The Lotus Temple

Entrance of Lotus Temple

Designed by Fariborz Sahba the Lotus Temple is one of the greatest pieces of architecture in New Delhi. Located at Mandir Marg of South Delhi the Lotus Temple is one of the major tourist attractions of New Delhi. Built in the shape of a half opened lotus flower the temple serves as a Mother Temple in India. This temple is also popularly known as Bahai Temple as it is a place of worship meant for the Bahai's. 

Lotus Temple can be easily reached by metro. Riding on a Nehru Place- Kalkaji Mandir metro it is visible as a white oval structure. Than, from Kalkaji Mandir it is just a 5 minutes walking distance. This white marble structure has altogether 27 lotus petals arranged in a symmetrical pattern. View of Lotus Temple from the air looks astounding. It was made to look like a lotus floating on blue water. Nine small pools surround the building. To make it a perfect structure there are nine inner petals and nine doors open in different directions. 

The Lotus Temple at New Delhi is visited by people from all religious faiths. The tranquility of the place is ideal for meditation. The temple embraces an independent religion called Bahai faith. The architecture represents a blend of both traditional and modern engineering expertise. The brainchild behind the architecture of this temple is a Canadian architect named Fariborz Sahba. He took 10 long years in planning the design and implementing it. The temple is surrounded by sparkling pools. It has been constructed by using cement, marble, sand and dolomite. 

Completed in 1986 the Lotus Temple has 27 giant white marble petals and nine pools. The temple has got double curved surfaces. The steel used for making the shells of the petals were galvanized to protect it from rust. These shells have got a thickness of about 6 to 8 centimeters. There are six other Bahai temples in the world. Though some concepts are same, but each of them differs in their cultural identity. 

The Lotus Temple in New Delhi was inaugurated in 1986. It is open to the general mass from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm in the summer months and 9:30 am to 5:30 pm during the winter months. The temple remains closed on Mondays. This temple is a must visit place of New Delhi.

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"The Akshardham Temple is a massive temple complex in Delhi. It has got 20,000 statues, floral motifs, arches as well as exquisitely carved pillars."

The Akshardham Temple in Delhi was constructed under the patronage of the Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and initiated on November 7, 2005. The temple complex represents an unique blend of the Hindu religion and Indian culture.

The Akshardham temple complex stands on the banks of the Yamuna and has more than a 100 acres of lawn decorated with water fountains and carved pavilions. An amount of 2 billions was spent on the building that took around 2 years to complete.

There is the IMAX theater, the Swaminarayan temple and a beautiful musical fountain in the large Akshardham temple in Delhi. The architectural design is a copy of the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. The chief monument of the Akshardham temple is about 141 feet high and possesses a grand statue of Lord Swaminarayan.

The followings are some of the important facts about the temple:

•           Year of Construction: 2005

•           Constructed by: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

•           Managed by: Swaminarayan Sect

•           Other Deities: Shri Radha Krishna Dev, Shri Sita Ram, Shri Laxmi Narayan and Shri Uma                     Maheshwar.

•           Opening Schedule: 9 am - 9 pm (Tuesday-Sunday). Closed on Monday.

Popular features of the Akshardham Temple in Delhi

Hall ofValues

The Hall of Values is the most important feature of the Akshardham temple. The Hall of Values is also called Sahajanand Pradarshan and is set in the 18th century backdrop. The hall features a number of robotics, fiber optics and dioramas that display incidents from the life of Swaminarayan.

Theatre

The Akshardham temple also houses Delhi's only format screen theater. Also known as Neelkanth Kalyan Yatra, the theatre inside the Akshardham complex is home to the city's first large format screen that measures 85-foot (26 m) by 65-foot (20 m). The theatre features a film that is specially and only meant for the temple complex. It is called Neelkanth Yatra, the film is about the seven-year journey made by Swaminarayan throughout India during his teenage years. The movie also has an international version called Mystic India, which was released in 2005 at different theaters worldwide. Within the vicinity of the theater there is also a 27-foot tall bronze statue of Neelkanth Varni.

MusicalFountain

The Yagnapurush Kund is one of the most striking features of the Akshardham temple complex. The Yagnapurush Kund which is the country's largest step well serves as a point of rest for many travelers during the day. There are a host of steps that lead to the traditional yagna kund. The many steps that offer relaxation to the many tourists in the day also offer a delightful musical fountain show at night. The musical fountain shown at night is a representation of the circle of life. There are about 2,870 steps and 108 tiny shrines on the Yagnapurush Kund.

BoatRide

If you want to explore the unexplored then a boat ride at the Akshardham is a must. There is an artificial river that passes through the Takshashila, the world's biggest. The peacock shaped boats known as Sanskruti Vihar, takes the visitors on a 10,000 year old journey of Indian history in just about 12 minutes.

Gardenof India

Another important feature inside the temple is the beautiful garden known as Garden of India. Popular as Bharat Upavan, the Garden of India spreads over acres and acres of well manicured lawns, large trees and a host of other plants and shrubs. The garden also has several bronze sculptures of famous Indian personalities that have contributed to India's history and culture. The various sculptures include the figures of freedom fighters, and other important people of India. Out of all the sculptures the most notable one is that of Mahatma Gandhi's.

NarayanSarovar

The Narayan Sarovar is a holy lake that surrounds the main building of the Akshardham temple. The Narayan Sarovar contains waters from about 151 lakes and Rivers that were blessed by the famous Swaminarayan. There are 108 gaumukhs surrounding the pious lake that symbolize Janmangal Namavali.

AARSHCentre

The AARSH is a research center within the Akshardham complex. This research center is a place where eminent scholars and students carry out practical research and studies on social harmony and other related topics. Researchers in India can conduct research and affiliate their research papers with this institute. There are also numerous foreign students that travel to this research instate to carry out studies in topics like rural welfare, medicine, ecology social welfare etc.

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Red fort - Delhi

The Red Fort or the Lal Quila as it is traditionally called is situated in old Delhi, the capital of India. The Red Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century that took around 9 years to complete this magnificent structure and around 10 million rupees to build the fort. The Red Fort is a masterpiece of architecture and is one of the most visited spot in old Delhi. Tourists from India and abroad never miss the opportunity to visit this huge structure.

Tourists can easily take a taxi or other mode of transport to reach the place. If you are new to the city, the city map can be of great help. You can also find the right road to reach the place and check out the nearby places as well. Red Fort is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna and is still a significant monument that provides a glimpse of the grandeur of the past. Apart from the magnificent fort, one can also find various beautiful structures inside the fort like the halls of public, marble palaces, mosque, gardens, and plush apartments all in their rich architecture that shows you the prosperous past of the Emperor. The fort even today continues to mesmerize visitors with its impressive red sandstone wall, huge bastions, and some of the finest and intricate work done on the walls that are not to be seen anywhere in other structures. 

While you stroll in the fort, you can have a peek in the life of the emperor and also imagine the workings of the Emperor that was carried out and the hugeness of all the things that would take place inside the fort. The fort includes the most famous Diwan-i-Am, which is the hall for public, where the emperor used to listen to the complaints of the people and find solutions to their problems. There is also a Diwan-i-Khas that was for the private people only, where the Emperor discusses plans, strategies and secret meetings. There used to be a peacock throne for the Emperor, which had all types of precious stones build in it. It was made of gold and was quite huge. It was however, carried away by Nadir Shah to Iran in 1739.

Red fort is an enjoyable excursion and you will love to see the various attractions that the fort has. The royal baths or Hammams as it was rightly called was the place where the royals took bath in all their pleasure.
The Shahi burj was the working place of Shahjahan that has some wonderful work done inside. The Moti Masjid is another structure that is worth seeing, but was built by Aurangzeb, son of Shahjahan. A special place for the ladies of the fort is also built called the Ran Mahal. This place is a real treat to the eyes and you can see delicately painted walls, intricate worked mirrors, gilded turrets, ceiling complete with gold and silver designs reflects its beauty in the central pool inside the palace on the marble floor.

Visitors can visit the place any time during 9.30 am to 4.30 pm from Tuesdays to Sundays. One can get entry by paying fees and is free on Fridays. The place can be reached easily from anywhere and has a good network of roads. One can also take a look at the other places of interest by taking a look at the map. The map includes several other attractions that you will enjoy visiting.

Some important places include the Hammam and the Moti Masjid which are located side by side. Hammam or the public bath house is an important culture of the Mughals. The history of hammam can be traced back in the 16th century, at Purana Qila. On the North, the large spacious park stands guard. It is also called the life bestowing garden. A red sand stone pavilion known as Zafar Mahal stood in the centre. It is also a large water tank to store rain water to water the garden.

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Think about Delhi and you are bound to think about New Delhi India Gate. Initially called the All India War Memorial, this historical monument in New Delhi bears the memoir of 90000 Indian soldiers who were killed in First World War. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the construction work of India Gate was completed in the year 1931. 

It's located in Rajpath, the royal way which leads to the President's residence. The names of the martyrs are etched on the body of this 42 m high India Gate. The place is illuminated with thousands of lights and that creates a gracious impact at night. The edifice is surrounded by lush green and that together paired well is the intrinsic spirit of the India Gate. 

Amar Jawan Jyoti is a burning shrine underneath the arch of the famous India Gate. The flame honors the immortal warriors of India. The shrine is a monument made out of black marble. A rifle is positioned on the barrel, tufted by a helmet of a soldier. The words "Amar Jawan is inscribed in gold in each of the faces of the monument. 

The Prime Minister and the President of India and all other visiting guests pay respect to the immortal soldiers, at this site on various State ceremonies, 26 January, Republic Day etc.Situated in Rajpath in Delhi the India Gate bears immense historical significance. A 42 meter high gateway built in red stone and granite the India Gate was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyen the architect who laid out the plan for Delhi. The foundation stone of India Gate of Delhi was laid by the Duke of Connaught. The construction of India Gate of Delhi was completed in February 1921. 

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the capital the India Gate today acts as a popular picnic spot for most of the tourists and citizens of Delhi. 

Also known as the 'All India War Memorial', the India Gate India Gate in Delhi was constructed as a memorial in honor of 90,000 soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I and also the Third Anglo Afghan War. 'Amar Jawan Jyoti' or the flame of the immortal warrior is burning under it since 1971. The eternal flame reminds one of the sacrifices of those brave soldiers who lost their precious lives in an attempt to protect the country. 

India Gate in Delhi at present is a famous relaxation for the local people of Delhi in summer evenings and a popular 

India Gate

Category : History & Culture

India Gate is a stone monument dedicated to the memory of the Indian soldiers who fought and died in the First World War It ranks as one of the primary places of interest in Delhi. The Indian soldiers were part of the British army and represented the military might of the British Empire at the height of its powers. India Gate was designed by Edward Lutyens and took 10 years to complete. The structure of India Gate is a triumphal arch, which is 42 meters high. More...

Rashtrapati Bhawan

Category : History & Culture

The Rashtrapati Bhawan is a renowned monument in Delhi. It is said to be the palace of the then Viceroy of India. At present, the Rashtrapati Bhawan is house of the President of India. The building was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The construction began in 1911 and it took 19 years to finish its construction. There is a wonderful Mughal garden towards the west of Rashtrapati Bhawan. It opens up to public every spring. Tours to Rashtrapati Bhawan and Mughal Gardens are available with a nominal registration fee of Rs.25. Visitors in a group of 30 and more shall be offered discounted rates and children below 12 years will not be charged any fee. More...

Red Fort (Lal Qila)

Category : History & Culture

This red sandstone fort extends 2 km wide and differs in height from 18 meter on the river side to 33 meter on the city side. The fort was constructed by Shah Jahan in 1638 and was completed in 1648. Inside there are buildings, including the Hall of Public Audiences, the Drum House, the white marble all of Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Palace of Color and the Royal Baths.Decorated with Persian, European and Indian art forms the fort is one of the brilliant pieces of architecture. More...

Jama Masjid

Category : Religious

Jama Masjid located in Old Delhi is one of the principal mosques of Delhi. One of the last architectural extravagances of Emperor Shahjahan this is one of the largest mosques in India and its courtyard can hold around 25000 people. Construction of this mosque began in 1644 and was completed in 1658 by 5000 artisans. The Jama Masjid has three great gateways and four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high and is constructed of alternating strips of red sandstone and white marble. More...

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

Category : Religious

"Unless a holy man lays down his head for the sake of the poor Brahmins, there is no hope for their escape from imperial tyranny". These were the words of a gentle holy man who fiercely fought against the atrocities of the Mughals over Hindus. He became the ninth guru of the Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The brave Guru, who was a symbol of valor and conviction, was beheaded by the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb while protecting the religious faith of the non-Muslims in India. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is an insignia of the martyrdom of this brave guru. More...

Jantar Mantar

Category : History & Culture

Located on Sansad Marg in Connaught Place, this structure is one of Maharaja Jai Singh 2's observatories. This ruler from Jaipur constructed this observatory in 1725 and is dominated by a huge sundial known as the Prince of Dials. Other instruments in this observatory follow the course of heavenly bodies and predict eclipses. It was built in 1724 by Raja Jai Singh II of Jaipur in Delhi. Jantar Mantar of Delhi, is an astronomical observatory with masonry instruments. Jantar Mantar has instruments that can graph the path of the astronomical universe. More...

Qutub Minar

Category : History & Culture

The Qutub Minar located in Delhi is the world's tallest brick minaret, standing at a height of 72.5 meters. Commissioned by Delhi's first Muslim ruler, Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1193, Qutub Minar then had only a basement. Three more towers were added to the structure by his successor and son-in-law Shamsu'd-din Iltutmish. The Qutub Minar is known to be the earliest and most evident example of Indo-Islamic architecture and is surrounded by several other ancient structures collectively known as the Qutub Complex. More...

Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple)

Category : Religious

The Bahai Temple or the Lotus Temple as it is popularly known because of its flower-like shape is located in the southern part of Delhi. Designed by Iranian-Canadian architect Fariburz Sahba in 1986 it has 27 immaculately white petals. This temple is a Bahai house of worship and is also among the popular tourist attractions in Delhi; winning many architecture awards and being featured in many magazines and newspapers. The best time to visit the Lotus Temple is between October to March as the weather is Delhi is very pleasant for sightseeing during these months of the year. More...

Akshardham Temple

Category : Religious

India being the land of temples, finds its true reflection in Delhi. Akshardham is one of the most important religious sites in Delhi, which has claimed to fame for its piety and spirituality. One of the most important Delhi Monuments, it is also known for its architectural magnificence with its 234 pillars, 9 domes and 20 quadrangled shikhars-all displaying fine artistry and craftsmanship. Built on the lines of Sthaapatya shastra of India, the Akshardham in Delhi is the ideal example of a designers creativity and an engineers ingenuity.

Built by carving 6000 tons of pink sand stone brought from Rajasthan, the craftsmanship lies in the temple's design, which has nothing to do with metals like steel and iron. The beauty of the temple is encaptured in the fine filigree on the walls and the pagoda, which display the sadhus and saints in various meditative postures. More...

Raj Ghat

Category : History & Culture

Raj Ghat in Delhi is the sacred sight where the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. Following the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi on 30th of January, 1948, his body was cremated in Raj Ghat the next day. Raj Ghat is located on the western bank of River Yamuna, and therefore was considered to be the best place for the creation of the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

Raj Ghat can be described as a simple square shaped platform, with a black memorial stone, which has the words "Hey Ram" engraved in it. These were the last words that came out of the mouth of Gandhiji before he took his last breath. The Samadhi consist of a black marble platform, of the same size that of the brick platform in which Gandhiji was burnt. The Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi has been surrounded by beautiful plants and trees that provide a peaceful ambience. It is also protected by high walls. Two museums, constructed in the nearby areas are dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. The Samadhi of Jawaharlal Nehru was also constructed to the north of Raj Ghat in Shanti Van.More...

Purana Quila (Old Fort)

Category : History & Culture

Purana Quila is a rectangular shaped fort that is spread nearly two kilometers wide. There is a small archaeological museum just inside the main gate and there is a good view of New Delhi from atop the gate. A Sound and Light Show is held here every evening. More...

Lodhi Garden

Category : Garden

Once called the Lady Willingdon Park, the Lodhi Garden contains tombs of Mubarak Shah, Ibrahim Lodi and Sikander Lodi among its well kept lawns and trees. The garden is a favored spot for early morning fitness freaks and those seeking solitude. More...

Humayun's Tomb

Category : History & Culture

Located near Mathura road, this magnificent garden tomb is a fine example of Mughal structural design in India. It was built in 1565 by his widow Hamida Banu Begam, after the death of Humayun. Inside the enclosure is the garden squares with pathways and water channels. More...

Safdarjung Tomb

Category : History & Culture

It is the last enclosed garden tomb in Delhi with tradition to the Humayun's Tomb. Built in 1754, the tomb of Safdarjung is less grand in scale and size. It has a number of smaller pavilions like Jangli Mahal, Moti Mahal, Badshah Pasand and Madarsa. More...

Connaught Place

Category : History & Culture

One of the biggest commercial areas in Delhi, Connaught Place has lots of variety of shops, businesses, restaurants and emporiums for every taste and budget. More...

Dilli Haat

Category : Fun & Entertainment

It provides an ambience of a traditional market, but one fitting the more modern needs. One can see a mixture of crafts, food and cultural activity. It's a place where Indian culture and ethnic cuisine come together, a unique bazaar that exhibits the affluence of Indian culture. More...

Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)

Category : Religious

Built in 1938 by the Industrialist G.D. Birla, it is one of the major temples in Delhi and is located near Connought Place. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and her consort Narayana. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the stipulation that people of all castes shall be allowed to enter the temple. More...

ISKCON Temple

Category : Religious

Popularly called as the Hare Krishna temple, it's a famous temple with idols of Sri Sri Radha Krishna. Located in South Delhi, the temple is mainly built with red stone is acknowledged for its distinctive architecture that blends the traditional Vedic style with modern style. More...

Tughlaqabad Fort

Category : History & Culture

In 1321, Ghazi Malik of Tughlaq built the strongest fort in Delhi at Tughlaqabad within four years of his rule. It is the most massive and spectacular fort even in its ruined state. Within its walls, bastion and huge towers are impressive palaces, marvelous mosques, and grand audience halls.

Chandni Chowk

Category : History & Culture

It is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi and Asia's largest wholesale market. Created by Shah Jahan, the market stretches in the old city from the Red Fort to Jama Masjid.

National Museum

Category : History & Culture

Located on the Maulana Azad Road, it is one of the largest museums in India and holds a variety of articles ranging from pre-historic era to contemporary works of art. Managed by the Ministry of Culture, it is a part of the Government of India.

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Delhi is the symbol of old India and new…even the stones here whisper to our ears of the ages of long ago and the air we breathe is full of the dust and fragrances of the past, as also of the fresh and piercing winds of the present.

India’s capital, DELHI is the hub of the country, a buzzing international metropolis which draws people from across India and the globe. Home to fifteen million people, it’s big, sprawling and still growing. Yet tucked away inside Delhi’s modern suburbs and developments are tombs, temples and ruins dating back centuries; in some places, the remains of whole cities from the dim and distant past nestle among homes and highways built in just the last decade or two. The result is a city full of fascinating nooks and crannies that you could happily spend weeks or even months exploring.

From a tourist’s perspective, Delhi is divided into two main parts. OldDelhi is the city of the Mughals and dates back to the seventeenth century. It’s the capital’s most frenetic quarter, and its most Islamic, a reminder that for over seven hundred years Delhi was a Muslim-ruled city. While many of the buildings enclosing Old Delhi’s teeming bazaars have a tale to tell, its greatest monuments are undoubtedly the magnificent constructions of the Mughals, most notably the mighty Red Fort, and the Jama Masjid, India’s largest and most impressive mosque.

To the south, encompassing the modern city centre, is New Delhi, built by the British to be the capital of their empire’s key possession. A spacious city of tree-lined boulevards, New Delhi is impressive in its own way. The Rajpath, stretching from India Gate to the Presidential Palace, is at least as mighty a statement of imperial power as the Red Fort, and it’s among the broad avenues of New Delhi that you’ll find most of the city’s museums, not to mention its prime shopping area, centred around the colonnaded facades of Connaught Place, the heart of downtown Delhi.

As the city expands, however – which it is doing at quite a pace – the centre of New Delhi is becoming too small to house the shops, clubs, bars and restaurants needed to cater to the affluent and growing middle class. Many businesses are moving into South Delhi, the vast area beyond the colonial city. Here, among the modern developments, and new business and shopping areas, is where you’ll find some of Delhi’s most ancient and fascinating attractions. Facing each other at either end of Lodi Road, for example, lie the constructions marking two ends of the great tradition of Mughal garden tombs: Humayun’s Tomb, its genesis, and Safdarjang’s Tomb, its last gasp. Here too, you’ll find the remains of six cities which preceded Old Delhi, most notably the Qutb Minar and the rambling ruins of Tughluqabad.

As a place to hit India for the first time, Delhi isn’t a bad choice. The city is used to foreigners: hotels in all price ranges cater specifically for foreign tourists, and you’ll meet plenty of experienced fellow travellers who can give you tips and pointers. And there’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do while you acclimatize yourself to the Subcontinent. Quite apart from its historical treasures, Delhi has a host of museums and art treasures, cultural performances and crafts that provide a showcase of the country’s diverse heritage. The city’s growing nightlife scene boasts designer bars, chic cafés and decent clubs. Its auditoriums host a wide range of national music and dance events, drawing on the richness of India’s great classical traditions. Smart new cinemas screen the latest offerings from both Hollywood and Bollywood, while its theatres hold performances in Hindi and in English. And if it’s from Delhi that you’re flying home, you’ll find that you can buy goods here from pretty much anywhere else in India, so it’s a good place to stock up with souvenirs and presents.

Delhi is both daunting and alluring, a sprawling metropolis with a stunning backdrop of ancient architecture. Once you’ve found your feet and got over the initial impact of the commotion, noise, pollution and sheer scale of the place, the city’s geography slowly slips into focus. Monuments in assorted states of repair are dotted around the city, especially in Old Delhi and in southern enclaves such as Hauz Khas. The British-built modern city centres on Connaught Place, the heart of New Delhi (though actually on its northern edge), from which it’s easy – by taxi, bus, auto-rickshaw or metro – to visit pretty much anywhere else in town.

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