Major Cities of India

India is a land of many cultures and traditions. On travelling  from north to south and east to west, you will be amazed to see a plethora of different landscapes & people speaking different languages. As you move from one city to another, you will see a beautiful culmination of the old and new. India is perhaps the only country in the world that still portrays an awe-inspiring mix of the rural and the urban. Though many people still hold a lot of misconceptions about this beautiful country, the people of India are and will continue to have a lasting impression on the world at large.

Here are some of the major metropolitan cities of India, each having its own specialty and presence

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST IN INDIA 

1. New Delhi :

About Delhi: is the capital of India and is situated in the North of the country with an approx population of over 10 million. Known as the National Capital Territory, Delhi is a city that still holds traces of India's rich history, culture and tradition. The city is home to a number of monuments that are of great historical significance.

Some Of the well known Monuments for sightseeing and other places of interest include 

• Qutub Minar - Built by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1193 AD, the Qutub Minar is an awe-inspiring 5 storey Minar in New Delhi. A visit to this World Heritage Monument is an absolute must to appreciate this architectural beauty of the  Muslim dynasty in India. Most schools organize trips for their students - a most enjoyable and memorable experience for students who thoroughly enjoy looking up at this tall wonder.

• Red Fort - The Red Fort is a beautiful Mughal citadel in Red Sandstone that can be seen as one approaches Old Delhi - the historical part of Delhi. This architectural masterpiece is home to the Diwan-e-Aam and the Diwan-e-Khas, the Rang Mahal and the Royal Baths. Make sure to take time out and witness the sound and light show that takes place in the evenings after dark. 

• Raj Ghat - People can pay their respects to Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation at Raj Ghat which is a memorial on the banks of the Yamuna River.

• Jantar Mantar - If you happen to visit CP, you must take time out to walk across the Jantar Mantar which is an unusual park consisting of interesting red sandstone structures, built in 1724 as an astronomical observatory for Raja Jai Singh.

• Lodhi Gardens

Popular Religious Sites in Delhi -

• Iskcon Temple - (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Situated in East of Kailash on a hill top, the ISKCON Temple is made of red stone and is a must-visit for all of Lord Krishna's devotees. The daily chants, Bhajans and Aarti are not to be missed. The atmosphere inside the temple is one of calmness and serenity. There is a Temple shop and restaurant as well.

• Jama Masjid - Also known as one of Asia's largest Mosques, the Jama Masjid was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1656. Built close to the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid is visited by devout Muslims in large numbers. The beautiful architecture of the Jama Masjid is bound to fascinate you. 

• Bangla Sahib Gurudwara - is one of the most prominent and frequently visited Sikh gurdwara in New Delhi. Its tall golden dome will catch your eye from afar. The Gurudwara's Langar is open to all persons irrespective of their caste or religion.

• Bahai Lotus Temple - A visit to this modern architectural marvel is a must while you are in New Delhi. Shaped in the form of a half-open lotus flower, the Bahai Temple is made of white marble with beautiful greenery all around. People visit the Lotus temple to gain a sense of spiritual upliftment and peace. Here you will not find any idols or pictures and the temple is open to people of all castes and religions.

• Gurudwara Sis Ganj - This building in white marble commemorates the martydom of the Sikh Religious leader Guru Tegh Bahadur who was beheaded by a Mughal Emperor and this Gurudwara is built on the site where the Guru was martyred.

• Birla Mandir - Also known as the Lakshmi Narain Mandir - Lord Vishnu was built by the Birla family of industrialists. The Mandir has a beautiful architecture and is frequently visited by many devotees and tourists.

• St. Peter's Church - St. Peter's Cathedral is situated in New Delhi and is considered to be the the spiritual center of Syrian Orthodox Christians.

• Akshardham Temple

Museums & Galleries in New Delhi -

• Rail Museum - If you enjoy watching locomotives, you must visit the Rail Museum that displays the development of Indian Railways.

Dwarka, an upcoming Sub city of Delhi has great promise for the future. The National Capital Region (NCR) Delhi include Noida, Faridabad & Ghaziabad regions.

Education: Delhi attracts plenty of students from various parts of the country who take admissions in some of the most prestigious Universities and Colleges here, including a variety of private institutions. These include the Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Jamia Milia Islamia, etc.

Job Prospects: Multi National Companies have set up their offices in New Delhi and its adjoining regions such as Gurgaon, Noida etc. Job opportunities are plenty here.

Shopping: always tops the list of must-dos for travellers and visitors to New Delhi, India. Here you can find a mix of sophisticated multi storied malls like Shopper's Stop etc as well as crowded street markets where you can pick out some of the best deals possible.

Some of the favourite must-visits include -

• Delhi Haat - Dilli Haat
• Greater Kailash Market M & N Block (GK)
• Chandni Chowk
• Karol Bagh Market
• Rajouri Garden Market & Malls
• Connaught Place
• Hauz Khas Village - boutiques, restaurants, and shopping galleries.
• Sarojini Nagar Market, etc.

Food & Culture: Festivals are celebrated with a lot of zeal and excitement here - whether it is holi or diwali, etc. Punjabi food is extremely popular in Delhi.

Foodies love to be in Delhi as there are so many mouth watering choices for everyone. Here you can find multi cuisine 5 star restaurants as well as desi dhabas serving some of the irresistible delicacies such as Gol Gappas, Chat, Samosas, Rabri, Kulfis etc. Some favorite snack places include - Haldirams, Evergreen, Bengali Sweets, Wengers; Food courts like Dilli Haat and Eatopia. Popular restaurants include Sagar, Minar, Moti Mahal Deluxe, Aka Saka, etc. There's plenty of choice for those who like Continental & fast food  - Nirulas, Pizza Hut, Big Chill, Geoffreys, Flavours etc.

Weather: Delhi experiences extreme temperatures - summers are usually very hot and humid while winters are usually very cold. Best time to visit Delhi is during Oct - Nov and March - April. Whether you are visiting New Delhi for the first time or just want to spend a complete day exploring the myriad shades of Delhi - you will definitely not be disappointed what with its several sight seeing options - a mix of new and old!

Contributing Author: Team of travel writers @ contentwriter.in