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Cities

Delhi

Delhi is a massive metropolitan area in India’s north. Delhi has a mixed culture with people of all communities and religions, however, English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi are the main languages spoken in the city. Looking at the vast culture, tradition and modern lifestyle, Delhi is a vibrant, exciting city with plenty to see and do.

Many people think that New Delhi is Delhi but there is actually a difference between the two places. Delhi is now a state and has a governor as the head of government. New Delhi is India’s capital and is the seat of the government of India.

Both Delhi and New Delhi lie on the banks of the  Yamuna River. Delhi’s city proper population is over 11 million, the second-highest populated city in India after Mumbai.

Places to visit include, the India Gate. The India Gate is an Imposing Arc de Triomphe-style war memorial, located astride the Rajpath, on the eastern edge of New Delhi. India Gate is a memorial to the 70,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army, who died during the First World War.

Other places of interest include:

The Red Fort, located in the centre of old Delhi, is a landmark 17th-century Mughal fortress, built in towering red sandstone and now a complex of museums. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years, until 1856.

Nearby, Chandni Chowk, is a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewellery and vivid saris, with narrow side streets crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets.

Lotus Temple is a temple with a flower-like design, opened in 1986 and open to those of all religions.

The Qutb Minar, is a minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex. It features a 73m tapering tower built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak, after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom.

Humayun’s tomb is the opulent red-sandstone tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in 1572 and surrounded by formal gardens.

The National Rail Museum is an Indian railway museum featuring historical exhibits and artefacts, including an 1855 steam locomotive.

Mumbai

Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is situated on India’s west coast.  It is India’s largest city and a financial and commerce centre. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront, stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city’s also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry.

Known as one of the largest, wealthiest, and most visited cities in India, Mumbai is home to nearly 20 million people.

Due to its unique seaside location, Mumbai has expanded to fill seven surrounding islands and has grown into one of the most important trading hubs in the world. Mumbai is a prime destination for understanding modern Indian culture. Filled with entertainment, festivals, authentic cuisine, and historically significant places, Mumbai is sure to have something to offer travellers of all ages and interests.

The shopping is amazing, with markets, bazaars and street shops everywhere you look, selling everything from traditional Indian clothing to street art and boutique fashion. There’s plenty of places to sample the local food too, from street vendors right through to five-star restaurants.

Mumbai is a great city and even with the huge challenges of poverty, air pollution and transport chaos, there is much to see and do here. A real experience you will never forget!