Last Day - Delhi
I think Delhi might be a good city to start a first-time adventure to India. You wouldn't have anything yet to compare it to and everything would be fascinating. If you don't like it, you have so much more to look forward to.
As the capital of India, there are many sights to see. Since we had already seen a couple of forts, our guide didn't recommend the Red Fort. We discovered for ourselves that he was right. Given a late morning start time, we went alone to explore it and take pictures while it was empty. The only notable structure is the typical Diwan-i-Am. If you plan to see either Agra Fort or Amber Fort, you can probably save your $8 entry fee. (Note: To not discriminate against the poor, all Indian nationals pay 10 times less than foreigners to enter the national sites.)
Ready for breakfast, Greg announced, "I'm done with street food." Lucky for us our hotel included a delicious breakfast.
Surely you've heard how unbearable traffic can be in India. For Greg's co-workers in Bangalore, relocating 15 km is going to increase their commute time by 90 minutes. I think it might be faster to walk! For us, driving into Delhi yesterday was a breeze; we didn't realize it was a holiday.
Today Delhi is back to its unpredictable self. We spent a lot of time in the car not moving, but we weren't in a hurry so it didn't matter. We were touring the key sites: India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutb Minar Complex. (I'd recommend trading out the Presidential House and Lotus Temple for a Gandhi site.)
Another reason to start with Delhi is to see Humayun's Tomb first, as it is considered an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-16th century, the Mughal tomb is the first garden memorial on this continent.
Qutb victory tower was constructed in 1192. The structures of the ancient complex are mostly constructed of red sandstone and many of the walls are covered in verses from the Quran.
Our India tour ended at an airport hotel, where we would rest until leaving for the airport at midnight.
Despite being ready to go home to our kids, our own personal space, and a place were we blend in, our experience will rate highly on our list of travels.
India is no paradise. It is like a rough stone that sparkles when you get it wet. If you peel off the perceived unattractive outer layer - all the "bad" things you've heard about it - your reward is a wealth of jewels to behold.
As the capital of India, there are many sights to see. Since we had already seen a couple of forts, our guide didn't recommend the Red Fort. We discovered for ourselves that he was right. Given a late morning start time, we went alone to explore it and take pictures while it was empty. The only notable structure is the typical Diwan-i-Am. If you plan to see either Agra Fort or Amber Fort, you can probably save your $8 entry fee. (Note: To not discriminate against the poor, all Indian nationals pay 10 times less than foreigners to enter the national sites.)
Old Delhi's Red Fort, constructed in 1639.
The Diwan-i-Am is a pretty place to take pictures.
An example of the all the people who asked to take pictures with us. We took at least 30 pictures (with strangers) here.
Beautiful lady who asked for a photo.
Ready for breakfast, Greg announced, "I'm done with street food." Lucky for us our hotel included a delicious breakfast.
Surely you've heard how unbearable traffic can be in India. For Greg's co-workers in Bangalore, relocating 15 km is going to increase their commute time by 90 minutes. I think it might be faster to walk! For us, driving into Delhi yesterday was a breeze; we didn't realize it was a holiday.
Today Delhi is back to its unpredictable self. We spent a lot of time in the car not moving, but we weren't in a hurry so it didn't matter. We were touring the key sites: India Gate, Presidential Palace, Lotus Temple, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutb Minar Complex. (I'd recommend trading out the Presidential House and Lotus Temple for a Gandhi site.)
Our guide told us that India Gate is the world's largest war memorial.
Parade street from the Presidential Palace to the India Gate
The Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan) is the largest residence of any head of state in the world.
Another reason to start with Delhi is to see Humayun's Tomb first, as it is considered an inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Built in the mid-16th century, the Mughal tomb is the first garden memorial on this continent.
Impressive Humayun's Tomb
Walking up the steps to the tomb.
Qutb victory tower was constructed in 1192. The structures of the ancient complex are mostly constructed of red sandstone and many of the walls are covered in verses from the Quran.
The Qutb minar was used as a watch tower but after an accident that killed several school children, they don't let you go up anymore.
Beautiful and still pristine carvings in the Qutb complex. Parrots are a natural species in India.
Our India tour ended at an airport hotel, where we would rest until leaving for the airport at midnight.
Despite being ready to go home to our kids, our own personal space, and a place were we blend in, our experience will rate highly on our list of travels.
India is no paradise. It is like a rough stone that sparkles when you get it wet. If you peel off the perceived unattractive outer layer - all the "bad" things you've heard about it - your reward is a wealth of jewels to behold.
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