Now Take a Virtual Tour Of Historic Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 10 (IANS) Now one can take a virtual tour of the capital city with a diary that traces the city's history, prominent monuments, maps and haunted monuments.

The diary for the Delhi government is by young documentary filmmaker Arjun Pandey, who was born and brought up in Delhi.

"It's just an attempt to bring the hidden and forgotten facts and important landmarks before the residents of Delhi," Pandey, the brain behind the diary, told IANS.

The diary is part of Delhipedia, a digital online magazine that brings alive the true facts of Delhi and its grand culture.

Built by Emperor Sher Shah Suri in 1540, Khooni Darwaza, initially known as Lal Darwaza, is among the list of hidden monuments on which the diary shines a light on. It lies on Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, opposite Ferozeshah Kotla cricket stadium.

The other hidden monuments are Dadi Poti Ka Gumbad in Hauz Khas, 13th century minaret Chor Minar just off Aurobindo Marg in Hauz Khas and Sakri Gomti that was built during the 15th and 16th centuries.

It also talks about the seven cities of Delhi.

In 800 BC this city was known as Indraprastha, which spread around Old Fort and Pragati Maidan. In 1,170 AD it was known as Qila Rai Pithora and concentrated around Lado Sarai, Saket and Mehrauli.

In 1,302 AD, it was named Siri, while in 1,320 AD it was known as Tughlaqabad, in 1,334 AD as Jahapanah, in 1,351 AD as Ferozabad and in 1,648 AD as Shahjahanabad.

Finally, in 1,911 it was named New Delhi by the British rulers.

The diary also talks about the darker side of Delhi owing to its burgeoning population.

Every day Delhi produces 8,500 metric tonnes of solid waste, 5,000 tonnes of e-waste, 500-600 million gallons of sewage and 10 metric tonnes of bio-medical waste.

However, only five percent of the solid waste is recycled, says the diary.

The brighter side of the city is its 'green lungs'.

It says Delhi Ridge, which lies on the northern extension of the Aravalli ranges, is believed to be nearly 1,500 million years old. It is home to many species of birds, making it amongst the world's top bird rich capital cities like Nairobi in Kenya.

Travel blogger Pandey said digital magazine Delhipedia, comprising 172 videos, covers all aspects of Delhi -- from its heritage, culture, traditions, crowd-pulling markets and delicious food joints.