03.30.2024 Dehli, India

Today we explored Delhi. The New Delhi and Old Delhi.

We began our journey in old Delhi at Jama Masjid, A beautiful pocket of calm at the heart of Old Delhi's mayhem, the capital's largest mosque is built on a 10m elevation. It can hold a mind-blowing 25,000 people. The marble and red- sandstone structure, known also as the ‘Friday Mosque’, was Shah Jahan’s final architectural triumph, built between 1644 and 1658. The four watchtowers were used for security. There are two minarets standing 40m high, one of which can be climbed for amazing views. We did not climb the minarets.

We did a quick photo drive at Raj Ghat.
On the banks of the Yamuna River, this peaceful, very well maintained park contains a simple black-marble platform marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948.

We then visited Swaminarayan Akshardham, Delhi's largest temple, which was built in 2005, and is breathtakingly lavish. Artisans used ancient techniques to carve the pale red sandstone into elaborate reliefs, including 20,000 deities, saints and mythical creatures. The centerpiece is a 3m-high gold statue of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan surrounded by more fabulously intricate carvings.
The temple was indescribable. We were there during prayers so many Hindu’s participated. No photos allowed but we pulled a few images from the internet.

We left Old Delhi and entered New Delhi. This where all the government offices are located as New Delhi is the capital of Delhi.
We next drove past India Gate. India Gate (memorial to the Indian army soldiers who died in the world war I), Drive past the Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly the viceroy’s residence) and the Parliament House - The Parliament House is 173 m in diameter, has a colonaded verandah and the roof of the outer circle is supported by 247 pillars.

Back to Old Delhi where we visited Humayun’s Tomb, a Unesco World Heritage Site built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. It was beautiful.

Our final stop as far as touring is concerned is Qutab Minar, a Unesco World Heritage Site built in the early 13th century, the red sandstone tower of Qutab Minar is 72.5 m high. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai- Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples. (which are Buddhist and Hindu)

We then had a very late lunch or early dinner at Suribachi a global cuisine restaurant. Myron had spaghetti and Diana had baked lasagna. It was delicious and a nice change from chicken and rice.

Early to bed as we have a 4:00 am pick up to go to the airport to head to Mauritius. It’s a 7.5 hour flight so it will be a long day.
We had an amazing adventure in India. Very long, hot days packed with some amazing sights. We learned a lot. We saw a lot. We visited many of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Understanding the caste system was eye opening to say the least. If you are born into a lower class you will always be a lower class unless you leave the country. The poverty, the filth was everywhere along with some beautiful things such as wide open green spaces.
Again, a country with proud people who wanted to share their stories and life. We had a farmer who wanted us to come visit his home. (we didn’t go)
Water, truly is the lifeline to life. We saw many affects of not having it.
We are glad we went to experience such a small piece of India.Leer más