When a city has been in existence from the 6th century B.C., one can only imagine the rich history and culture that it has amassed over the years. From the valour of Prithviraj Chauhan to the conquest of Babur, from the struggle of Independence to the democracy of India, the city of Delhi has been witness to the history of the country itself.
Every generation has added to Delhi’s wealth of heritage and history, be it through the food, the architecture, or the traditions.
Here is a look at the best cultural and heritage experiences that make Delhi unique -
Cuisine of Delhi
The first food stop on a Delhi trip is the Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk. The little shops in this narrow street offer the best of Punjabi fare, with stuffed paranthas laden with cream and ghee and a side of lassi. And then there is the chaat! You must savour the taste of spicy pani puris and crunchy kachoris.
The Mughlai cuisine is top-notch in Delhi, and the best fare is obviously found in the authentic shops near Jama Masjid. One must end their gastronomic journey in Delhi with piping-hot momos and chowmein, a gift from the East!
Architecture of Delhi
There is no one dominant architecture style that dictates the city of Delhi. It is in fact an amalgamation of all the wonderful inputs of each dynasty and group that ruled Delhi at various times.
One can begin to see this from the Qutb Minar, which was built by Qutbuddin Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate. Standing tall at 73 meters, this is the world’s tallest masonry minaret and an icon of Delhi today. One cannot miss it if you are staying in hotels in Delhi, in the southern part of the city. In fact, Fortune Park Boulevard is a short distance away and you can simply drive down at sunset to enjoy the glorious monument.
The other monuments that one has to visit in Delhi are the Red Fort or Lal Quila, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Agrasen Ki Baoli and the relatively modern Rashtrapati Bhavan, Lotus Temple and India Gate.
Arts of Delhi
Arts and culture go hand-in-hand and Delhi has always attracted talent from across the country. It is a hub for everything, be it arts, literature, drama, dance and more! There are many international festivals that take place in the city, like the Delhi International Arts Festival usually held in December and the Delhi Literature Festival held in February.
These events attract a lot of art connoisseurs and artists. Some of the more permanent fixtures in the city are the Indian Habitat Centre where such events keep happening on a regular basis. Delhi Haat is also a perfect place to get souvenirs from and sample the handicrafts of regions from across the country.
