Akshardham Temple
The megha Akshardham temple complex is finally opened to the public on 8 November 2005. The temple which depicts the Hindu mythology and Indian culture promises to attract lakhs of tourists’ every year with its religious tourism. Build over an area of 100 acres on the banks of the Yamuna River, it took more than 2 years for construction and costed around Rs.2 billion, funded by millions of Bochasanvasi Aksharpurushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) followers worldwide. The temple has 234 ornate pillars, 20,000 statues and many arches. Besides the Swaminarayan temple the complex consists of the main monument, exhibition halls, an IMAX theatre and a musical fountain, surrounded by a garden.
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Akshardham
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Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir is also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, it is ideally located in central Delhi (Mandir Marg). This temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi and Lord Narayana (Lord Vishnu) was built in 1938 by the prominent Indian industrialist Raja Baldev Das Birla and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi.
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Birla Temple |
Chandni Chowk
No trip to Delhi would be complete without a visit to one of the bazaars that surround Chandni Chowk (Moonlight Square), in Old Delhi, where shops and stalls display a wonderful array of goods and offer a pungent and colourful insight into Delhi life. Chandni Chowk has a large number of galis (lanes) and each one is different, with their own atmosphere and smells. Naya Bazaar, on Khari Baoli, is the spice market that displays a wonderful selection of foodstuff in neat, colourful piles. The nearby Gadodial Market is the wholesale spice market. Hundreds of spices and condiments can be found including aniseed, ginger, pomegranate, saffron, lotus seeds, pickles and chutneys, to name just a few.
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Chandni Chowk |
Cannaught Place
One of Delhi's most popular shopping centres built as early as 1931 there is nothing that one cannot buy here and it also has several eating houses. The state emporia buildings are also located in this area so are the head offices of major banks, airlines and other such things of importance to the tourist. The complex popularly referred to as CP is an important meeting points for all sections of people and is something which no tourist should miss if for nothing else then for its architecture and the humdrum of everyday life.
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Cannaught Palace |
Corbett National Park (300 km from Delhi)
Welcome to India's first ever National Park, the Corbett National Park! Located in Uttar Pradesh and covering an area of 520 square kilometers, it is also a Tiger Reserve Project. Initially called the Hailey National Park, it was established in 1936 on the advice of the hunter-naturalist Jim Corbett.
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Corbett National Park |
Red Fort
The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Quila, is Delhi's signature attraction, rising high above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the wealth and power of the Mogul empire. The massive sandstone walls were built in the 17th century to keep out marauding invaders and still dominate the skyline today. Inside are an array of exquisite buildings, which once provided the living quarters for Shah Jehan, his courtiers, family and staff of three thousand. Visitors can marvel at the intricate decoration and only imagine the scenes here at the empire's height when the walls were studded with precious stones and a 'stream of paradise' drove an ingenious air conditioning system.
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Red Fort |
Jama Masjid
Shah Jehan, the architect of the Red Fort and much of Old Delhi, built Jama Masjid between 1644 and 1656. This grand structure is situated on a hill a few hundred yards west of the Red Fort and towers over the mayhem of Old Delhi's sprawling streets. Jama Masjid is India's largest mosque and can hold 25,000 worshipers at one time. Wide red sandstone steps lead to entrances on the North, South and East sides of the mosque. Inside is the massive courtyard dominated by two red and white striped sandstone minarets that cap the main prayer hall on the west side (facing Mecca).
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Jama Masjid |
Pragati Maidan
One of the most famous places of Delhi is Pragati Maidan. Founded in 1982 on the eve of Asian Games. Various Trade Fairs are being organised throughout the year. States have found their permanent stalls here with their products and merchandises. There are different museums set up here on different items of Indology.
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Pragati Maidan |
National Zoological Park
The Delhi zoo, close to Purana Qila, near ITO, was established in 1959 and is spread over a massive area of 214 acres. Is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitate to the animals and birds. There are more than 2,000 animals and bird species from places like Africa, America, Australia and even Asia.
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Nationl Zoological Park |
Ranthambhore National Park
Well, Blake surely wasn't exaggerating when he wrote that poem and one could confirm it with a visit to the Ranthambhore National park. This famous Tiger Reserve forest covers a core area of 400 square kilometers and is a home to carnivores such as the panther, jackal, hyena, and sores of herbivores such as the deer, sambhar, stag and many migratory birds. The tiger is the most fascinating animal of the park and also the most elusive one.
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Ranthambhore National Park |
Haridwar (214 km from Delhi)
Imagine several saffron clad tourists chanting and praying, imagine the pilgrim thronged Ghats and the Ganges, flowing from her source. That's Haridwar, the holy land of the Hindus.
Haridwar is famous for its temples, bathing ghats and tanks. The Ganges, considered as the holiest river in India, is the star attraction of Haridwar. Pilgrims carry back the water from the Gangas, which they believe will remain fresh forever.
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Haridwar |
Mussoorie
The famed 'Queen of the Hills', Mussoorie is one of the most famous hill stations of India. With over 350 hotels, Mussoorie has the largest number of hotels among the hill stations in India.
Mussoorie had its birth when Captain Young laid its foundations in 1823. It was initially called 'The Mullingar', but it was later named after the widely grown in the hill station, dal called 'Masur'.
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Mussoorie |
Rishikesh
The city that co-exists along with Haridwar, with the latter's spiritual quality. Rishikesh, is the starting point of the holy Char Dham pilgrimage. The city is not only thronged by Indians but also by foreigners wanting to know more about Hinduism.
Lakshamn Jula, a suspended iron bridge is worth a visit. It connects either banks of the Ganges. Triveni Ghat is considered as auspicious among the pilgrims and you can find them every morning bathing in the Ghat.
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Rishikesh |
Dehradun (255 kilometres from Delhi)
For an ideal summer getaway or to spend a relaxing weekend, Dehradun is the answer. Beautiful rolling hills of green, misty mornings and fresh air. Dehradun has it all. Nestled in the Shivaliks, the hill station is 640 metres above sea level. Once ruled by the Garhwal kings, it later became a British residential town.
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Dehradun |
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