Incredible India

India’s capital Delhi houses a number of tourist attractions that include monuments, gardens, parks, temples and mosques. Usually tourists get bored due to hustle and bustle of Delhi and they look for a change. If you want a break from the crowded streets and bustling bazaars of Delhi, take an excursion to nearby cities or tourist spots of Delhi. Based on my personal experience I have compiled a list of some of ideal excursion points from Delhi.

Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary (50 kms) : Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is situated in the neighbouring state of Haryana. Here you can see a variety of domestic as well as migratory birds. Pay a visit to this small bird sanctuary and closely observe the movements of birds.

Neemrana (122 kms) : Neemrana is a famous place close to Delhi, known for its fort. In 1464 Prithiviraj Chauhan III constructed a fort here. The Neemrana Fort is now operational as a heritage hotel.

Mathura (145 kms) : Located midway in between Delhi and Agra, Mathura is the birthplace of Hindu god Krishna. An important place of pilgrimage, Mathura is visited by thousands of devotees every year. Mathura is the place where young Krishna was nurtured and now it abounds with many temples and splendid ghats along the Yamuna river. Shri Krishna Janmasthan, Gita Mandir, Vishram Ghat, Dwarakadhish Temple, Sati Burj, Kans Qila are the main attractions linked to the life of Lord Krishna.

The Government Museum is another attraction of the town and houses artefacts from the Kishan and Gupta periods. One can trace the evolution of the Mathura school of arts from the time of the Kushan emperors to the Gupta period. The museum houses various Buddha images and a headless figure of emperor Kanishka dressed in central Asian robes and boots.

Bharatpur (176 kms) : A town of Rajasthan, Bharatpur is famous worldover for its bird sanctuary. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary or Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A pictursque tree-shaded land of water-bodies and marshes, Bharatpur is home to a variety of avian species including wild animals as well. Every year during winter large number migratory birds come to the sanctuary for breeding all the way from various continents and places like Europe, Siberia and China.

During winters you can spot migratory bird like Cranes, Egrets, Pelicans, Ibises, Geese and Ducks. The Siberian Crane remains the prized possession of the park in winters. Besides, migratory birds you can see a variety of domestic birds in the bird sanctuary. Hire a cycle rickshaw at the main gate to explore the sanctuary, where the birds will soothe your mind with unique voices.

Agra (201 kms) : Situated in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, Agra is famous as the ‘City of Taj.’ Once the capital city of mighty Mughals, Agra is home to a number of interesting monuments like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb. From Delhi you can hire a cab to reach Agra. From Delhi trains and buses are also available for Agra.

Visit the city to see the beauty in white marble, Taj Mahal and other magnificent structures in the complex. Built by Mughal Emperor Akbar, Agra Fort is just one km away from Taj Mahal. Within the fort complex you see a number of beautiful palaces, mosques and lush gardens. From Agra also pay a visit to Akbar’s tomb at Sikandra (10 kms) and Akbar’s deserted city, Fatehpur Sikri (38 kms).

Haridwar (200 kms) : Haridwar is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. The town is home to a number of temples and ashrams. At every nook and corner of the town you will see Sadhus (priests) clad in saffron and white dresses. People visit the town in large number to take a bath in holy Ganges and also to perform the last of the post funeral rites of their kiths and kins.

Jaipur (300 kms) : Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan is also known as ‘Pink City’. Once the capital of Rajput rulers, Jaipur is surrounded by a 20 ft high wall having eight gates. Jaipur is now a modern city with well laid-out roads and gardens, but still the charm of Rajput era lingers on in the forts and monuments of the city.

Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Museum, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort are the main attractions of Jaipur. Any trip to Jaipur is incomplete without some shopping. You may buy leather items, dresses, jewellery, crafts and other items while shopping in Jaipur.

India’s capital city, Delhi is renowned all over the world for its unique charm. Being a travel buff I have explored the every nook and corner of this huge city. So, my friends in this particular blog I am providing a brief account about the enchanting city of Delhi. You can say it that I will take you to various parts and attractions of Delhi through my sentences.

Bestowed with a history dating back to more than 5,000 yrs, the city houses a number of forts, monuments and many other interesting structures. Amongst the attractions the highlights include Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Old Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, Akshradham Temple, Laxmi Narayan (Birla) Temple, India Gate, Rashtrapati (President) House, Raj Ghat and the Zoological Garden.

Start your trip from the imposing Red Fort situated at Old Delhi. Constructed by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, Red Fort has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO recently. Of course, the fort has a very impressive exterior look, but inside the fort a number of surprises are waiting for you. Some of the architectural masterpieces inside the fort are Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i- Khas, Royal Baths, Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) etc. On the walls of the ‘Diwan-i-Khas’, you will see the famous Persian couplet “If there is a paradise on earth it is this, it is this, it is this.”

Every evening the Sound and Light Show is organized at Red Fort, which recreates events of India’s history, particularly those linked with the Red Fort. Just close to the Red Fort is the Jama Masjid (Mosque), built by Shah Jahan in 1658 A.D this mosque is considered the biggest mosque in India. From Jama Masjid proceed toward Chandni Chowk market and enjoy the pleasant rickshaw ride. Next visit the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and many other political leaders have been cremated.

Now head towards the New Delhi where lots of attractions are greeting you with their distinct and unique charactertics. Start from Old Fort which is just south-east of India Gate and close to Nizammudin Railway Station. Also known as Purana Qila, Old Fort is the supposed site of Indraprastha, the original city of Delhi. The Old Fort has massive walls and three huge gateways. Enter from the south gate inside the fort you will see the small octagonal red sandstone tower, the Sher Manzil. Just beyond this is the Qila-i-Kuhran Mosque or Mosque of Sher Shah. Don’t forget to enjoy a fascinating boat ride across the Purana Qila Lake, which is quite popular among the visitors.

Delhi Zoo is your next halt, which is on the south side of the fort and provide shelter to tigers, leopards, elephants, monkeys and several other varieties of animals species. From here we move towards the Humayun’n Tomb. An early example of Mughal architecture, Humayun’s Tomb was built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, wife of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor.

Next visit the India Gate, the 42 mtr high stone arch, built in the memory of Indian Army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WWI and the Afghan war. Visit the nearby attractions like Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, Museum, National Museum, Laxmi Temple etc. In the evening go for shopping in Connaught Place area and the Janpath market. Delhi Haat is also a good option where you can buy traditional handicrafts and savour a vast range of Indian delicacies. It is enough for one day, enjoy a good sleep in your hotel room or guest house.

Very next day, first visit the Qutab Minar, a 73 mts high victory tower situated 15 kms south of New Delhi. Lotus Temple (Bahai Temple) and Akshardham Temple are other places that deserve a visit. After visiting these places, go for shopping in Big Malls or famous markets like Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar or South Extension.

If you are looking for some adventure, then Appu Ghar is a right place for you. Here you can enjoy a number of amusing activities. For film lover, Delhi offers a long list of cinema theaters and multiplexes like PVR, Fun Cinemas, Satyam, Wave etc. Go to any of the theaters and watch any movie of your choice. Feeling hungry naa? Ok, don’t worry, Delhi is one of the few cities in the world which offers cuisines of almost all the regions of India and most of the countries of the world. I am sure enough that after going through my story about Delhi, several imaginery portraits of Delhi are coming to your mind. Don’t think much, just plan a trip, come to Delhi and experience its distinct charm on your own.