My World: Delhi, The (Political) Capital of India

2 June 2014

Delhi, The (Political) Capital of India - The First Impression

The drive through Yamuna Expressway from Agra to Delhi was indeed a relaxing one, after the day tour of Agra. The first impression of Delhi was of those well connected highways well with in the city. We reached Chandni Chowk, were we had booked our room. Being Monday (didn't have Delhi Darshan) and Holi festival the next day, we were advised to stay indoor. But with our itinerary planned for the day, we thought of exploring the city ourselves.

Next morning we found the entire Netaji Subhash Marg empty, with most of the public transport closed for Holi. With no Metro running, we hired an auto rickshaw for a tour of near-by places.

Tri-colour at Central Park, Connaught Place

He took us through Connaught Place. The tri-colour flying at Central Park, caught our sight even before entering CP. This monumental flag is the largest tri-colour in the country measuring 60ft wide and 90ft long, weighing 35kgs. The flag flies on a 207ft tall flagpole which makes it visible from quite a distance.

Connaught Place officially called Rajiv Chowk, is one of the largest financial, commercial and business centers of Delhi. It houses the headquarters of several firms and used to be headquarters of British. Said to be modeled in Georgian architecture, after Royal Crescent in Bath, it creates concentric circles, inner circle, middle circle and outer circle. This planned area also houses Palika Bazaar, the first under ground market, and restaurants and other small eating outlets.

After munching at Domino's, we took the Parliament Street to head to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Built as a residence for the British Viceroy during British rule, Rashtrapati Bhavan is presently the official home of President of India. Spread over 130 hectare, the President Estate has President's official house, halls, guest rooms, offices along with presidential garden, large open spaces, residences of bodyguards and staff, stable.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

Sansad Bhavan is the house of the Parliament of India. The structure is circular in shape, based on the Ashoka Chakra. The building is surrounded by large gardens, the sandstone railings fenced off on the perimeter is modeled after Great Stupa of Sanchi.