Delhi is a city that bridges two different
worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic
India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with
crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In
contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created
by the British Raj is composed of spacious,
tree-lined avenues and imposing government
buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for
several rulers and many empires for about a
millennium. Many a times the city was built,
destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly,
a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role,
first as destroyers and then as creators.
The city's
importance lies not just in its past glory as
the seat of empires and magnificent monuments,
but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No
wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand
Bardai and Amir Khusro to present days writers -
have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi,
you will discover that the city is sprinkled
with dazzling gems: captivating ancient
monuments, fascinating museums and art
galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious
performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places
and bustling markets.
Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every
political activity in the country traces its
roots here. This was true even of the
mythological era. The Pandavas of the
Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha,
which is believed to have been geographically
located in today's Delhi.
Delhi Facts
Area: 1,483 sq km
Latitudinal parallel:
28.3oN
Longitudinal meridian:
77.13oE
Altitude: 293 m above
sea level
Population:
13.85million (Census 2001)
Average Temperature:
45oC (Max) -
usually in May - Jun, 5oC
(Min) - usually in Dec - Jan
Desirable Clothes:
Woollen for winters and
light cotton for summers
Rainfall: 714 mm
Monsoon: July to
mid-September
Population: 13.85
(Census 2001)
Season:
Extreme climate with very
hot summer and very cold
winter
Best time to visit:
October to March
STD Code:
011
Languages:
Hindi, English, Urdu and
Punjabi
Religions:
Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism,
Buddhism, Jainism,
Christianity,
Zoroastrianism, Judaism and
Bahai Faith





