Delhi is the emblem of India’s past and present. It is almost 3000years old, great Pandavas of the Mahabharata ruled their domain (from 1000 BC to 4 AD) near the river Yamuna close to Old Delhi in the Aravalli region. It was then known as Indraprastha centered on the old fort. To the north, south and west of it is the Aravalli Mountains and river Yamuna with its turbulent flow lay to the east. Rulers even came from other parts of the world and ruled the area centering their capital at Delhi. The Surya Kund of Delhi remains as the memento of Rajput kings. Dislodging of the Union Jack, Indian National Flag was hoisted on 15^th August, 1947, at Red Fort after 200 years of British rule. On 1^st November, 1956, Delhi went under Central rule. Today New Delhi is the capital of India. Delhi was mainly dominated by Urdu speaking Muslims before Independence.

        On 26^th January, the capital decks up with festivals. Groups of folk dancers come from all the states and participate in the grand show. Visitors, invitees and tourists from all over the world come to Delhi on this day to observe the grand occasion at Gateway of India.  Another attractive festival of the city is Dussera or Ramlila. It continues for 10days in October at Ramlila Maidan firework, cultural functions and lights make Delhi a city of festival. The effigy of Ravana is burnt and it tinges the sky red.

        The third largest city in India, Delhi has been developed in two parts. To the west of Red Fort, Old Delhi in the Mughal period of Shahjahanabad is encircled by high walls. It is very shabby and overcrowded city with lanes and by lanes. Though it is known as Old Delhi people call it Delhi. When Delhi became the capital of India, the statues of British all over Delhi was replaced. The most sophisticated and one of the biggest commercial complexes of New Delhi is Connaught place, developed and designed by Robert Tor Russel, and the outer ring of Connaught place is Connaught circle. They have been renamed as Rajiv Chowk and Indira Chowk respectively in 1995. Mercantile firms, shops and establishments, hotels, national and international air offices, banks and tourists and travelling agents’ offices are all located at Connaught place in New Delhi. Janpath is one of the busiest roads in New Delhi. Janpath meets Rajpath further south. To the east of Rajpath is India Gate and to the west are Parliament house and Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the way housing various foreign consulates and embassies, there is the Diplomatic Enclave Chanakyapuri. However historical Indo- Islamic styled buildings like the Red Fort and Juma Mosque and Chadni Chowk, all are in old Delhi. Below the ground is air conditioned Connaught place.  Few places of attraction in Delhi such as Lotus Temple, The India Gate, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Nehru Museum etc.

Demography-

        The main languages of Delhi are Hindi, Punjabi. English is equally in the use. In Delhi we find different religion people. People over here are engaged in different professions such as IT sectors, engineers, BPO, government jobs etc. the literacy rate in Delhi is 81%.

Climate-

        The best season to visit October, November, February and March. However winter is severe and long – from November to early March. The temperature varies between 23-7C. The temperature comes down below to 3-4C in December- January with cold wind. Lowest temperature recorded was 1.4C in 1947. Accompanied by chilling wind and sufficient woolen garments are required here.

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