It was a long day, but worth it. On reflection, we probably needed 2 days to cover today’s agenda half the time today was taken up by going from Point A to B.
Woke up to a typical (so we have been told) Delhi morning with the air not conducive to taking good photos but that didn’t’ stop us from trying; followed by a fabulous breakfast.
One thing about Giridhar, our driver is that he is very punctual and today was no different as he picked us up at 9am. First on the agenda was to pick up our guide for the day and that’s all we will say about him and his tip at the end of the day reflected his performance.
A quick whistle-stop tour of the Secretariat and other Government Buildings ensued followed by India Gate. A lot of people were relaxing in the lovely clean parks on either side of the wide road connecting these monuments. New Delhi has a lot of greenery. Next, off to the Red Fort, which didn’t do a lot for us. It’s more impressive to look at from the outside; as there is not a lot to see or do on the inside. Took the opportunity to go inside to satisfy our curiosity and if nothing else gave us an opportunity to stretch our legs.
Next up was the highlight of the day and the overall tour, a rickshaw ride and a walk through the narrow lanes in the markets of old Delhi with a beautiful display of wares by traders. What an amazing place. There is a market for everything, you name it and they got it such as spice, tools, fruit/veg, bathrooms, electrical etc. etc. Lovely to see old fashioned wheelbarrows and two wheeled carts for hauling goods around. Hard to describe the colours, smells, sounds, movement of people and assorted modes of transport in use. Would have loved to spend a few more hours there.
Next we went to the Jama Masjid mosque, high up on a hill near the old city. Not a lot to see on the inside but fun watching the kids chasing the pigeons, much to the annoyance of their parents. On the way to the Qutab Minar, a truly amazing 75 m high minaret, surrounded by ruins of a temple and a mosque, our guide decided to consume 2 double hamburgers from MacDonald’s and he looked the part. Anyway we really enjoyed spending time there. Judging by the number of people there, it would appear to be a popular monument. Next up was a quick stop at the Lotus Temple which is very impressive building from the outside and that’s all that can be said about it. Reminded us a little bit of the Opera House.
For some reason security seemed to be high on at our hotel, not far from the airport. On our return at 6.45pm, they had 3 guards and a Labrador pooch at the gate of the driveway to the hotel to check the vehicle for bombs. Ended a lovely long day with a dinner at the hotel; beautiful tasty food as was the case throughout the trip.
Woke up to a typical (so we have been told) Delhi morning with the air not conducive to taking good photos but that didn’t’ stop us from trying; followed by a fabulous breakfast.
One thing about Giridhar, our driver is that he is very punctual and today was no different as he picked us up at 9am. First on the agenda was to pick up our guide for the day and that’s all we will say about him and his tip at the end of the day reflected his performance.
A quick whistle-stop tour of the Secretariat and other Government Buildings ensued followed by India Gate. A lot of people were relaxing in the lovely clean parks on either side of the wide road connecting these monuments. New Delhi has a lot of greenery. Next, off to the Red Fort, which didn’t do a lot for us. It’s more impressive to look at from the outside; as there is not a lot to see or do on the inside. Took the opportunity to go inside to satisfy our curiosity and if nothing else gave us an opportunity to stretch our legs.
Next up was the highlight of the day and the overall tour, a rickshaw ride and a walk through the narrow lanes in the markets of old Delhi with a beautiful display of wares by traders. What an amazing place. There is a market for everything, you name it and they got it such as spice, tools, fruit/veg, bathrooms, electrical etc. etc. Lovely to see old fashioned wheelbarrows and two wheeled carts for hauling goods around. Hard to describe the colours, smells, sounds, movement of people and assorted modes of transport in use. Would have loved to spend a few more hours there.
Next we went to the Jama Masjid mosque, high up on a hill near the old city. Not a lot to see on the inside but fun watching the kids chasing the pigeons, much to the annoyance of their parents. On the way to the Qutab Minar, a truly amazing 75 m high minaret, surrounded by ruins of a temple and a mosque, our guide decided to consume 2 double hamburgers from MacDonald’s and he looked the part. Anyway we really enjoyed spending time there. Judging by the number of people there, it would appear to be a popular monument. Next up was a quick stop at the Lotus Temple which is very impressive building from the outside and that’s all that can be said about it. Reminded us a little bit of the Opera House.
For some reason security seemed to be high on at our hotel, not far from the airport. On our return at 6.45pm, they had 3 guards and a Labrador pooch at the gate of the driveway to the hotel to check the vehicle for bombs. Ended a lovely long day with a dinner at the hotel; beautiful tasty food as was the case throughout the trip.
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