Delhi, Capital of India New Delhi Delhi is the symbol of old India and new ? even the stones here whisper to our ears of the ages of long ago and the air we breathe is full of the dust and fragrances of the past, as also of the fresh and piercing winds of the present. - Jawaharlal Nehru Delhi, the capital of India is the third largest city of the world, exceeded in size by Calcutta and Mumbai. Delhi is situated in north central India and stands on the west bank of Yamuna river. It is bounded on the east by the state of Uttar Pardesh and on the north, west and south by Haryana. The eternal Yamuna has witnessed the glory and the tumultuous history of the 3000 year old Delhi. Delhi is spread over an area of 1483 sq. kilometers, 216 meters above sea level and has a population of around 14 million. The amalgamation of various cultures, traditions, religions has painted Delhi in colour which are brought from all over India. Delhi is a true cosmopolitan city always on the move. Delhi remains the centre of power. Once it was a city of royal power. Then it became the seat of colonial power. Later it was the seat of bureaucratic power. The seat of political power it has always been. Today it is emerging as an important centre for corporate power too. It is a perfect introduction to the cultural wealth, the complexities and dynamism of India. Delhi has always been the hub of activity, art, culture and the history of the whole country and continues to do so. It is divided into two parts Old Delhi & New Delhi. Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)

'Old' Delhi, the capital of Muslim India between the mid-17th and late 19th centuries, is full of formidable mosques, monuments and forts. The ancient Delhi of the Mughal emperors was surrounded by a wall and was a congested city of narrow bylanes. Though better known as Old Delhi, this area is also called Delhi. Old Delhi , Shah Jahan's seventeenth-century capital ( Shahjahanabad ), lies 2km or so further north.The Delhi Jn rly stn is in Old Delhi, the inter-state bus terminus is slightly to the north, at the Kashmiri Gate. Buses go to all over north and west India from the Kashmiri Gate. Near the Delhi Gate lies the Yamuna on the left and the Aruna Asaf Ali Rd on the right, ending at Ramlila Pavilion, the juncture of Old and New Delhi. It's a lively area of colourful bazaars, narrow streets and barely controlled chaos. Monuments in sandstone and marble, which stand in assorted states of repair, make Delhi a veritable museum of Indo-Islamic architecture, seen at its best in the frenetic streets of Old Delhi. Old Delhi looks entirely different from the more modern New Delhi and south Delhi areas. New Delhi

The other Delhi, the imperial city created as the capital of India by the British. In addition to its historic interest and role as the government centre, Delhi is a major travel gateway. In 1911, the British asked Lutyens to give new meaning to city development which is reflected in the architectural designs and sophistication that buildings in Delhi like Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, Connaught Place and various administrative buildings like the South and North blocks along the breathtaking view available from Raj Path. The capital of the Indian republic is at New Delhi, the planned city devised by the British. The smooth roads, modern houses and buildings and offices and departments attract tourist. As you come out of the New Delhi rly stn, in front is Paharganj and on the south Chemsford Road which intersect at Connaught Place. New Delhi, the imperial city created by the British Raj, is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings, and has a sense of order absent from other parts of the city. Central New Delhi

The hub of the metropolis is Central New Delhi, an orderly plan of wide roads lined with sturdy colonial buildings which was established soon after the imperial capital of British India moved here in 1911. At its hub, the royal mall, Rajpath, runs from palatial Rashtrapati Bhavan, in the west, to the India Gate war memorial in the east. At the north edge of the new capital lies the thriving business centre, Connaught Place, where neon advertisements for Wimpy, American Express, hotels and

countless airline offices adorn the flat roofs and colonnaded verandas of high white buildings that curve around a central park to form an almost perfect circle. Most of the airline offices, travel agents, banks and hotels are here. There are a number of cinemas and performing arts centres around Connaught Place, but Delhi's strict licensing laws effectively curtail nightlife. Central New Delhi also has its fair share of more recent high-rise offices and hotels, standing close to pre-British constructions such as the open-air observatory, Jantar Mantar, and a generous smattering of excellent museums covering arts and crafts and the lives of India's post-Independence politicians. South Delhi

Most of the early settlements of Delhi, including its first cities, are to be found not in "Old Delhi" but in SOUTH DELHI, the area south of Connaught Place and Rajpath. Although the rapid expansion of suburban Delhi is swallowing up the countryside, the area remains littered with monuments from the past, and pockets of almost untouched rural peace make it a fascinating blend of the contemporary, the pastoral and the historic.

Delhi at a glance :

Delhi History The history of Delhi is, in many ways, the history of India. Popular Hindu mythology claims that Delhi was the site of the fabled city of Indraprastha, which featured in the Mahabharata over 3000 years ago, but historical evidence suggests that the area has been settled for around 2500 years. Since the 12th century, Delhi has seen the rise and fall of seven major powers. The Chauhans took control in the 12th century and made Delhi the most important Hindu centre in northern India. When Qutab-ud-din Aibak occupied the city in 1193, he ushered in six and a half centuries of Muslim rule. The Delhi Sultanate lasted from 1206 to 1526, despite its inconsistent rule, and was followed by the mighty Mughals from 1526 to 1857. The basis of what is today Old Delhi, including the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, was built during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658). In 1803, the British captured Delhi and installed a British administrator. Delhi was not the capital of India at the time, but it was an important commercial centre and had a population of 150,000 by the start of the 20th century. It is from here that the mughals spread their roots and this is also where the British ruled India from. Belief has it that Delhi was the capital city of the Kingdom of the Pandavas, the heroes of the Mahabharata . The earliest known settlement in the Delhi area, thought to have stood close to the River Yamuna (near the Purana Qila) between 1000 BC and the fourth century AD, has been identified with the city of Indraprastha, mentioned in the Mahabharata . Unearthed terracotta pots, coins and jewellery show that Delhi lay on an important trunk route of the Mauryan period, and Ptolemy, who came here in the second century AD, mentions "Dilli". However, modern Delhi is usually said to have come into being when the Tomara Rajputs founded Lal Kot in 736 AD. In 1180, a rival Rajput clan, the Chauhans, ousted the Tomaras and renamed the walled citadel Qila Rai Pithora, the first city of Delhi. Only a few walls of Lal Kot now remain, in the Mehrauli suburb of southwest Delhi, but a stone inscription at the Qutb Minar nearby claims that the stones of the numerous Hindu and Jain temples constructed in Lal Kot were later used to build the Great Mosque in the Qutb complex. Soon afterwards, in the two successive battles of Tarain in 1191, the Rajputs first managed to hold off an invading force from Afghanistan led by Muhammad Ghuri, and then succumbed to it a few months later. Unlike other invaders from Central Asia who swept into the north Indian plains, Muhammad Ghuri had come to stay and not merely to plunder. He was assassinated in 1206 and his kingdom did not survive long in Afghanistan, but his Indian provinces, palaces and forts remained more or less intact in the hands of his Turkish general, Qutb-ud-din Aibak. This ex-slave, who founded the Delhi Sultanate (or Slave Dynasty - the first major Muslim rulers of the subcontinent), established himself at the site of Lal Kot, and commenced the construction of the Qutb Minar. His successor, Iltutmish (1211-27), was arguably the greatest of the early Delhi sultans. In 1290, another group of Turks came to power - the Khaljis. Inspired by Ala-ud-din Khalji (12961316), they extended their dominion to the Deccan plateau of central India. His reign, the pinnacle of the Delhi Sultanate, was marked by agrarian reforms, and the establishment in 1303 of Siri, the second city of Delhi, built in characteristically ornate marble and red sandstone. Near present-day Hauz Khas, it grew into a flourishing commercial centre. Ala-ud-din died a disappointed man, however, as cracks appeared in his dream of empire; the ensuing period of confusion only ended when Ghiyas-ud-din Tughluq proclaimed himself Sultan in 1320. Ghiyas-ud-din in turn built a city fortress, at Tughluqabad, 8km east of Qutb, but Delhi's third city was occupied for just five years from 1321, when the capital was shifted 1100km south to Daulatabad in Maharashtra at great human cost. Apart from the ramparts encompassing the crumbling ruins, and the odd building and tomb, little now remains of this third settlement. Water scarcity drove the Tughluqs back to Delhi in 1327, and as a recompense for the mistake, a new city, Jahanpanah, was built between Lal Kot and Siri by the eccentric Muhammad bin Tughluq to protect the vulnerable open plain. The energies of the next sultan, Firuz Shah, were taken up with suppressing rebellion, as the Sultanate began to disintegrate, but his reputation as an iconoclast is belied by his keen interest in Indian culture and history. Fascinated by the Ashokan pillars of Meerut and Topra, he had them moved to the new capital, the fifth city of Firozabad, built beside the river in 1354. The Tughluq line came to an end in 1398, when Timur (Tamerlane), a Central Asian Turk, sacked Delhi. His successors, the Sayyids (1414-44), were ousted by Buhlul Lodi who established a

dynasty that left behind the fine tombs and mosques still to be seen in the beautiful Lodi Gardens. As the Lodi sultans became more absolute, they made many enemies among the nobles, especially the governors of Punjab and Sind, who invited Babur (a descendant of Genghis Khan) and Timur, who was seeking his fortune in Afghanistan, to come to their aid. The Lodi dynasty ended when Sultan Ibrahim Lodi died in battle, fighting the brilliant and enigmatic Babur on the plain of Panipat just north of Delhi in 1526. Babur's victory marked the dawn of the Mughal (a derivative of Mongol) dynasty, whose lengthy sojourn in power led to the eventual realization of the dream of an Indian empire that had so eluded the earlier Delhi Sultans. Babur's reign was brief, and he moved his capital to Agra not long after taking Delhi; his Babarnama , a chronicle of the times, makes fascinating reading. Babur was succeeded in 1530 by his son, Humayun, a scholar and astronomer who moved to Delhi in 1534. All the signs indicated that Humayun's reign would be prosperous, but in 1540, he was driven to Persia for fifteen years by the Afghan King Sher Shah of Ser, who quickly built the fort, DinPanah, or Asylum of Faith, which still stands on the banks of the Yamuna in the southwest of modern Delhi and is known as Purana Qila. Sher Shah was surrounded by bickering power-thirsty relatives, all of whom were overcome when Humayun returned from Kabul to retake Delhi in 1555. When Humayun died in a fall in 1556, his wife Banu Begum built a sandstone garden tomb for him in Nizamuddin, in the style that was to set the pattern for the development of Mughal mausoleum architecture. His son Akbar (who could not read or write) took over as emperor, and the capital was moved once more to Agra. Delhi once again became capital under Prince Khurrum, Akbar's grandson, in 1628, who assumed the titleShah Jahan, "Ruler of the Universe", and began a fruitful and extravagant reign that oversaw the construction of some of the finest Mughal monuments, including the Taj Mahal in Agra. The new walled capital of Shahjahanabad, the seventh city, which is now Old Delhi, incorporated the mighty Red Fortwith its opulent courts and the huge Jama Masjid or Friday Mosque, fringed by bazaars. Shah Jahan was deposed(and imprisoned in Agra) by his ruthless son, Aurangzeb, who ruled from Delhi until 1681, when he transferred the capital to the Deccan plateau until his death in 1707. For the next sixty years, Delhi's government was controlled by courtiers, and the city fell victim to successive invasions. In 1739, Nadir Shah, the emperor of Persia, swept across north India and overcame Muhammad Shah in the Red Fort, taking away precious booty and wiping out much of the local population. The relatively plain tomb of Safdarjung (near the Lodi Gardens), built in 1754 for Emperor Mirza Khan in the same style as the Taj, yet lacking the marble and rich decoration, demonstrates the decline of Mughal power. Soon after, in 1760, the Hindu Marathas and Jats, in the wake of fading Mughal supremacy, combined forces against the rulers and besieged and looted the Red Fort, but did not take power. The Mughal rulers were reduced to puppet kings, and the British, who had already gained footholds in Madras and Bengal under the guise of the East India Company, moved to Delhi in 1803 during the reign of the Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah. They swiftly took control, leaving Bahadur Shah with his palace and his pension, but no power. British forces fended off a number of Maratha attacks in the next decade, and faced determined opposition during 1857 when the Indian Mutiny (or "First War of Independence") broke out. Bahadur Shah was proclaimed Hindustani emperor in the Red Fort, and it took much bloodshed before the British regained the city. The British retained a hold on Delhi while administering affairs of state from their capital in Calcutta. When King George V came to India from England to be crowned as emperor in 1911, it was decided to make Delhi India's new capital . Fervent construction of sprawling bungalows, parliamentary buildings and public offices followed, and in 1931 Delhi was officially inaugurated as the capital of Britain's largest colonial possession. With India's declaration of Independence in 1947, the British, represented in Delhi by the viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, lost all authority, and the democratically elected Congress government came to power withNehru at its head. Independence saw a mass migration of Muslims from Delhi to newly created Pakistan, taking with them a cultural ambience that the subsequent influx of Punjabis have failed to replace. Today, Delhi is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, with spiralling population growth and pollution to match.

Delhi Art and Culture It is almost impossible to separate Delhi from its Art and Culture. Being the centre of the nation has also made Delhi the cultural capital which not only boasts of many museums and art galleries but also plays host to a lot of events involving visual and performing arts. Interestingly, the styles and forms of craftsmanship took on the personality of many of the rulers, under their patronage. Around the middle of the 17th century, the mughals ascended the throne and under many of their rulers, Delhi flourished as a centre for art and craft. Akbar was well known for his contribution to the arts and craft. He built an extensive library of books on many subjects, and his capital city at Fatehpursikri still stands as a monumental example of mughal architecture. Miniature paintings under Akbar were more aggressive and action oriented while under his son, Jahangir, they took on peaceful hues and calmer subjects. In the ancient days, rulers and common men looked upon craft as a means to better their lives. Thus we have stories about how the mughal rulers imported craftsmen from Persia to weave their favorite carpets. Carpet weavers from Iran and Turkistan were also brought down to India and separate workshops and dwelling established for them, under the rule of Akbar. The mughals also brought in the Islamic style and form to many old Indian crafts. Stone craft, carpet weaving and metal craft are among some of the crafts that evolved a unique style under Islamic influence . This helped evolve a unique Indo-Islamic style of architecture, metal craft and carpet weaving. Architecture is another area where the mughals left their mark. Monuments like the red fort, the Jama Masjid, the Qutub Minor and some of the city's finest gardens stand testimony to the lasting influence of mughal rule over India. Delhi saw almost seven generations of mughul rule before the advent of the britishers. Britishers too contributed liberally to the architecture, leading to numerous architectural masterpieces. Old Delhi was the capital of mughul India while new Delhi is the creation of the british raj. Delhi is unique in that it has representative outlets for the handicrafts of each Indian state. This in it self presents a staggering array of goods, and at very affordable prices. In the last decade there has been a dramatic change in Delhi's markets. Upwardly mobile lifestyle has led to greater sophistication in display and upgrading of various markets in terms of availability of items Delhi- the capital of India, reflects the cultural diversity and religious unity of India. It is difficult to define the culture and religion of India. As there is a continuous inflow of people from all parts of India, the cultural diversity is very prominent. Being an ancient city Delhi has the shadows of its past. It is said that the Delhi is losing its charm but still the glory of the past looms large its life-style. Delhi might be changing with time it has always done so but it has never shelved the past. There are discos for youngsters to swing their body through out the night, but still the Quwallies at the Nizamuddin Shrine floats in the air, the silence of the night is broken by the Prabhat ferries and the singing of Gurbani (the verses from the Granth Sahaib), the bells in the temples still tells about God being every where, the Sunday masses in Churches still attract the otherwise busy residents of India. People take a break from the hurried life during the ancient fairs and festivals like 'Phoolwalo-KiSair which are still oraganised in traditional way. The city fares well on the cultural front. A range of indoor and outdoor venues host performances of classical dance such as Bharatnatyam and Kathakali; one Sunday a month a classical concert is held free of charge in Nehru Park - but you'll have to be there very early to get in. Check any of the listings magazines we've detailed to see what's on at India International Centre, a good place to catch art exhibitions, lectures and films on all aspects of Indian culture and environment. The colossal new India Habitat Centre, the British Counciland the art and theatre auditoria around India Gate are all renowned for their innovative shows and high-standard drama in both Hindi and English mediums.Auditorium (Cultural Centres)

Abhimanch NSD, Bahawalpur House, Bhagwandas Road.

Vigyan Bhavan Maulana Azad Rd., Ph: 3022182.

Ambedkar Auditorium 1, Ashok Rd., Ph:3389182

AIFACS Auditorium Rafi Marg,. Ph:3711315.

AIFACS Auditorium Rafi Marg,.Ph:3711315

Akshara Theatre 11B, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Ph: 3364326 / 1075, 3732083.

Air Force Auditorium Subroto Park Ph:3292834, 3035590. American Centre 24, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Ph: 3316841. American Centre 24, Kasturba Gandhi Marg., Ph: 3316341 Alliance Francaise D 13 NDSE-II, Ph: 6258128. Alliance Francaise D 13, NDSE-II, Ph: 6258128 Australia -India Council (AIC) 1/50 G, Shantipath, Ph: 6888223 / 5556, Fax: 6882732. Bipin Chandra Pal Memorial Auditorium A-81, Chittaranjan Park. British Council Division 17, K.G. Marg., Ph: 3711401. British Council Division 17, K.G. Marg., Ph: 3710111/7306. Chamber Theatre Triveni Kala sangam, 205, Tansen Marg., Near Bengali Mkt., Ph: 3718833.

Chamber Theatre Triveni Kala sangam, 205, Tansen Marg., Near Bengali Mkt. Ph: 3718833.

Hungarian Cultural Centre 1A, Janpath, Ph: 3011152.

Delhi Music Society 8, Nayaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, Ph: 6115331. ICCR Auditorium Azad Bhavan, I.P. Estate, Ph: 3319309/10, 3312463.

Falaknuma & Hansdhwani Pragati Maidan., Ph: 3317824.

India Habitat Centre FICCI Golden Jubilee Auditorium Lodhi Road, Ph: 4691920 / 21.

Delhi Map

Delhi Weather Delhi is situated on the banks of river Yamuna in the northern part of India. Once a part of the Aravalies, today Delhi has only the Ridge area to tell the story of the greenery this place once had. Himalayas are in the North of Delhi. The capital of India is a land locked city. The distance from the sea gives Delhi an extreme type of continental climate. The summers in Delhi are very hot and winters very cold. The temperature range varies from 45 degrees in summers to 4 degrees in winters. The winters are marked by mist and fog in the mornings and often sun is seen in the afternoons. The cold wave from the Himalayan region makes winters very chilly. In summers the heat wave is immense and adequate precaution has to be taken before going out in the hot summer afternoons. The best season to visit Delhi is During the spring seasons of February to April and August to November. The bloom season of February and March make Delhi colourful. This time of the year brings greenery on the face of Delhi.

ANNUAL TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL CHART

MONTHS January February March April May June July August September October November December Distance from Delhi

MAX 21 24 30 36 41 40 35 34 34 35 29 23

MIN 07 10 15 21 27 29 27 26 25 19 12 08

RAINFALL 25 22 17 07 08 65 211 173 150 31 01 05

Important distances from Delhi

PLACES Agartala Ahmedabad Ajmer Aligarh Ambala Asansol Bakhtiyarpur Barauni Barddhaman Belgaum Bhagalpur Bhopal Bikaner Calcutta Chennai Coimbatore Dehra Dun Dhule Dibrugarh Dindigul Ganganagar Gaya Ghazipur Gulbarga Gurgaon Gwalior Hassan Hubli Imphal Jabalpur Jaisalmer Jammu Jamshedpur Jodhpur Kakinada Kanniyakumari Kochi

In Kms. 2584 915 389 131 192 1207 1063 1126 1310 1753 1250 744 460 1461 2095 2401 235 1066 2398 2441 409 1030 825 1691 30 321 2130 1837 2443 814 793 583 1321 589 1848 2742 2594

PLACES Agra Aizawl Akola Allahabad Amritsar Aurangabad Bangalore Bangalore Bareilly Bellary Bhavnagar Bhubaneshwar Bilaspur Chandigarh Chittardurga Cuttack Dhanbad Dhule Dimapur Durgapur Gangtok Ghaziabad Gorakhpur Guntur Guwahati Haldia Hissar Hyderabad Indore Jaipur Jalandhar Jamnagar Jhansi Jorhat Kandla Kanpur Kohima

In Kms. 203 2462 1158 628 447 1209 2061 2061 254 1866 1102 1745 1296 238 1994 1720 1188 1066 2233 1247 1598 19 763 1798 1959 1512 164 1499 807 258 364 1217 424 2262 1096 408 2298

Delhi Lifestyle Delhi shares its borders with Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, which influence the lifestyles and language of the people. Characteristics of its geographical location, its inhabitants are a race blend of tradition and intellect. They are extremely receptive to modern ideas, inventions and the fantasies of the modern social ethos. People belonging to various religious sects, castes and lingual groups live marvelously with each other, with their socio-economic status taking a back seat. Migrations from various parts of India has led to diverse culture coming together in various parts of Delhi. Durga Puja in Delhi celebrated with same enthusiasm as Id is celebrated. The Guru Purab and Christmas carry the same colour as Dewali or Buddha Purnima. The amalgamation of various cultures, traditions, religions has painted Delhi in colour which are brought from all over India. Today Delhi is a crowded and extremely polluted modern city, which has ancient, crumbling structures cropping up unexpectedly in every area. Although sixty percent of Delhi-ites are born elsewhere, the city'spopulation has grown over forty percent in the last decade and now stands at around fourteen million. Rapid growth has seen Delhi spilling into the surrounding states, creating satellite developments such as Gurgaon to the south. The city has been attracting its fare share of industrial developmentin the last two decades, with an influx of technocrats, specialists and fortune seekers to match. In a heady atmosphere of optimism, around 9000 new industrial units sprang up every year during the 1990s. Despite this new-found affluence, a staggering third of the city's population lives in the notorious jhuggies - slums often seen clinging to the edge of new developments. With a daily average of around 200 major incidents of crime , including mindless cases of murder accompanying simple robberies, Delhi has gained the dubious reputation of being the crime capital of the country. The poor aren't the only perpetrators ofcrime - the city's nouveau riche young, burdened with more money than sense, have been responsible for some of the most notorious recent cases. Today, very few city residents can lay claim to being 'real' Delhi-wallahs, and most of the population of New Delhi comprises Hindu Punjabi families originally from Lahore. In the past decade its population has increased by 50%, largely due to rapid economic expansion and increased job opportunities. The downside of this boom is increased overcrowding, traffic congestion, housing shortages and pollution.

Delhi Festival There is perhaps not a single day in the Indian calendar when in some part of the vast country a festival is not celebrated or a fair held - replete with rituals, colour, music, feasting, pageantry, fun and frolic. Many of the festivals are subject to the lunar calendar. The Islamic festivals are celebrated according to the Muslim or the Hijri calendar. Therefore the times the festivals are held can change from one year to the next. Delhi , being a metropolitan city, is a melting pot of cultures, traditions and festivals of the country. A whirling dervish of people, culture and religion, Delhi offers a feast of festivals for every imaginable taste. This city celebrates harvests, seasons and celestial mangos, worships holy books and sacred stories, burns the devil and pays homage to light, and throws birthday parties for the founders of Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Hare Krishna, Sikhism - and India. In fact , all major Indian festivals are celebrated here by different communities. The seat of empire for centuries, royal patronage ensured that Delhi remained the cultural epicentre of the country, attracting the best of painters, musicians and dancers. Delhi Tourism puts on display this rich and diverse cultural heritage by holding a series of festivals during the year. The scattered citadels of erstwhile dynasties which co-exist with high rise residential localities and crowded commercial complexes, form the picturesque backdrop for the haunting melodies and graceful dances rendered by leading artists during the festivals organised by Delhi Tourism, amongst which some of the popular ones are theRoshanara and Shalimar Bagh Festivals. These festivals mirror the multiplicity of cultures and reflect the fusion of regional diversities which constitutes modern blend most harmoniously into a whole.

Religious celebrations are a large part of Delhi's multicultural social life, and it's worth trying to take time out to enjoy the city's fanfare traditional dances and vibrant costumes. The city is a host to several secular festivals, when performers gather for music, dance and drama events.

Festivals in Delhi Lohri (January) The climax of winter is celebrated with bonfires and singing in this Lohri festivities. Traditionally, Lohri marks the end of winter. Republic Day(January) Republic Day falls on 26th January. It is the most colorful of the city's festivals events and also the biggest crowd-puller. Hundreds of thousands people line the route from Rajpath to the Red Fort to watch the pageant of soldiers, camel crops, armored regiments, brass bands, folk dancers, school children, war veterans and elaborate floats representing the cultural diversity of India. The two hour long parade is usually rounded off with a much-awaited spectacular fly - passed presented by Air Force squadrons. A special display of folk dances also takes place at the Talkatora Stadium. Beating the Retreat (January) On 29th January, the departure of the British is marked by a colourful ceremony with marching bands from the armed forces, set against the imposing backdrop of the Rashtrapti Bhawan, the secretariats and the setting sun. A rehearsal is generally held on 28 Jan, for which tickets are also available. Id-Ul-Fitar(January) Id-Ul-Fitar is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. It is an occasion for feasting and rejoicing. Martyrs' Day (January) Martyrs' Day on 30 Jan. commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's and others' efforts for India's independence. Participants gather at Raj Ghat for prayers and music. Sikh Festival (January)

Sikh Festival is the birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and is celebrated throughout the city. Kite-Flying Festival (January) The colourful kites cascade the horizons of Delhi on Makar Sankranti ,from the green lawns of Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place, this extravaganza attracts national as well as international participants. Basant Panchami (January- February) The biting winter winds during the end of January-early February, brings along the Hindu festival of Basant Panchami as welcome to the spring. This is the season when the prestigious Mughal gardens behind Rashtrapati Bhavan are opened to public for a month. Thyagaraja Festival (February) An enthusiastic display of south Indian music and dance,is held opposite Jawaharlal Nehru University in Vaikunthnath temple. Garden Tourism Festival (February) Delhi is one of the greenest capitals in the world, with a long tradition of laying out of gardens, which dot the city. It is this tradition that Delhi Tourism keeps alive by holding the Garden Tourism Festival at the Talkatora Garden in February which is generally spread over three days and generates much enthusiasm amongst the gardening fraternity. This is not only a visual feast since Delhi is ablaze with flowers at this, but also a useful meeting ground for gardening enthusiasts, as well as fun and frolic for children of all ages because it is based on particular themes.Highlights include an on- the- spot painting competition for children , varieties of flower arrangements, cultural programmes , stalls of rare plants , amusement park, puppet / magic shows , tourism pavilions of different states of India and martialarts display. In addition , craftsmen from various parts of the country display and sell their products here. Thyagaraja Festival(February) This festival of southern Indian music and dance is held in Vaikunthnath Temple across from Nehru University. Suraj Kund Mela(February) Suraj Kund Mela is the popular Crafts Fair held at Suraj Kund that is set in a rural ambience, with folk dancing, music and food from the different states. Delhi Flower Show(February) Delhi Flower Show An international horticultural exhibition of flowers, including hybrids is held on the grounds of the Purana Qila. Holi (March) Holi, the festivals of colors, marks the onset of spring. On the eve of this exuberant Hindu spring festival, bonfires burn all over the city, symbolizing the destruction of the devil Holika. The next day, in celebration of the arrival of spring, people pelt one another with coloured paint. Maha Shivratri (March) Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the 'Amavasya' night of 'Phalguna'. It is said , that on this dark night Lord Shiva danced the 'Tandava Nritya',( cosmic dance). He is worshipped at temples with all night vigils and prayers and unmarried women keep day-long fasts so that Shiva may grant them good husbands.

Shankarlal Sangeet Sammelan (March) Shankarlal Sangeet Sammelan, a festival of Indian music. Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, 1 Copernicus Marg. Muharram (March) Muharram is an Islamic New Year festival that commemorates the martyrdom of Muhammad's grandson, Iman Husain. Amir Khusrau's Anniversary (April) Amir Khusrau's anniversary is celebrated in April, with a fair in Nizamuddin , prayers and 'qawwali' singing. The event also observed as the National Drama Festival, staged mostly at the Rabindra Bhawan. Baisakhi (April) At the onset of summer, when the sun gets fierce in the mid of April, north India, celebrates the Hindu New Year as Baisakhi... This is also the beginning of the harvesting season. Buddha Jayanti (May) The first full moon night in May i.e the month of Vaisakha is celebrated as Buddha Purnima, not just to commemorates Lord Buddha's birth, but also his 'Enlightenment' and gaining 'Nirvana'. . Prayer meetings are held at Buddha Vihar, Ring Road and Buddha Vihar, Mandir Marg. Mahavir Jayanti (May) The birth of Lord Mahavira, who founded Jainism, is celebrated around this time of the year with prayers and processions. Sikh festival (June) In June, martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Sikh festival, is held throughout the city. International Mango Festival (July) To celebrate the advent of the king of fruits, Delhi Tourism holds the Mango Festival in the month of July. Mentioned in the Vedas and Upanishads, the mango is considered auspicious and a symbol of life and joy forever. The largest producer of mangoes, India grows more than eleven hundred varieties of mangoes in different parts of the country. The Mango Festival is the place to discover the magic of mangoes in all their immense variety. Often the Talkatora stadium is a host to this peculiar event, where over five hundred different types of mango are on show, Tourists can enjoy the taste for free and view a cultural programmes . It draws people from the country as well as businessmen, both from home and abroad. Independence Day (August) 15th August is celebrated in the city as Independence Day to mark the Indian independence from the British rule in the year 1947. The Prime minister of the nation addresses the nation from the Red Fort and many people gather to hear the Prime Minister's address. Janamashtami (August) In August, the festival Janamashtami, celebrates the birth of Lord

Krishna. Gandhi Jayanti (October) On 2nd October, this solemn celebration honours of the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, the site of his cremation. Phoolkwalon-ki-Sair (October) In early October, a festival specific to Mehrauli, in Delhi, takes place. This is the Phulwalon-ki-Sair or the Flower Sellers Procession, which originated in the 16th century. The highlight is a procession of people carrying decorated floral fans, which are blessed at the shrine of the 13th century Sufi saint, Khwaja Utb-ud-din Bakhtyar Kaki and at the Hindu temple of Jogmaya, both in Mehrauli. The procession ends with a formal ceremony at the Jahaz Mahal, a 16th century pleasure resort by the side of a lake. Qutub Festival (October) Musicians and dancers perform at night by the city's 12th century landmark, the Qutub Minar which is the venue for the Qutub Festival held in October . This festival organize by the Delhi Tourism provides tourists a glimpse of the cultural grandeur of India. Here cultural events are held where veterans of Indian classical music and dance and folk musicians give spectacular performances. Dussehra (October- November) Also in October is Dussehra, commemorating the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king, Ravana. A month - long Ram Lila dance festival is organized by the Bhartiya Kala Kendra, depicting scenes from the epic Ramayana, similar presentations of the Ramayana are organized in different parts of the city. It concludes with the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran & his son Meghnad. Navratri (October- November) Navratri is a Hindu festival, that is celebrated throughout the city. Guru Nanak Jayanti (November) The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, is celebrated with great devotion. Martyrdom of Guru (November) Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji celebrated in November throughout the city The International Trade Fair(November) The International Trade Fair starts on the 14th of November every year. Held at the Pragati Maidan it is a major event for the business community. Corporate houses from all over the world show their wares and business deals are finalised in a big way. The fair is also a major tourist attraction and is popular with many. Pragati Maidan Pragati Maidan is also host to many other fairs that include the Auto Expo and the Leather Fair. Throughout the year Pragati Maidan is the venue for fairs and exhibitions. The Shakuntalam theatre is located in Pragati Maidan and regular film shows are held here.

Diwali(October- November) This important Hindu festival celebrates the victory of good over evil as depicted in the epic Ramayana in the homecoming of Lord Rama after defeating Ravana. In the evening, public buildings and homes are lit up with candles or oil lamps. Fireworks add noise and colour to this festival of lights. The festival of lights is preceded by several Diwali Melas, where food, handicrafts and a variety of earthern lamps and candles are sold. Guru Purab (November - December) Guru Purab is the celebration of the birth of first of the ten Sikh gurus, Guru Nanak. 'Nagar Kirtans' are taken out through the streets and in the Gurdwaras, 'Granthees' recite verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs. Indian Dance Festivals(December) In December, the India International Centre hosts frequent performances of classical Indian dance and music. 40 Max Mueller Marg, Lodi Estate. Another dance venue is at the Hauz Khas Village, 10km south of Connaught Place. The Trevani Theatre Complex is a popular venue for year-round student and professional dance and theater performances. 205 Tansen Marg, between Bengali Market and India Gate. Christmas (December) On 25th of December the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated in India, with the traditional exchange of greetings and gifts. All major hotels and restaurants in the capital host special Christmas eve entertainments, while the midnight mass and other services are organized by the churches. New Year's Eve (December) The culmination of the Indian festive spirit is celebrated on the 31st of December, with most hotels and restaurants offering special food and entertainment packages. Festivals In addition, Dilli Haat offers tantalising flimpses of the vast storehouse of Indian culture by holding regional festivals at its open air theatre. These are held from time to time throughout the year. These festivals reflect the immerse diversity, the colour and the vibrancy of this ancient land, ranging as they do from the Pongal and the Onam festivals from South India; Ganesh Chaturthi from Maharashtra; Basant Panchami from North India and Bengal; Teej, the swing festival with which Rajasthani women in particular, welcome the monsoon Baisakhi, celebrated in various forms all over India, including Assam where it is known as Rangoli Bihu; and Diwali, the auspicious festival of lights. Many more regional festivals from all over India are held at the popular Dilli Haat and are advertised periodically.

Delhi Language

Delhi is very much a mini India, attracting people from all parts of the nation. A perfect example of cosmopolitan culture. Languages commonly used are Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and English. Gardens, Parks & Picnic Spots

Ajmal Khan Park Near Karol Bagh, spread over an area of five acres, has musical fountains run by Delhi Tourism that provides a refreshing getaway from the bustle of the city. The scintillating lights synchronised with music, and the cascading water turn this complex into a quiet heaven, particularly during the heat of summer. The musical fountain is in operation for two hours every day after sunset except on Tuesday. Buddha Jayanti Park Good picnic spot. In commemoration of 2,500th birth anniversary of Lord Buddha. Get there from the Ridge Road, Shankar Road or Sardar Patel Marg. Children's Park Near India Gate, has swings, slides and an aquarium. Deer Park A paradise for morning walkers, has huts for staying and is approachable from Hauz Khas Village, Safdarjang Enclave or near the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association courts side. Dhaula Kuan Complex Near Dhaula Kuan. It has an artificial lake, hanging bridge, playground and waterfalls. A cooling experience especially during the summer. Idhah Green area around the Idgah in Hauz Khas Enclave. India Gate Lawns Beautiful lawns over a large area, a popular evening location. Ice cream and other snacks available from mobile vendors. Jahanpanah Ideal place for bird lovers in Chirag Delhi. It also has well developed forests. Kalkaji District Park With lakes and beautiful terraced gardens a quiet spot near the Nehru Place office complex. Kalindi Kunj Near the NOIDA border near Apollo hospital, a good getaway with fountains and colourful lights during the night. Ladakh Buddha Vihar A closed area next to ISBT on Ring Road. Lodhi Gardens Another picnic spot and a joy for morning walkers with lots of greenery and trees. Access from Lodi Road and near Khan Market. Mughal Gardens Located in the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex, it is open to the public only during February and March. Mehrauli On the outskirts of Mehrauli near Qutab Minar, the Phool Walon ki Sair is held there in October every year. Mahavir Gardens Located on the Ridge it is named after the founder of Jainism, Lord Mahavir. NDMC Lake Park Has a musical fountain and is located near the Safdarjang Flyover in Lakshmibai Nagar.

Nehru Park Near the Ashok Hotel in the Chanakyapuri, it is spread over an area of 85 acres landscaped. Popular picnic spot. Okhla Dam Near the Yamuna Canal it has facilities for fishing. Close to the Holy Family Hospital it is a picnic spot. Rose Gardens There is one at Shantipath in the Diplomatic Area, Chanakyapuri and another in Hauz Khas opposite Safdarjang's Tomb. Yamuna Water Front South of Rajghat, it is a 4 kilometre long boulevard with green lawns and a floral clock. Zoological Garden Designed by the West German zoo specialist, Hergenbeck it is between Purana Qila and Humayun's tomb. Closed on Fridays, it is a good picnic spot. Other Adventures Appu Ghar a Mini-Disneyland in New Delhi is a crowd puller for the residents of the capital as well as those of neighbouring towns. Children will have a time of their life over here, while enjoying the various rides like the Roller Coaster, the Big Splash, Dodgem Cars, the Eerie Tunnel, Giant Wheel, Columbus Jhoola - a ship high up in the sky, the Speeding Cup, a Cable Car, a Saucer that works on centrifugal force and lots more. Jogging is popular at Lodi Gardens in South Delhi and Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri Jain Bird Hospital located opposite the Red Fort is a great family outing. All children will enjoy visiting this bird hospital, not only will they further learn to appreciate animals as a whole but it will give both you and your children further insight into the species found in the area. You will find the hospital in the courtyard of the Digambara Jain temple. The birds are cared for until they are well enough to be released. In the Jain religion, any living thing is sacred. Bird Watching in Delhi is a pleasant pastime and can be done at the Ridge and the green areas surrounding the cities historic monuments. In winter, the Delhi Zoo is transformed into a small bird sanctuary with migratory birds halting by its artificial lakes. Painted Strokes, Pintail Ducks, Bar headed Geese and spot bill ducks are among the migratory birds which can be seen here. Delhi's tree - lined avenues are also reach in avian life. So are the forests of Ridge, which harbour more than 100 species of birds, from peacocks to predators. The Ridge is accessible through narrow paths that lead off Sardar Patel Marg. Azad Hind Gram Tourist Complex at Tikri Kalan is a project developed by Delhi Tourism to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and to create quality leisure space and wayside amenities for the citizens. Located within two km of the Delhi Haryana border on NH-10, elaborate mosaic domes surround a museum and a memorial and are the focus of the complex which offers the facilities of extensive plazas, an amphitheatre, tourist information centre, souvenir and garden shop, food kiosks, a restaurant and convention facilities. Water Park can be found at the Village Club in the Fun "n" Food Village where you and your kids can enjoy the longest water slide in the country, a 400 ft water channel, called the "Lazy River as well as an artificial sea-like pool, which generates waves worth body skiing. There is also Aqua Shoot comprising of two fast racing slides as well as a "Super Slide" which is the first slide of its type in the world. For tiny tots, a kid's pool has been provided which contains a Frog Slide and different types of floating toys. Open everyday, seven day's a week. The Fun "n" Food Village is free entry to blind, physically handicapped children and senior citizens. All other visitors pay a minimal fee for entry. Walking Walk the bazaars as the narrow windy streets in the bazaar are themselves a novel experience. Your kids will be fascinated by the colour and the many oddities on sale.

Delhi Religious Places Places of Worship Central New Delhi Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Delhi's principal Sikh temple.This was the royal palace of Raja Jai Singh. He dedicated this palace, to the sacred memory of Guru Harkishan, the eighth Guru of the Sikhs. This gurudwara also has very warm and welcoming atmosphere like all Sikh places of worship efficient shoe deposit which is free of cost, genuinely devoted guides available at the entrance, devotional shabads sung constantly from sunrise to 9pm, free food served three times daily, and prasad. Colonial churches No British governmental centre could be complete without a church, and in 1927 work began on the Church of the Redemption, east of Parliament House. Designed by Russell's successor, Henry Medd, the robust structure owes more than a passing nod to Lutyens with its high curved vaults, and subtle yet dominant domed tower - it appealed so much to the then-viceroy, Lord Irwin, that it became known as "Viceroy's Church". The exterior is plain and boldly linear, while within, high rounded arches and shafts of strong light streaming through crescent windows impart an overwhelming sense of space. A company of angels looks down from the curved roof above the altar. Birla Mandir Lakshmi Narayan Temple, popularly known as Birla Mandir, is a large Hindu temple. This enchanting temple is located in the west of Connaught Place and was build by wealthy industrialist G. D. Birla in 1938. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of prosperity and good fortune. It has well crafted gardens. People of all faiths can enter and worship but one must walk barefoot into the courtyard and further on. Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) Digambara Jain temple and Jain Bird Hospital Delhi's oldest Digambara Jain temple, directly opposite the entrance to the Red Fort, at the east end of Chandni Chowk, was built in 1526, but has been modified and added to ever since, and remains a haven of tranquillity amid the noise and chaos of the main street. Though not as ornate as the fine temples in Gujarat and Rajasthan, it does boast detailed carvings, and gilded paintwork in the antechambers surrounding the main shrine to Parshvanath, the twenty-third tirthankara. You'll have to remove your shoes, and hand them over with your bags and all leather articles to a kiosk before entering. Gauri Shankar temple Tucked behind fragrant mounds of marigolds, roses and jasmine blossoms sold on Chandni Chowk just west of the Jain temple, the large marble Gauri Shankar temple, dominated by its eighthundred-year-old lingam, is Delhi's holiest Shiva temple. Devotees enter up a narrow flight of marble steps, flanked by pillars carved with chains and bells, that opens onto a spacious courtyard, always a scene of animated devotional activity. Inside, offerings for sale include bilva (wood apple) leaves, chandan (sandalwood paste), marigolds, red powder, rice, and cotton threads. The main sanctuary holds bejewelled statues of Gauri (Parvati) and Shankar (Shiva) standing beneath a silver canopy, and the ancient brown stone lingam resting on a marble yoni encased in silver and draped with silver serpents. Shrines to other deities line the south wall. Jama Masjid Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India, and stands across the road from the Red Fort. Started in 1644 and completed in 1656, it is the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan. More than 5000 workers were employed to complete it.. Built of red sandstone, the structure is 200 ft. in length and 120 feet in width and the center portion of the dome that measures 201 feet high, is flanked by two minars measuring 130 feet each. These minars are built in alternate strips of red sandstone and white marble, each containing 130 steps..Its spacious courtyard holds thousands of the faithful who

offer prayers. This Mosque has three gateways, Four angle towers and two 40 m. high minarets. You can enter the mosque but take precaution to take off your shoes and make sure that you are properly dressed before entering. One can also go to the top of minarets and can have a birds eye view of Delhi. In the biggest Jama Masjid in India, it has a great treasure kept in the N-East corner of the white shrine a hair of the beard of Hazrat Mahmmad, his used chappal, a chapter of Quran (original), the canopy of his tombstone and the foot print of Mahmmad on the stone. South Delhi The Baha'i Temple Situated atop the Kalkaji hill, this distinctive lotus shaped marvel in marble, surrounded by a landscaped garden, has been dubbed the 'Taj Mahal of the 21st century. Completed in 1986, this temple dedicated to the Lord Krishna is built by the Hare-Rama Hare- Krishna cult followers This elegantly built complex of temples is one of the largest temple complexes in India.Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The structure is in lotus shape so it often called the lotus temple. The view of the temple is very spectacular just before dusk when the temple is flood lit. The graveyard of Mahmood The oldest graveyard of India lies at 4.08 km to the west of Kutub on way to Palam. It is built in 1229 in Hindu-Muslim sculptural combination. Mahmood the son of Iltutmis is laid here at rest. Very few tourists come here to visit due to no publicity. Khirki-ki-Masjid Firoz Shah's Khirki-ki-Masjid, "The Mosque of Windows", famous for its heavy stone lattice windows, lies in the middle of one of South Delhi's villages close to the site of Jahanpanah, Delhi's fourth city, 4km east of Qutab Minar and 13km south of Connaught Place. Moth-ki-Masjid The Moth-ki-Masjid, built during the reign of Sikandar Lodi (1488-1517), is now all but abandoned, isolated in a rural setting within the rapidly spreading suburbs of south Delhi, 2km from Hauz Khas off the Delhi-Mehrauli Road. Quwwat Ul Islam Mosque The contruction of the mosque was begun in 1193 AD by Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak of the Mamluk(or the slave) dynasty and completed in 1197 AD. A massive stone screen of lofty five arches was put up in front of its prayer hall, which imparted an Islamic character to the building. The screen is beautifully carved with borders of inscriptions and geometrical and arabesque designs. Subsequently, the mosque was enlarged by two later rulers, Shansuddin Iltutmish (1211 - 1236 AD) and Alauddin Khalji (1296 - 1316 AD). The screens of these two sultans are carved with purely islamic motifs abounding in geometric patterns. This mosque is also known as the Quwwat Ul Islam (Might of Islam), as this is the earliest mosque in the country that has survived the blow of time. It consists of a rectangular courtyard, 43.2 sq metres by 32.9 sq metres, enclosed by cloisters which were erected by Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak, with carved columns and other architectural members of twenty similar Hindu and Jain temples. Iron Pillar The seven-metre-high pillar stands in the courtyard of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque and has been there since long before the mosque's construction. This temple displays a number of relics that has enabled historians to determine its origin. For instance, an inscription in sanskrit of six lines clearly indicates that it was initially erected outside a Vishnu temple, possibly in Bihar and was raised in memory of the Gupta King Chandragupta Vikramaditya, who ruled from 375 to 413. It is supposedly built in the same era. There's even a hole on the top where there might have been a sculpture of Garuda, Vishnu's celestial vehicle. The inscription does not tell us that how it was made. The quality of the iron used for constructing the pillar is exceptionally pure and has not rusted even partially after 2000 years. It is said that if you can encircle the pillar with your hands whilst standing with your back towards it, your wish will be fulfilled. But the pillar can't be encircled any longer, since the ASI has protected it with a railing. Chattarpur Mandir this entire complex of temples is called Chattarpur Mandir and is located beyond the Qutab Minar in Mehrauli. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, built in South Indian style the temple complex is spread over a large area with beautiful lawns and gardens. Though devotees visit these temples through the year, during the navratras, devotees come from

Delhi Sports Facilities

Sports Stadium Built for the 10th asiad held in 1982. The best known are the Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium with a seating capacity of 75000, the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium (capacity 25000), the Yamuna Velodrome (capacity 2250), the Talkotra Indoor Stadium and the Tughtaqabad Shooting Range. Sports & Recreation Adventure Activities From time immemorial Delhi has attracted people with a penchant for adventure for which Delhi Tourism now provides avenues. Rock Climbing - Equipment and training is provided to aspiring rock climbers in and around Delhi from October to March. Trekking - India is the ultimate destination for a trekking holiday, offering everything from short and easy excursions that kids can handle to the long challenges of the snowy peaks. To take a trek in India is to rediscover the awesome majesty and beauty of nature around us. Trekkers are reminded that it is forbidden to enter Restricted and Protected Areas without the correct documentation. Please consult the Tourist Office before departure or local tourist offices on arrival in India to ascertain what restrictions may apply and what documentation may be required. Delhi Tourism's infrastructural network and trained outdoor staff help you to choose from the endless trekking options India offers - ranging from some of the world's highest mountains, greatest deserts, rivers, lakes, sea beaches and rain forests.The trekking season varies from region to region; check with the Tourist Office for further information. In general, the season runs from April to June and September to November. Water Sports - A multi-sports and leisure complex has been created by Delhi Tourism at Bhalswa Lake, situated at Delhi's northeastern edge. This offers facilities for boating in pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and speed boats. Keen anglers can also indulge in fishing. Hovercraft and water scooters have been introduced for the first time in Delhi at this lake. Pedal boats at reasonable rates are available at the Hari Nagar, India Gate, Purana Qila, Prasad Nagar and Naini Lakes. Special training programmes in Kayaking and canoeing are organised at Prasad Nagar Lake and Naini Lake. Parasailing - For the truly adventurous, parasailing is available at Kanwar Shikha near Sohna in Haryana, about 60 kms from Delhi. Soar like an eagle under the watchful eyes of professional instructors. Adventure Club - Open to all Indian national above the age of ten years, this club promotes adventure activities. The club provides special packages in all adventure activities - parasailing, mountain expeditions, trekking, rock climbing, adventure camps and water sports, including river rafting in the Ganga. Delhi Tourism has also established a water sports club. Ballooning What better experience could you offer your kids and what a brilliant way to escape the throng of humanity that is ever present on the ground? The Balloon Club of India on 8-B, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg is a wonderful way to view the surrounding area. Balloons generally hold from one to ten people and can rise to heights of over 800 feet. THe other place to contact regarding this sport is Wanderlust located opposite the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. Bike Safaris are an excellent way to discover Delhi and its surrounds and a good way to keep burn your kid's energy. Bungee Jumping Wanderlust Travels has set up a mobile crane for bungee jumping in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. This is a great activity for those brave folk out there. If you are not up to it yourself, you can get some photos of those who are mad enough to give it a go.

Fishing This is a wonderfully relaxing pastime and if you enjoy this sport or want to try your hand at it, pop down to the Badhkal Lake, Surajkund, Okhla located on Mathura Road (closed on Mondays). Fun "n" Food Village presents reflections of past traditions and is an attempt to promote Indian culture and traditional arts and crafts. It offers variety of amusement rides catering to all age groups and provides an opportunity to meet artisans and craftsmen who display their talents and exhibit their creations before the public. There is also an open-air Theatre, amusement rides and an animal parade worth seeing. Open everyday, seven day's a week. The Fun "n" Food Village has free entry to blind, physically handicapped children and senior citizens. All other visitors pay a minimal fee for entry. Ice Games Appu Ghar has now introduced ice games at Oysters, where four acres of the Water Park are blanketed with ice for winter sports. These include sledding, skiing, ice boating, where one can row through a river full of icebergs and go bowling on ice. Amusements for the grown ups are also available over here such as Rain Dance, Ice Dance all to the tune of fast music and according to the seasons in Delhi. This water park is the best place to cool down the sultry summer heat. Entry to the park is from Gate No. 4 at Pragati Maidan and you can visit the park on Mondays to Saturdays from 1.30 to 9.30pm and on Sundays from Noon to 9.30pm. Water Sports A multi-sports and leisure complex has been created by Delhi Tourism at Bhalswa Lake, situated at Delhi's north-eastern edge. This offers facilities for boating in pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and speed boats. Keen anglers can also indulge in fishing. Hovercraft and water scooters are also available here. Pedal boats at reasonable rates are available at the Hari Nagar, India Gate, Purana Quila and Naini lakes. Special training programmes in kayaking and canoeing are organised at all the lakes. Call the Tourist Department for more information. White Water Rafting or River Running is a fairly young sport in India and is really only safe for the bigger kids among you. The snow-fed mountain rivers that run down from the mighty Himalayas make northern India one of the best regions in the world for this sport. Some adventure activities organized by Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation are : Rock climbing is organised at Lado Sarai near Qutab Minar. Para Sailing on special demand is done at Dhauj in Haryana. Cycle Tours : The forest around the rock climbing area can be explored on bycycles and walking towards of the Mehrauli Woodland are an eye opener as the entire area has a large number of monuments dating back some eight to nine century. ADVENTURE SPORTS Delhi Tourism Adventure Tourism Division, Coffee Home Annexe, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Ph.: 3363607 Kayaking & Canoeing; Hovercraft, Motorboat, Waterscooter Rides, Pedal Boating, Roving Boats at Bhaleswa lake, Timings: 10 am to 6 pm. daily. Parasailing including training at Sohna, Haryana.

BALOONING The Balooning Club of India 8-B, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Ph.: 3317977

BOATING

Badhkal Lake & Surajkund Lake Haryana Tourism, 3324910 Defence Service Sailing Club, Okhla

BOWLING First Bowl 32, Milestones Complex, Delhi-Jaipur Bypass, Gurgaon Ph: 8-322528 Leisure Bowl Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Vasant Kunj, Ph.: 6895247, 6894229 Little paradise 12/7, Mathura Road, Faridabad, Ph.: 8-278469 Qutabowl Qutab Hotel, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Ph.: 6862711

CYCLING Yamuna Velodrome Indraprastha Estate, Ph.: 3731613

FISHING Badhkal Lake Surajkund Okhla Delhi-Mathura Road, Mon. closed

FLYING Delhi Flying Club Safdarjung airport, Ph.: 4618271/4699596

GLIDING Delhi Gliding Club Safdarjung airport, Ph.: 4636052, Timings: daily 1 pm till sunset except wednesday.

GOLF Army Golf Club Delhi Cantt. Delhi Golf Club Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, Ph.: 4362768 DDA Siri Fort Sports Complex Ph.: 6467842 Noida Golf Club Ph.: 8572753 Arawali Golf Club Surajkund Tourist Complex, Hotel Raj Hans Faridabad Golf Club Ph.: 8214810

MOUNTAINEERING Indian Mountaineering Federation Benito Juarez Marg, Ph.: 4677935

MOTOR SPORT Rallying - Performance Car Racing Trust 147, Kilokari, Ring Road, Ph.: 6835258 Vintage Car Statesman House, 148, Barakhamba Road, Ph.: 3315911-17

POLO Polo Club 61, Cavalry Cariappa Marg, Delhi Cantt., Ph.: 3299444/777 (Polo Season Oct. to March)

RIDING Delhi Riding Club

Safdarjung Rd., Ph.: 3011891 Children's Riding Club Ph.: 3012265

SAILING Defence Service Sailing Club Ph.: 3019604 Okhla Ph.: 6830863

SHOOTING Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range Surajkund Road, Ph.: 6986802.

SQUASH At all DDA Sports Complexes and Clubs

SWIMMING All deluxe and luxury hotels. Talkatora Pool Ph.: 3019901 National Stadium Complex Opp. India Gate, near Patiala house, Ph.: 3389470

NDMC Pool Nehru Park, Laxmi Bai Ngr. School and Sarojini Ngr.

TENNIS Delhi Tennis Association Africa Avenue, Ph.: 6515899 Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

Bhishama Pitamah Road, Ph.: 4629400 National Sports Club of India Opp. Purana Qila, Mathu Delhi Tourism N-36 Bombay Life Building, Middle Circle, Connaught Place Ph. 011/331 4229.

Delhi Jogging Tracks

Delhi

boasts

of

large

number

of

well

maintained

jogging

tracks.

Hibiscus Garden : It covers an area of 8 acres and adjoins the Dakshin Marg in sector 36. About 40 different varieties of Hibiscus shrubs attracts the city residents in early morning and evening hours for walk and breath in healthy air. Delhi Museums

The

National

Museum

The National Museum, Located On Janpath, South Of Rajpath, Has A Good Collection Of Indian Bronzes, Terracotta And Wood Sculptures Dating Back To The Mauryan Period ( 2nd-3rd Century Bc), Exhibits From The Vijayanagar Period In South India, Miniature And Mural Paintings, And Costumes Of Various Tribal People. The Museum Is Definitely Worth Visiting And Is Open Tuesday To Sunday From 10 Am To 5 Pm. There Are Film Shows Most Days Of The Week.Ph.:23019272/9352(Monday closed). National Gallery Of Modern Art

The Gallery Near India Gate At The Eastern End Of Rajpath, Was The Former Residence Of The Maharaja Of Jaipur. It Houses An Excellent Collection Of Works By Both Indian And Colonial Artists.It Is Open Daily From 10 Am To 5 Pm; Admission Is Free. Ph.:2338-2835/8853(Monday Closed).

Nehru

Museum

The Residence Of The First Indian Prime Minister, Teen Murti Bhavan, Has Been Converted Into A Museum. It Is Located On Teen Murti Rd. Near Chanakyapuri. Photographs And Newspaper Clippings On Display Give A Fascinating Insight Into The History Of The Independence Movement. It Also Forms The Subject Of A Light And Sound Show Along With Facets Of Nehru's Life.The Museum Is Open Tuesday To Sunday From 10 Am To 5 Pm. Admission Is Free. Rail Transport Museum

Visit This Museum At Chanakyapuri For A Fascinating And Exotic Collection Of India's Railway Engines. Exhibit's Include An 1855 Steam Engine, Still In Working Order, And A Large Number Of Oddities Such As The Skull Of An Elephant That Charged A Mail Train In 1894, And Lost. The

Museum Is Open Tuesday To Sunday From 9.30 Am To 5 Pm And There's A Small Admission Fee.Ph.:26881816(Monday closed). Tibet House

This Small Museum In The Institutional Area, Lodi Rd, Has A Fascinating Collection Of Ceremonial Items Brought Out Of Tibet When The Dalai Lama Fled Following The Chinese Occupation. There Is A Shop Selling A Wide Range Of Tibetan Handicrafts. Lecture/Discussion Sessions Are Held Regularly. The Museum Is Open Monday To Saturday From 10 Am To 1 Pm And 2 To 5 Pm. Admission Is Free. Ph: 24611515(sat. & sun closed) International Dolls Museum

6000 Dolls From 85 Countries Are On Display In This Museum In Nehru House On Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. Over A Third Of Them Are From India. One Exhibit Section Comprises 500 Dolls Dressed In Costumes Worn All Over The Country. The Museum Is Open Tuesday To Sunday From 10 Am To 5.30 Pm. Ph. 23316970-74 Crafts Museum

This Museum Contains A Collection Of Traditional Indian Crafts In Textiles, Metal, Wood And Ceramics. It Is Located In The Aditi Pavilion At The Pragati Maidan, Exhibition Grounds,near gate no. 1. ,Mathura Rd. It Is Part Of A 'Village Life' Complex Where You Can Visit Rural India Without Ever Leaving Delhi. Admission Is Free.ph.:23371641/1370 (Monday closed.) Gandhi Darshan

Located At Raj Ghat, The Gandhi Darshan Is A Display Of Paintings And Photos About The Mahatma's Life and Deeds. The Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Also At Raj Ghat, Has Displays Of Some Of Gandhi's Personal Possessions.Ph.:23111793/0619(Monday closed) Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum

This Museum Was The Former Residence Of Indira Gandhi At 1 Safdarjang Rd. On Show Are Some Of Her Personal Effects, Including The Sari (Complete With Blood Stains) That She Was Wearing At The Time Of Her Assassination. A Crystal Plaque In The Garden, Flanked Constantly By Two Soldiers, Protects A Few Brown Spots Of Mrs Gandhi's Blood On The Spot Where She Actually Fell After Being Shot By Two Of Her Bodyguards In December 1984.Ph.:23010094(Monday closed). Nehru Planetarium

Situated At Teen Murti House The Planetarium Holds Film Shows On The Solar System In English (11.30 A.M. & 3 P.M.) And Hindi (4 P.M.& 1.30 P.M.). A Special Show In Hindi (10.30 A.M.) Is Held On Sundays. Closed On Mondays And Public Holidays. Ph. 23014504. National Science Centre Museum

Located Near Gate No.1, Pragati Maidan,The Museum Has Working Science Exhibitions As Well As Exhibits On The History Of Architecture. Open 11.30 Am - 7 Pm. Entry Free. Mondays Closed.Ph. 23371263. National Children's Museum

Kerala Air

Road,

9

A.M.-12

Noon,

2

P.M. &

-5

Pm. War

Tel:

3317856. Memorial

Force

Museum

Situated at Palam. It houses a rare collection of air-crafts, drawings & photographs. Ph.: 25667684. Closed Mon. & Tues. Bal 1, Field Kotla Road, Near ITO. Ph.:23267961 (Monday Bhawan Closed) Museum

Field museum is located inside Purana Qila and houses a collection of archaeological findings from the excavations carried out by ASI. Indian War Memorial

A collection of arms and armour from the Mughal period till the 1st World War are displayed in this museum, which is located inside the Red Fort. Ph.:23273703 ISKON East National of Museum of Vedic Kailash, Natural Museum Ph.:26235133 History

FICCI Building ,Tansen Marg-1, near Bangali Market, featuring stress on ecology, Earth's natural resources on display. Ph.:23710576, 23319173/4949. National Philatelic Museum

Situated near Patel Chowk on Sansad Marg in Post & Telegraph Office Building.It displays rare collection of rare stamps & 1st day covers.Counter for sale of stamps from all over the world. Ph.: 23036727(sat. & sun. closed).

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Embassies Embassies, High Commissions, Honorary Consulates

Afghanistan F-5/50, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri Ph.: 26883601/602 Algeria E-6/5 vasant Vihar Ph: 26147036, 26176706 Angola C-17 Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri ph: 26110701 Argentina B-2 , Anand Niketan Ph: 24104836/46/56 Armenia E-1/20, Vasant Vihar Ph: 26147328, 26153037 Australia G-1/50, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri Ph : 26888223 Austria EP-13, Chandragupt Marg, Chanakyapuri Ph: 26889037/49 Bangladesh 56, Ring Road, Lajpat Nagar 111 Ph: 26834065 Belarus 163, Jor Bagh Ph: