Delhi is a metropolis in northern India. One part of it, known as New Delhi is officially designated the capital of India, but the names are often used interchangeably. Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Damascus and Varanasi. Legend estimates it to be over 5000 years old. Archeological relics dating back to the second millenium BCE have been found in and around Delhi. Relics of seven major cities have been discovered Delhi area. The Archaeological Survey of India recognises more than 172 monuments in Delhi as national heritage sites. The Old city is the site where the Mughals and the Turkic rulers constructed several architectural marvels like the Jama Masjid and Lal Qila. Two World Heritage Sites, the 72.5 meters tall Qutab Minar and Humayun's Tomb, are located in Delhi. Other monuments include the India Gate, the Jantar Mantar (an 18th century astronomical observatory) and the Purana Qila, a 16th century fortress. The Lotus Temple, a house of worship of the Bahá'í Faith, is the most visited edifice in the world with more 50 million visitors annually. The largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid and one of the most visited Vaishnavite temples in the world, the Birla Mandir, are located in Delhi.
New Delhi, a spacious, well-designed district of Delhi, houses several government buildings and official residences reminiscent of the British colonial architecture. Important structures include the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Secretariat, the Rajpath, the Parliament of India and the Vijay Chowk.
The Red Fort is one of Delhi's top tourist sights. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also built Agra's Taj Mahal) as his ruling palace. Humayun's Tomb in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, is one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Qutub complex in Mehrauli, south Delhi, houses structures dating from the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are kept in excellent shape, making this a popular relaxation and picnic spot.
