: (011) 2201 5757 E: info@akshardham.com | www.akshardham.com
Nearest Metro Station: Akshardham Metro Station (By Walk - 200 metres / 7 min.)
Days Closed: Mondays
Complex Entry -Free | No Ticket

Timings
First Entry:9:30 AM
Last Entry:6:30 PM
Exhibitions:10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Admission – Complex Entry: Free | No Ticket
• Mandir & Gardens Free | No Ticket
• Exhibition & Musical Fountain Fee| Ticket
• Abhishek Darshan: Free | No Ticket
• Abhishek Puja Fee | Ticket

Ticket Fee Exhibition Only:
• Adult (12 yrs & above) Rs. 170
• Senior Citizens (65 yrs & above) Rs. 125
• Children (4 to 11 yrs) Rs. 100
• Children (Below 4 yrs) Free

Musical Fountain Only:
• Adult (12 yrs & above) Rs. 30
• Senior Citizens (65 yrs & above) Rs. 30
• Children (4 to 11 yrs) Rs. 20
• Children (Below 4 yrs) Free

Facilities:
• Parking:Rates per type of vehicle
• Cloakroom: Deposit at owners risk and responsibility. (No Fee)
• Wheelchairs: Printed Photograph Memories (Fee)
• Food Court: Meals, Snacks & Beverages (100% Vegetarian Only)
• Souvenir Shop: Publications, Mementos & Gift Items

Dress Code: Respectable (Must cover shoulders and knees (Wraps provided).

Garden of Five Senses
Twenty acres of sprawling lush garden area, the Garden of Five Senses is situated close to Mehrauli heritage zone. The park is s agreat place to relax and unwind. The park plays host o a variety of activities that invite public interaction and exploration. Located at Said-ul-ajaib village, the park displays soaring stainless steel birds mounted on slate- clad pillars, an expansive plaza, spiral walkway, series of fountains, stoned elephants and water steams. Next to Garden of Five Senses lies the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which is spread across 100 acres of forest reserve land. Lying adjacent to QutabMinar, the well conserved park is home to some fine examples of architecture like the carved tombs, baolis and mosque arches.

The National Museum
If you only visit one museum in Delhi, make it the National Museum. A couple of hours’ stay here will equip you with the historical knowledge you will need for when you go exploring the capital city as well as the rest of India. Documenting history and culture of the Indian subcontinent, the museum owns some 150,000 items covering some 5 millennia. Some of the gems of the museum are the Chola statue of the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva , finds from the Indus Valley Civilization, relics of the Buddha from Piprahwa and an amazing collection of miniature paintings.

Chandni Chowk
One of the oldest and largest enclosed bazaars in India, Chandni Chowk (Moonlit Square) is one of the most enticing and wonderful attractions in Delhi. Running through the middle of the walled city, Chandni Chowk is crammed with hundreds of shops, religious shrines and teahouses. It is an amazing experience to amble around the alleyways, looking and enjoying, or bargaining and buying. Here you can find almost anything, from electrical goods, clothes and jewelry, to mouth-watering delicacies. Built during the rule of Shah Jahan in 1650 AD, the bazaar grew by covering an increasingly large area of shops and storehouses with temples, mosques, gurudwaras, and subsequently it became the center of trading.

Tughlaqabad
Presently toppled to a state of picturesque ruination, Tughlaqabad was a magnificent fort city built by Ghiasuddin Tughlaq in 1324. At that time withn its enclousures were located a vast number of buildings, mosques, palaces, towers, and tanks surrounded by mammoth bastions. After his death it became a deserted, and a haunted place.

Safdarjung's Tomb
Representing the last phase of the Mughal style of architecture, Safdarjang's Tomb stands in the centre of an extensive garden, aid down on the pattern of the Mughal Charbagh style. Built in 1753 by Shauja-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, to house the remains of his father Safdarjung, who was a powerful minister in the Mughal court during the reign of Muhammad Shah, the tomb is referred to as the "last flicker in the lamp of Mughal architecture." Built in red sandstone and buff stone, the monument shows how the grace and grandeur of the Mughals had been overtaken by decadence. The tomb also has a mosque.

Qila Rai Pithora
Built by greatest Chauhan ruler Prithviraja Chauhan III, this landmark is also known as the first Red Fort of Delhi and one of the seven ancient cities of Delhi. Prithviraja Chauhan is credited to have extended the citadel of Lal Kot, and constructed huge ramparts and moats around it. The city derived its name from the title of Prithviraja Chauhan himself and thus came to be known as Qila Rai Pithora, with Lal Kot as its southwestern base. At present the ruins of Qila Rai Pithora have been conserved in a 20-acre DDA Conservation Park at Mehrauli. The park has an 18-foot high statue of Prithviraj Chauhan and a library, and is being developed as a tourist destination housing an interesting museum and artifacts belonging to the medieval period.

Old Fort or Purana Quila
Literally "old fort" Purana Quila is definitely worth inclusion in your itinerary. Built by Mughal emperor Humayun and Afghan ruler Sher Shah, the walls of the fort have three gates and are surrounded by a moat fed by the river Yamuna. The wall was built by Humayun while the buildings in the fort are attributed to Sher Shar. The notable buildings that have survived in the fort are the Sher Mandal and the Quila-I-kholina Mosque.