“Step into the heart of India with 25 captivating Delhi facts that unveil the tapestry of this vibrant and historical metropolis. From the echoes of ancient empires in the Red Fort to the sensory symphony of street markets, Delhi is a city that breathes life into history and modernity alike. Join us as we navigate through the chaotic charm of Chandni Chowk, explore the secrets of Qutub Minar, and delve into the rich cultural kaleidoscope of India’s capital. Buckle up for a journey through time, spice, and the spirited soul of Delhi!
1-5 Fun Facts About Delhi
1. Delhi and New Delhi may sound like two peas in a pod, but they’re more like siblings with distinct identities. Delhi is both a state and a city, while New Delhi is a specific area within it and serves as the capital of the country.
2. Delhi holds the distinction of being the second-most populous city globally, with Tokyo claiming the top spot.
3. Don’t be fooled by the name “New Delhi.” Delhi is not a newcomer by any stretch. It traces its roots back to the Mahabharata days when it went by the name Indraprastha. It’s not just a city; it’s a historical saga.
4. The iconic Red Fort, a historical marvel, was not always red. Originally constructed with white limestone, British officials opted to paint it red when the color began to chip off.
5. Before the British invasion, Delhi served as the capital for various kings. However, Delhi’s capital status wasn’t a perpetual affair; Kolkata wore the British crown until 1931. Since then, Delhi has held its regal position.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Delhi
6. The modern layout of New Delhi was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker.
7. Delhi boasts the sixth-largest metro rail network globally, covering over 389 kilometers.
8. Delhi’s avian diversity isn’t something to be overlooked. After Nairobi, Kenya, it proudly claims the title of the world’s second most bird-rich capital.
9. Delhi’s quirkiness extends to its museums, where you can explore the unusual. New Delhi offers a range of unusual museums, including a toilet museum, Shankar’s International Doll Museum, and the National Rail Museum, where visitors can even learn how to wear a saree at the doll museum.
10. Karim’s in Delhi is one of the oldest restaurants in the country, known for its original Mughal cuisine. The restaurant’s recipes are said to be handed down through generations, originating from the royal kitchen of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor.
11-15 Shocking Facts About Delhi
11. Breathing easy in Delhi isn’t always guaranteed. The air quality index (AQI) swings between 200-500 (poor to hazardous) from October to February. The “Great Smog of Delhi” in 2017 saw the AQI peak at a jaw-dropping 999, underlining the city’s struggle with air pollution.
12. Delhi’s streets may be crowded, but its surveillance game is unparalleled. With a staggering 1,826.6 CCTV cameras per square mile, it’s officially the most surveilled city globally.
13. Delhi is the country’s second-richest city. In the last year, it has grown by 66%. And, was ranked 36th overall on the list of the world’s wealthiest cities in 2023.
14. Dehli is well-known for its city gates. From the eighth to the twentieth centuries, city governors built 14 gates. However, Only five of the fourteen gates survived.
15. Qutub Minar, a prominent historical monument, is a universal mention when exploring information about New Delhi on the internet. Recognized not only for its historical significance but also as the world’s tallest brick minaret, Qutub Minar was completed in 1200 AD and continues to stand tall to this day.
16-20 Awesome Facts About Delhi
16. In matters of the heart, Delhi harbors its own brand of superheroes known as the “Love Commandos.” These vigilantes stand up for young couples crossing caste and religious boundaries to marry for love, ensuring their right to love freely.
17. Historically, British colonial officials in Delhi created a bounty for cobras to address their prevalence. However, they later discovered secret cobra farms aiming to collect the bounty. When the officials shut down the program, the farms released their snakes, resulting in an increased cobra population.
18. In 2007, the deputy mayor of Delhi fell victim to a pack of monkeys. Despite efforts to employ monkey catchers using langurs, a larger and fiercer monkey species, to scare or catch macaques, the issue persists.
19. In 2014, the Indian government employed individuals to impersonate monkeys to scare off real monkeys causing trouble around the parliament in Delhi. These individuals made screeching noises to imitate black-faced langur monkeys and deter red-faced macaque monkeys.
20. In a remarkable love story, Pradyumna Kumar Mahanandia, a poor Indian artist, rode a second-hand bicycle for over 4 months from New Delhi to Gothenburg, Sweden, to meet his love Charlotte Von Schedvin. He embarked on this journey due to financial constraints preventing him from buying an airplane ticket. The couple now has two children.
21-25 Cool Facts About Delhi
21. Delhi-NCR boasts the most expensive office market in India, with a rent of $51.6 per square foot, and Connaught Place in New Delhi serves as a prime financial hub for premium office space.
22. Delhi is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb, each holding significant historical and cultural value.
23. Delhi is home to Asia’s largest wholesale market for fruits and vegetables, the Azadpur wholesale market.
24. The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, is Asia’s sole temple dedicated to the Baha’i religion and is open to people of all faiths.
25. The 2010 Commonwealth Games hosted in Delhi remains the most expensive in history.
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