Delhi is an ancient land, where the culture rose to soaring pinnacles long before modern civilisation made its way into everyone`s heart. Indians are justly proud of their rich heritage, that in itself a reason to plan a vacation trip to this capital city. So rich is the heritage - both secular and sacred - ranging from grand Mughal forts to the towering temples portraying exquisite architecture. Somewhere it is the ornate Nagara style, somewhere it is the opulent Gothis architecture. The grand colonial buildings made in European style can be found dotting the Central Delhi terrain.Monuments of Delhi are known for their grand architecture and magnificent carvings.

Purana Qila
It is believed that the Pandavas had built their capital, Indraprastha at the place where the old fort stands today. This fort, now in ruins, was the seat for administration for many emperors. The legendary Prithviraj Chauhan ruled from here till Abdali defeated him in the battle of Panipat.

Qutub Minar
A Muslim king, Qutub -ud - din in 1199 A.D built it and a part of which he could not finish was completed by Iltutmish, another Muslim king. It is situated in the southern part of Delhi. The height of the tower is about 72.5 meter high and there is a mosque at its base. In front the Qutub Minar there is an iron pillar, which is believed was built in 5th century. The unique part of the pillar is that it has not caught rust ever since it was built.

India Gate
Lutyens designed INDIA GATE mainly a memorial to the Unknown Soldier. The 42 metre high structure is a war memorial in honour of the soldiers who died during the Second World War. The impressive structure from where stretch massive lush green lawns have an everlasting flame (Amar Jawan Jyoti) to honour the memory of the unknown soldiers. India Gate significantly located in the vicinity of Rastrapati Bhavan is a major crowd puller during the hot summer evenings of Delhi by virtue of its lush green lawns.

Lotus temple
It is completed in 1986, the Bahai temple is set between pools and gardens, and people of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate silently according to their own religion. The structure is in lotus shape so it is often called the lotus temple. The view of the temple is very impressive just before sunset when the temple is flood lit.

Rashrapati Bhavan
The Bhavan that houses the President of India and the house that is proud of having welcomed the most powerful men in history. The Rashtrapati Bhavan was designed by Edwin Lutyens and built in 1931, to be the central point of the British power in Delhi. Originally called the Viceroy`s House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan covers an area of 4.5 acres of land. It has 340 rooms, 37 salons, 74 lobbies, 18 staircases and 37 fountains. The most magnificent room in the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the Durbar Hall, which lies directly beneath the main dome. All important Indian State and Official ceremonies are held here. To the west, is the famous and beautifully landscaped Mughal Gardens, designed after the terraced gardens the Mughals built in Kashmir. The garden is famous as the `Butterfly Garden` for the numerous butterflies that visit the varied flowers. The garden is open to the public in February.

Rajghat
The simple square platform of black marble on the banks of the river Yamuna marks the place where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. His last words ` Hey Ram ` are inscribed on this platform, which is surrounded by a serene garden.

Humayun`s Tomb
Built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid 16th century, this red sand stone structure is considered to be the ancestor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best examples of Mughal Architecture. Humayun`s wife is also buried in the red and white sandstone, black and yellow marble tomb.

Safdarjung`s Tomb
The Safdarjung tomb is besides the Safdarjung airport. The Nawab of Avadh build this tomb for his father. The structure is one of the finest examples of architecture of its time and tells a saga of the last leftovers of a dying empire.

Parliament House
A marvellous piece of architecture where the bicameral legislature of India meets for its sessions. Lok sabha, the lower house and Rajya Sabha the upper house. Close to Rashtrapathi Bhavan, is a domed almost circular structure a kilometer in circumferance, and was designed by the well-known architect Lutyens. It is the seat of the Indian Parliament and during the sessions of Parliament there is an outbreak of activity in and around the structure.

Jamma Masjid
One of the Architectural gifts given by Shah Jahan, Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques not only in Delhi but also in India. Completed in 1658 this Mosque has three gateways, four viewpoint towers and two 40 m high minarets. People can enter the mosque but have to take precaution to take their shoes off and make sure that are properly dressed before entering. One can also go to the top of minarets. From here you can have a birds eye view of Delhi.

Jantar Mantar
Set within the garden of stately palms, it was built by Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur in 1719. He had been entrusted with the task of revising the calendar and correcting the astronomical tables then in use. He made daily astral observation for seven years before embarking on these stone constructions. He discarded the usual instruments of brass and built these massive ones in masonry, which are used to the movements of stars. This observatory, together with the one at Jaipur, are the finest examples anywhere of observatories modelled on the general pattren laid down by Ulugh Baigh of Samarkand in the 14th century. The observatory is conceived with perfect stability and is adjusted to the meridian and latitude of the location.

Fort in Delhi
The Red Fort more popularly known as The Lal Quila (Lal ie. red and Quila ie.fort) stands strong on the banks of the river Yamuna as an irregular octagon. It is surrounded by a wall of about 2.4 Kilometers in circumferance and is built of Red Sandstone. The Mughal king Shah Jahan (popular for building the Taj Mahal of Agra) transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and the fort was completed in 1648, nine years after the king shifted to this city. The fort has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate, which faces the famed Chandni Chowk market.

Being the capital of India, Delhi is the seat of all political activities. The Parliament House and other ministries are residing in Delhi. It has always been a major state since ancient times. The India Gate pays deference to the soldiers who laid their lives for India in the Afghan war. The Raj Ghat glorifies the memories of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The other historical moments like Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun`s Tomb, Lodhi Gardens, Chandni Chawk etc. stand in pride to enliven the Mughal era and Indo-Islamic architecture in India. The Rashtrapati Bhawan and other modern building, shopping centres, Metro Project and huge flyovers present a perfect blend of modernity with tradition. Today Delhi has two distinct projections that wait for a tourist. Whereas the Old Delhi represents Delhi of Mughal empire with narrow and crowded roads with Monuments like Red Fort, Chandni Chawk etc. New Delhi is an educational, political and administrative hub of India. Delhi is surrounded by a high stonewall, erected in 1638, and is approached through seven arched gateways, including the Delhi Gate in the south, the Ajmer Gate in the east, and the Kashmere Gate in the north. Within the walls is a web of congested narrow streets, alleys, busy bazaars, and some of the nation`s most spectacular Indo-Muslim architectural features. Today, New Delhi stands tall amidst modern buildings, skyscrapers and architectural brilliance. Delhi is home to more than 14 million people. People from all over the country settle in Delhi for a better livelihood. Delhi is a fine combination of modern culture and rich tradition. Presence of historical monuments and latest architectural marvels voice the cultural spirit of the state. Delhi is the backbone of the nation`s economy. Delhi contributes significantly towards the economy of the country. Besides the IT sector, handloom, fashion, textile and electronic industry have equally contributed to Delhi`s economy.