Delhi, known locally as Dilli (Hindi: दिल्ली dillī, Punjabi: ਦਿੱਲੀ, Urdu: دِہلی dihlī), and by the official name National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT), is the largest metropolis by area and the second-largest metropolis by population in India. It is the eighth largest metropolis in the world by population with more than 12.25 million inhabitants in the territory and with over 15.9 million residents in the National Capital Region area (which also includes Noida, Gurgaon, Greater Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad).
Located on the banks of the River Yamuna, Delhi has been continuously inhabited since at least the 6th century BCE.After the rise of the Delhi Sultanate, Delhi emerged as a major political, cultural and commercial city along the trade routes between northwest India and the Indo-Gangetic plains.It is the site of many ancient and medieval monuments, archaeological sites and remains. In 1639, Mughal emperor Shahjahan built a new walled city in Delhi which served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1649 to 1857.
After the British East India Company had gained control of much of India during the 18th and 19th centuries, Calcutta became the capital both under Company rule and under the British Raj, until George V announced in 1911 that it was to move back to Delhi. A new capital city, New Delhi, was built to the south of the old city during the 1920s.When India gained independence from British rule in 1947, New Delhi was declared its capital and seat of government. As such, New Delhi houses important offices of the federal government, including the Parliament of India, as well as numerous national museums, monuments, and art galleries.
Owing to the migration of people from across the country, Delhi has grown to be a multicultural, cosmopolitan metropolis. Its rapid development and urbanisation, coupled with the relatively high average income of its population, has transformed Delhi.Today, Delhi is a major cultural, political, and commercial center of India.
The influx of the visitors in New Delhi is to increase during the Games and Government of India is taking.
Tourism in Delhi
The tourism in Delhi is to get the major boast during the Commonwealth Games. According to the official estimates, the two million foreign tourists and 3.5 million tourists are likely to arrive in the Delhi during the event. Government of India is providing the tax incentives for the hotel rooms to be constructed in India with a focus on the tourist regions of Agra and Jaipur.
For tourists visiting Delhi, there are a number of attractions to look for. Historical monuments, Museums and temples are some of the sightseeing places in Delhi. Lal Quila (Red Fort), Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and Jama Masjid are among the most popular monuments in Delhi.
Besides the famous monuments, there are temples and other attractions that include:
Akshardham Temple
Lotus Temple
Iskon Temple
Birla Mandir
Rajghat
India Gate
Rastrapati Bhawan
Qutub Minar
Jama Masjid
Chandni Chowk
Security in Delhi
For the preparations of the Games and to promote the security at the major tourist spots, the Indian states will be deploying the force "tourist police" far before the Games begin. The tourism police are the regular state police forces, but will be trained to handle the tourist related aspects. There are many state which has already implemented this program.
Hospitality in Delhi
Delhi has the marvelous hospitality industry and is having almost all the world class hotels and restaurants in the city. The present capacity will be insufficient to handle the influx of tourists who are expected in Delhi for the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi. Therefore, additional 25,000 rooms are being built to meet the requirements for the games and this will also have Bed and Breakfast scheme which will be launched by the Delhi Government. The state owned India Tourism Devolepment Corporation Limited (ITDC) and private hotels have embarked the make overs and upgradation to welcome the visitors to Delhi and make their stay an enjoyable experience.
Briefing of Commonwealth Games
There are 17 games to be organized in the event and it will be held at the Six cluster venues and five stand alone Venue in Delhi.
Cluster I (Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex)- Ceremonies, Athletics, Lawn Bowls and Weightlifting.
Cluster II (Indira Gandhi Sports Complex)- Cycling, Gymnastics, and Wresteling.
Cluster III (Yamuna Sports Complex)- Archery (Qualification Rounds) and Table Tennis.
Cluster IV (Siri Fort Sports Complex)- Badminton and Squash.
Cluster V (MDC National Stadium Complex)- Hockey and Archery Finals (India Gate).
Cluster VI (Talkatora Garden Complex)- Swimming and Boxing