Delhi can never be described as a charming or beautiful destination but with time or subsequent visits the capital can be understood and even appreciated. Hidden within the spawning city are many reminders of the historical significance of Delhi both as the capital of the British Raj and much earlier the Mughal Empire. Delhi will never be a dream destination but it is many times better than some travellers give the capital credit for, just be prepared for a massive culture shock.

If this is your first visit either to India or to a slightly challenging destination be expecting and prepared for the worst, then you will be pleasantly surprised by how easy Delhi actually is. To confirm the stories Delhi is very dirty, polluted, choked by traffic with beggars on every street corner and con-artists sales men inflating the prices of just about everything. Women will be gaped at (this is not such a taboo as with western countries) and don’t forget the dreaded Delhi belly. But is Delhi really that bad, a beggar can be easily waved away, a sales man haggled down, food can be eaten which is only piping hot and rarely in Delhi will you ever feel theteaned especially when compared to South American or African cities. Plan and expect the worse and you will be pleasantly surprised, try to not compare or expect the standards of western cities, Delhi is true unique, once this hurdle is passed Delhi will be enjoyed

Delhi is a vast city with a population in-excess of 16 million, with a large proportion well below what many count as the poverty line. At times it may feel that much of the population of Delhi is trailing you trying to sell trinkets beg for money or generally pester but once mastered a decisive nod is enough repel all. Delhi is located on the banks of the River Yamuna Delhi though bewildering at times can be divided down into 6 districts; Old Delhi, New Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi, West Delhi and Gurgaon. It is suggested that new visitors be based around New Delhi as many of the comforts of home are located in Connaught Place and is central to the main tourist attractions. The popular tourist Sights of Delhi Include:

• Humayun's Tomb – The precursor to the Taj Mahal, built in the same symmetrical style but out of red sandstone
• Qutb Minar - A massive minaret which was the tallest building in the ancient world
• Bahá'í Temple (Lotus Temple) – A giant white lotus shaped temple that soars out of the dirt and pollution of India
• The Red Fort – Delhi's massive and impregnable fort.
• Akshardham Temple – Modern day wonder of the the world huge temple complex to the east of the city
• India Gate and Parliament – the central legislative centre of India which from the Colonial era.

In 1639 the Mughal emperor Shahjahan moved the Mughal capital to Delhi and set about improving the defences of the city. Delhi was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1649 through to 1857 until the invasion of the British. After the British Raj established their control over the whole of India Delhi was decided as the administrative centre the construction of New Delhi.