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North Delhi (उत्तर दिल्ली Uttar Dillī) covers the remnants of the British-era cantonment that hosted the Delhi Durbar, as well as the city's northern suburbs. In addition, it is home to the city's ethnic Punjabi populations, although they mostly speak Hindi.
Get in
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By metro
[edit | edit source]The lines 1 , 2 , 5 and 7 take you to North Delhi.
See
[edit | edit source]- 1 Coronation Park. The venue of the three Delhi durbars. A durbar (दरबार darbār, meaning "court") is an Indian imperial-style mass assembly organised by the British to mark the succession of an Emperor or Empress of India. The first durbar was held in 1877 and proclaimed Queen Victoria as the Empress of India. The second durbar was held in 1903 to celebrate the coronation of King Edward VII. The third and final durbar was held on 12 December 1911 to commemorate the coronation of George V (the original coronation was held on 22 June 1911 in London). It was also where the King-Emperor announced the move of India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi. After the three durbars, a towering coronation memorial was built. Built in obelisk style the sandstone memorial is approachable from all sides by a flight of stairs. The memorial contains English and Urdu inscriptions on both sides about the final durbar. The park also contains a 15 m high (including a pedestal) marble statue of King George V. The statues of four viceroys (Lord Hardinge, Lord Willingdon, Lord Irwin and Lord Chelmsford) occupy the four corners of the park.
- 2 Roshanara Bagh, Dronacharya Guru Hanuman Marg. Begum Roshanara was Aurangzeb's sister. She was the second daughter of Shah Jahan and Mumtaj Mahal. She was a supporter of her younger brother Aurangzeb and played an active role during the war of succession which took place after Shah Jahan's illness in 1657. She was a talented poet and a powerful lady in Mughal politics.However she is best remembered for Raoshanara Bagh, a pleasure garden laid out by her in 1650. She was discretely poisoned by her brother Aurangzeb. She died in great pain in 1671. She was laid to rest in a tomb inside her favourite garden. The tomb is popularly known as baradari (literally meaning 12 doors). The brick built structure houses four domed chhatris in the corners. The garden is centred round a lake, which attracts migratory birds during winter. The garden is laid out in Japanese style.
- 3 Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar Gardens). A Mughal garden with shade trees, majestic parterre and the garden pavilion.
Civil Lines
[edit | edit source]- 4 Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi). A memorial dedicated to anti-caste activist, political leader and neo-Buddhist Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. The memorial building is in the shape of an open book which signifies the Constitution of India. The site incorporates several Buddhist elements, including a bronze Ashoka pillar at the entrance, a Bodhi tree surrounded by fountains with that move to Buddhist chants in a sound and light show, and two Sanchi-style toranas (gateways).
- 5 Ladakh Buddhist Vihara. A Buddhist monastery in a Tibetan enclave near Kashmere Gate.
- 6 Lok Niwas (लोक निवास Lok Nivās), Raj Niwas Marg. The official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi appointed by the President of India, formerly the Raj Niwas (राज निवास Rāj Nivās). It was originally the residence of the Chief Commissioner of Delhi appointed by the Viceroy of India.
- 7 Majnu ka Tilla, Outer Ring Rd (Bus 53, 169, metro: Vidhan Sabha 2 ). One of the more accessible Tibetan resettlement areas in India, and the place of departure and arrival for buses to/from Dharamsala, the home of the Tbetan Government in Exile and the Dalai Lama. A nice piece of variety for Delhi, and a popular backpacker hangout, with Tibetan culture, politics and religion. An auto-rickshaw from New Delhi station should cost around ₹50 (use the prepaid stand). Cycle-rickshaws from Vidhan Sabha metro station charge ₹15 and take about five minutes.
- 8 Nicholson Cemetery. Located near the Kashmiri Gate the Nicholson Cemetery is an active cemetery and the final resting place of hundred of Christians (both British and Indian). The cemetery in named after Brigadier General John Nicholson, who is often considered by the British as the hero of the Revolt of 1857. During the reclaiming of Delhi in 1857 Nicholson was shot near the Lahore Gate and was carried back to the camp. He died a slow and painful death. Nicholson Cemetery is approached through a beautiful cottage styled arched gateway, which doubles up as the living quarters of the cemetery’s caretaker and his family. The grave of John Nicholson lies just right of the entrance and is fenced by an iron railing. The epitaph reads: "The grave of Brigadier General John Nicholson who led the assault of Delhi but fell in the hour of victory mortally wounded and died 23rd September 1857 aged 35." Another important person to be buried in the Nicholson Cemetery is Yesudas Ramachandra, professor of Mathematics at Delhi Government College.
- 9 Old Secretariat (पुराना सचिवालय Purānā Sacivālay) (metro: Vidhan Sabha 2 ). The seat of the Delhi Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), as well as the executive branch of the Government of Delhi. Built in 1912, the building was originally designed by E. Montague Thomas to hold the Imperial Legislative Council as the British moved the capital of India from Calcutta (present-day Kolkata). The Old Secretariat was vacated when the new Council House (present-day Samvidhan Sadan) in New Delhi was inaugurated in 1927.
- 10 Qudsia Bagh. Qudsia Bagh was constructed by Qudsia Begum. wife of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah and mother of Mughal emperor Ahmad Shah Bahadur. She was born as a Hindu and her initial name was Udham Bai. She was a dancing girl in the court of Muhammad Shah, who later married her as his third wife. After Muhammad Shah's death in 1748, her son Ahmad Shah Bahadur (1725–1775) became emperor. As a widow, she took the title Qudsia Begum. She constructed the Qudsia Bagh in 1748. Formerly a splendid palace, has now much dilapidated and neglected.Large part of it was destroyed during the Revolt of 1857. Today the entrance gate, the Sahi (Royal) Mosque and remains of the stables are all that is left of the spectacular Mughal gardens.
Kamala Nehru Ridge
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Kamala Nehru Ridge or Delhi North Ridge is an extension of the ancient Aravalli Range, near the Delhi University Campus. It was declared a Reserve Forest in 1915. It initially covered an area of 170 hectares but has now shrunk to 87 hectares. The ridge houses several monuments and structures from the Sultanate period right up to the colonial period.
- 11 Mutiny Memorial (Ajitgarh). After the Mutiny of 1857 several memorials were erected all over the subcontinent in memory of the Britishers and Indian soldiers who fought for the British. The Mutiny Memorial at North Ridge (Kamala Nehru Ridge) Delhi was the most prominent of the mutiny memorials of the sub continent. The 1863 built Mutiny memorial is an octagonal tapering red sandstone tower built in Gothic style. It has a richly ornamented faced and is crowned with a marble crucifix. The four tiered tower rests on a two tiered platform. The total height of the tower in 33 meters. The flights of stairs from four sides of the platform lead to the base of the tower. The entry of the tower is through a gate on the western side and a flight of spiral stairs leads to the balconies of the four tiers. Sadly entry inside the tower is restricted for tourist. Apart from the gate the remaining seven sides contains marble plaques embedded inside decorated sandstone archways. Each side has a total of three plaque one large and two smaller ones at the bottom. Three of the bigger plaque narrates the incident in English, Hindi and Urdu. Among the remaining four plaques one lists the regiments present during the siege of Delhi while the second one lists actions fought at or near Delhi. The remaining two plaques list the KILLED, WOUNDED and MISSING soldiers of the mutiny, which is again sub divide into sub categories like Europeans & Natives and Officers & Non Commissioned Officers. On 15 August 1972 the Delhi’s Mutiny Memorial was renamed Ajitgarh (Place of the Unvanquished) and a plaque was put at its pedestal. Written in four languages Hindi, Urdu, English and Punjabi. It says that the “enemies” mentioned in the inscription were actually the freedom fighters and martyrs of India, who fought bravely against the repressive colonial rule in the First War of Indian Independence.
- 12 Ashokan Pillar. The Ashokan Pillar lies 200 meters north of the Mutiny Memorial and on the same side of the road. It is located opposite the Hindu Rao Hospital. The entire ridge area was one a favourite hunting location of Feroz Shah Tughlaq. This pillar was shifted from Meerut by Feroz Shah Tughlaq (reign 1351 – 1388) and was placed at the emperors favourite hunting location. Incidental this region of Delhi contains another Ashokan Pillar shifted by Feroz Shah Tughlaq from Topra and set up in Firoz Shah Kotla. The pillar contains the Ashokan Edicts, I – V, partly or almost fully. During the reign of Farrukhsiyar (1713 – 19) the pillar was severely damaged and broken into five pieces. The pieces were shifted to Asiatic Society of Bengal in Kolkata. In 1866 they were received back and were erected together in 1867.
- 13 Pir Ghaib. Delhi has countless monuments and they are located in the most unusual places. The Hindu Rao Hospital houses a couple of ruined buildings dating back to the Delhi Sultanate. The ridge was once a favourite hunting ground for Feroz Shah Tughlaq (reign 1351 – 1388). Pir Ghaib, located inside the Hindu Rao Hospital complex is a remains of one of hunting lodges of Feroz Shah Tughlaq. Later on it was abandoned and probably served as a mosque and even as an astronomical observatory. It also probably served as a residence of a Muslim saint, who disappeared mysteriously. No wonder Pir Ghaib literally translates into the "vanished saint"! Today the gate of the Hindu Rao Hospital is located just opposite the Ashokan Pillar, a winding road through the hospital complex leads to the Phir Ghaib. The structure has remained intact and a stairs leads to the terrace of the two storied structure. The terrace houses a cylindrical structure. which was probably a part of the observatory. ery next to the Pir Ghaib is a step well called Hindu Rao Hospital Baoli, dating back to the same period. It is a large well with a flight of steps leading to the water. A simple structure with almost no ornamentation.
- 14 Chauburja Mosque. From the Hindu Rao Hospital gate a long walk northwards along the North Ridge leads to the park maintained by Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Next to the entrance of the park is the Chauburja Mosque. This was also constructed by Feroz Shah Tughlaq and along with Pir Ghaib and the baoli was part and parcel of the hunting expeditions. Literally meaning the Mosque with four towers (or probably domes), sadly only the dome of the south – east corner survives to this day. The eastern side has three arched entrances and four bastions.
- 15 Southern Gurad House. A walk along the wanding roadways of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) park leads to the Southern Guard House and then to the Flagstaff Tower. A couple of yards to the left of the main walkway is the Southern Guard House. A small rectangular structure with a pedimented roof. Built in the first part of the nineteenth century the Southern Guard House along with the nearby Flagstaff Tower, was part of the cantonment area of the armed forces of the British East India Company.
- 16 Flagstaff Tower. Just north of the Southern Guard House and the highest point of the North Ridge (Kamala Nehru Ridge) is the Flagstaff Tower. The stout, circular, one room castellated tower was built around 1828 as a signal tower. The Flagstaff Tower played an important role during the Sepoy Mutiny (Indian Rebellion of 1857).
Gurudwaras
[edit | edit source]- 17 Gurdwara Nank Piao, Rana Pratap Road (also known as Grand Trunk Road or GT Road), Rana Pratap Bagh (north Delhi, bus 19, 19A, 62, 102 to Nanak Piao Gurudwara stop, or from Metro: Model Town (Yellow) 1km South), ☏ +91 11 2742 5087. Built at the site, in the garden where Guru Nanak Dev camped when he visited Delhi in 1505 during the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi.
- 18 Guru Tegh Bahadur Smarak, GT Karnal Road, Singhu Border, NH1 (Far north. From Jahangirpuri Metro Station (the closest one) fifteen km to north. Narela train station (west, about three km). Take bus 131, 136, 144-1, 144, 193 to stop Shingu Gaon. Walk ~200 m NE). This monument has a unique concept. Guru Tegh Bahadur has been depicted by a central pylon but his three disciples by three semi-arches.
Do
[edit | edit source]Parks
[edit | edit source]- 1 Avantika Udyan.
- 2 Nirankari Sarovar.
- 3 Swarn Jayanti Park, Sector 9, Rohini.
- 4 Yamuna Biodiversity Park. A biodiversity park developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). It serves as an ideal habitat for migratory and resident bird species.
Buy
[edit | edit source]Markets
[edit | edit source]- 1 Kamla Nagar, Shakti Nagar (next to Delhi University's North campus; Bus 19A, 62, 92, 100A, 102, 106, 114, 115, 116, 125, 127, 128, 131, 133, 136 to stop 'Kamla Nagar'; near Pulbangash Metro Station). Popular with college students and known for its spicy street food.
- 2 Dilli Haat, Pitampura (close to Pitampura TV Tower, metro: Netaji Subhash Place 1 7 ). The second Dilli Haat after the first one in South New Delhi. It is a wonderful place to get crafts from all over the country. What is distinctive here is that the artists themselves come to sell their goods, so your money goes directly to them, rather than to middlemen. Some bargaining may be necessary if you want the best price. Prices are higher than elsewhere, but the modest entry fee keeps out beggars, ripoff artists, and most touts. Many visitors find the mellow atmosphere worth the extra cost of shopping here. It also has a section called Foods of India. This has a huge number of restaurants, each showcasing the food of a particular state of India. (Most of them give a mix of Chinese and Indian food, but state delicacies are also included). This section is a must-go for the foodie-cum-tourist.
Shopping malls
[edit | edit source]- 3 Ambiance Mall, Sector 10, Rohini.
- 4 City Centre Rohini, Sector 10, Rohini.
- 5 Metro Walk, Sector 10, Rohini (metro: Rithala 1 ). An open shopping mall with an amusement park called Adventure Island. There are many stand-alone restaurants as well as food court kiosks.
- 6 Pacific Mall, Pitampura (metro: Netaji Subhash Place 1 7 ).
- 7 Unity One, Sector 10, Rohini.
- 8 Unity One Elengate (metro: Netaji Subhash Place 1 7 ).
Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 Amritsari Kulcha King (Karol Bagh wale) (Amritsari Kulcha Wala), Paschim Vihar Red Light (near Jwala Heri Market). If you are into amritsari kulcha, you probably can't miss this. People on dieting beware: the amount of butter that the vendor puts in is huge. However, without it you will not enjoy the Amritsari Kulcha so much. It is kind of a road side dhaba or shack. ₹60 for two kulchas is what he charges. It is actually on Outer Ring Road, Adjoining to a park wall. You can ask anybody about the Kulcha wala and they will be able to tell you the direction in Paschim Vihar/Meera Vihar Outer Ring Rd.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]| This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
| Budget | Under ₹4,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹4,000–8,000 |
| Splurge | Over ₹8,000 |
Budget
[edit | edit source]- 1 Ama Rabsel House, House No 47, New Aruna Nagar (Behind Dolma House restaurant), ☏ +91 11 23816977, +91 11 23812284, amarabselhouse@gmail.com. Check-out: noon. A surprisingly large and modern hotel, hidden down a dark alleyway next to Dolma House restaurant. Friendly staff appear to be constantly cleaning. The attached restaurant, on the other hand, is of low quality. ₹500-1,000.
- 2 Sham Nath Villa, 12, Sham Nath Marg, Civil Lines (Opposite Oberoi Maidens), ☏ +91 11 2397 6660, +91 11 2392 3925, fax: +91 11 2392 3925, shamnathvilla@hotmail.com. Double rooms with air-con US$90. Breakfast included..
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]Splurge
[edit | edit source]- 3 Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini.
- 4 Radisson Blu Hotel, New Delhi Paschim Vihar, Outer Ring Rd, Paschim Vihar, ☏ +91 1146399999. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 5 Seven Seas Hotel.