A Traveler's Guide to Delhi

Delhi is the second largest city by population in India, the eighth largest city in the world by population, and the capital city of India. It is located in the central northern region of India and has over twelve million residents. Delhi has attracted immigrants from all over India. This fact, combined with the high average income of the city, has caused the city to become a very wealthy cosmopolitan city.

As with most cities in India, the summer months are the rainiest. An average of 10 inches of rain a month falls between the months of May and August. Summer temperatures are hot and humid, usually staying in the 90's Fahrenheit, occasionally getting higher than the 100 degree mark. Winter temperatures rarely dip lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Because of its northern location, Delhi has remnants of Indian, Mongol, British, and Chinese influence. This has left a mark on Delhi and the surrounding area. There are many historical sites around the city that have been recognized as World Heritage Sites. Some of these include the Red Fort, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, and the Purana Qila.

The three biggest cultural holidays are Republic Day, Independence Day, and Gandhi Jayanti (Gandhi's birthday). These events are usually celebrated with festivals, parades, and parties. Diwali is one of the biggest religious festivals in Delhi.

As with many other cities in India, the most popular sports in Delhi are cricket and football, in that order. Recently rugby has become more and more popular among residents of Delhi.

Delhi is serviced by Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is the main hub for domestic and international travel into the city. With over 23 million passengers each year, it is one of the busiest airports in all of south Asia. The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates a bus line that is one of the largest in the world. Over half of all residents of the city use the DTC to get around Delhi.