I had a holiday break in Delhi



Hamayun Tomb - very similar to Taj Mahal but was built 80 years before Taj Mahal

 Break Time

So I took a break for 10 days and I went to Delhi and caught up with a friend and did some sightseeing. I can’t believe it's been 6 months already. However a break was necessary. Surprisingly, just three days before my departure, I found some cheap fares.   It cost me $70 (NZ) return for 800km journey. It was still cheaper compared to what we pay for a 150 km return journey from Blenheim to Wellington. So I scored a deal otherwise bus would have been the next option. You can get the train but the chances are very slim. So I packed my bags 4 hours before my departure and the flight was on schedule. I expected the weather to be cooler in Delhi but was hot as Lucknow. However, it rain for few days but that didn’t deterred us from doing some touristic things.



Having a rest from all that walking and clicking pictures

Delhi the capital city of India isn't very different from Lucknow. From noisy tooting horns and overcrowded streets, Delhi has some unique history which is quite different from Uttar Pradesh or any other states in India. However, they both enjoyed the reigns of Mogul Muslim empire in both states. Rajasthan was also an empire which was govern by Hindus - The Rajputs.

I went to Jaipur, major city of Rajasthan and Agra another major tourist attraction in Uttar Pradesh. In total I visited 30 unique attractions in 9 days. It was great fun. India is so big and has unique history. Every day I tired to improve my photographing skills by taking lots of picture.





My Lows

I found it very annoying especially in Delhi when people rock up to you offering to take you here and there for shopping and stuff. They are very persuasive. Many time I held them by their shoulders with my both hands and turn them around and tell them I don't need their help, I know what I am doing. At times just for the fun of it, I tag along to see what they are up too. Trying to understand their game. They will walk beside you and listen to your conversation and than suddenly, they will begin to help you. Sometimes they will start a conversation simply by asking what time is it. Now nothing is free in this land, it is all about money. Once I observed carefully what was happening. I noticed a partnership between a person on foot and a driver of a Auto Rickshaw  [Three wheeler] working together. The man on foot will bring the customer to the Auto and get a cut from the fare.


Common Sight in Agra . cows everywhere

Secondly, the cost of travelling. Auto / Taxi drivers will raise the fare if you look foreign or rich, they even double the hire fare. You can try to negotiate with them but they will always maintain they are right. As you slowly walk away from them,  they will reduce the cost and negotiate with you. I stayed in a hotel, in Arakashan Road  and in that street are so many hotels so I avoid catching a taxi on that road. They charge people too much, so it is better to go out to the main road and catch the taxi. I found the cost was like 50% off. People always look at foreigners as rich people ready to be exploited. In Delhi the requirement for taxi is to use the Taxi meter, but they don't use it. Hotels have their own Taxi but it is expensive. If you have the cash, it's your call.

Thirdly, be very careful of pickpocketing. Our tour guide warned us about pickpocketing. There are written signs at major tourist attractions and city areas. Look after your belonging. Beware of pickpocketing. Delhi compared to other states in India is very small, however it records highest percentage of crime rate in India. Also be careful of vendors or people selling fake items. Don't be easily deceived by the price and the item. 

Fourthly, Beggars will follow you everywhere. They followed me like 200 meters one day. When you help one beggar others will come and surround you. The only way to get rid of beggar is to enter a shop and let the security guard deal with them. It worked for me.

Fifth, driving is pathetic in Delhi especially travelling to Jaipur. You just got to witness this and repent never take long haul trips in public transport. My journey to Jaipur and back was horrible. The drivers are fighting to steer ahead of everyone. Going to Agra was good because of the Yamuna Expressway is amazingly wide and smooth.

My Highs

A lot of major attractions have two price tags, one for locals, the other for foreigners. So guess what!!! Many Ticket vendors thought I was a local so I paid the local price. For example, Agra Fort cost foreigners 750 rupee, but I paid 20 rupee local rate. Learning the language really does help. I saved money during this excisions.



I found the Star of David inscription on some major forts built by moguls in India

I really enjoyed this holiday. During this holiday I ever thought about language study. It was "me" time with my friend. The good thing in Delhi is that: most major roads are labelled and the road signs are in English.

Tourist Tours
Since there are many private tourist operators operating in Delhi. I advice you to research and plan your holiday well before time. There are many private tourist touring package. They can be very costly, however, the government of India also runs tourist tours and it is cheaper and reliable than other private operators. This is my personal experience. We went to a private tourist operator to tour around Delhi. They told us it will cost 750 rupees per person, however, for the same tour - 20 designations, the Government ran Tour was costing 350 rupees. The government of India ran tourism does not encourage tips, it is up to the individuals. The guide knew his stuff and was very hospitable. This is a link that may give you more information and you can use this website as a point of reference when comparing price and tours. Look up [Click on the link] Delhi Tourism - DELHI TOURISM AND TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION


If you have time you can continue to read about some places I visited. I got more photos which I will post later. Thank you for reading my blog. if you have any question - do write to me. Don't forget to comment.
 

Places I visited

1. Purana Qila [Old Fort] - Old Delhi

The oldest structure in Delhi, Purana Qila means ‘Old Fort’. Located on Mathura Road, the fort is believed to be constructed on the iconic city of Indraprastha by the Pandavs. However, the ruins of the fort which stand today were believed to have been built by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, who overthrew the rule of Mughal Emperor Humayun.

2. Humayun Tomb - Old Delhi

 

 

Humayun's is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Bega Begum in 1569-70. This Tomb is close to Purana Qila (Old Fort), that Humayun founded in 1533. This tomb is very similar to Taj Mahal, but was built 80 years before Taj Mahal minus her Minar. Inside and under the building you will find 100 tombs. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993

 

3. Zoological Zoo

I went to see the Bengali Tiger but it was already 4.30pm and the Zoo was closed. Cost is $5 (US) You have to pay an extra dollar if you want to take pictures. Many places you have to pay if you want to take pictures. You also have to pay extra for video camera too. It cost bit more for Digital cameras.

4. Red Fort - Old Delhi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Red Fort (Lal Qila in Hindi) is a 17th-century fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in the walled city of Old Delhi that served as the residence of the Mughal Emperors. Shah Jahan is the same Emperor who built the Taj Mahal. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. A lot of these Fort are closed because it belongs to the Indian Army. Public is prohibited to enter these zones. Cost 250 INR - $4.50 (US) Local different price, or if you look like one - like me ...lol

 5. Gandhi Memorial - Raj Ghat - New Delhi

Here was the founding father of India - Mahatma Gandhi's body cremated on 31 January 1948, a day after his assassination. This is situated at Raj Ghat in Old Delhi. Admission is free but it will cost 1 rupee to store your shoes

 6. Lakshmi Narayan temple

Pride of Hindu architecture when it comes to their religious belief

7. Qutub Minar - New Delhi

Qutub Minar is the tallest minar in India, originally an ancient Islamic Monument, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Delhi, the Qutub Minar is made of red sandstone and marble. The tower has 379 stairs, is 72.5 meters high, and has a base diameter of 14.3 meters, which narrows to 2.7 meters at the top storey. Construction was started in 1192 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was completed by Iltutmish. It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as the Qutub complex.

Before 1981, the general public could climb to the top of Qutub Minar by climbing up the seven-storey, narrow staircase. However, on 4 December 1981 an accident occurred when an electricity cut plunged the tower's staircase into darkness. Around 45 people were killed in the stampede that followed the electricity failure. Most of the victims were children because, before 1981, school children were allowed free access to historical monuments on Fridays, and many school groups were taking advantage of this. Subsequently, public access has been forbidden

8. Bahai's House of worship - New Delhi

Even the Bahai Faith has made their presence in Delhi - Lotus House

9. India Gate - New Delhi

India Gate is constructed as a memorial and was built in the memory of 90,00 soldiers who laid down their lives during World war I. Also known as the All India War Memorial.  Following India's independence, the India Gate became the site of the Indian Army's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, known as Amar Jawan Jyoti ("the flame of the immortal soldier").

10. Rakghat - Old Delhi

Scenic drive and witness the crematorium place of all the Prime Minister of India 

11. National Museum

Must see if you are interested in discovering the history of India

12. Parliament House

The "White House" of India

13. Gandhi's House

 Gandhi spent his last days here before his assassination. Above his is bed and desk where he used to study and communicate with people. He said, "Simplicity is the essence of universelaity".

 Above, place of his martyrdom. He was shot during his prayer walk early in the morning.

 14. Embassy Area

When you drive along Shanti Path Road, look to your left and right and you will see Foreign Embassy from different nations. All Embassy in built in one area.

15. Masjid Khairul Manzil

 

Located opposite the Purana Qila and the Zoological Zoo entrance on the Western side of Mathura Road, Khairul Manzil Masjid was built in 1561 by Maham Anga.

16. Sher Shah Suri Fort

Sher Shah Suri (1486 – 22 May 1545) also known as Sher Khan, ("The Lion King" because he killed a fully grown tiger with his bare hands in Bihar) was the founder of the Sur Empire in North India, with its capital at Delhi. Sher Shah took control of the Mughal Empire in 1540. The Fort is next to Masjid Khairul Manzil and opposite Purana Qila. Some restoration work is done to maintain this fort. The entrance is free. Just ask the security guard and he will escort you.

17. Doll Museum

Collection of dolls from different countries on exhibition. Entry is very cheap. it cost 18 rupees to get in. Finding the place will be challenging though.

18. Ajmer Gate

One of the Surviving Gates

The historical tale attached to Ajmeri Gate dates back to the time of Shah Jahan. The Mughal emperor laid the foundation for the Imperial Capital of Shahjahanabad, now known as Delhi. The city was strongly protected by strong walls & contained 14 gates. Presently, only five have survived – Ajmeri Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Turkman Gate, Delhi Gate & Nigambodh Gate. 

 

19. Barah Murti - Gandhi Statue

Above is a 500 rupee bank note of India showing an image of Gandhi with his followers. The same image statue is found in Delhi in form of a statue. Barah Murti means 12 disciples of Gandhi.

 

20. Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar is located in the modern city of New Delhi. It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. The site is one of five built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, from 1724 onwards, as he was given by Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah the task of revising the calendar and astronomical tables. The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets. Some of these purposes nowadays would be classified as astronomy. There is another Jantar Mantar in Jaipur.

21. Janpath Market

 

Janpath Market is where you want to do shopping. It is very near to the main shopping centre in New Delhi at Connaught Place [Rajiv Chowk]. Please don't buy immediately. The price will go down even 50 % off the sale value. It will be good to look around.

 

Agra Trip

22. Taj Mahal - Agra

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausole located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jaha in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely recognized as "the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. In 1631, Shah Jahan, emperor during the Mughal empire's period of greatest prosperity, was grief-stricken when his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, died during the birth of their 14th child. Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632. The court chronicles of Shah Jahan's grief illustrate the love story traditionally held as an inspiration for Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is one of the wonders of the world.

23. Agra Fort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agra Fort, is a monument, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. Agra Fort was originally a brick fort, held by the Hindu Sikarwar Rajputs. It was mentioned for the first time in 1080 AD when a Ghaznavide force captured it. Sikandar Lodi (1488–1517) was the first Sultan of Delhi who shifted to Agra and lived in the fort. He governed the country from here and Agra assumed the importance of the second capital. He died in the fort at 1517 and his son, Ibrahim Lodi, held it for nine years until he was defeated and killed at Panipat in 1526. Several palaces, wells and a mosque were built by him in the fort during his period.

 

 

24. Sikandra (Akbar`s Tomb)

A short distance from Agra, lies the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great, in Sikandra. Akbar who ruled over the Mughal Empire from 1556 to 1605, began building his mausoleum in the spartan style of Timurid architecture. The mausoleum was completed by his son, the next Mughal Emperor, Jahangir, who added more decorative elements to the design of Akbar's tomb in Sikandra.

Jaipur
 

25. Jantar Mantar - Jaipur

The Jantar Mantar is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments, built by Sawai Jai Singh who was a Mughal Commander and served Emperor Aurangzeb and later Mughals. The title of (King) and Sawai was bestowed on him by Emperor Mohammad Shah. Jai Singh II of Amber built his new capital of Jaipur between 1727 and 1734. It is also located in Ujjain and Mathura. The name is derived from jantar ("instrument"), and mantar ("formula", or in this context "calculation"). Therefore jantar mantar means literally 'calculation instrument'

26. City Palace- Jaipur

The City Palace Jaipur is one of the most popular monuments in that city. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. Even though there are many palaces and forts here, but the City Palace Jaipur stands truly apart. It is known for its marble pillars, the carefully carved interiors as well as its lattice work that make it truly remarkable

27. Hawa Mahal - Jaipur

Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Winds" or “Palace of the Breeze”), is a palace in Jaipur, India. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and designed by Lal Chand Ustad in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god.

28. Amber Fort - Jaipur

 

Amber Fort is located in Amer (a town with an area of 4 square kilometres 11 kilometres from Jaipur, Rajasthan state, India. It is one of the principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area, located high on a hill. Amber Fort was built by Raja Man Singh I. Amber Fort is known for its artistic style, blending both Hindu and Rajput elements. With its large ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, the fort overlooks the Maota Lake, at its forefront.

 

Please note: This is an Indian architecture and a Indian King ruled here - the Rajputs, however, In Agra and Delhi - the above fortress and Palaces I mentioned are from Muslim Moguls. The cost is $5 (US)  entry.

29. Jal Mahal - Jaipur

Jal Mahal (meaning "Water Palace") is a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur city, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber. The Jal Mahal Palace is built using red sandstone, and is adorned with admirable cenatophs. It is located on the way to Amber, and is sited about 6.5 km from the city.

30. Nahargarh Fort

 Nahargarh Fort stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills, overlooking the pink city of Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The view of the city from the fort is breath-taking.Along with Amber Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh once formed a strong defence ring for the city. The fort was originally named Sudarshangarh, but it became known as Nahargarh, which means 'abode of tigers'. The popular belief is that Nahar here stands for Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirit haunted the place and obstructed construction of the fort. Nahar's spirit was pacified by building a temple in his memory within the fort, which thus became known by his name

So my holiday is finished now. Maybe I will take  break in December or January. I was pleased to have this break. It is not easy living in Lucknow. I managed to buy a phone. Anyway, take care all of you. Look after yourself. Until than God Bless
 

If you want more information concerning the above attractions, please don't hesitate to contact me.