Delhi is a Union Territory (UT) of India. Also known as the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi, it is the most populous UT of India. The government of India works from New Delhi, which is one of the 11 districts of Delhi. New Delhi is thus the capital of India. The following are some interesting facts about Delhi. Let’s read.
Interesting facts about Delhi
It the largest city in India
Delhi is the largest city in India. The three different municipal corporations of Delhi – (Municipal Corporation of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Delhi Cantonment Board) together cover an area of around 1,500 square kilometers.
(Also read: Top 10 largest cities in India)
One of the most populous cities in India
Delhi was the second most populous city in India behind Mumbai during the 2011 census. There are some claims which say Delhi has overtaken Mumbai as the most populous city in India.
(Also read: Top 5 most populous cities of India)
Delhi has one of the largest Metro systems in the world
The Delhi metro operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is one of the largest metro systems in the world. The total length of the Delhi metro is 391 kilometers (286 stations). Delhi metro is also one of the most environment-friendly metro systems in the world.
Monuments and World Heritage sites in Delhi
Delhi is famous for its monuments and Heritage sites. There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Delhi – the Red Fort Complex, Qutb Minar and its Monuments, and Humayun’s Tomb. Delhi is the fourth most visited state/UT in India by foreign tourists. Top tourist destinations in Delhi are the 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the India Gate, Akshardham Temple, etc.
The busiest airport in India is in Delhi
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the busiest airport in India. The airport has an area of 5,106 acres and has three major terminals.
Climate of Delhi
Delhi experiences very hot summers and cold winters. The difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi is quite big. The highest summer temperatures in Delhi can cross the 45 degrees Celsius mark. On the contrary, the lowest recorded temperatures in Delhi are 2 degrees below freezing. The average annual rainfall in Delhi is around 700 mm.
Districts in Delhi
There are 11 districts in Delhi-
- New Delhi
- Central Delhi
- East Delhi
- North Delhi
- North East Delhi
- North West Delhi
- South Delhi
- South East Delhi
- South West Delhi
- West Delhi
- Shahdara
Borders of Delhi
Delhi is bordered by Uttar Pradesh on the east and Haryana from all the other directions.
Yamuna- The lifeline of Delhi
Yamuna river is the lifeline of Delhi. The Yamuna is one of the most important rivers of North India and is the largest tributary of Ganga by length. Without the Yamuna, Delhi cannot sustain its large population. The average precipitation in Delhi is around 700 mm, most of which falls during the monsoon season. Low rainfall during the non-monsoon season adds to the importance of the Yamuna which is a perennial river.
Seat of the Indian government
The Indian government has most of its offices in Delhi. Apart from that, the Supreme Court, the Parliament, and the Rashtrapati Bhawan are all located in Delhi.
Delhi has the largest Spice market in Asia
The spice market in Khari Baoli, a street in Delhi is the largest spice market in Asia. Spices not only from India but also from various parts of the world are sold in the market.
Famous Hindu temples
Some of the largest Hindu temples in the world are located in Delhi. The Chhatarpur Temple complex in New Delhi has an area of over 70 acres. The Swaminarayan Akshardham is another famous temple in Delhi with a complex spreading across acres.
Economy of Delhi
Delhi is the largest economy among all Union Territories. Overall, Delhi is the 12th largest economy in India. The major contributors to Delhi’s economy are the Service and industrial sectors.
Basic facts about Delhi
| State animal | Nilgai |
| State tree | Flamboyant (Gulmohar) |
| Literacy rate | 86.21 % (2011 census) |
| State bird | House sparrow |
| Number of districts | 11 |
Read more