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Old Delhi provides a fascinating insight into various cultural and historical events in India's past, making it a must for anyone planning a trip to the country. Originally the capital of the Mughal Empire, the walled city is now a hotspot for sightseeing enthusiasts. The first stop on any tour of Old Delhi is usually the Red Fort. Situated in a central location, the complex once housed the Mughal emperors and their servants, accommodating some 3,000 people at one point. There is plenty to see once you enter the fort, including the Indian War Memorial Museum and the Red Fort Museum, which allows tourists to examine paintings and artefacts dating back to the Mughal period. Opposite the Red Fort is the easily identifiable Charity Birds Hospital. Founded in 1956, this sanctuary is hard to miss, as feathered animals that are brought back to health often refuse to leave and instead circle the building from above. Inside, birds are bathed, fed and provided with vitamins. The hospital also boasts a research laboratory, a general ward and an intensive care unit. Places of worship are common throughout India, but Old Delhi is home to two of the most impressive religious buildings in the country - Jama Masjid and Sisganj Gurdwara. The latter structure is the region's most famous Sikh shrine, where visitors can listen to chants of the Guru Granth Sahib scripture, depending on the season. You may also spot tinsel and coloured foil decorating the walls at certain times of year, with holidaymakers encouraged to ask the helpful information office if they have any queries about the faith's traditions. However, tourists are expected to keep to local custom, so removing your shoes and covering your head are required before entering the shrine. Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India, with 5,000 labourers spending six years in its construction. Completed in the 17th century, it is considered one of the most beautiful sites in the country. If you are looking to do some souvenir hunting for friends and family back home, you may wish to visit Gali Paranthe Wali. This narrow lane is a bustling network of shopkeepers and stores, with popular wares including saris and fabrics. The street, which is named after a type of fried flatbread, is also a fantastic place to grab a snack during the day, offering a number of small eateries serving soft cheeses, seasonable vegetables and its namesake - parathas. Book flights to Delhi to explore the historic centre of one of the most vibrant cities in Asia. Ebookers.com offers a wide range of cheap flights to India and many other destinations worldwide, so start planning your holiday today.
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