In the three thousand years of its existence, seven cities have risen where the present capital of India stands. In Delhi, you'll encounter a fascinating blend of the ancient and the contemporary. Where medieval palaces and bazaars exist beside a modern metropolis. Delhi is a city waiting to be explored.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air connections to all major world cities and important Indian cities. Rail services to most Indian locations. Road links to neighbouring states and major cities.

WHERE TO STAY

Deluxe Hotels : Ashok Hotel, Best Western Surya, Hyatt Regency, The Oberoi, Welcomgroup Maurya Sheraton, Taj Mahal, Le Meridien, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Taj Palace continental, Park Hotel.

Luxury Hotels : Ambassador, The Claridges, Imperial, Qutab Hotel, Hotel Janpath, Hotel Kanishka, The Oberoi Maidens, Siddharth Hotel.

Standard Hotels : Diplomat, Hans Plaza, Hotel Ranjit, Marina, Lodhi Hotel, Rajdoot, Vikram, YMCA Tourist Hostel.

Supplementary Accommodation : Ashok Yatri Niwas, India International Centre, Y,WCA International Guest House, Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, Youth Hostel, Tourist Camping Park, Rail Yatri Niwas and Many more Government approved hotels.

Paying Guest Accommodation : Available. Please contact Government of India Tourist Office (Tel : 3320005, 3320008) or Delhi Tourism (Tel : 3313637)

WHAT TO SEE

QUTAB MINAR : Built in 1193 AD, this striking medieval tower of victory is 73 metres high. PURANA QULA : This fort was built by Sher Shah in the 16^th century. HUMAYUN'S TOMB : Built in the 16^th century as a memorial to the Mughal emperor. Its design inspired the Taj Mahal. JAMA MASJID : Completed in 1658, the mosque of Shahjahan's capital city is the largest in India. RED FORT : The 17^th century fortress of Emperor Shahjahan. Inside are exquisite palaces like the Diwan-i-Aam and the Diwan-i-Khas. A son et lumiere show is held here every day. JANTAR MANTAR : This 18^th century stone observatory was built by Maharaja Jai Singh. INDIA GATE : This 42-metre stone arch is a memorial to the Indian soldiers who died in World War II. PARLIAMENT HOUSE : This impressive colonnaded building houses the two houses of parliament. NATIONAL MUSEUM : It houses an excellent collection of Indian bronzes, terracotta, paintings and costumes. LAKSHMI NARAYAN TEMPLE : Built in 1938, this temple is dedicated to Lork Vishnu and his consort Laxmi. RAJ GHAT : On the banks of the Yamuna, the serene memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. TEEN MURTI HOUSE : The erstwhile residence of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, is now a museum. A son et lumiere show is held here.

SHOPPING

The best crafts across India are available at the State Emporia on Baba Kharak Singh Marg. Also worth a visit : Central Cottage Industries Emporium, the Hauz Khas Village, Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh. Look for silk and cotton fabric, pottery, terracotta, jewellery, brassware, rosewood and sandalwood carvings, miniature paintings.

CUISINE
An irresistible range of Indian cuisines are available at numerous restaurants and fast food outlets in central Connaught Place. Also, speciality restaurants offering international delicacies. For authentic Maghlai cuisine, try the restaurants in Old Delhi.

FESTIVALS

26^th January, the Republic Day, commemorates the forming of the Indian Republic and is celebrated with a spectacular parade. 15^th August, the Independence Day, is celebrated on a grand scale in the Capital with cultural programmes. Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated with gaiety. Id-ul-Fitr, a festival that celebrates comradeship and brotherhood. Deepawali celebrates the return of a triumphant Lord Rama to the city of Ayodhya. Dusshera and Christmas are also celebrated joyously.

Agra is the quintessential Mughal city, that was the capital of their empire in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. Discover Agra's other architectural marvels. And, in narrow lanes that still carry the flavour of their Mughal past, discover the dazzling creations of their craftsmen.

HOW TO GET THERE

200 km to the east of Delhi - Agra is connected by daily 30-minute Boeing flights. Road links from Delhi and Jaipur. Trains from Delhi and Bombay.

WHERE TO STAY

Deluxe Hotels : Welcomgroup Mughal Sheraton, Taj View, Clarks Shiraz.

Standard Hotels : Agra Ashok, Mumtaz, Amar, Mayur Tourist Complex, Grand,

Supplementary Accommodation : UPSTDC Taj Khema, UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow, Youth Hostel, Shahanshah Inn.

WHAT TO SEE

TAJ MAHAL - An extravagant marble monument of love, built by Shahjahan in 1653 as a memorial to his queen Mumtaz Mahal. AGRA FORT - The original red sandstone fort was built by Akbar in 1565. Shahjahan added the marble palaces inside. ITMAD-UD-DAULAH'S TOMB - A marble memorial with exquisite inlay work built by Nur Jahan, queen of Jehangir, for her father, in 1628. CHINI-KA-RAUZA - The tomb of a Mughal official, built in 1639, the exterior is covered with enamelled tiles. RAM BAGH - Laid out in 1528 by Babur, it is the oldest Mughal garden in India. SIKANDRA - Akbar's majestic mausoleum built in 1613 combines Muslim and Hindu architectural styles. FATEHPUR SIKRI - Between 1570 and 1586, Akbar shifted his capital to this new city which he built. Today, this complex of palaces is a beautifully-preserved ghost city.

SHOPPING

Well-crafted leather work like shoes and bags, carpets, durries, zari and embroidery, trinket boxes with inlay work on marble - at all major shopping complexes.

CUISINE

Mughal specialities at all restaurants. Continental cuisine at larger hotels. Try the sweet `petha' and the tangy fried snacks.

The capital of Rajasthan, this picturesque city is a symphony in pink. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18^th century, it is surrounded by hills topped with rugged fortresses, dotted with fairy-tale palaces. Ambling camels and brightly-dressed peasants, reflect Jaipur's desert heritage. While teeming markets display a profusion of handlooms and crafts.

The Palace of Winds - Hawa Mahal

HOW TO GET THERE

250 km west of Delhi, Jaipur is connected by air from Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaipr, Aurangabad, Bombay and Ahmedabad. Rail services from Delhi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Secunderabad and Lucknow. Road links to neighbouring states.

WHERE TO STAY

Palace Hotels : Rambagh Palace, Jai Mahal Palace.

Heritage/Haveli Hotels : Narain Niwas, Royal Castle at Kanota (15 km on Jaipur-Agra road).

Standard Hotels : Jaipur Ashok, Clarks Amer, Mansingh, meru Palace, Jaipur Palace, Aditya.

Budget Hotels : Gangaur Tourist Hotel, LMB, Hotel Swagatam, Tourist Hotel, Hotel Teej, Arya Niwas.

Paying Guest Accommodation : A wide range of paying guest accommodation is available. Please contact the Government of India Tourist Office or the Rajasthan Tourism Office.

WHAT TO SEE

CITY PALACE - This former royal residence is built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Contains an excellent collection of miniature paintings, costumes and armoury. HAWA MAHAL - The intriguing `Palace of Winds' is really a façade built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to view the city from the windows. JANTAR MANTAR - Magnificent stone observatory built by Raja Jai Singh n 1728. CENTRAL MUSEUM - A cast collection of portraits, miniature paintings, costumes and jewellery. MAHARAJA SAWAI MAN SINGS MUSEUM - A superb collection of ancient weaponry, carpets and paintings.

SHOPPING

Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. Look for jewellery, miniature paintings, block prints and tie-end-dye textiles, carpets, brassware, blue-pottery, leather footwear, lacquer and filigree work.

CUISINE

Try local delicacies like Dal-Bati-Choorma, made of butter, cereals and sweetened bread pudding. Most hotels serve Indian and Continental cuisine. Typical Rajasthani vegetarian meals are a delight.

FESTIVALS

Festivals worth witnessing are Teej, Gangaur and the Elephant March.       

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