
Following
a leisurely breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi,
Visiting such sights as Bahai Temple, Humayun's Tomb (1586), the
Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in
the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the
vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. Continue with a drive
through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and
Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the
capital.
Afternoon we cross the city and into the walled gates of the
Old city with visits to the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive
through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to
Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet
in the oldest area of Delhi. Visit the Red Fort (1639-1648 built
by Shah Jehan the builder of the Taj Mahal in Agra) to view the
inlaid and carved Royal Chambers, on to Raj Ghat and nearby
ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and
thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The
Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the
front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a
remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as
well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with
people and pavement shops selling wares of all description -
including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be
accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as
well as the onlookers.
Overnight at The Imperial - a 5* Downtown Hotel