New Delhi City is the capital city of India. The capital moved from Calcutta in 1911 and its layout and design is credited to British architect Edwin Lutyens. The city enjoys wide tree-lined roads and is home to many landmarks and National institutions. New Delhi is situated south of the old city, which dates back to the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

The population currently stands in excess of 14 Million and after Mumbai, New Delhi City is the 2^nd largest metropolitan area in the whole of India. The majority of the populace follow Hinduism, with Hindi the primary spoken language.

Today it is a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital city, with numerous opportunities to enjoy cuisines from around the globe. You will not be left looking for inspiration for traditional handicrafts and gifts, as many outlets provide a wide array of choices. Tourists will have full days exploring the sights and tourist attractions this amazing city has to offer.

The 2010 Commonwealth Games will be hosted in New Delhi City; currently a games village is under construction on a 40 acre site, situated near the centre of the city.

It is impossible to mention sport in without touching on the subject of cricket.  Not so much of an interest, more of a religion! Children can still be found playing their favourite game at every opportunity, trying to emulate their cricketing hero’s.

Here are just some of the most popular tourist attractions which are high on the list of “must see” for visitors to Delhi :

India Gate – Probably amongst one of the most easily recognisable monuments in Delhi , the gate commemorates fallen Indian soldiers from WW1 and the Afghan Wars.

Baha’i House of Worship ( Lotus Temple ) – A simply beautiful construction, in the shape of a lotus flower. This temple was the work of architect Fariborz Sahba and was completed in 1986. The temple is crafted using white marble and has been the proud recipient of numerous architectural awards. This fabulous building is understandably, one of the main attractions today in Delhi and is the mother temple of the whole of the Indian Subcontinent. This 26 acre site hosts the lotus temple, with a central hall capacity of 2,500 people, together with lovely gardens to meander through and just soak up the atmosphere. The site is open to all faiths and calculations in the early part of this century, suggest that visitors at that time, had totalled in excess of 50 Million, making it one of the most visited buildings in the world.

Qutub Complex – A variety of buildings and monuments. Contained within the area, stands the famous Qutub Minar, whose construction started in 1199.  It is a brick built minaret, constructed of red sandstone and marble and stands proudly at 72.5 metres high. The whole site was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.

Jama Masjid – Known as the “World Reflecting Mosque” is the principal mosque of old Delhi .  The mosque was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahn and the labour of over 5000 men was required. The building was completed in 1656 AD and the courtyard of the mosque can accommodate up to 25000 people.

Chandni Chowk – Representing a world far removed from the cosmopolitan new city, Chandni Chowk is the main street of old Delhi . Everyday life consists of the hustle and bustle of cycle rickshaws, animals, hand-pulled carts and people. One of the oldest and most popular market areas in India, it is an excellent place to sample Delhi street food.