Delhi

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Delhi Guide

• Overview
• How & when to go?
• What to see?
• Excursions
• Entertainment
• Where to eat?
• Where to shop?
• Events/Festivals

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Overview of Delhi

Delhi (or, Dilli) is history - ancient history, as well as the unfolding story of modern democratic India. The strategic gateway to the Indian sub-continent, Delhi has been built, razed, and rebuilt EIGHT times! Plundering invaders like Timur the Lame and Nadir Shah ravaged and ransacked the city, carrying away the famous Kohinoor diamond and the magnificent peacock throne. 

But Delhi was invincible. Out of its ruins and ashes, emerged a new strength and yet another empire. The city adopted a new character, reflective of the ruling dynasty, while successfully keeping alive its old identities. Both Old Delhi (built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan) and New Delhi (built by Edward Lutyens and the British) are replete with monuments. Almost every street and locality has some history - the remnants of an ancient wall, a mosque, or a tomb.

Overall, Delhi's history has always been that of prosperity, battles, power politics, dynasties and diplomacies. Today, Delhi is mix and match of several communities, groups and affinities. A laid-back city of boulevards and chirruping sparrows, post-independence it has developed into a bustling mega polis and a major center of trade, commerce, culture and arts. The culture-shock image of India is more pronounced here and one can see the best and the not-so-good of both worlds. The typical Delhiite is always in sync with the changing times, yet never rid of that appealing unsophisticated North Indian element.

Delhi is a scene of lot more. Auditoriums, art galleries, membership institutions, voluntary organizations, clubs, discotheques and restaurants are dime a dozen. VIP motorcades move on, dharnas (sit-down protests) and processions go on, the seat of the world's largest democracy inches further, flashy cars zoom past monuments and old tombs; Delhi quietly introduces its identity as a place for one and all.
 

Discover Delhi in the following sections:

• How & when to go?
  Air, Rail and Road connections, Local commuting, Best time to go, Weather Report.
   
• What to see?
  Round-up of places to visit, both in Old and New Delhi.
   
• Excursions
  Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary and Surajkund are good day trips, 
   
• Entertainment & Leisure
  Cultural centers, Cinema theatres, Clubs, Nightlife and Hip hangouts.
   
• Where to eat?
  The cuisine is as cosmopolitan as the capital itself...
   
• Where to shop?
  Shopping guide on where to buy what - from traditional handicrafts to designer stuff.
   
• Events, Fairs & Festivals
  Information on events and festivals unique to Delhi.