Delhi is the capital of India and with a population of around 15 million it is the second largest city in India (after Mumbay) by population, but the largest by area, covering a total area of about 33,578 sq km (12,965 sq mi). Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi has been continuously inhabited since at least the 6th century BC. After the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, Delhi emerged a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Indo-Gangetic plains. It is the site of many ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites and remains.
Today Delhi is India's main point of arrival for overseas visitors, and the major transport hub for destinations in the states of Rajasthan, the Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh as well as central north India. Delhi has been the center of political activity from time immemorial. The ancient fortress, majestic buildings and historic ruins find their modern counterpart in the tall skyscrapers and well-planned townships of New Delhi. The people here, their lifestyle and traditions are a rich and varied mixture of all that is India.
One of Delhi's top tourist sights is the Red Fort. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built Agra's Taj Mahal, as his ruling place. Among other popular tourist sites are: Qutab Minar, built during the reign of Sultan Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199, this 72.5 m high pillar is the symbol of the Delhi Sultanate. Near it can be seen the ruins of Kila Ri Pithora and the fort of Prithviraj Chauhan. Humayun's Tomb was built by Humayun's wife in 1556. This elegantly proportioned tomb, set on a platform admist the garden, is believed to have influenced the design of Taj Mahal. Bahai Temple, commonly known as the Lotus Temple is a white marble structure built in the shape of a lotus, set amidst lakes and green lawns. Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. It was built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and has a large courtyard, onion domes built of red sandstone and white marble in the Indo-Islamic style.
Delhi has many hotels in all categories, so it should be easy to find accommodation for anyone's needs and budget. Also there are lots of restaurants, and many markets and shops where it is quite easy to spend more money than you really want to.
