Delhi , the capital city of India is the third largest city with a fusion of ancient and modern cultures. The city has a diversity of history and monuments making it a wonderful holiday destination. There are a large number of attractions in the city which makes this place a wonderful holiday experience. Touristplacesinindia.com provides you with complete information on all that you want to know about Delhi Hotels.

Some of the important monuments that adorn the city are the Qutab Minar, Red Fort, Parliament House and the President House. One can also visit places in and around Delhi like Agra , where you can have a look at one of the Seven Wonders of the World – The Taj Mahal. To cater the needs of the tourists Hotels in Delhi has come up. Delhi Hotels provide the best accommodation needs in the city amidst comfort and satisfaction.

If you want to come to spend a vacation in this Capital city of India then you should have a look at the range of accommodations provided by the city. The city boasts of having some of the beautiful Luxury hotels to choose from. There are also a large number of budget and economy hotels in Delhi for the guests.

The Luxury Hotels in Delhi offers the ultimate in comfort and luxury. Some of the most outstanding Luxury Hotels in Delhi include the Nicco Hotel, Hotel Marina, Hans Plaza , Ambassador, Hotel Star Villa, and hotel Alka. These hotels in Delhi offer a premium blend of Indian hospitality and a host of modern services. These hotels have well appointed rooms and suites equipped with the latest technology and comforts. These rooms have a range of in-room facilities like air conditioning, direct dial telephones with

international call facility, attached bath with modern sanitary wares, internet connectivity and balcony which gives a majestic view of the Capital city.

They have in-house multi-cuisine restaurants which offer a range of Indian and International cuisines. The bars in these hotels are an ideal place to chill out with a peg of you favorite drink. These hotels have conference and banquet halls with unique design and modern day business equipments like the Public address systems, presentation devices, display screens, pointers, printers, computers and internet services. They also provide leisure facilities like swimming pools, game rooms, and gymnasium and gift shops for the entertainment of the guests.

The budget hotels in Delhi provide accommodation and dining needs to the guests at affordable rates. These hotels have well maintained guest rooms with a range of contemporary in-room services. They also have in-house restaurants which offer a range of delicacies. The travel desk in these hotels organizes sight seeing tours for the guests in and around the city.

Touristplacesinindia.com is an international travel site and a repository of useful information about Delhi Hotels and other information about the city.

Five Star Deluxe Hotels in New Delhi

Ashok Hotel Le Meridien

Centaur Hotel Maurya Sheraton

Crowne Plaza Surya Metropolitan Hotel Nikko

Vasant Continental Park Royal

Hyatt Regency Taj Palace

Taj Mahal Hotel Hotel Imperial

Grand Inter-Continental Hotel The Oberoi

Hotel Marriott

Five Star Hotels in New Delhi Four Star Hotels in New Delhi

Siddharth Hotel Hotel Kanishka

Hotel Samrat The Connaught

Hotel Qutab Hotel Diplomat

Hotel Vikram

Three Star Hotels in New Delhi Two Star Hotels in New Delhi

Hotel Janpath Hotel Sunstar

Nirula’s Hotel Bill Palace

Covering a circuit of about a mile, the walls of the fort have three gates and are surrounded by a mat fed by the river Yamuna.

The wall was built by Humayun while the buildings in the fort are attributed to Sher Shar. The notable buildings that have survived in the fort are the Sher Mandal and the Quila-I-kholina Mosque. Sher Mandal is a two storeyed octagonal tower which was used by Humayun as his library. The mosque, built around 1541-42, is a landmark in Indo Islamic architecture.

The architect has shown skill by enriching each part with moulding, bracketed openings, marble inlay, carving and other establishments. A variety of materials have also been used to construct the small mosque (168 x 44 feet). The entrance arch is of marble, the spandrels of red sandstone studded with marble bossed, the columns and pilasters of black and white marble.

Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368, Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey. The development of architectural styles from Aibak to Tughlak are quite evident in the minar. The relief work and even the materials used for construction differ.

Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer. No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world.

The 238 feet Qutab Minar is 47 feet at the base and tapers to nine feet at the apex. The tower is ornamented by bands of inscriptions and by four projecting balconies supported by elaborately decorated brackets.

Even in ruin, the Quwwat Ui Islam (Light of Islam) Mosque in the Qutab complex is one of the most magnificent in the world. Its construction was started by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1193 and the mosque was completed in 1197. additions were made to the building by Iltutmush in 1230 and Alla-ud-din Khilji in 1315.

The main mosque comprises of an inner and outer courtyard, of which the inner is surrouded by an exquisite collonade, the pillars of which are made of richly decorated shafts. Most of these shafts are from the 27 Hindu temples which were plundered to construct the mosque. It is, therefore, not surprising that the Muslim mosque has typical Hindu ornamentation.

Close to the mosque is one of Delhi’s most curious antiques, the Iron Pillar. Dating back to the 4th century AD, the pillar bears an inscription which stated that it was erected as a flagstaff in honour of the Hindu god, Vishnu, and in the memory of the Gupta king Chandragupta II (375-413). How the pillar moved to its present location remains a mystery. The pillar also highlights ancient India’s achievements in metallurgy. The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood. 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing.

About Lotus Temple :

It is a very recent architectural marvel of the Bahai faith, located in Kalkaji, south of Delhi . Shaped like a half opened Lotus flower, this temple is made of marble, cement, dolomite and sand. It is open to all faiths and is an ideal place for meditation and obtaining peace and tranquility. Bahai�s Temple is a marvel of modern architecture, which is visible from several spots in south Delhi . The lotus flower signifies purity and peace, a representation of the Manifestation of God, to the people of India . This ancient symbol has been given a modern and contemporary form in the structure of the Bahai House of Worship drawing into its sanctum sanctorum people from all races, religious backgrounds and culture from around the globe. It represents the Bahai faith, – an independent world religion; divine in origin, all embracing in scope, broad in its outlook, scientific in its method, humanitarian in its principles, and dynamic in the influence.

Do you know :

Since its inauguration to public worship in December 1986, the Bahai House of Worship has drawn to its portals more than 50 million visitors, making it the most visited edifice in the world. People have come regardless of the scorching summer heat of Delhi , which sometimes rises above 40�C during the months of June to September, and have braced the chill and cold rains that Delhi experiences during winter. They have admired the beautiful lotus form of the Temple , and have been fascinated by the teachings of the Bahai Faith, which believes in oneness of God, oneness of religions and oneness of mankind.

The Grand Structure :

In the raising of the House of Worship in New Delhi traditional Indian means of construction were employed coupled with the most modern Western engineering design. Fariborz Sahba, Canadian architect of Iranian origin, spent 10 years in designing and project management, and with the help of a team of about 800 engineers, technicians, artisans and workers brought to realisation one of the most complicated constructions in the world. Rising pure and unsullied above stagnant, muddy waters, the Indians have seen this flower as worthy of emulation, teaching them to be detached from material preoccupations. This temple joins six other Bahai temples around the world. Each of these Houses while sharing some basic design concepts, has its own distinct cultural identity embodying the principle of unity in diversity. The structure of the House is composed of three ranks of nine petals; each springing from a podium elevating the building above the surrounding plain. The first two ranks curve inward, embracing the inner dome; the third layer curves outward to form canopies over the nine entrances. The petals, constructed of reinforced white concrete cast in place, are clad in white marble panels, performed to surface profiles and patterns related to the geometry. Nine arches that provide the main support for the superstructure ring the central hall. Nine reflecting pools surround the building on the outside, their form suggesting the green leaves of the lotus flower. Translating the geometry of the design, in which there are virtually no straight lines, into the actual structure presented particular challenges in designing and erecting the framework. Not only was it difficult to align, so as to produce accurately the complex double-curved surfaces and their intersections, but also the closeness of the petals severely restricted workspace. Nevertheless the task was carried out entirely by the local labourers. Thanks to each one who contributed in its construction. To avoid construction joints, petals were concreted in a continuous operation for approximately 48 hours. Concrete was carried up the staging by women bearing 50-pound loads in baskets balanced on their heads. All the steel reinforcing for the shells of the lotus petals was galvanised to avoid rust stains on the white concrete in the prevailing humid conditions, guaranteeing the life of the delicate shell structure of 6 to 18 cm thick shells of the petals. India is well endowed with human resources. The architect believes that this design could not have been executed anywhere else because it is rare to find the combination of traditional craftsmanship, pride in one’s work, empathy for spiritual undertaking, perseverance under all odds and ample patience, as can be found in the Indian sub-continent. As commented by progressive Architecture of USA in their article on the Bahai Temple "It goes to prove that high-tech concepts do not always demand high-tech solutions." The Indian visitors, from the most sophisticated to the most simple, expressed perplexity at the absence of any idols. It has been a hard task since explaining to them that the all-pervasive Almighty cannot be put in any limited form. Hence, over the years the visitors from India have begun to understand that the purpose of the Bahai House of Worship is to unite the hearts of the people and bring them closer to their Creator.

Timings :

Summer : 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. , Winter 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday closed.

India Gate is a war memorial constructed as a homage to the 90, 000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British during World War I. Designed by Edwin Lutyens, India Gate is a 42 metres high monument located at the end of Rajpath. If you look closely, you can see the names of all the soldiers that have been inscribed all over this beautiful historical monument.

The history of India Gate indicates that while the foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1921, the monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. After Independence, another memorial was added along with India Gate. Known as Amar Jawan Jyoti, it is a flame that burns all the time as a reminder of the sacrifice of Indian soldiers who perished in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. The arch of India Gate stands on a low base of red Bharatpur stone which rises in stages to a huge molding where the word INDIA is imprinted and to the right, XIX

Today, the vast, expansive and extremely well maintained lawns that surround India Gate are very popular with people looking for a great spot to picnic. The ambience is further enhanced by the nearby fountains and pools that are lit up in the night to lend an overall festive look to the surroundings. For kids, there are special attractions in the form of famous boat club and a children’s park. It is favored place for stroll and sights such as children playing with footballs & balloons and adults enjoying ice creams are pretty common.

Rashtrapati Bhawan: This official residence of the President of India was formerly known as the Viceregal Palace. Rashtrapati Bhawan is the highlight of Lutyen’s New Delhi and was completed in 1929 at a cost of Rs.12,53,000. Located in an area of 130 hectares, the palace has 340 rooms. At one time, 2,000 people were required to look after the building and serve the Viceroy’s household. It has an impressive garden called the MUGHAL GARDENS , which is open to public twice in a year, usually in February and March.

he Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President of India’s official residence was designed by Sir Edwin L. Lutyens, and finally came into being in 1929. Set on a lavish scale, the palatial quarters took over 17 years to build with 3500 men toiling over it. Situated in the heart of Delhi, the Rashtrapati Bhawan used to serve as a viceregal home during the British era. It was only after independence that India became republic that the building was re-christened as Rashtrapati Bhawan.

A combination of superior Mughal and western styles, the allure of Rashtrapati Bhawan lies in its huge expansive gardens, spread over 130 hectares that are known as Mughal Gardens. Tourists can visit these gardens during the month of February when they are resplendent in all their glory, replete with blooming roses and dahlias. In other months you can view the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Rashtrapati Bhawan Gates that is a throwback to the traditions of the yore and takes place every Saturday without fail.

Explore the visual treat that is the Rashtrapati Bhawan, what with its exotic pillars, massive halls and delightful porticos. A classical structure in bricks and marble, the presidential quarters are extensively decorated with elephant motifs (for the gates) and other Indian motifs such as Buddhist railings, chhatris, jalis and chhajjas. The building is surmounted by a huge dome and is a study in symmetry and sophistication.

Overall, Rashtrapati Bhawan contains 340 total rooms. The massive Durbar hall serves as the venue for all official functions of the State and comprises of golden pillars. Guests are greeted at the entrance by a 2300 yr old sculpture of Ashoka Bull. The dining hall of the Rashtrapati Bhawan is used whenever the President hosts a dinner in honor of a visiting foreign dignitary. Formal ceremonies such as official swearing-in, presentation of credentials, etc take place in the Ashoka Hall. This hall is marked by an elaborate painted ceiling with several beautiful chandeliers. Visitors require special permission from Government of India Tourist Office to enter Rashtrapati Bhavan that will be arranged by us at A Journey to India.

Introduction: The Capital city of the country and one of the largest cities in India , Delhi has a history extending back over three millennia.The strategic location of Delhi , between the Aravalli hills and the river Yamuna, had attracted the attention of almost every King or Conqueror in this part of the world. The earliest reference to Delhi as a settlement is made in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, which states that the Pandavas founded a city called ‘Indraprastha’ , besides the river Yamuna in 1450 BC. Ever since then, Conquerors from North treated Delhi as a gateway to the Indian sub-continent.

Delhi today is one of the most elegant capitals in the world. Here one can see, the mingling of many cultures, languages, tradition and peoples into one united Nation. Delhi welcomes both the pleasure seeker and the mystic. “Lose yourself in Delhi ” says Khushwant Singh, for “You may find its soul and your own”.

Red Fort: Red Fort is laid out along the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon, surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 km in circumference and is built of red sandstone. The Mughal King Shah Jahan transferred the capital from Agra to Delhi and the Fort was completed in 1648. The Fort has Diwan-e-Am, and Diwan-e-Khas where the king would grant audience to the public and would grant audience to important people respectively . Besides this is the Rang Mahal, the water cooled Apartment for the royal ladies.