General Info:  
     This is where it all begins. And this is where it ends. For centuries, this is the place that has given hope to dreamers.

     The Mughal invasions, the British conquest, a free India - Delhi has been the hub of it all. This is not a poet's paradise - no nightingales singing on full moon nights - but a place crowded with the dreams of pioneers. Here, even a poet will sing of power.

     Situated about 160 km south of the Himalayas, Delhi, the capital of India, stands on the west bank of the Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges. It is bounded on the east by the state of Uttar Pradesh and on the north, west, and south by Haryana. The Red Fort, Rashtapati Bhawan, Qutub Minar and India Gate occupy pride of place here. Other prominent historical monuments include Jama Masjid, Safdarjung Museum, Diwan-i-am, Diwan-i- khas, Jantar Mantar and Lotus temple. No visit to Delhi, is complete without a stopover at Connaught Place, the commercial centre and just the place for a quick bite or to pick up a souvenir.

CLIMATE:
    The summer season lasts from mid-March to the end of June, with average maximum and minimum temperatures of 36º C and 25º C. The monsoon season, following the hot summer, continues until the end of September, with an average rainfall of about 26 inches. The winter season extends from late November to mid-February. The coldest month is January, when both the mean maximum temperature and the mean minimum temperature are at their lowest--21º C and 7º C, respectively. Best time to visit: October to March.

Population: 12 million

FESTIVALS :
Republic Day (26th January) is a big affair with marchpast, colorful parades and floats from various states. The Beating Retreat which marks the end of celebrations on 29th January, is a moving ceremony with military bands playing at Vijay Chowk. The Surajkund Crafts Fair, near Delhi, in January, is another must-visit. The Garden Festival, a spectacular flower show is held in February. In June, is the International Mango Festival. Other festivals celebrated are Holi, Diwali, Baisakhi, Id, Good Friday, Christmas, Mahavir Jayanti and others.

Baisakhi The solar new year's day is observed on this day throughout northern India, which is also the new year's day of Tamil Nadu. For Hindus, it is significant of the days of the descent of the Ganges to the earth, and people take holy dips in rivers. The Sikhs attach religious significance to day, as it is day of the formation of the Singh, who converted the Sikhs into a martial race. It is also the harvest festival of the Punjab and is celebrated with dances and gaiety.