+26Delhi is a major metropolitan area and union territory in northern India, serving as the national capital. It is situated on the Yamuna River within the expansive Indo-Gangetic Plain. The location is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and is profoundly notable as the political, cultural, and historical heart of India, housing numerous monuments, government buildings, and a vast, diverse population.
The area's history of settlement dates back millennia, with evidence of ancient foundations. The current urban landscape is defined by its Mughal-era and British colonial architectural features, including red sandstone and marble structures like the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, many of which hold UNESCO World Heritage status. It is currently used as the seat of the Indian government and is a major economic and commercial hub.
Delhi is a primary international and domestic transportation gateway for India. It is served by the Indira Gandhi International Airport and several major railway stations, including New Delhi Railway Station. The city is connected by an extensive network of national highways and has an intra-city metro system. Tourist infrastructure is highly developed, with ample accommodation, signage, and information centers. Access is continuous throughout the year, though summer heat can be a significant limiting factor for outdoor activity.
The climate is classified as a humid subtropical with high variation between extremely hot summers and cool winters. The landscape is predominantly flat, shaped by the Yamuna River floodplains. Vegetation consists largely of cultivated and introduced species in urban parks and gardens, with natural wildlife severely limited due to intense urbanization. The environment is highly modified by human activity.
Delhi has a long history as a capital for various empires, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire, who established several historic fortifications and tombs. It was later captured by the British East India Company and became the capital of British India in 1911. The city has been a central witness to India's struggle for independence and its evolution into a modern republic, with its boundaries and infrastructure continually expanding.