Facts about “Delhi”! some pros and cons about Delhi.
My delhi
Delhi is a city and a union territory of India containing New Delhi, the capital of India, Located on the Yamuna river, Delhi is bordered by the state of Haryana on three sides and by Uttar Pradesh to the east. Delhi is of great historical significance as an important commercial, transport, and cultural hub, as well as the political center of India. According to legend, the city was named for Raja Dhilu, a king who reigned in the region in the 1st-century BCE
The capital of India, New Delhi is often said to be “Dilwaalon ki Dilli”, a place wherein people have contented hearts and lively nature. The numerous facts about Delhi not only stem from its large number of ancient and historical artefacts but also since it is home to all three branches of the Government of India.With its long history of empire successions from the Delhi Sultanate to Mughals and then the British, the city at present stands as one of the fastest developing cities in the world. Delhi is loved by the tourists as well as its inhabitants for it is a city of the wise and the spice!
Delhi is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. In Old Delhi, a neighborhood dating to the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughal-era Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000 people. Nearby is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls.
Things to see and do in Delhi and New Delhi are plentiful and include experiencing its diverse arts and crafts industry, its many magnificent monuments, and countless performing arts venues. The area is also well known for its excellent cuisine, which includes delicacies from every corner of India. Delhi is also a shopper’s paradise with numerous bazaars and markets, including Chandni Chowk, the country’s most famous commercial area.
Culture of Delhi:
Delhi is one of the high-power ancient regions, which has regained and improved cultural beauty throughout history with different empires controlling it. Delhi has a chaotic asymmetric beauty. One side of Delhi is still with the ancient style architecture, old winding lanes, age-old markets, and traditional communities. This Old Delhi is still holding its traditional values whereas New Delhi is getting flourished with modernization. This diversity in culture makes Delhi, a most prominent tourist attraction.
Why Delhi called dil walon ki dilli?
The phrase “Dilli dil walon ki” came up because people of Delhi are more warm and emotional. They are often bold and risk taking people pertaining to any business venture or be it a relationship. Being the capital, this city also enjoys multicultural environment and all are courageous go-getters.
Some famous places to visit in Delhi:
1. Akshardham Temple, Delhi
Dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Akshardham Temple exhibits the ancient culture of India. The temple complex maintains a step-well styled courtyard and 60 acres of lush lawns featuring the bronze statues of Indian heroes, including patriots and warriors. Registered as the World’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple in the Guinness World Record, the temple is an architectural marvel built from intricately carved sandstone and marble. Furthermore, the temple organizes exhibitions on Swaminarayan’s life teachings and also organises a musical fountain and light show after sunset every day.
2. Red Fort, Delhi
The beautiful Red Fort (Lal Qila) was built by Shah Jahan in 1648 and served as the seat of Mughal power until 1857. This stunning structure, with its tall, red sandstone walls covers an area of more than two square kilometers, the entirety of which is crescent shaped and surrounded by a moat.
The impressive main entrance, the Lahore Gate, is so named as it faces towards Lahore in Pakistan, while the even grander Delhi Gate was used by the emperor for ceremonial processions. Entering through the Lahore Gate, visitors reach Chhatta Chowk, a 17th-century covered bazaar where items such as silks, jewelry, gems, and silverware can be purchased, along with souvenirs and food items.
3. India Gate, Delhi
India Gate symbolises the sacrifice of 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives battling against the foreign army during the World War I. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, it features the undying Amar Jawan Jyoti or the Flame of the Immortal Soldier which was added later to honour Indian martyred soldiers in the Indo-Pak War. Furthermore, this beautiful masterpiece is counted amongst the largest war memorials in India. Standing on a Bharatpur stone base, the structure is surrounded by lush lawns making it a popular picnic spot during winter afternoons and summer evenings. Lit at night, the monument looks magnificent with colourful fountains in the in the vicinity.
4. Hauz Khas, Delhi
If you are a party animal, then definitely head to Hauz Khas, which is popular for its swanky clubs, quirky cafes, and fine-dine restaurants. Earlier known as Hauz-e-Alai, this affluent neighborhood in South Delhi holds historical importance with remnants of Mughal architecture. The place is popular for a 13-century structure, Hauz Khas Complex, which retains the old charm amidst the modernized street. Besides raving it up at urban village in Delhi, we suggest you take delight in the greenery of Deer Park, splurge at designer label boutiques and admire the fine artwork at various art galleries.
5. Connaught Place, Delhi
Set in the heart of the National Capital and popularly known as CP, Connaught Place is considered the most expensive commercial market in the world. It is popular for housing showrooms of national and international brands, luxurious hotels, and flea markets. The equinoctial sundial, Jantar Mantar, and Gurudwara Bangla Sahib featuring a reflecting pool are extremely popular among tourists visiting Connaught Place. Notably, the commercial area got its name from Prince Arthur, 1st Duke of Connaught and Strathearn.
6. Dilli Haat, Delhi
An outdoor marketplace located near INA Market, Dilli Haat is spread over 6 acres with 62 stalls presenting handicrafts and ethnic cuisine from various parts of India. It offers a traditional rural ambiance where visitors can admire the rich Indian culture and shop for items suitable to their modern-day requirements. Moreover, Dilli Haat organizes many cultural events, including dance and music performances, and aims to preserve the heritage of India.
7. Lotus Temple, Delhi
Known for its unique architectural design, Lotus Temple is a Bahá’í House of Worship, dedicated to the harmony of humanity. Inspired by the lotus flower, the temple boasts 27 free-standing marble-clad petals and is surrounded by sprawling gardens and ponds. With a height of over 34 meters, it can accommodate around 2500 people altogether. The temple welcomes every religion symbolizing the culture of Bahá’í Houses of Worship and offers a tranquil ambiance ideal for rejuvenation.
8. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
Delhi’s most important Sikh place of worship, the 18th-century Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is located near Connaught Place and is well worth a visit. Highlights include its magnificent pool, the Sarovar, at the heart of this large complex, as well as its famous gold dome and flagpole.
Also of note is the large temple building itself, along with its art gallery and a small museum dedicated to the history of the Sikh religion. Visitors are always welcome here, and an excellent meal is available at no cost in the large Gurdwara Kitchen. All that is asked in return is your hair be covered and shoes removed (free headscarves and shoe storage are provided).
Pros and cons about Delhi
Pros
Cons
It is the fastest growing city in terms of industries and retail growth.
If you are food and like to hog every now and then, you should definitely go to Delhi. It offers some of the best cuisines with a marvelous taste that will shake your taste buds. From “Parathe vali Gali” to “Hauz Khas”, it has it all.
The education sector of Delhi is also above the normal standard of education. It has some of the best schools and colleges like University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, IIT, NIFT etc.
You can never get bored in Delhi. There are lots of historical monuments like International Toilet Museum, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, and many other places for leisure.
If you are a shopaholic then Delhi is just perfect for you. It has awesome markets of clothes are other stuff that is very reasonable.
Delhi is well connected. If you have to go from one place to another you can take a metro. It saves you from Delhi’s traffic and is comparatively cheap as compared to other transport mediums.
Delhi is the political hub of India. It has transparent governance and administrative policies.
There are a lot of job opportunities. If you have great skills you will definitely land up having a good job in Delhi.
Delhi is the unsafest place in India for women. Almost every day some or the other rape cases come into limelight which is extremely brutal and shameful on the part of the city.
Some of the areas of Delhi are very costly. The stuff is much overpriced.
The weather of Delhi is not so good. Either it is too hot during summers or it is too cold during winters.
Some areas face a lot of water and electricity scarcity.
Delhi is extremely polluted. According to a survey, every year approximately 10,500 people die due to pollution related diseases.
Pollution One inevitable consequence of this is a lot of cars and very little fresh air. According to the World Health Organization, New Delhi is the world’s sixth most polluted city. In January 2019, a drop in wind speed and temperature led to an unprecedented ‘smog’ descending on the city. Poorer sections of the population were forced to burn wood to stay warm, thus making the situation even worse. This combination led to pollution levels of 500 (on the PM 2.5 scale). Bear in mind that US Government acceptable levels are just 35.
Facts About Delhi
The most interesting fact about Delhi is its vibrancy – from the food to the people. If Delhi is the heart of the country, then its heart beat is always racing. And there’s no way you can escape this energy that comes with all the many things Delhi has to offer. Yup, the capital of the country is also the capital of good things. From historical monuments to street food. From the best colleges to the best coliving residences.
The Red Fort was Originally White
Red Fort is one of the best things about Delhi, especially if you love history. But did you know this monument was not always red in colour? According to the Archaeological Survey of India, it was actually made of white limestone and when the colour started chipping off, some British officials decided to paint it red.
Tallest Minaret in the World
If you search for information about New Delhi on the internet, you won’t find a single place that doesn’t mention Qutub Minar. After all, it is not only a special historical monument but also the tallest brick minaret in the whole world. It was built way back in 1200 AD, but the Minar stands “tall” even today.
Asia’s Largest Spice Market
Even though it’s situated really close to the Red Fort, there are high chances that you might not have heard of this one. Khari Baoli, Asia’s largest spice market, started somewhere in the 17th century and continues to be a bubbly marketplace to date. Do visit this market if you want to spice up your food (or your knowledge about Delhi). Quite literally.
Asia’s Largest Wholesale Market for Fruit and Vegetables
Speaking of Asia’s largest markets, Delhi has another one of them. The Azadpur wholesale is the largest fruit and vegetable market in all of Asia. If you love fruits, this is the place to be. From local produce to international varieties of kiwi, Alphonso mango, peach, you will find everything here. And for the ones who have chosen the organic life, you’ll find plenty of options too. Just for a few extra bucks.
Unique museums
Another bit of interesting information about New Delhi – it houses some of the most unique museums in the country. Be it the commode exhibits at the Sulabh International Museum of toilets, toy trains at the National Rail Museum, dolls teaching “how to wear a saree” at
Shankar’s International Dolls Museum or the cameras from World War II at Vintage Analogue Camera Museum.
Only Bahai Temple in Asia
If you already didn’t know this about Delhi, let us tell you that the city houses the only temple dedicated to the Baha’i religion in Asia. In fact, Lotus Temple is one of the eight Bahai temples in the entire world. It’s open to people of all religions and is no longer just a place of worship anymore. It’s a place you can come to meditate, date or simply take some aesthetic pictures.
Most Expensive Office Space in India
Well well well. If you’re thinking of leasing space to start your own office here, maybe…think again? Connaught Place is the most expensive in terms of office spaces in India, and the 9th most expensive in the world. While as a whole, the rent around the city is a little lesser than cities like Mumbai, do not make the mistake of choosing a space in CP if you don’t want to spend all your capital on paying rent in the capital.
Delhi Metro Platforms are user Friendly for Blind People
Ever noticed the yellow tiled tracks inside Delhi’s metro stations and platforms? Well, these are not just for decor purposes. They are put there to help blind people find their way to the metro coaches, the lift and the exits. This kind of accessibility is another reason the Delhi Metro is the second-best metro in the world after the US.
Green City
Although you hear a lot about pollution levels in Delhi, an interesting fact to note here is that it is one of the greenest cities on the globe. Its entire public transport runs on CNG. In fact, the city’s transport corporation owns the largest fleet of CNG fueled buses in the world. These kinds of accomplishments make even the hour-long wait at the CNG stations worth it.
Delhi was Walled by 14 Gates
Delhi was once a full-fledged walled city. With not one or two, but fourteen gates around it. Out of which, five stand strong even today – Kashmere Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Lahori Darwaza, Dilli Darwaza and Turkman Gate, all located in different parts of the city. Even though these are remnants of the city’s rich history, migrants and outstation students are glad that the city has finally let its walls down.
Paradise For Bird Watchers
Who knew New Delhi would be the second-best bird-rich capital city in the world, next to Nairobi in Kenya? Well, we did. And the officials at the Delhi Ridge most certainly did. The massive ridge is a forest area with beautiful walking trails and special spots for bird-lovers. It’s divided into four main zones, so you can choose the place for your morning jog depending on which part of the city you live in. We say, bird-vengers, assemble. (yk, like Avengers, assemble? No? Ok.)
Large Metro Network
Delhi Metro is the 12th largest metro network in the whole world. And it is the second-best in the world too. Super affordable, good connectivity, trains at frequent intervals – what else does one need? Around 2.4 million people use the Delhi Metro every single day. Well, that explains the endless queue at Rajiv Chowk.
New Delhi was Planned by a British Architect
Although Delhi was a prominent historical kingdom, modern-day New Delhi was actually designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. Hence, it is also known as Lutyens Delhi, although no one uses that name anymore.
One of the Oldest Stadiums in India
Feroze Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi is one of India’s oldest. It is second in age only to Kolkata’s famous Eden Gardens. It was renamed Arun Jaitley Stadium in 2019, but still holds the legacy of its old name. If you’re an IPL fan, you may know this place as the home ground of the Delhi Capitals.
Most Expensive Commonwealth Games
Commonwealth Games held in 2010 in Delhi went on for almost two weeks. To date, it is reported to be the largest and most expensive of all CWGs in the world. But hey, they at least got A R Rahman to perform for the opening ceremony so we’d say it was money well-spent.
Capital Since 1931
Although it seems like the city has been the capital of India forever, here’s another interesting fact about Delhi – it wasn’t. It used to be the capital for many kings before the British invasion. But it was actually Kolkata that was the British capital until 1931, and only after that, did Delhi take back its throne. We guess it’s not giving it back anytime soon.
Mention in the Mahabharata
If you think Delhi is a new city, you couldn’t be more mistaken. Delhi, earlier known as Indraprastha, goes back to the Mahabharata. It was mentioned in the epic as the capital of the Pandavas. The city is no longer called by that name, but you can find a few colleges and a metro station still using it.
Humayun’s Tomb is the Inspiration behind the Taj Mahal
There is no one who hasn’t heard of the Taj Mahal. But there are few who know that it was actually Humayun’s Tomb in Nizamuddin that was the inspiration behind its unique architecture.
New Delhi and Delhi are two different Places
Although used interchangeably, here’s some information about New Delhi – it is not the same as Delhi. Delhi is a state and the city at large, while New Delhi is just an area within it. New Delhi is also the capital of the country. And no, Old Delhi and Delhi are not the same either. These are three different places. Confusing, we know.
Highly populated
To no one’s surprise, Delhi is the second-most populous city in the world, Tokyo being the first. This explains the shared walls between buildings, cars parked on the road and no space between two houses to even breathe. But the parks in every neighbourhood make up quite well for it.
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