Abbott Mount Cottage

Abbott Mount Cottage Lohaghat, Uttaranchal.

Abbott Mount Cottage is located 165 km away from Kathgodam railway station & 9 km from Lohaghat, this colonial style lodge offers four rooms. The lodge is well furnished with independent (not attached) toilets, a kitchen where one can avail the services of our cook. The place is excellent for birding, Himalayan views and nature treks. This also serves as a base for anglers who wish to fish Mahseer at Pancheshwar, a confluence of Saryu and Mahakali rivers.

This historic hamlet of Abbott Mount is situated at an altitude of about 6500 ft above sea level in the eastern part of the Kumaon Hills near the small town of Lohaghat in Champavat District. Abbott Mount was founded by and named after Mr. John Harold Abbott. An English businessman who wanted to start a hill station for the European community at the turn of the 20th century. Unlike many Indian hill stations Abbott Mount has changed little since its inception. There are only thirteen secluded cottages spread over this private hill. There is a picturesque church set amidst the forest and an old cricket pitch with an unsurpassed view of the mountains. Places to visit from Abbott Mount: Pancheshwar, Patal Bhubaneshwar, Mayawati Ashram.

How to reach Abbott Mount Cottage

Drive from Nainital via Dhanachuli & Devidhura: 6 hours. Drive from Ranikhet via Almora & Jageshwar: 6 hours Overnight air-conditioned trains: A. from Mathura to Lal Kuan and the drive via Bhimtal, Dhanachuli & Devidhura: 7 hours; B. from Delhi to Kathgodam and the drive via Bhimtal, Dhanachuli & Devidhura: 6 hours; C. from Delhi to Ramnagar and the drive via Nainital, Dhanachuli & Devidhura: 8 hours. Drive from Delhi via Moradabad , Rampur , Rudrapur, Khatima, Tanakpur and Lohaghat; Tanakpur to Lohaghat is a 90-km hill drive. Upon reaching Lohaghat drive towards Pithoragarh for 6 km & arrive at Marorakhan. Turn towards Abbott Mount, drive 1½ km and take a sharp ‘U' turn and drive another ½ km to the lodge. This is the first lodge where the road ends.

Pithoragarh

Pithoragarh, located at an elevation of 1, 635 m above the sea level (5, 396 feet), is a district in Uttarakhand with its headquarters in the town of the same name. It is positioned in the centre of the western half of Soar Valley which bears a resemblance to the Kashmir valley on a small scale. Pithoragarh is known as the gateway to the Himalaya's from the north, as pilgrims trek through this town to the Kailas Lake in Mansarovar and Om Parvat. Pithoragarh has been expansively explained in a novel by American author Bradley Swift titled ‘From Pithoragarh to Pittsburgh’.

Pithoragarh is a lovely place to begin your tour of the Himalayas. The valley of Pithoragarh has all that you would like to see snowcaps and glaciers, lakes, bubly rivers, dense conifer forests, and grassy alpine meadows. About one-third of Pithoragarh is perpetually covered by snow. It is comfortable to visit all round the year. One can enjoy a slew of adventure sports in Pithoragarh like hang gliding, paragliding, trekking, skiing, canoeing, river rafting and fishing.

History
The lineage of Pithoragarh can be traced to the age of Puranas when it flourished under different names, though no documents from that era has been recovered. What is known though, that Pithoragarh used to be an important stopover en route Kailasa Parbat. Ancient religious texts such as Rig Veda and Skanda Purana mention about the various tribes that inhabited the area.

How to Reach
Pithoragarh is one of the most beautiful, unpolluted and non-commercialized tourist places in the state of Uttarakhand. It is simply striking valley with a charming combination of rural and urban elements all in one place. There are many ways to reach Pithoragarh and though one might say the journey being strenuous, the natural beauty does inspire a visitor to come back repeatedly.

Temples
Temples are important structures in Pithoragarh for not only are they a place of worship but also a meeting point for people. Let's explore some of the most famous and ancient temples in Pithoragarh.

Pithoragarh Weather
The town of Pithoragarh is established in a valley surrounded by giant ice laden peaks which affect the weather of the Pithoragarh valley. Located at an altitude of 1,514 m (4,967 ft), Pithoragarh has a classic ‘mountainous’ temperature, i.e. tremendous disparity in temperature owing to great deal of elevation gradient.

Munsiyari
The name 'Munsiyari' means a 'place with snow'. Munsiyari is a tehsil and a town located in Kumaon Himalayas in Pithoragarh district within the hill state of Uttarakhand in India.

Places To See
Pithoragarh is quiet little hill station located in Uttarakhand state. Endowed with natural beauty in abundance, Pithoragarh is a destination that offers a retreat from the usual urban surrounds and maddening crowds of big cities.

Shopping
Pithoragarh is a beautiful hill station that has its share of traditional handicrafts and other local products you can shop for. Here you can look for traditional woven woolen shawls and blankets, apart from other woolen products. The designs and colors of apparels you find here are strikingly different and unique in themselves. Also, you can shop around for traditional gems and jewels found here.

Dehradun

Dehradun

 

Dehradun is the capital city of the state of Uttarakhand. It is a well known tourist destination for a long time. Besides being a travel destination, the city is also known for public schools, IMA and other national institutes. The entire district is surrounded by the mighty Himalayas in the North, aging Shivalik Hills in the South, the River Ganga in the East and River Yamuna in the West.

The soil of the region is very fertile and most plants and trees grow quickly and bear bountiful fruits. Dehradun has a Sub-Tropical type of weather with chilly winters, humid and crisp springs, scorching summers and a strong monsoon. Dehradun has premium educational and research institutes such as Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing and Indian Institute of Petroleum. Excellent schools like the Doon School, Welham School for Girls & Boys, Army School and Rashtriya Indian Military College are also present there.

Attractions
Dehradun is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Uttarakhand, mostly as a brief stopover en route Mussoorie. Located on the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, Dehradun is a striking yet serene place. It is thought to be one of the oldest (read as ancient) cities in India.

Chakrata
Chakrata is a small town near Dehradun which served as an infantry base during the British rule. It is especially known for tranquil, beautiful and pollution free surroundings. The hill station is positioned between the Rivers Tons and Yamuna at an altitude of 5,500-6,500 ft.

Dakpathar
Strategically positioned near the banks of mighty River Yamuna, Dakpathar in Dehradun has recently been developed into a leisure spot. The brainchild of the GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), Dakpathar is naturally exotic surrounded with forests and bejeweled with lush green lawns and gardens.

Places to See Near Dehradun
The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is famous for its scenic grandeur and beautiful surroundings. Dehradun and its surrounding places are adorned with the beauty of the Himalayas. There are several historical places, temples, natural springs, parks, picnic spots in the city's vicinity, which are surely worth a visit.

Sahastradhara
Its name deciphered as the ‘Thousand Fold Spring’ in English, Sahastradhara is one of the most beautiful and serene picnic spots in Dehradun . It is very popular amongst both the locals as well as the tourists coming to the city. Its name emerges from the fact that the water literally drips down from limestone stalactites numbering thousands.

Guchhupani & Lachhiwala
Dehradun is a beautiful place with lots of picnic spots. Two of these are quite famous, namely Robber’s Cave (also known as Guchhupani) and Lachhiwala. Though they have different attractions to entice people, both these places are ideal examples of the treasures of nature in Uttarakhand.

How to Reach
Dehradun is a captivating place situated amidst the foothills of Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. This article will guide you on the various ways of reaching this beautiful city which is linking point for Haridwar and Rishikesh. Dehradun is well connected with direct trains to important towns.

Things to Do in Dehradun
Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand, is nestled amidst the thickly forested valley of the Shivalik ranges. Known for its salubrious climate, natural beauty and proximity to Mussoorie, the city was once a major base of the Garhwal kings. Today, it counts amongst the major cities of India, from tourism point of view as well as otherwise.

Malsi Deer Park
Malsi Deer Park, located in the outskirts of Dehradun, equally enthralls both the adults and children. It is one of the major tourist attractions in the city and also acts as a savior of natural environment from unnecessary business propositions. It falls on the way to Mussoorie (with a little diversion of course), another highly rated tourist spot.

Mindroling Monastery
The Mindroling Monastery has a long history. Mindroling (pronounced as Minh-dro-lyng) literally means a ‘Place of Perfect Emancipation’ in Tibet and is a place of worship for the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. This sect has a total of six monasteries in Tibet, including the one in the Lhasa region of Tibet, on the south side of the Tsangpo River.

Tapkeshwar Temple
Dehradun is full of legends but so is the state of Uttarakhand it is situated in. The entire region was once supposed to be submerged under a lake but environmental changes made it a terrestrial heaven. There is a lot to see in the Doon Valley (as it is locally called), especially temples and the rivulet forests.

Weather
The geographical location of Dehradun is mainly responsible for the ever-changing but pleasant weather of Dehradun. Dehradun has a sub-tropical climate with cold winters, warm and colorful springs, humid and hot summers and an elongated monsoon.

Indian Military Academy
Located in Dehradun, the Indian Military Academy is an institution that trains men who officer the Indian Army. The Indian Military Academy became functional from 1st October 1932 with batch of 40 Gentlemen Cadets. Brigadier L.P. Collins was its first commandant.

Shopping
Shopping in Dehradun, Uttarakhand's capital city, with well stocked markets and shopping complexes, is an absolute delight. When you happen to visit Dehradun, don't forget to look for traditional Dehradun basmati rice which is world famous for both, its aroma and taste. Also the delicious Chakarata Rajma is available in the markets here that you can take home.

Haridwar

Haridwar

Legend holds that one can attain moksha (nirvana) just by the touch of Ganges from Haridwar or the Gateway to God. The village has got such an esteemed place in Indian way of thought. Haridwar is considered to be blessed by the trio of lords Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). Har ki Pauri is one of the holiest ghats in India and it is believed that a drop of the immortal exilier fell here, testimonied by the footprint of Lord Vishnu.

Haridwar became an integral part of Uttarakhand on 9th November 2000 when the state was carved out of Uttar Pradesh. Today it houses many symbols of modern growth like Industrial Estate of State Infrastructure & Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCUL) and BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) and the ancillaries of these businesses. Many professional builders have constructed housing societies for vacationers and retired people. Get to know more about Haridwar through this section.

Attractions
People visit Haridwar to forget all their worldly desires, anxieties and ‘unholy’ things connected with their lives. Haridwar has the ‘Panch Teerth’ mentioned in the Puranas located within the district mainly known as Gangadwara (Har-ki-Pauri), Kushwart Ghat, Kankhal, Bilwa Teerth (Mansa Devi) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi).

Chandi Devi Temple
Situated on the top of Neel Parvat, in Haridwar, Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most famous temples of India. Considered to be one of the Shaktipeeths of North India, this place is of great religious significance. It is said to have the power to fulfill the wishes of devotees and this is why it is also known as Siddhpeetha.

Daksha Mahadev Temple
Daksha Mahadev temple is one of the most ancient temples of Lord Shiva, situated in Kankhal. The temple is approximately 4 km away from the main township of Haridwar. Mythologies relate this temple to Daksha Yagya. According to the legends, Goddess Sati's father Daksha Prajapati performed a yagna, a holy ritual, at this place, but did not invite Lord Shiva, his son-in-law.

Places to See Near Haridwar
Considered as one of the most sacred pilgrims in Hindu Religion, Haridwar according to some mythological text is one of those four sacred places in India where the elixir of immorality accidentally spilled from heaven. It is also famous for the Kumb Mela celebrated here once in every three years.

Har Ki Pauri Haridwar
One of the most famous and most visited sites of Haridwar, Har ki Pauri is considered as one of its five main holy sites. It is believed to be the sacred place where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, two great Hindu Gods, appeared in the Vedic era. This place is considered equivalent to the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Banaras, in religious terms.

History
The city of Haridwar is an ancient city of India, mentioned in several Upanishads and Puranas with different names such as Gangadwara, Mayapuri and Kapilasthana. The city’s name literally meaning the ‘Doorway of / to Gods’, is equally important to both Shaivites (Shiva followers) and Vaishnavites (Vishnu followers).

How to Reach
Haridwar is a sacrosanct place in Uttarakhand well-connected to the rest of India by various means of transport. Delhi, the capital of India, is just at 214km from Haridwar. Hardwar’s existence is supposed to be from the days of Pandavas of Mahabharata, so one can safely assume that the place is really ancient.

Things to Do in Haridwar
Haridwar, considered to be blessed by the Hindi Trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh (Shiva), is one of the most sacred cities in India. It is home to Har ki Pauri, the bathing ghat where river Ganga is said to rid people of all their sins, just by taking a dip in its waters.

Mansa Devi Temple
Situated atop the Bilwa Parvat, on Shivalik Hills, Mansa Devi is approximately 2.5 km from the main township of Haridwar. One of the most visited temples in North India, the temple is known for being the holy abode of Goddess Mansa, the wife of Nag Vasuki and the brainchild of Saint Kashyap.

Weather
Haridwar is located in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. However, since it is not cradled by the mountains, its weather is also affected by the conditions in other parts of Northern India. Maximum temperature in summers reaches up to 42^o C. In winters, the temperature falls to 18^o C in winters.

Shopping
Haridwar, being primarily a pilgrimage destination, has numerous shops along its streets selling all essentials that a pilgrim would need. The streets between the railway station and famous Har Ki Pauri are filled with such shops.

Mussoorie Hill Town

 

Mussoorie Hill Town

 

Established in the Himalaya foothills by a British Army officer in 1820, the "Queen of the Hills" stands above the rest with its deep woods, favorable climate and Doon Valley views. Its name is derived from the berry-covered Mansur shrub found in abundance around this trekker-friendly area. Vestiges of its colonial past are still reflected in the cuisine and architecture. For stunning natural sights, head to Gun Hill or Childer's Lodge, the two highest peaks, or the famous Kempty waterfall.

 

 

Mussoorie (prashant007lko, Nov 2008)

Mussoorie is known for its healthy and pleasant weather. This attractive hill station has always been tourists most favored destination away from the heat of the plains. Situated at an altitude of approximately 7,000 feet above the sea level, it abounds in natural beauty and scenic splendor. The ideal period for visiting Mussoorie is either between April and May or between September and November, when the temperature is extremely pleasant and the lush green flora has covered the hill top completely. Let us get some information on the weather and climate of Mussoorie.

Summer
The summer season in Mussoorie lasts from April to June, during which period the hill resort experiences pleasant climatic conditions. Around this time, the maximum temperature is somewhere around 30^o C, while at night, it might dip to as low as 10^o C.

Winter
In Mussoorie, winter starts in late October and stretches on till mid-February. In the day, the temperature hovers around 10^o C, while the nights usually see it plummeting to 0^o C. The hill resort might also experience snowfall in the winter season.

Monsoon
The monsoon in Mussoorie falls between the months of June/July and September, usually followed by spring time. In this season, the hill resort abounds in natural beauty, with lush green vegetation all around. Mussoorie experiences heavy drizzling around December also.

Mussoorie (a Facebook Member, Mar 2010)

Mussoorie (a Facebook Member, Mar 2010)

Mussoorie (a Facebook Member, Mar 2010)

Mussoorie (a Facebook Member, Mar 2010)

 

The Queen of Hills : Shimla

Shimla,

was the Summer capital of India under British rule . Presently, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, with its population around 1.6 lacs (Shimla town only). Shimla has seen many important historical events such as the famous Shimla Pact between India & Pakistan which was signed here. The place is also famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples. 

Height: Most of the town lies between 2,100 m and 2,300 m

Languages spoken: Hindi. Also English, Punjabi and Pahari.

Religion: Mostly Hindu. Also Sikh, Muslim and Christian
Medical Facilities: Good

Telecommunications: Worldwide links by the net, telephone and fax, code: 0177

With all its intricacies, history seems to have been the mortar for every brick and stone that has built Shimla. As the summer capital of British India for well over a century it was the seat of one of the most powerful governments in the world. From its cedar-shaded heights, one fifth of the human race was ruled and the decisions made those decades ago affect our lives to the present day.

The town of Shimla rose in the nineteenth century when the Gurkha Wars came to an end in 1815-16 and the victorious British decided to retain certain pockets as military outposts and sanitaria. In 1822 the most rigorous of dandies and the greatest of sticklers for form Captain Charles Pratt Kennedy, Political Agent to the Hill States directed that a house be built for him at the village whose name is variously reported as Sheyamalaya Shumlah, Shimlu and Shemlah. Kennedy House led the vanguard of the hundred-odd houses that were to scatter themselves by 1841 over every level or gently inclining space. Lured by the climate and terrain scores of European invalids began moving to the station and the only stipulation of the local chief who owned the land was that no tree be cut or cattle slaughtered.

In 1864 the Viceroy, John Lawrence anointed Shimla – then spelt Simla, as the summer capital of British India. With Lawrence came the Viceroy Council, the Imperial Secretariat, representatives of the Indian princes and foreign envoys. As the town grew to become the workshop of the Empire, an awed visitor observed, every pigeonhole cradled an embryo of a war or death. Despite the fact that up to the time of Indian independence in 1947, Shimla officially remained only the summer capital, yet the Government spent more time in these hills than at the actual capital Calcutta and later New Delhi. As the bearer of the Viceregal sceptre this tiny pocket became the cynosure of British Empire. Imperial grandeur, and all the panoply and trappings of power came along for the ride. And there was a popular local saying that went, “You cannot sleep the nights in Simla for the sound of grinding axes”. A social whirl of parties, gymkhanas, balls, fancy fairs and affaires du Coeur ensured that a heady mixture of scandal and intrigue constantly wafted through the town.

Quite inevitably the freedom movement had a close connection with Shimla. Ornithologist and former Civil Servant, Allan Octavian Hume created the Indian National Congress which spearheaded the struggle while living in the town. Stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and Maulana Azad regularly visited Shimla. Major events that took place in the town were the Simla Conference in 1942, the deliberations of the Cabinet on and finally the decision to partition India.

And while the British Empire may have ceased to exist, its echoes linger on in the architecture and ambience of this hill resort. The elements of nostalgia may be strong but Shimla also has a youthful vigour in its pace. Its easy accessibility and several other attractions have made it one of India’s most popular hill resorts. There are many unforgettable walks, day-excursions by the dozen, a variety of convenient shopping and entertainment museums, and ice-skating in winter. Shimla is the base or the unwinding point for numerous exhilarating routes to the state interior.

Today the town is distinctive for its variety of architecture. It has one of the rare surviving urban forests, made all the more unique, for its species are temperate to alpine ones in what is otherwise a tropical zone. And then Shimla’s famous Mall offers one of the longest stretches of pedestrian shopping in the world.

View of Shimla from Jakhoo hill

Within and around Shimla, the public and private sector offer an enormous range of accommodation that range from modern to heritage hotels. Like satellites placed around the centre, there are many resorts in Shimla’s periphery that are full-fledged destinations in their own right. These are located at Mashobra, Naldehra, Kufri, Shilon Bagh and Chail. En route by road from Kalka there are Parwanoo, Dharampur and Kasauli.  

Places of interests in New Delhi

Places of interests in New Delhi

 

Alai Minar

The unfulfilled dream of Ala-ud-din as the victory tower, "Alai Minar" stands 27 meters high built of red sandstone, uncompleted, originally planned to be built along similar lines of Qutab Minar. "Alai Darwaza" is the main gateway to the entire complex housing the tomb of Imam Zamin, the tomb of Altamish and the mosque.

Birla Temple

Build in 1983 and also known as Lakshmi Naryan Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Structurally similar to old Orissian temples, the chief temple houses the marble idol Vishnu or Narayan (the preserver) and Laxmi (goddess of wealth). On either side are installed the idols of goddess Durga and Lord Shiva in separate temples.

Botanical Gardens

20 km. Founded in 1787 by the East India Company, the main attraction of the 273-acre gardens being the banyan tree, largest in the world. Also rows of mahogany trees, an avenue of Royal Cuban palms and an Orchid House. Visitors may drive across the bridge and through Howrah, the industrial extension of Calcutta or take ferry from Chandpal or Tekta Ghats to the gardens.

Chandni Chowk

The main street of 'Old' Delhi is a magnificent bazaar and as fine a monument to congestion, colour and chaos as you'll find in India today. In Shah Jahan's day, it was endowed with fine mansions, had a tree-lined canal flowing down its centre and was renowned throughout Asia; today it's jam-packed with artisans, traders and auto-rickshaws and comprises a fantastic cocktail of stench, movement, uproar and fumes. There's a Jain temple at the street's eastern end, near the Red Fort; at the western end is the Fatehpuri Mosque, built by one of Shah Jahan's wives in 1650

Coronation Durbar Site

Incurable Raj fans should head to the "Coronation Durbar site", marked by a lone obelisk in a desolate field located in open country north of 'Old' Delhi. Pride of place goes to a 15m (50ft) high statue of George V that rises ghost-like above the acacia trees. It was placed here after being removed from the canopy midway along Rajpath soon after Independence. It was on this site that, in 1877 and 1903, the durbars were enacted and, in 1911,"King George V" was declared Emperor of India. Close by there's a walled garden complete with a rogues' gallery of marble statues of former imperial dignitaries, languishing like disgraced schoolboys out of the public eye.

Crafts Museum

This museum is situated at Pragati Maidan, Mathura Road near the Purana Qila. It contains over 20,000 pieces of traditional Indian crafts from all over the country. The 18th to 20th century objects including terracotta sculptures from Tamil Nadu, bronzes, enamel work, wood paintings and carvings are placed here. The folk and tribal gallery has the objects constructed from the materials locally available. It highlights the mythology, ingenuity and whimsy that exists in so much of India's folk art. The upper floor exhibits the best saris and textiles and its embroideries, mirror work and appliqués Visit : Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 5, Rs. 5/-.

Firoz Shah Kotla

The ruins of "Ferozabad", the 5th city of Delhi, erected by "Feroz Shah Tughlaq" in 1354 can be found at Feroz Shah Kotla, just off Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg between the Old and New Delhi. The remains of a mosque and a well can also be seen, but most of the ruins were used for the construction of later cities. Feroz Shah was a great builder and so, this fifth city of Delhi was full of splendid palaces, mosques and gardens.Kotla was the inner citadel of Firozabad, built like Windsor, with great palaces and a magnificent mosque inspiring Timur's envy. Destroyed by the Mughals, Kotla palaces were reduced to mere ruins, exposing to view the subterranean passages and covered cloisters. One can still see the pyramidal structure topped by the Ashokan Pillar brought from Topra, and a three-tiered baoli. The Saiyyads and Lodis used Kotla as their citadel. Now more famous for the cricket ground, where many important matches were held.

Hauz Khas

Hauz Khas is the historical battleground where Taimur defeated Mohammed Shah Tughlaq in 1398. One can find the remnants of an ancient college and Feroz Shah's tomb here and on the east to a short distance the Moth ki Masjid built in the finest Lodi style. Once an archetypal North Indian Village in the heart of Delhi's urban sprawl, Hauz Khas is now a shopper's paradise successfully marketing the concept of ethnicity in every possible way. Hauz Khas was a large reservoir built by Allauddin Khilji that was once the water catchments for the city. This village is remarkable for both the ancient and charming ruins in the nearby compound looking down on a still, green tank, as well as for the modern and posh shopping complex, which has sprung up around here. The madarsa, tombs and mosque around it built by Feroz Shah Tuglaq still make for an exclusive and exciting experience. Hauz Khas is also the site of India's first Night Bazaar being built by the Ministry of Tourism.

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb is an excellent example of early Mughal architecture with a bulbous dome, geometric patterns, high arches, spire, lattice stone windows, geometric proportions, etc. This quiet but splendid edifice was the last resting place of the second Mughal emperor, who strived all his life to be in Delhi, the city he loved. This building is set in the center of a charbagh or four-garden plan, which is further divided into smaller geometric sections by a network of water channels and fountains-a reflection of Persian influence, which had been adopted by the Mughals. Entry is free on Friday. On other days, there is a small entry fee. There is an excellent view of the surrounding country from the terraces of the tomb.

Iron Pillar

This seven-metre-high pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque and has been there since long before the mosque's construction. A six - line Sanskrit inscription indicates that it was initially erected outside a Vishnu temple, possibly in Bihar, and was raised in memory of the Gupta king, Chandragupta Vikramaditya, who ruled from 375 to 413. What the inscription does not tell is how it was made. Scientists have never discovered how this iron, which is of such purity that it has not rusted after 2000 years, could be cast with the technology of the time. It is said that if you can encircle the pillar with your hands whilst standing with your back to it, your wish will be fulfilled.

Jama Masjid

The great mosque of 'Old' Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was built in 1644 and was the last in the series of architectural indulgences of "Shah Jahan", the Mughal emperor who also built the "Taj Mahal" and the "Red Fort". The highly decorative mosque has three great gateways, four towers and two 40m (135ft) high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and white marble. Travellers arriving bare-legged can hire robes at the northern gate. This may be the only time you get to dress like a local without feeling like a prat, so make the most of the hallowed atmosphere.

Jantar Mantar

At first sight, the "Jantar Mantar" appears like a gallery of modern art. It is, however, an observatory. Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), a keen astronomer and a noble in the Mughal court, was dissatisfied by the errors of brass and metal astronomical instruments. Under patronage from the emperor, he set on himself the task of correcting the existing astronomical tables and updating the almanac with more reliable instruments. Delhi's Jantar Mantar is the first of the five observatories that he built with large masonry instruments. The observatory has the Samrat Yantra, a simple equal hour sun dial, the Ram yantra for reading altitudinal angles; Jai Prakash for ascertaining the position of the sun and other celestial bodies, and the Misra Yantra which is a combination of four scientific gadgets.

Kabuli or Khuni Darwaza

To the left of Chandni Chowk; there was once a gate across the road that was called Khuni Darwaza or the Bloody Gate. The British reoccupied Delhi on 20 September 1857 after fierce resistance by rebels. On 21 September 1857 Bahadur Shah surrendered to Hudson at Humayun's tomb. On 22 September three Mughal princes, Mirza Moghul, Mirza Khizr Sultan and Mirza Abu Bakr were brought by Captain Hudson in a bullock-cart and shot dead at Khuni Darwaza near Delhi Gate. He ordered the princes to take off their upper garments and killed them one by one. The three bodies were carried to the Kotwali and stripped off all the clothes except a rag around their loins, and laid on stone slabs outside the building before they were buried. The reoccupation of Delhi was followed by massacre and plunder and it was even suggested that whole city be razed to the ground. Mirza Ghalib, the great Urdu Poet, who was a witness to the killings and plunder wrote in his Dastambu: "GOD ALONE knows the the number of persons who were hanged. The victorious army entered the city along the main road. Whomsoever they met on the way was killed." The "Khuni Darwaza" still stands in its solitary grandeur exactly opposite the main gate of the Maulana Azad Medical College.

Lahore Gate

The Lahore Gate-so named because it faces in the direction of Lahore, Pakistan-is significant not only in ancient history as the main gate of this ancient Moghal fort, but also in present day as an important symbol of the modern Indian nation. During India's long struggle for independence from British colonial rule, nationalists often dreamed of the day that the Indian flag would fly over the Red Fort. Since Independence, leaders like Nehru and Indira Gandhi have used the gate as a backdrop for political speeches, knowing the symbolic and emotional power it holds for the people of India. Every year on Independence Day (August 15) people gather in the big open area in front of Lahore Gate for a speech from the Prime Minister.

Lotus Temple

In the heart of New Delhi,the bustling capital of India,a lotus-shaped outline has etched itself on the consciousness of the city's inhabitants, capturing their imagination, fuelling their curiosity,and revolutionising the concept of worship.This is the Bahá'í Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, better known as the "Lotus Temple".With the dawning of every new day,an ever-rising tide of visitors surges to its doorsteps to savour its beauty and bask in its serenely spiritual atmosphere. Rising up pure and unsullied from stagnant water, the lotus represents the manifestation of God. The architect used this ancient Indian symbol to create a design of ethereal beauty and apparent simplicity, belying the complex geometry underlying its execution in concrete form. The Lotus Temple provides one of the rare exceptions with its remarkable fusion of ancient concept, modem engineering skill, and architectural inspiration, making it the focus of attention amongst engineers and architects the world over.

Nizam-ud-din- Shrine

The shrine of the Muslim Sufi saint, Nizamuddin Chishti, who died in 1325 aged 92, is across the road from Humayun's tomb. With its large tank, it is one of several interesting tombs here. Other tombs include the later grave of Jahanara, the daughter of Shan Jahan, who stayed with her father during his imprisonment by Aurangzeb in Agra's Red Fort. Amir Khusru, a renowned Urdu poet, also has his tomb here as does Atgah Khan, a favourite of Humayun and his son Akbar. It's worth visiting the shrine at around sunset on Thursdays, as it is a popular time for worship, and qawwali singers start performing after the evening prayers.

Purana Quila

Located south-east of India Gate, the ruins of this majestic fort rise on a small hill in the green parkland of the Delhi Zoo. In 1533 A.D., the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, laid the foundation. Archaeological excavations in this area suggest that the site beneath Purana Qila may well have been the city of Indraprastha, the legendary site of the Hindu epic, The Mahabharatha. These findings are displayed at the Field Museum. Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation Ltd. (DTTDC) organises a 62 minute Sound and Light Show every evening, which depicts events related to the fort from the times of Indraprastha to the Independence. The show is held both in Hindi and in English.

Qutub-Minar

This 240 ft tall tower is the tallest monument in India ushered in the new Indo-Islamic style of architecture, which was a fusion of the Indian and Mughal styles. A 7m (23ft) high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It's said that if you can encircle it with your hands whilst standing with your back to it, your wish will be fulfilled. However, a fence now protects the pillar.

Raj Ghat

Raj Ghat, not far from the banks of the Yamuna River, has a simple black marble memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, marking the spot where he was cremated following his assassination in 1948. A commemorative ceremony takes place every Friday. Nearby there are two museums dedicated to Gandhi. Jawaharlal Nehru was cremated just to the north at Shanti Vana (Forest of Peace). The area is now a beautiful park with labelled trees planted by a mixed bag of notables, including Elizabeth II, Dwight Eisenhower and Ho Chi Minh. The rarely-visited but quite beautiful Zinat-ul Masjid (Most Beautiful of Mosques) towers over Raj Ghat.

Red Fort or Lal Quila

Mughal emperor, "Shah Jahan", after ruling from Agra for 11 years, decided to shift to Delhi and laid the foundation stone of the Red Fort in 1618. It is called so because of the red stone with which it is built, the Red Fort is one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. India's history is also closely linked with this fort. It was from here that the British deposed the last Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Zafar, marking the end of the three century long Mughal rule. It was also from its ramparts that the first Prime Minister of India, pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced to the nation that India was free form colonial rule.

Safdar Jung Tomb

The "Safdarjung Tomb" was built in 1753-54 by the Nawab of Avadh for his father, "Safdarjung", and is one of the last examples of Mughal architecture before the final remnants of the great empire collapsed. The tomb, like that of Humayun, has a nine-part, square plan, built upon an arcaded plinth. Each facade is finished in pink and white stone, and contains several highly decorated cusped arches representative of the ornate style of the later Mughal style. A large bulbous dome rises from a constricted drum. The interior is decorated with stucco carvings. Entry is free on Friday. On other days a small entry fee is charged. This tomb is adjacent to the small Safdarjung airport

Shalimar Bagh

The Shalimar Garden, which lies on the fringes of the city about 10km (33ft) north-west of 'Old' Delhi, is one of the most important Moghul gardens in the city. This was once the first-night staging post for the Moghuls on their way to Kashmir and Lahore. Aurangzeb was crowned emperor here in 1658. The beautiful central pavilion, the Shish Mahal, was built by Shah Jahan. Although it is in a fairly advanced state of decay, some of the original painted flower decoration has survived and the place has lots of atmosphere.

Spice Market

Khari Baoli, the street that runs from the Fatehpuri Mosque to the western edge of the old city, is Delhi's bustling wholesale spice market. It's well worth a wander simply to take in the sights and smells because things have changed little here for centuries. Huge sacks of herbs and spices are still brought to the wholesalers on long, narrow barrows pushed by labourers, and there are eye-catching displays of everything from lentils and rice to giant jars of chutneys, pickles, nuts and tea.

The National Museum

The National Museum was formally inaugurated in 1949 by Governor-General R.C. Rajagopalachari and initially housed in the Rashtrapati Bhavan with selected artifacts from various museums of India. In 1955, the foundation stone of the present majestic building on the corner of Janpath and Maulana Azad Road was laid by Jawaharlal Nehru and the museum was shifted here and opened to visitors in 1960. Now it is the largest museum in Delhi with around 2,00,000 exhibits of exquisite art both foreign and Indian, giving a detailed insight into Indian history and its cultural heritage.

Tughlaqabad Fort

The "Tughlaqabad Fort" is not only symbolic of the might of the "Tughlaq dynasty", but it is a piece of architectural marvel. The crumbling ruins of the "Tughlaqabad Fort" convey a sense of lost grandeur. The massive ramparts, battlements, and the mammoth stonework of this fort speak highly of the engineering skills of the workers who constructed it.There are number of monuments within the precincts of this massive fort. On the southern side of the fort is a causeway that takes one across the (now) dry bed of a lake to the tomb of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq. The style of the tomb conforms to the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, which was in vogue at that time and was the hallmark of the buildings belonging to the period of the Delhi Sultanate. Tourists looking forward to understand the intricacies that the Tughlaqabad Fort is founded on should surely visit the place on their travel to New Delhi.