The city of New Delhi, capital of India, is the third largest city in the country. With about 14 million inhabitants, the city is divided between Old Delhi, with monuments and congested 16th and 17th-century bazaar markets erected by the empire mogul And New Delhi, with wide avenues, beautiful views and colonial mansions built by the British in the 1930s as imperial capital. Today I will show some of the contrasts and contradictions that such a diverse culture has.

Main sights

• Red Fort

The Red Fort was built in the 17th century and today is part of the area of ​​the city we call Old Delhi. This fort is a collection of monumental historic constructions in India and a major landmark in Indian architecture.

One of the most beautiful places I visited in the Red Fort was Jami Masjid, which is the largest mosque built in India.

Built more than three centuries ago, the mosque today earns the title of one of the main religious sights of the city of Delhi. The patio holds up to 2500 people, which easily flood the place either to visit alone or to show your belief. Jami Masjid has three large entrance portals, two minarets, and four towers. The minarets of the mosque are 40 meters high and were built in white marble and strips of sandstone.

• Humayuns Tomb 

It seems odd, but this beautiful building and one of the oldest and most visited of the Indian capital is a mausoleum, or a lighter tomb.

The Humayun’s Tomb was built in the Mughal period, aliases, it was the first construction made at this time.

• Lotus Dome

Designed by the Iranian architect Fariborz Sahba, it has an attractive lotus flower shape. Surrounded by nine mirrors of water, it draws devotees of all faiths, by having a Baha’i sect that departs from the point of view that humankind is a single race.

• Lodhi Gardens

The most visited and frequented local gardens are the Lodhi, which houses four important tombs in the heart of India, are between Khan Market and Safdarjung Tomb on Lodhi Street.

• Gandhi National Museum 

“Nonviolence is the commitment with all courage against tyranny … Only thus can a single individual defy the powers of an unjust empire” (Mahatma Gandhi). This and other phrases are spoken by Mahatma Gandhi, in addition to other monuments connected to him, are in the Museum in his honor.

• Rajghat

India’s most powerful symbol of nationality, the Rajghat, was the cremation site of the Mahatma Gandhi. In the inscription, he has his last words: Hem Ram! (Oh God !)

•  Birla Mandir – Laxmi Narayan Temple

As I mentioned here the largest mosque in India, I now recommend the visit to the largest Hindu temple.

The Laxmi Narayan Temple was built by the Birla family, so it is also known as Birla Mandir, in dedication to Laxminarayan, for the most part.

• Qutb Complex

This set of monuments in Mehrauli, also known as “Tower of Victory”, was built in AD 1192 after Mohammed Ghori defeated the king rajapute, Prithviraj Chauhan, in celebration.

• National Gallery of Modern Art

All the contrasts and contradictions of India are well visible in the capital. This fascinating diversity of Delhi joins the fact that it is, basically, a city of migrants, where there is no middle class.

Now, this information is for those who find the traffic of Sao Paulo bad. In Delhi, it is virtually impossible to get around in vehicles because of chaotic congestion. They are cows, oxen, horses, bicycles, cars, motorcycles and taxis competing for space in streets that often do not have the right side to drive, or if you want some traffic law.

Misery and filth along with wonderful historical heritages portray the reality of an extremist people and strongly attached to religion.

I hope you enjoyed this brief summary of the city of New Delhi. Just one last golden tip: when you are planning to travel to India do not forget to already buy your tickets in advance and tours through the city through Get Your Guide, so everything becomes more practical. And walk!

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