BootsnAll Travel Network



April 7-8: Delhi

sights-13.jpg

India Gate – built by the British – it is down from this gate and through the “concourse” where the funeral march scene in the movie Ghandi took place.  

Delhi:  “encapsulates two different worlds, the old and the new”.  The Old Delhi served as the capital of Islamic India, while New Delhi was built as the imperial capital of India by the British.  Delhi has not always been the capital.  During the British rule, Calcutta was, but due to the championing of independence by the West Bengal people, the British moved the capital to Delhi.  There have actually been eight cities founded in and around Delhi, starting back as early as 2500 years ago.  Different rulers throughout its history have imposed either Hindu or Islamic rule.

Most of the backpacker hotels are in Old Delhi, where we stayed.  Our stay was only basically one day.  We had planned for more, but the day we arrived, we spent most of the afternoon trying to figure out our “India stay”.  The kids didn’t mind it because they just crashed in the room.  Kolkatta and Veranasi had wiped them out.  Looking back we should have stayed two nights in Delhi, rather than get up see the sights and move on to Agra. Hindsight is always easier.

Our plans for India had now changed to doing just the “Golden Triangle” trip, which is your typical tourist trip of Delhi: the Red Fort, National Mosque, Tombs, bazaars; Agra: the Fort and the Taj Mahal; and Jaipur:  in the state of Rajasthan and known for its palaces and forts.  We cancelled out south India, and knew we wanted to finish with the Himalayas and cooler weather. 

To accomplish this “triangle” tour, we had two options:  try and figure it out as we go (ie train, hotel, etc), or a more popular option is to hire a car/driver.  We opted for this to make it easier on all of us the car takes you to the sites, you get back in and move to the next one – no hassles, no touts. Looking back, this is the biggest advantage; however, train rides are a much more comfortable way to travel in India, once you have gotten through the ticket purchasing and finding your way through the crowds and which track to end up on.  The downside of car travel was the incessant honking of vehicles as you travel.  The roads are better than they were 30 years ago, and sometimes now include 4 lanes, therefore, making one feel safer.  Another advantage of taking the car was you got to see the country side and way of life as you traveled.  It was usually a 5 hour drive between cities.

Jama Majid:  built by Shah Jahan (same ruler that built the Taj Mahal).  Construction began in 1644 and was completed 14 years later.   It is made from red sandstone and marble.  The courtyard can hold a mind blowing 25,000 people. We really enjoyed climbing to the top of the minarets, where you could look out over the whole city. It made all the honking and traffic and crowds below you look like you were watching a movie, even though you knew you had to jump back into it in a little while. It was interesting too, to see all the security in place to get into the mosque – scanners, no bags, etc.  We had to “dress” down for the event.

masjid-1a.jpgmasjid-1.jpgmasjid-2a.jpg

We climbed up the minaret – great views of city from above – incredible craftsmanship of tower and mosque.

masjid-3a.jpgmasjid-3b.jpg

You will notice the Red Fort in the background

masjid-4a.jpgmasjid-5.jpgmasjid-6.jpgmasjid-7.jpgmasjid7.jpg

Red Fort:  built again by Shah Jahan when he wanted to move his capital from Agra to Delhi.  Construction was completed in 1648.  It was built for a grandiose display of pomp and power (parading on an elephant through the gates to the city).  Shah Jahan was one of the last great Moghul rulers.  He never completely saw the capital move to Delhi, because his son overthrew and imprisoned him (nice son!?).  Over the centuries it has been occupied by different powers including the British and Indian armies.  Many military buildings now stand on the premises and the Indian army still has a post here. It is a little more run down than I would have thought being a major piece of architecture and Indian history. 

rf-1.jpgrf-2.jpg

The moat that surrounds the fort – had tunnels dug to bring water in from the river

rf-9c.jpgrf-2b.jpg

Tight security – nice to know an AK 47 is facing you when you walk in.

rf-3.jpg

The royal meeting area where the king met the “people”.

rf-4.jpgrf-5.jpgrf-91.jpgrf-8.jpg

Kings residence – where the “Peacok Throne” was until Iran stole it and where the Shah of Iran  used to use it during his reign.  The throne still resides in Iran.  The following slides show the intricate marble carvings with inlaid stone and precious jems were.  Between the different “residence places” they have a water way that goes under the residences to allow for “cooling” effect (like evaporative cooling) – very ingenious

rf-6.jpg

All Marble – incredible carvings – grate work

rf-9f1.jpgrf-7.jpgrf-7a.jpg

Where precious stones were cut out and stolen

rf-9d.jpgrf-9e.jpg

Humayan’s Tomb:    World Heritage Sight – another example of incredible Moghul architecture built in the 16th century by the wife of the second Moghul emperor Humayan.  Both she and her husband and other tombs are on the grounds.  Ten years ago this was a run-down tourist site.  Thanks to the Agha Khan Foundation sponsorship and money and it being declared a World Heritage site,  the restoration is incredible and magnificent.  

humayan-1.jpghumayan-2.jpghumayan-3.jpghumayan-4.jpg

It always amazes me the grill work from either red sandtone or marble that is done – always one piece of marble – to carve the openings without making a mistake or breaking the marble

humayan-5.jpg

The six sided star intrigued me in Muslim architecture

humayan-6.jpghumayan-7.jpg

Koranic sayings carved in marble.  The tomb is made from red sandstone.  Black marble is also inlaid with Koranic sayings etc.

humayan-8.jpghumayan-9.jpgfamily-2.jpg

Old Delhi shot from the minaret – New Delhi and all its modern structures and freeways looks like any other big city.

bazar-2.jpgbazar-1.jpg

Maybe the problem with all the horn blowing is that all the trucks and taxi’s have this saying on the back of their vehicles.  It is basically to let you know that I am on your tail and want to pass you.  This is because no one follows any rules of the road – or so as it  seems.  After the sights, we hopped in the car for our drive to Agra. 

horn.jpg

Interesting site – a Hindu temple but it seems to have Islamic architecture.

hindu-temple.jpg



Tags:

30,289 responses to “April 7-8: Delhi”

  1. Williamraw says:

    sweet bonanza bahis: slot oyunlari – sweet bonanza demo oyna

  2. KeithRax says:

    https://gatesofolympus.auction/# gates of olympus oyna demo

  3. FrankShelt says:

    aviator oyna slot: aviator oyunu 50 tl – aviator sinyal hilesi

  4. Tommiehet says:

    Acceptable to our dedicated stand in return staying informed less the latest communication from the United Kingdom. We allow the import of being learned upon the happenings in the UK, whether you’re a resident, an expatriate, or simply interested in British affairs. Our extensive coverage spans across various domains including diplomacy, conservation, savoir vivre, pleasure, sports, and more.

    In the jurisdiction of civics, we support you updated on the intricacies of Westminster, covering parliamentary debates, superintendence policies, and the ever-evolving countryside of British politics. From Brexit negotiations and their bearing on barter and immigration to domestic policies affecting healthcare, education, and the circumstances, we victual insightful examination and punctual updates to help you manoeuvre the complex sphere of British governance – https://newstopukcom.com/review-the-cricket-inn-totley/.

    Profitable news is crucial in search understanding the pecuniary thudding of the nation. Our coverage includes reports on market trends, business developments, and profitable indicators, donation valuable insights in behalf of investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike. Whether it’s the latest GDP figures, unemployment rates, or corporate mergers and acquisitions, we try hard to deliver accurate and fitting report to our readers.

  5. Eewkrq says:

    zidovudine oral – buy glycomet 1000mg sale zyloprim 300mg brand

  6. RaymondDar says:

    http://gatesofolympus.auction/# gates of olympus nas?l para kazanilir
    gate of olympus hile gates of olympus demo gates of olympus giris

  7. EdwardBioni says:

    http://pinupgiris.fun/# pin-up casino indir
    gates of olympus hilesi gates of olympus oyna gates of olympus demo

  8. FrankShelt says:

    pin up guncel giris: pin up 7/24 giris – pin-up casino indir

  9. RaymondDar says:

    http://pinupgiris.fun/# pin-up online
    pin up 7/24 giris pin up casino indir pin up indir

  10. Tommiehet says:

    Appreciated to our dedicated platform for staying informed round the latest communication from the Agreed Kingdom. We understand the rank of being wise about the happenings in the UK, whether you’re a denizen, an expatriate, or naturally interested in British affairs. Our comprehensive coverage spans across a number of domains including diplomacy, economy, savoir vivre, entertainment, sports, and more.

    In the kingdom of civics, we abide by you updated on the intricacies of Westminster, covering ordered debates, superintendence policies, and the ever-evolving landscape of British politics. From Brexit negotiations and their impact on trade and immigration to residential policies affecting healthcare, edification, and the medium, we victual insightful review and propitious updates to stop you nautical con the complex sphere of British governance – https://newstopukcom.com/review-the-cricket-inn-totley/.

    Economic despatch is mandatory against reconciliation the monetary pulsation of the nation. Our coverage includes reports on sell trends, charge developments, and budgetary indicators, donation valuable insights after investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers alike. Whether it’s the latest GDP figures, unemployment rates, or corporate mergers and acquisitions, we try hard to hand over accurate and applicable intelligence to our readers.

  11. deppensfarm.com

    April 7-8: Delhi » TravelBlog Archive » Tahoe Johnson’s Journey to Southeast Asia

  12. FrankShelt says:

    sweet bonanza yasal site: sweet bonanza demo – sweet bonanza hilesi

  13. Williamraw says:

    pin-up giris: pin-up casino indir – pin up giris

  14. EdwardBioni says:

    https://aviatoroyna.bid/# aviator oyunu giris
    pin-up casino indir pin up casino pin-up bonanza

  15. poIfala says:

    ivermectin pour on for dogs, with its active ingredient ivermectin, has shown efficacy in controlling parasitic infections in captive exotic birds such as macaws and toucans. By addressing parasites such as feather mites and lice, ivermectin supports the health and well-being of these avian species housed in aviaries and breeding facilities.

  16. FrankShelt says:

    deneme bonusu veren slot siteleri: deneme bonusu veren siteler – slot oyunlar? siteleri

  17. I think that is one of the suh a llot important information for me.
    And i am glad reading yojr article. But want to observation on few basioc things,
    The website style is wonderful, the articles is in point of fact gteat
    : D. Excellent job, cheers

    Stop by my webpage … 카지노사이트

  18. EdwardBioni says:

    http://aviatoroyna.bid/# aviator sinyal hilesi
    aviator oyunu 50 tl aviator hilesi aviator oyunu giris

  19. FrankShelt says:

    aviator mostbet: aviator oyna 100 tl – aviator oyna 20 tl

  20. Gvlewp says:

    buy generic clozapine over the counter – quinapril online order generic famotidine 20mg

  21. Williamraw says:

    sweet bonanza siteleri: sweet bonanza 90 tl – sweet bonanza oyna

  22. FrankShelt says:

    aviator oyunu 10 tl: aviator hilesi ucretsiz – aviator oyunu giris

  23. TimothyQuodo says:

    https://gosznak-diploma.com/ Купить диплом о среднем образовании- Таков способ обрести официальный документ по завершении образовательного учреждения. Диплом открывает двери к последующим карьерным возможностям и карьерному развитию.

  24. EdwardBioni says:

    http://aviatoroyna.bid/# aviator sinyal hilesi apk
    deneme veren slot siteleri en cok kazandiran slot siteleri yeni slot siteleri

  25. HeatherSop says:

    Прелестный топик
    Там реально оперативно и просто обнародовать новостные материалы, gixx.ru обзоры и иные pr-материалы на популярных ресурсах.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *