The capital of India, Delhi has so much to offer. Whether you talk about history, food, architecture or top-notch institutes, Delhi has it all. But even after being an open book, Delhi has got some facts revolving around it which even the Delhiites might not know. So, what are these, really? You’re gonna find out in this blog!
1.Red Fort Went Through a Major Colour Change!
We all have heard about the acid rain effect on the colour of the Taj Mahal but did you know that the famous Red Fort, or as well like to call it, Laal Kila used to be white in colour? You can’t even imagine it, right? Me too! Archaeological research recently found out that the fort was originally made up of limestone which started to wither away. In order to preserve it, the Britishers painted it red. Wow, my whole life was a lie!
2. Delhi and New Delhi are Totally Different Places
Stop mixing up these two, you all. I have heard enough! Delhi and New Delhi are two totally different places and it’s about time that you get to know the difference between the two. In fact, New Delhi is the capital city of India, not Delhi. New Delhi is a more developed territory which the Britishers remodelled while moving their capital here from Calcutta.
3. Home to the Museum of Toilets
Delhi houses the famous and uniquely weird Sulabh International Museum of Toilets. Established in 1992 by Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, the museum aims to spread the word of hygiene in the world. In a country like India, the museum was a bold yet much-needed step in the direction of sanitation. Time magazine named it as one of the ‘10 museums around the world that are anything but mundane.
Bonus: Visit this weirdly amazing museum by booking hourly hotels in Delhi here!
4. The Most Expensive Host of Commonwealth Games
Delhi has a record of hosting the most expensive Commonwealth Games of all time in 2010. The initial budget of Rs 16.2 billion in 2003 escalated to Rs. 115 billion in 2010. Now, that is a lot of money!
5. Home to the World’s Tallest Minaret
Delhi’s beloved Qutub Minar is the tallest minaret in the world. Standing 73 m tall, this gorgeous minaret was built in 1200 AD by Qutb al-din Aibak. Even though the minaret was closed in 1981 after a fatal stampede, you can still take pride in this historical monument from outside.
6. India’s Largest City
Delhi is the largest city in India with an area of 1484 sq. km. The city has been divided into 11 political zones that have got a whopping number of police stations, which, to be precise, is 95.
7. The Second Most Populous City
If you have some assumptions in your mind about the huge population of India, visiting Delhi is not going to help your case whatsoever. With a population of over 31 crores as of 2021, Delhi is the second-most populous city in India, only after Mumbai.
8. The Second-Most Bird Rich Capital in the World
With an impressive checklist of nearly 450 species, Delhi takes pride in being one of the most bird-rich capital cities in the world, coming second only to Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. The most common species that you can find on a sunny day in Delhi include Black Kite, Shikra, Indian Grey Hornbill, Black Drongo and yellow-footed Green Pigeon.
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9. Walled by 14 Gates
Delhi has always been a favourite city for all dynasties. There have been so many wars to win its possession. So, it’s no wonder that the whole city was once walled by as many as fourteen different gates. Even though most of them perished with the advent of time, five of them are still standing strong. These are Ajmeri Gate, Delhi Darwaza, Kashmiri Gate, Lahori Darwaza and Turkman Gate. They all are located in different parts of the city and if you are a history and culture lover, make sure to visit them on your visit to Delhi.
10. India’s Most Expensive Office Spaces
When it comes to money, Delhi becomes one of the most expensive places to stay at. Delhi’s Connaught Place has got the most expensive office spaces in India and it stands at the 9th rank in the whole world. Thinking of opening an office in CP? Beep beep. Think again!
Read More: Roam Around the Top 7 Historical Monuments of Delhi
And this marks the end of this blog. Delhi is such an important city in India as well as in the world, that no one can really cover its legends in a single blog. It is truly a marvellous city and you must put it on your bucket list right away. Book hourly hotels in Delhi here to make your stay less expensive while checking this destination off your list!