Essay on Delhi
“Ye Shehar Nahi, mehfil hai.” ~ Dilli 6 Movie
Dilwalon ki Dilli lies in the heart of India and is rightfully the country’s capital. Delhi is a union territory and has a population of more than 11 million people.
It is the second most populated city of India after Mumbai. Delhi is the largest city in of India in terms of geographic size, and the Yamuna is the only river that passes through it.
Delhi is also home to the largest and most rapidly growing retail industries of the nation. It has the largest public transport system in India, which runs entirely on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Traffic jams are a very common sight to every resident of Delhi. The number of cars that run on its roads is more than the number of vehicles that run in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata put together.
The weather in Delhi is extreme. It is too hot in summers and extremely chilly in winters. Delhi is also home to the Parliament and the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which is the President’s residence.
History of Delhi
The city was a dense forest which was then burnt down to build the city of Indraprastha, the famous capital of The Pandavas in the Mahabharata.
Delhi saw many rulers. It was ruled by the Maurya, the Afghan, the Lodi and the Mughals who each built something or the other of significance in the city. Delhi was also the capital of India under the British rule and came to be known as Lutyens’ Delhi.
Places to visit in Delhi
India Gate
India Gate is a very popular monument situated at the heart of Delhi. It was made in the memory of all the Indian soldiers who died during World War 1. India gate is surrounded by lush green gardens which are a popular picnic spot.
Families and friends enjoy their winter afternoons and summer evenings at this place. There is also a small pound situated in the midst where activities like boating take place. India Gate is open to all, throughout the day, and there is no entry fee charged.
The Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple is a magnificent structure that stands out because of its design and modern architecture. It is made entirely of white marble, and visitors are welcome to visit it free of charge.
The temple does not have any idols or sculptures; instead, people go inside to meditate. The temple has clean and well -maintained lawns around it.
Qutub Minar
The Qutub Minar is the tallest minaret or tower in the country. It was built as a sign showing Muslim dominance in the city. The monument has five storeys in total and is built up of marble and sandstone. It also has a mosque and the famous Iron Pillar situated in its complex.
The Red Fort
The Red Fort is yet another legendary example of Mughal Architecture in Delhi. It is made entirely of sandstone and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Prime Minister of India gives his or her speech every year on Independence Day standing on the main gate to the Fort.
Delhi – A Shopper’s and Foodie’s Paradise
Delhi has a very well- connected Metro network, and travellers can visit their desired places with its help conveniently. It is an economical public transport and also beats traffic.
One of the best places to shop in Delhi is Dilli Haat. It gives you the feel of a large village market full of handicrafts, pottery and fabrics. Sarojini Nagar Market and Janpath Market are two places wherein you will have to display your hidden bargaining skills to score some fantastic western clothes, purses and jewellery.
If you wish to do some classy street shopping, then you can pay a visit to Khan Market, which is a hub of some of the most sophisticated and high -end brands and restaurants.
A visit to Old Delhi is sure to give your taste buds a tingling sensation. The famous items of street food including Papdi Chaat and Dahi Bhalla originated in Old Delhi itself.
It is a must to visit this place if you want to experience typical north Indian street food. If you are a meat lover, then Jama Masjid is the place for you. The streets are filled with stalls that will provide you with delicious and mouth-watering Kebabs and Keema Samosas.
Hudson Lane is a famous street that is filled with pocket-friendly cafes for all the college-going students. The food served there is lip-smacking. A lot of cuisines like Mexican, Italian, Indian, etc. can be found.
Problems faced in Delhi
There are two main issues in Delhi that I would like to highlight. First is regarding its safety towards women and the second problem pertains to its air pollution.
Delhi has been tagged as the Rape Capital of the world with more than 1800 rape cases being filed on average in a year.
It is also one of the most polluted cities in the world and has a very poor Air Quality Index. More than 15,000 people in the city die a pre-mature death because of air pollution.
The authorities in Delhi are taking steps to curb these evils, but more effort is still required.
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