In my mind, India has been built up as a very mysterious place. It's such a huge landmass that it's culture, cuisine and climate are so diverse. In fact, India has been referred to quite often as a sub-continent of Asia.
I didn't know what to expect with this trip and there were warnings from friends about being careful about credit cards, street scams, eating the food and drinking the water and its associated health issues. I'm glad to report that nothing of that sort happened...well, almost nothing, and the isolated events were very mild. But I'm getting ahead of the story, more on that later I promise.
From Manila, Cathay Pacific flies to New Delhi via a few hours holdover in Hong Kong. It's generally a whole days travel and barring any delays, arrival in New Delhi is around 9 pm local time. Just before our approach to Delhi, I glanced outside my window and saw the contrails of two planes intersecting. Could this be an omen? It wouldn't hurt to get some reassurance from the gods of fate that this trip will unravel smoothly. As Jack Nicholson sang in As Good As It Gets: "Always look on the bright side of your life". So I did!
Exiting from baggage claim, it was nice to see that the travel agent was prompt in meeting our small group at the appointed place. We were whisked to our hotel (Don't get me started on driving in India) and checked in for the night. We were assigned a local mobile phone pre-programmed with the necessary numbers we would need in case of any problems or requirements. The phone was accompanied by a pouch with a list of each concierge we were to meet in the varying cities we would visit. The Luxe Group takes exemplary pride in its tour service and ensures the comfort and safety of all their guests. We were then introduced to our driver and escorted to the elevators. With a nice comfy bed lined with fresh linen, it was time for some shut-eye.
The next morning it was amazing to see so much green shrouded in fog. It was, after all, early January in Northern India and the morning temperatures hover around 10C. New Delhi is also considered one of the greenest urban centers in the world. After a shower and breakfast, we were ready for our first full day in a whole new world.
Joga, our driver and Vishal, our guide were waiting at the lobby at 9:00 am and ready to show us around. First stop Jama Masjid.
Jama Masjid was the most important mosque in Old India and constructed of white marble and red sandstone. This was built by Shah Jahan (remember this name) who also built the world famous Taj Mahal. The unique thing about this mosque is the vast central courtyard. In fact, the courtyard was so vast that during prayer time someone would stand under this canopy and echo everything the imam would be saying from inside the mosque.
This is an intersection just outside Jama Masjid. It is interesting to note that there are not that many vehicles around.
The Red Fort was next on our stop. Delhi is knows as a city of old cities. There are about 11 historical cities within New Delhi. The Red Fort is supposed to be the seventh city. This complex built in the 17th century was also built by Shah Jahan and served as a palace to the Mughal Emperor. Don't worry, I won't bore you with too many facts. The sign will do that for me.
The Mughal Emperor used this pavilion as his "office" where he would meet dignitaries or render judgement on disputes. The floors would be lined with expensive Perisan carpets piled high. In the winter months, large carpets would hang from rings found just above the arches and keep out the bitter cold.
The walls and columns around this structure were decorated with floral patterns that were inlaid with real gemstones.
Shah Jahan hired the most skilled of Persian craftsmen to create these structures. They were able to cut white marble so thin that light shone through them and in doing so prominently featured the carvings in the material.
I thought that the channels I saw going through the buildings were for waste or bathing...I had to ask the guide about this and ended up sounding like a barbarian. They carried perfumed water into the living areas. It kinda makes you think about the level of sophistication they had back in 17th century India.
Three more pictures of other features within the Red Fort complex.
The day was more than half over, the sun had reached it's peak and was starting to descend, but there was more to see. We tried to drop by Gandhi's tomb but it was closed for the day...visiting foreign dignitary...security issues...blah, blah, blah... Get used to it! This is usual in these here parts of India where they would close tourist sites for the benefit of a single visiting VIP with security concerns. So on to Humayun's Tomb. See...let the sign bore you with the facts...
And, by-the-by...the word "Mughal" is the Persian word for Mongol. Yes, Mongol as in Genghis Khan. Shah Jahan was a descendant of this great man. Before leaving for India, and if you have the time, I suggest you read up on Genghis and his grandson Kublai Khan.
Humayun's Tomb also served as inspiration for the design of the Taj Mahal.
These perfumed channels were also made for the outdoor gardens. How great is that!
Our last stop of the day was at Qutub Minar, but on the way there we had a quick stop over to check out the Prime Ministers dig's (residence). The front part of the building is still filled with soil because of the parades that usually include horses and elephants. Being a nobody I had to content myself with taking this picture through the gates like a mendicant begging for alms.
Qutub Minar is tall AND large. It is considered the worlds tallest brick minaret. Even the word tall is an understatement when applied to this tower.
I wanted to get some detail of the lowest balcony and the carvings around it. Awe inspiring!
Finally, it was time to call it a day. I had to check out the pool of the hotel even if the weather was too cold for a swim. There's something about water that is relaxing and calming and after a long day I needed some of that.
With this, our New Delhi adventure was coming to a close. The next day would bring us a 4 hour road trip to Agra and the Taj Mahal. I would have loved to post more pictures but I couldn't hope to show you everything I saw. Besides, you'd always want to have a few pleasant surprises for your own trip. For now, Agra awaits...
No comments:
Post a Comment