Glimpses of the Indian Capital: New Delhi
New Delhi, the capital of India is a city that attracts many backpackers and travellers from all over the world because of its central location. From New Delhi, many places in North India are easily accessible. Hence, many backpackers spend less than 24 hours in the city and prefer catching the first bus, train or flight to their desired destination.
Most of the time travelers have to wait at least 8 to 10 hours in New Delhi for their connecting mode of transport. So rather than just sitting in one place and wait for time to pass visiting a few places in New Delhi is a good idea.
The best and the most economical way of getting around New Delhi is by making a metro day pass and travelling. This is a very good option since the city is well-connected via the metro and this avoids the hassle of travelers having to bargain and feel cheated by the rickshaw and taxi drivers in New Delhi.
New Delhi
The Red Fort built of brilliant red sandstone by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who also built the world-famous Taj Mahal is place worth visiting while on a stop-gap in New Delhi. The Red Fort was Shah Jahan’s ruling palace and was completed in 1648 AD. The Red Fort alone takes about 5 to 6 hours to see everything inside the fort. So if you decide to visit the Red Fort then your time in New Delhi is well spent in the corridors of history. The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Metro line and the Red Fort is about a 12 minute walk through Fort Road.
Qutub Complex which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site is certainly a place worth visiting. This site is easily accessible via the Qutub Minar Station on the Yellow Metro line. This complex houses structures from the Slave Dynasty. Qutub Minar is the most famous structure in this complex, this 72.5 m minaret was the tallest “skyscraper” in the world when built (1193-1368). It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to move around the whole complex.
India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan both are located on Raj Path in the heart of New Delhi and is one of the most visited destinations in the city. India Gate stands at a towering 42 meters high and was built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their life in World War I and the Afghan War. India Gate is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains.
Rashtrapati Bhavan is the home of the Indian President and had a lot of political importance. The closest metro station is Central Secretariat which is located on the Yellow Metro line. Both these places are within walking distance from the metro station.
The final thing possible to visit is arguably the most magnificent monuments ever made from concrete the Lotus Temple. As the name suggests the Lotus Temple is shaped like a Lotus bud with 27 petals. The Temple is closed on Mondays. Nehru Place is the closest metro station which is on the Violet Metro line. From Nehru Place, the Lotus Temple is a short walk away.
These are four attractions that can be visited during the transit time of about 6 to 8 hours while in New Delhi. Making the best of a few hours in the capital is possible through the Delhi Metro that is a real boon to backpackers and travelers who wish to see the citadel of power in India in less than a day.
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