New Delhi is arguably the most famous city in India because of its dynamic population and iconic, attractive sites. One of the well-known facts about Delhi is that it is India’s capital. The city has also been a major strategic site for old rulers during ancient times.
That said, the deep history brings along plenty of fascinating things. We will look at some of the interesting Delhi facts that offer an insight into the Indian city’s past and present.
Historical Facts About Delhi
If you look into the facts about India, the history of New Delhi, without a doubt, comes into play. Here are some things to know about the capital city.
The Largest Asian Spice Market Is In Delhi
One of the most exciting facts about Delhi is that it is home to Khari Baoli – the largest spice market in Asia. This place is also a huge wholesale market of fruits and vegetables. The market started during the 17th century and is still active in India.
The best thing is that it is also within the vicinity of the Red Fort. So you can certainly include it in your trip’s itinerary.
The Red Fort Used To Be White
Speaking of which, Delhi is famous for the Red Fort because of its unique and intricate architecture. This is why the site also has a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. What’s interesting about this building is that it is made of lime plaster.
The limestone construction caused the color of the fort to be white. British officials later decided to paint the structure red to cover up the degradation of the material during different weather seasons.
It continues to stand as one of the most visited and prominent landmarks in India.
Delhi Was Enclosed By 14 Walls
The city of Delhi is huge, which is why it was guarded by 14 walls in the past. Only 5 of these walls remain today. These include:
- Ajmeri Gate
- Kashmere Gate
- Lahori Darwaza
- Dilli Darwaza
- Turkman Gate
All of these sites will allow you to learn more about Delhi’s history because they are in different parts of this city.
It Was Not The Original Capital Territory Of India
As mentioned, one of the most common facts about New Delhi is that it is India’s capital. However, what many don’t know is that this has not always been the case. During the British rule, Calcutta was the capital of India.
India’s capital was shifted to the Delhi region in 1911 when the foundation stone was laid for this city. Specifically, 1931 was an important year in New Delhi’s history because this was when the city got its official capital status.
Cultural Facts About Delhi
Here are some cultural Delhi facts:
The Only Asian Bahai Temple Is In Delhi
There were originally two Bahai temples in Asia, but one of them was destroyed in an earthquake. This is why the Lotus Temple is the only site in Asia where you can learn more about the Bahai religion. People of all religions can visit and take photos of the site.
Another key thing about the temple is that it is one of the fourteen (and increasing…) Bahai temples in the world. Many people also visit it for meditation and to gain inner peace.
Chole Bhature Is The Main Dish Of Delhi
Delhi is famous for its Indian food because of its vibrant street food scene. Chole Bhature is one of the top dishes in this region because of its spicy taste. Many people enjoy this item for breakfast, but some also love it as an evening snack.
The dish mainly contains chickpeas and onions in spicy gravy. Butter chicken is another item that Delhi is famous for.
Delhi Is Famous For Its Meenakari Jewelry
The people of Delhi are highly skillful craftsmen, so you will notice various handicrafts around the city. Meenakari is a jewelry-making skill that was brought to Delhi by Lahore. Many locals wear this type of jewelry on special occasions.
Ivory carving is also popular in this city. You can visit the local shopping markets to find unique handicrafts.
A Toilet Museum Is In Delhi
One of the fun facts about New Delhi is that it is home to the Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. This peculiar site will allow you to understand the evolution of toilets. The museum also spreads awareness about sanitation.
The Time magazine also considers it one of the weirdest museums on this planet. While it might sound amusing, it is actually an important topic since proper hygiene and sanitation are still not available in all parts of India, particularly the rural region.
Simple Facts About Delhi For Kids
Here are some facts about Delhi that can be interesting for young minds.
Delhi And New Delhi Are Not The Same
Just like how people use New York to refer to New York City, Delhi is often used interchangeably as a short form for New Delhi due to the ease of speaking or typing. This is also the case in this particular article.
However, technically they are actually not the same thing. Delhi is a major national union territory of India. Meanwhile, New Delhi is a city within the Delhi territory. You can also consider it as an area within a larger region.
India’s Second-Oldest International Stadium Is Here
Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in the world. It started operating in the late 19th century and got its name through the nearby Kotla Fort. The stadium has hosted more than 34 cricket tests (a term referring to a specific game format and level in cricket).
Its name was also changed in 2019 to honor the former DDCA president. Currently, the stadium is called Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Delhi Ridge Is One Of The Best Places For Bird Watchers
One of the amazing Delhi facts to know is that it is an excellent site for those who want to see different wildlife, particularly birds.
The Delhi Ridge is a forest area within the city that many people visit because of its pretty trails. You can also see over 100 different bird species at this site.
Due to its vast coverage, the area is divided into four zones. You can visit the one that is closest to you.
Useful Delhi Facts For Travelers
Planning a trip to the Indian capital can be daunting due to the complex organization and large area. Here are some facts about Delhi that can be helpful.
Delhi Metro Is India’s Largest Metro
India is famous for its largest metro network, which makes it more convenient for people to get around Delhi. The network serves 255 stations within the national capital region. It is also the busiest railway system in India and conducts 2,700 trips every day.
The Delhi metro network is the second-oldest network in the country. Kolkata Metro beats the system in terms of age.
It Has The World’s Second-Highest Population
Delhi is a populous city, so you can expect it to be crowded at all times. You may experience traffic in different parts of the city, especially during the holiday season. This is because the region gets many domestic and international visitors annually.
The current population of Delhi is about 32 million. June to August are the busiest seasons of the city because of high tourism. So you should plan your trip accordingly if you want to avoid the insane crowd.
The City Has Many Strange Museums
One of the interesting New Delhi facts is that this capital is home to weird museums such as a toilet museum, Shankar’s International Doll Museum, National Rail Museum, and more. You can learn how to wear a saree at the doll museum.
Meanwhile, toy trains are one of the peculiar things at the railway museum. All of these sites were established in the latter half of the 20th century.
If the weather is not kind to you, look to the museums for some great indoor fun and education.
It Is Home To India’s Tallest Minaret
Qutub Minar is the world’s second-tallest brick minaret. The tower is five-story tall and marks an important point in Rajput history. This is because Muslim conquerors built the structure to celebrate the defeat of Rajput rulers.
Many tourists visit this historical site to view unique architecture and take pictures of this aesthetically impressive tower.
Common Facts About Delhi
The Most Expensive Commonwealth Games Happened In Delhi
The Commonwealth Games of 2010 were hosted in Delhi and cost about $11 billion. This remains the highest expense spent to date. India splashed excessively on the event and went well above the budget.
Currently, the cost of the Commonwealth Games is monitored carefully, and the budget is maintained more efficiently.
India’s Most Expensive Office Space Is Here
Delhi-NCR has the most expensive office market in India, with a rent of $51.6 per square foot. The premium space is in Connaught Place, which is a financial hub in New Delhi.
Delhi’s Public Transport System Mainly Uses CNG
Delhi may have been ranked in various lists for high pollution, but the city is taking steps to reduce its global gas emissions.
Most of the public transport vehicles in the region use CNG. This fuel is less polluting than other options such as diesel or petrol. It is one of the encouraging facts about Delhi that will hopefully improve the situation.
Other Interesting Facts About Delhi
It Has Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Delhi has various UNESCO sites such as Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. All of these structures were made upon the orders of Muslim conquerors. If you want to travel back in time to the Mughal era, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb should be your go-to sites.
Delhi Faces Earthquakes Frequently
Delhi faces more earthquakes than other regions of India, as per various statistics. For example, the city experienced 13 earthquakes in 2021. Many of them have affected the region significantly.
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Discovering More Fun Facts About Delhi
These are some of the fascinating facts about Delhi that reveal just how diverse, vibrant, and historically rich the city and region are. From awe-inspiring architectural marvels to peculiar museums and intriguing history, Delhi offers an unforgettable experience for both travelers and locals alike.
Be sure to visit this city to learn more about India’s culture and experience its unique cuisine. There’s always something new to discover, and you will uncover more hidden gems and incredible facts about Delhi that make this Indian metropolis truly remarkable.
