Qutb Minar

Minar (which means tower) built by Qutab-ud-din Albak ,hence its name Qutab Minar, in as early as 1199 A.D is the most fascinating feast for eyes. Left un complete it was finished to its present glory by another Muslim King, IItutmish. 72.5 metres in height, the tower has at its base a mosque and an iron pillar in front ,believed to have been built in the 5th century A.D. Amazingly it has not caught rust ever since it was built.

Red Fort - Lal Qila

Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of the massive fort in 1638 and work was completed in 1648. [2] The Red Fort was originally referred to as "Qila-i-Mubarak" (the blessed fort), because it was the residence of the royal family. The layout of the Red Fort was organised to retain and integrate this site with the Salimgarh Fort. The fortress palace is an important focal point of the medieval city of Shahjahanabad.

The planning and aesthetics of the Red Fort represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which prevailed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. This Fort has had many developments added on after its construction by Emperor Shahjahan. The significant phases of development were under Aurangzeb and later Mughal rulers.

Important physical changes were carried out in the overall settings of the site after the First War of Independence during British Rule in 1857. After Independence, the site experienced a few changes in terms of addition/alteration to the structures. During the British period the Fort was mainly used as a cantonment and even after Independence, a significant part of the Fort remained under the control of the Indian Army until the year 2003.

The Red Fort was the palace for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's new capital, Shahjahanabad, the seventh greatcity in the Delhi site. He moved his capital from Agra in a move designed to bring prestige to his reign, and to provide ample opportunity to apply his ambitious building schemes and interests. The fort lies along the Yamuna River, which fed the moats that surround most of the wall. The wall at its north-eastern corner is adjacent to an older fort, the Salimgarh Fort, a defense built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546.The construction of the Red Fort began in 1638 and was completed by 1648.

On 11 March 1783, Sikhs briefly entered Red Fort in Delhi and occupied the Diwan-i-Am. The city was essentially surrendered by the Mughal wazir in cahoots with his Sikh Allies. This task was carried out under the command of the Sardar Baghel Singh Dhaliwal of the Karor Singhia misl.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India,built by Shah Jahan,overlooks the old markets of the city. bordered by Chandni Chowk and overlooking the great Red Fort, Walking through this area can prove to be a trip down the times, where the flavor of old Mughal charm still lingers on.

Mandawa

Mandawa or Alsisar, 257KM from Delhi is the famous Shekhavati village, full of beautiful frescoes, havelis & mansions. This entire area looks like an open air gallery. It is a must if you are on an culture trip to india.