'Gateway for India'

History of India and its civilization dates back to at least 6500 BC which perhaps makes the oldest surviving civilization in the world. India has been a meeting ground between the East and the West. Through out its history many invaders have come to India but Indian religions allowed it to adapt to and absorb all of them. All the while, these local dynasties built upon the roots of a culture well established. India has always been simply too big, too complicated, and too culturally subtle to let any one empire dominate it for long. Based on archeological findings, Indian history can be broadly divided into five phases:

Bara Gumbad

Bara Gumbad is an ancient monument grouped together with the Friday mosque (Jama Masjid) and "mehman khana" (guest house) of Sikandar Lodi located in the Lodi Gardensin Delhi.

Sikandar Lodi's Tomb

Tomb of Sikandar Lodi was built in 1518 CE by Ibrahim Lodi. The tomb is situated in the Lodhi Gardens.

Lodhi Gardens

Lodhi Gardens, once called Lady Willingdon Park, laid out in 1930 this beautiful park contains 15th and 16th century monuments that are scattered among its well-kept lawns, flowers, shady trees and ponds. During the early morning and evening hours, the sprawling garden is a favourite spot for fitness freaks and those in search of solitude.

Connaught Place

Connaught Place is known for its vibrant atmosphere and planned layout. It has been the hot-spot both for the business men as well as tourists both from the country and abroad. The present day Connaught Place plays the role of a welcoming host to the continuous down stepping of huge masses who are attracted to the popular tourist destinations here. Some must places to be visited are Hanuman Mandir, an ancient temple with a mention in Guinness Book of Record, Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory of 18th century, Maharaja Agrasen ki Baoli and State Emporiums with the collection of ethnic specialties of the states.

Connaught Place is a planned street meant for business with a circular area that is divided into two circles named as inner and outer Connaught circle. Janpath, an open-air shopping complex, lies on the road connecting the inner and outer circle with Palika-Baazar which is known to be the trend-setter of India's underground markets accompanying it.

Connaught Place invites one to its luxurious hotels where a variety of spa facilities are available. The soothing aura and the eye pleasing ambience of 3 stars, 4 stars and 5 stars hotels attract the tourists towards itself. One can find 3 star hotels like The Chorus and Hotel Palace Heights, 4 star hotels like Radisson Blue Marina Connaught Place and The Hans Hotel and The Lalit in the category of 5 star hotels in and around Connaught Place.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

Built with a mix of European and Mughal/Indian styles, Rashtrapati Bhavan was originally built for the Governor General of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the Viceregal Lodge, the name was changed in 1959 after India became a republic. Now it is the Presidential Palace of India.

Sansad Bhavan

Sansad Bhavan or the Parliament of India is a circular building designed by the British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker in 1912–1913. Construction began in 1921, and in 1927 the building was opened as the home of the Council of State, the Central Legislative Assembly, and the Chamber of Princes.

India Gate and Rajpath

India Gate is a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers who died during the Afghan wars and World War I.^[1] The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. The cenotaph (or shrine) in the middle is constructed with black marble and depicts a rifle placed on its barrel, crested by a soldier's helmet. Each face of the cenotaph has inscribed in gold the words Amar Jawan (in Hindi, meaning Immortal Warrior). The green lawns at India Gate are a popular evening and holiday rendezvous for young and old alike. Every year the Republic day celebrations are made in Delhi.The army men and other citizens of India who are awarded or who participate in the celebration walk through the Rajpath.^[2]