Monday Tour

Rashtrapati Bhavan Drive Pass :

Rashtrapati Bhavan, home to the President of the world’s largest democracy, is emblematic of Indian democracy and its secular, plural and inclusive traditions. It was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker and stands on a 330 acre estate. It took seventeen years to build this presidential palace which was completed in the year 1929. Almost seven hundred million bricks and three million cubic feet of stone were used in building this architectural marvel that has 2.5 kilometers of corridors and 190 acres of garden area. The main building covers an area of 5 acres and has 340 rooms spread over four floors. The famous Mughal Gardens of the Rashtrapati Bhavan cover an area of 15 acres and have 159 celebrated varieties of roses, 60 varieties of bougainvillea and many other verities of flowers. The Estate also has a state-of-the-art Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (RBMC) comprising the Clock Tower, the Stables and the Garages showcasing past as well as current presidencies, the regal ceremonies, and the rich flora and fauna of Rashtrapati Bhavan, amongst other things. The RBMC was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee on 25th July, 2016. For the convenience of the general public, Delhi Tourism has extended the facility of Ho-Ho Buses to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. "For tourist desirous of visiting Rashtrapati Bhavan, prior online booking may be made." For more details please visit http://rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in/rbtour/

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib :

It is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was originally a bungalow belonging to Raja Jai Singh, an Indian ruler in the seventeenth century, and was known as Jaisinghpura Palace. The eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan resided here during his stay in Delhi in 1664. During that time, there was a smallpox and cholera epidemic, and Guru Har Krishan helped the suffering by giving aid and fresh water from the well at this house. Soon he too contracted the illness and eventually died on March 30, 1664. A small tank was later constructed by Raja Jai Singh over the well, its water is now revered as having healing properties and is taken by Sikhs throughout the world back to their homes.
Nearest metro station:- Rajiv chowk
Entry fee:- Free for all religion
Nearest eating point:- Bikanerwala
Note:- All days open.

Red Fort :

Next up is your date with the red architectural masterpiece of Delhi. Red Fort popularly known as Lal Qila is one of the most haunting spots for tourists. This magnificent fort on the banks of the river Yamuna, is a living piece of history from 17th Century Delhi. This fort was constructed by Shahjahan who also built the wonder of the world Taj Mahal as a symbol of his love. The whole structure is made of Red stone. Construction of Red Fort started in 1639 and within a span of 9 years, the colossal structure was built. The Red Fort has the highest pedestal as a historical monument in Indian democracy as the site plays a host for the Prime Minister of India as he addresses the nation on August 15. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Interesting facts:

• The whole design within the palace is based on the theme of ‘Paradise’ as described in the Koran.
• Largest monument in Old Delhi.
• Once more than 3,000 people lived inside the premises.
• Bahadur Shah Zafar was tried here.

Rajghat :

The calm yet dignified ambiance of your next destination will probably take you back to an era when great leaders were born. Surrounded by deep green lawns, Rajghat a simple black granite platform marking the site where, on January 31, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi’s last rites were performed. ‘Hey Ram’, his last words, are engraved on the black memorial stone. At the center of the square stone, an eternal flame burns to symbolize eternity of the great leader. To mark Gandhi’s birthday (Oct. 2) and death anniversary (Jan. 30), prayer ceremonies are held. The foreign leaders visiting Delhi pay their respects to Gandhi at Rajghat.
Interesting facts:

• The memorial was designed by Vanu G. Bhuta.
• 10,000 visitors visit this memorial everyday.

India Gate :

India Gate was built in 1931 as a memorial to 90,000 Indian soldiers who laid their lives fighting in the First World War.
The name of 90,000 men who died during these conflicts are inscribed on the uprights of the arch. Under the arch is the memorial to the Unknown soldier – an inverted rifle, and an eternal flame, guarded round the clock by a ceremonial guard drawn from three wings of the armed forces.
On one side of India Gate, at the far end of the Raj Path, stands the Rashtrapati Bhawan, and on the other side stands a canopy under which a statue of King George V stood before independence.

Interesting facts:

• The area around India Gate is called Princess Park, because it housed the residences of the ruling kings and princess. These includes Jaipur House which houses NGMA, Hyderabad House, Patiala House, Baroda House, Jodhpur House, Bikaner House, Jamnagar House and Kota House.
• After independence, all these were taken over by Govt, and now house various Govt. offices Serves as the venue of Republic Day Parade.

Humayun Tomb :

Like a true example of Mughal imperial architecture, your next destination has a royal aura about it. Humayun’s Tomb was built by his widow Hamida Banu Begam, also known as Haji Begam in 1569 after his death in 1556. Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian, was the architect employed by Haji Begam for this tomb. It is considered as the first distinct example of proper Mughal style inspired by Persian architecture. The influence is evident as it was the first garden tomb built in the Indian Subcontinent. Humayun’s Tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Interesting facts:

• It took eight years and Rs 1.5 million to build Humayun’s Tomb.
• Humayun’s Tomb introduced the four-quartered garden concept into Mughal architecture.
• The water channels at the garden reflect the four rivers that flow in jannat, the Islamic concept of paradise.
• The first monument to use the Persian double dome.

Lotus Temple :

This is the destination for those who are looking for nirvana. A visual delight, Lotus Temple is one of the most remarkable architectures of Bahai faith. This splendid structure is considered as the modern ‘Taj Mahal’. Since its dedication to public worship in December 1986, this Mother Temple of the Indian sub-continent has drawn to its portals more than 70 million visitors, making it one of the most visited edifices in the world. The place provides immaculate environment for meditation, peace and wisdom. The temple has no restrictions for visitors and is open to people from all religions. Fariborz Sahba, Canadian architect of Iranian origin, spent 10 years in designing and project management, and with the help of a team of about 800 engineers, technicians, artisans and workers brought to realization one of the most complicated constructions in the world.
Interesting facts:

• Lotus Temple stands seventh in the international chain of Bahai House of Worship.
• The central hall of worship in the temple has a capacity to accommodate 2500 persons at a time.
• Ardishir Rustanpur of Hyderabad had been generous enough to donate his entire life savings to buy the plot for Lotus Temple to be constructed.
• A CNN report has listed the Lotus Temple of Delhi as the most visited establishment in India.

Qutub Minar :

Get ready to meet one of the architectural marvels in the world. Qutub Minar is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. The minaret was constructed by Qutab-ud-din Aibak and later completed by his successor Iltutmish in 1192. Qutub Minar holds the title for the highest individual tower in the world with a height of 234 feet. It also makes it into the list of the tallest and most famous towers in the world. It proudly displays the beauty of Indo-Islamic Afghan architecture untouched by the time it has seen. Qutub Minar is a World Heritage Site. It is India’s most visited monument attracting around 3.9 million visitors every year.
Interesting facts:

• The purpose behind the construction of Minar was for the use of mu’azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer.
• The Minar contains numerous inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari characters, which narrate its history.
• As per the inscriptions on its surface, it was repaired by Firuz Shah Tughlaq and Sikandar Lodi.
• According to the Archeological Survey of India, the site at which Qutab Minar is located was once occupied by 27 Hindu and Jain temples

Jantar Mantar:

Often the venue for political protests, Jantar Mantar will introduce you to ancient science in India. It is a remarkable structure built by Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. The 5 astronomical observatories, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement, have captivated the attention of architects, artists, and art historians world wide. It consists of fourteen geometric devices used for measuring time, forecasting weather changes, predicting behaviour of planets and finding extraterrestrial altitude. Jantar Mantar is very popular among tourists and the people of Delhi. This structure shows the scientific acumen of ancient India.
Interesting facts

• It is maintained by the Jaipur Government because it was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur.
• Jantar Mantar was the logo of the 1982 Asian Games
• It is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in India
• Among the devices inside the Jantar Mantar, the biggest instrument is the “Samrat Jantar”