There is evidence to suggest that around the 2 nd Century BC human settlements had already begun. The remains of seven major cities have been unearthed in Delhi . It came under British control after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Calcutta was then declared the capital of British India and Delhi became a province of the Punjab.

Delhi has a semi-arid climate with highly varied summer and winter temperatures. Summers last from April through October punctuated by a monsoon in between that and winter, which begins in October and peaks in January. Extreme temperatures include -6 farenheit to 47 degrees farenheit. Be sure you know which seasonal travel you undertake and be mindful of these temperature fluctuations.

Delhi 's attractions feature a rich history of food, art, dance and celebration. Art galleries across Delhi boast the ancient history of this long established city. The National Gallery of Modern Art, Lalit Kala Academy and Sanskriti Kendra are all main arts and crafts centers. Traveling artists can enjoy studios, known as Garhis and lodgings at the Lalit Kala Academy. At the Sanskriti Kendra scholars will work and interact with other artists in studios and auditoriums, and craftspeople work in huts.

National holidays including Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandi Jayanti, are celebrated with great enthusiasm. There are many beautiful historic sites to see in Delhi, including 175 monuments, Jama Masjid, India 's oldest mosque and Red Fort, boasting a fortress palace built in 1639 AD by the Emperor Shah Jahan. India 's Prime Minister addresses India during India 's Independence Day celebrations from the Red Fort. Delhi is home to several UNESCO world heritage sites, including forest, mountain, lakes and desert. Humayan's Tomb and Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world are also highly impressive tourist attractions and are not to be missed.