| Red
Fort | Humayun's
Tomb |
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Red Fort
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The Red Fort, with a circumference of over 2.2 kilometers,
was laid out by the banks of the Yamuna in the 17th
century. The Mughal emperor Shajahan built
it, with the ambition of concentrating the Mughal
power in one monument. Monument is perhaps not the
right word. A mini-city is more like it. Unfortun ately
for the emperor, before he could move his capital
from Agra to Shahjahanabad in Delhi, he was
taken a political prisoner by his son Aurangazeb.
The fort is a delight to one's imagination. Imagine
the Naqqar Khana (Drum room) also called Naubat
Khana (Welcome Room), where once drums loudly heralded
the arrival of the emperor and the Diwan-e-Am (Hall
of Public Audience) resounded with the incantations
of the people. Amazing, isn't it? There's more to
see - Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal (Palace of Colours),
Khas Mahal (Emperor's Palace), Diwan-e Khas (Hall
of Private Audience), the Hammam (bathing area) and
the Shah Burj.
The fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate
and the Lahore gate. The latter get its name
from the fact that it faces Lahore in Pakistan. It's
entrance leads to Delhi's most crowded bazaar, Chandini
Chowk. When one walks through the corridors of
the Red Fort, it is as if history, with the glorious
sound of her ghungroos, is dancing on the stage of
one's senses. A must see!
There is a Light and Sound show every evening.
Summer timing:
Hindi - 7 pm to 8 pm, English - 8 pm to 9 pm
Winter timing:
Hindi - 6 pm to 7 pm, English - 7 pm to 8 pm
Address: Chandni Chowk, Phone:
327 3703, Timings: 6 am to 7 pm, Entrance
Fee: Rs 20/- Free on Fridays
Click
here for 360° Panorama |
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| Humayun's
Tomb |
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Humayun's tomb is probably one of the most innovative
and experimental monuments of its time, incorporating
within it Indo-Islamic architectural styles. Hamida
Bhanu Begum (Haji Begum), Humayun's grieving widow
built it in 1565-66. She is said to have spent
15 lakh rupees on it.
Humayun's Tomb shows a very remarkable Persian influence,
and art historians conjecture that  this
influence could probably have its origin in Humayun's
exile in Persia. The tomb, typical of a Persian design,
is a square building cut off at its corners to make
it octagonal. The tomb is first of its kind. It started
a whole new form of architecture, where tombs were
built in the centre of a four-portioned garden.
 Another
fact that is interesting is the double dome
of the tomb. The tomb has two domes, one below the
other. This is yet another example of the engineering
brilliancy of the Mughals. To have a huge, inspiring
dome from the exterior would mean a much too large
dome for the inside of the building. So there's a
lower, interior ceiling. And it makes any visitor
very comfortable, who does not have to deal with an
intimidating hall.
 There
is an entrance in the south of the complex. It leads
to the emperor's tomb, which lies in the centre of
a serene chamber. However, the actual resting place
of Humayun is directly beneath, in an underground
chamber. Several royalties of the Mughal family are
buried in the mausoleum.
The tomb is open on all days of the week.
Address: Off Mathura Road, Phone:
462 5275, Timings: 6 am to 6 pm, Entrance
Fee: Rs. 0.50/- Free on Friday
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| Golden
Temple |
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From the famed Taj Mahal to, Dehradun, there
are several places of visit around Delhi.Click
Here
My Journey to the Kumbh...
Read about the exciting experiences of a lonely pilgrim.Click
Here |
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All about the National Gallery of Modern Art
and the Triveni Kala Sangam.Click
Here |
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Evenings
at India Gate
The Red Fort, Qutb Minar...all the famous monuments of Delhi
under one section! Click
Here |
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The International Dolls Museum, the Sulabh International
Museum of Toilets...Delhi Museums...
Click
Here |
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Deer
Park
Wonderful place for nature lovers
The Mughal Gardens, Shalimar Garden, Lodi Gardens...for a cool
day read on...Click
Here |
The
National Zoological Park
It is one of the most serene places in the city of Delhi...Click
here |
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For the spiritaully inclined and the not-so-spiritually inclined
the places of worship in Delhi...
Click
Here
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Lotus Temple |
| This towering ensemble
of pure magnificence is a centre of universal faith Click
Here |
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Everything you need to keep in mind while visiting the capital.
Click
Here
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