The city of Delhi has two faces: both ancient and modern. From the 6^th century BC onwards, Delhi has been a city that has been almost continuously inhabited.  

During the time of Mahabharata, Delhi was known as “Indraprastha”. It has seen the rise and fall of kings and emperors. It has been captured and ransacked, and has served as the capital of many kingdoms and empires.  

Delhi’s history has been one radiant with glory and bathed in tears. This is the face of Old Delhi, the city of the Tughlaks, the Khiljis and the Moghuls, a city of palaces and forts, tombs and crowded bazaars. 

From Hindu kings to Muslim sultans, the reins of the city kept shifting from one ruler to another. In the year 1803 AD, the city came under the British rule.  

In 1911, the British shifted the capital from Calcutta to Delhi. After India won independence in 1947, New Delhi was officially declared as the Capital of India, and this is the modern face of Delhi. 

New Delhi is the city of the awe inspiring Rashtrapati Bhavan, the imposing Secretariat, the magnificent Parliament House, and the graceful India Gate. 

It is a city of tree lined avenues and green expanses, towering skyscrapers, and world class infrastructure, soaring flyovers and historic monuments that showcase the progressive and vibrant nation that India is today. 

Delhi now is the most polluted city of India. This pollution can be traced to the huge population, over 11 million. Majority of population have their own private transport, like car or bike. 

Delhi is officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Delhi’s urban area is now considered to extend beyond the National Capital Territory, including the neighbouring satellite cities of Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. The extended area of Delhi has a population of more than 26 million. 

There are several places to visit in Delhi. Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Parliament House, Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Purana Qila, to name a few. 

Delhi is connected by air with all the major cities of the world. 

Connaught Place is the main shopping centre in Delhi. 

The summer months exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit on a regular basis while late spring offers the rainy season and the winter months drop all the way down to zero. The ideal time to explore the vast and monumental sights of New Delhi is during October-November and February-March when temperatures are more mild on average.