Unique Facts About Delhi You've Never Heard Before

Famously referred to as ‘Dilwalon ki Dilli’, the capital city of India is a treasure trove of history spread across an area of 1,483 square kilometres. The turbulent past is one part of Delhi but the other part is why it is still one of the most popular travel destinations. Additionally, the interwoven cultures of India and the world blend seamlessly to offer us grand and jaw-dropping architecture and a variety of scrumptious food. Moreover, with more than 100 historical monuments and 3 UNESCO world heritage sites, Delhi is one of the popular choices for history buffs, travel lovers, architecture students and anyone who can appreciate the beauty. Put your seat belts on for a thrilling ride of 5 shocking and unknown facts about Delhi.

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Here Are 5 Facts About Delhi You Might Not Know -

1. Red or White?

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Uh-oh, we are not talking about your preference in wine but a shocking revelation about the famous Lal Qilla. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, Red Fort as we know it today was originally built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 with lime stones. Does it mean it was white in colour? Absolutely! However with time it began chipping off and in order to stop it the British then got it painted in red colour. Lastly, it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and an absolute beauty from an architectural point of view. Do not miss out on this gem if you are in Delhi.

2. Tipping The Taste

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Imagine having your meal without a sprinkle of salt and spices. Sara mood kharab ho gaya, nahi? Let us make it up to you with one of the interesting facts about Delhi that all foodies will love. Interestingly, Khari Baoli (translated as salty step well) is Asia’s biggest spice market and it is obviously located in Delhi. Right from local to exotic, almost all kinds of spices are found at this particular market. Furthermore, this market was founded way back in the 17th century. You should definitely shop and shop these top-quality spices from Delhi.

3. Shitty Museum?

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No, this museum we are talking about is not ‘shitty’ but it does cover the evolution of toilets and sanitation systems across the world. Wondering what kind of museum is that, right? Well, Sulabh International Museum of Toilets is one of a kind. No doubt about that! Find the rare collection of pictures, facts and objects especially about the historic evolution of toilets dated as back as 2500 BC to the present. Afterall, most of the time we rather take this very basic bodily need as a matter of joke but it keeps us healthy and functioning. Definitely check out this amusing museum and certainly share your soch – vichaar with us.

4. Walls And Gates

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What is interesting about walls and gates? Don’t we all have those at our homes generally? Well, we are talking about the Purani Dilli which is a part of the city surrounded by walls. They were made originally of mud and then later replaced by red stones. Earlier, it had a total of 14 gates facing different directions and cities. Particularly only 5 of the original 14 gates are still standing strong. They are Ajmeri Gate (facing Ajmer in Rajasthan), Kashmiri Gate (facing Kashmir), Lahori Gate (facing Lahore in present-day Pakistan), Delhi Gate, and Turkman Gate (named after Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Turkman Bayabani). Each of them has its own historical significance. You must surely explore them on your visit to Delhi.  

5. Tall, Taller, Tallest!

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The famous Qutub Minar (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the tallest brick minaret in the world with a height of 73 meters. Interestingly, it was built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak. Qutub Minar is five storeys tall and each of them has a balcony. Moreover, it tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. Though the first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. Visit this magnificent monument and be charmed by the structures in its surrounding.