Delhi, a rich mixture of cultures with a history reachingĀ far back. On our second day in Delhi we opted to have a driver take us to some of the top 10 sights we wanted to view.
We started our morning by driving pastĀ India Gate,Ā which was not to far from our hotel actually.
From there we went to Lodi gardensĀ with an array of fascinating tombs built for Delhi sultans. Lodi gardens feels like a completely different world. It has well manicured gardens, people jogging and doing yoga or just strolling about. We came across a yogi busy teaching little ones basic yoga even.
The first tomb we visited was Sheesh Gumbad tomb which consists of a few graves. Ā Some historians say it belongs to the first Lodi Sultan Bahlol Lodi who passed away in 1489 (according to information board). This building is slightly different in its ornamentation. If you look carefully to the top you will notice blue tiles. The dome was once covered in these tiles which made it look like glass, its name basically means glass dome according to the local guide.
The second tomb which is the most impressive structure is Bara Gumbad Tomb and Masjid, dating to the 1500’s. It is much bigger, as it has a mosque to the right and an area to the left which was most probable used as a residence/ guesthouse (according to information board).
The building is made of black and red stone which was decorated by picking out details and creating relief work. The mosque is decorated with swirls of the Koranic scripts.
Our third stop was at Qutub minar complexĀ which is quite spectacular. It is a massive minaret of 72m with incredible carved ornamented details. Around it lies the ruins of the oldest mosque in India (dating back to the 1300’s). Looking at the ruins you can just imagine what an impressive complex it once was.
Humayun tombĀ one of the first gigantic mausoleum of the great Mungul garden tombs was built-in the 1500’s. Here you start getting your first feel of what the Taj Mahal may be as this is known as the forerunner of the Taj Mahal. According to the information board, it is the earliest example of Persian influence in Indian architecture. The tomb has over a 100 graves in it, and was given the name ‘Dormitory of the Mughals’. It is made of red stone and marble.
Our fifth and quickest stop was to see the Lotus temple.
Only being able to see 5 of our top 10, I think we saw a well balance mixture of sights. (Will just have to go back one day to see the rest)
One surprising thing I can say about India is that the parks are well-kept and manicured. Seeing all of these marvellous sights made me even more excited for our trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal.
xxx
To see how we explored Old Delhi on a bicycle read Incredible India – Delhi ‘part 1’
5 sights we visited:
- India Gate
- Lodi Gardens
- Qutub minar complex
- Humayun tomb
- Lotus temple
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