DelhiOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Indraprastha to Dhillika: Delhi's Ancient Foundations

Delhi's history extends to antiquity, with archaeological evidence indicating human settlements around 1000 BCE in the area of the Purana Qila. This ancient settlement is believed to be the mythical city of Indraprastha, founded by the Pandavas from the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata. Recorded history for Delhi begins in the 8th century CE with the Tomar Rajput dynasty. Anangpal Tomar is credited with founding the first medieval city of Delhi, known as Lal Kot, in 1052 CE. This fortified city in the Mehrauli region was later expanded by the Chauhan Rajputs and renamed Qila Rai Pithora.

Empires and Transformations: The Rise of Delhi as a Capital

In 1192, Delhi was conquered by Qutb-ud-Din Aybak, a general for the Afghan ruler Muhammad of Ghor. Following Muhammad of Ghor's death in 1206, Qutb-ud-Din Aybak established the Delhi Sultanate, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in the region. This period saw five successive dynasties, including the Mamluks who began the construction of the Qutub Minar. The Delhi Sultanate transformed the city into a center of Islamic power, scholarship, and architecture. The sultanate ended in 1526 when Babur defeated the last Lodi sultan, Ibrahim Lodi, at the First Battle of Panipat, establishing the Mughal Empire. While the Mughals initially ruled from Agra, Emperor Shah Jahan returned the capital to Delhi in 1648, building the walled city of Shahjahanabad, now known as Old Delhi, with its landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. The Mughal Empire's influence on Delhi's architecture and culture is evident today. After the decline of the Mughals, Delhi came under British control in 1803. In 1911, the British moved their capital from Calcutta to Delhi, leading to the construction of New Delhi, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker, which was inaugurated in 1931. New Delhi officially became the capital of independent India in 1950.

• —Red Fort (Lal Qila) — This red sandstone fort was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years and displays Mughal architecture.
• —Jama Masjid — One of the largest mosques in India, commissioned by Shah Jahan and completed in 1656. Visitors can climb its southern minaret for views of Old Delhi.
• —Humayun's Tomb — This 16th-century tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal. It features Mughal architecture with marble and red sandstone work, set within a large garden.
• —Qutub Minar — This 73-meter tall minaret was started by Qutb-ud-din Aybak in the 12th century to commemorate Muslim rule in India. The complex also includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the earliest extant mosque in India.
• —India Gate — A war memorial arch, built in honor of Indian soldiers who died in World War I. It stands at one end of Kartavya Path.
• —Rashtrapati Bhavan — The official residence of the President of India, this building was designed by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker as part of New Delhi's colonial architecture. The exterior and surrounding gardens are visible.
• —Jantar Mantar — An 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur. It features masonry instruments designed to measure time, predict celestial movements, and compile astronomical tables.

The best time to visit Delhi is during the cooler, drier months from October to March. October and November offer clear skies, with average temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F), suitable for exploring outdoor markets and monuments. December and January are the coldest months, with average daily temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and lows dipping to 7°C (45°F); fog can reduce visibility. February and March see rising temperatures and sunshine.

Avoid visiting from April to June, which is the hot season with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F). The monsoon season, from July to September, brings rainfall and high humidity, which can make sightseeing uncomfortable.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is Delhi's main airport, located about 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of the city center. The Airport Express Metro line connects to central Delhi.

Within Delhi, the Metro system is an efficient way to travel long distances, avoiding road congestion. The Yellow Line connects many major attractions. For shorter distances, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available, especially in Old Delhi. Negotiate fares before starting your journey, as meters are often not used. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are also available.

Walking is possible in specific areas like Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk or within monument complexes, but for cross-city travel, a combination of Metro and rickshaws is recommended. Avoid public transport during rush hours (8-10 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM) due to crowding.