Red Fort & Jama Masjid - Pride of Delhi !

When you come back from Surajkund and Badkhal Lake and head toward the capital of India, New Delhi, your first destination should be Red Fort (Lal Quia) and Jama Masjid.

The Red Fort and Jama Masjid are breathtakingly gorgeous historical monuments built in Red Standstone (the eastern gateway) again by none other than Shah Jahan, the great Mogul Emperor who built the Taj Mahal in Delhi. Make it a point to visit the Quilla –e – Maulla (Red fort). This octagonal architectural edifice was designed by Ustad Hamid and Ahmad. The fort has two gateways, the Delhi Gate and the Lahore Gate. You can enter this quaint structure through the Lahore Gate. The national flag of India is hoisted on the Red Fort every Independence Day. You will be mystified by the jewelry, clothes, sliver, and gold items at Meena Bazar and Chatta Chowk. The Indian Army residency quarters are situated above the shops.

The Lal Quila has some very attractive features. The first is the Sound and Light Show where you can get to see the glorious history of India. The architectural splendor of the Deewan-i-Khas (the hall where the emperor would hold important meetings) and Shah Jahan’s jewel-studded (diamonds, rubies, emeralds , sapphire and pearls) Peacock Throne are such that you will remain spellbound.

The Khas Mahal, the King’s palace, is an example of the amazing engineering caliber of the architects. The Tosh Khana (where the Emperor dressed), the Khwabgah(the room for dreams) and the Tasbih Khana (the Emperor’s place of worship) are remarkable in some way or the other. Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara Begum used to reside in the elegant Mumtaz Mahal which is now transformed into a museum. The Rang Mahal (Hall of Colors), the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors) and the Shahi Burji (Royal Pavilion) are stunning examples of Mogul aesthetic and technological expertise.

The Jama Masjid (Masjid-e-Jahan Numa) designed and planned by Ustad Khalil is a 1656 structure. It a palace of Islamic worship. It has two minarets, three gateways and four towers. It is largely made in white marble and is known for its arched gateways and wide stairways. It has the tomb of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad.

The first thing that you should do after coming to Delhi is to book some good hotel rooms for you and your gang. You can visit these places in tourist cars. There are many cabs in the discount car rental category. While you look for a cheap car rental see to it that the car that you hire is in a good working condition. The best time for you to visit Delhi is from October to February, when the weather is just pleasant.