We left for Old Delhi earlier than usual today because we had an early start the next day and needed to get to bed early. Plus, Old Delhi seemed to be where the sightseeing action is.
First stop, Red Fort or Lal Qila. It was built by the Mughal emperors. It was beautiful and magnificent. It also had lovely grounds. Being early also meant it was not so hot or busy. You can wander around and imagine the emperor and his family living there. There was a hall where he heard citizens' grievances and another where he received guests. The halls are built covered with lots of pillars providing shade. There would also have been a stream running through the marble drains providing natural air-con. There was a small museum in the grounds which had a just-right portion of exhibits including arms, letters, costumes.
Karin was approached by groups of local tourists wanting to take a photo with her, as a foreigner. Over here, this is called "one snap please". She happily acquiesced as they seemed rather friendly and giggly.
Next stop, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Delhi. We walked there from Red Fort and it was major hassle town. We were pestered by rickshaw drivers, the traffic was mad, the road dusty and smelly. When we reached Jama Masjid, in addition to the entrance fee, we were told to put on some robes which we had to pay for. The entrance system was disorganised with inconsistent agreement on what 'extras' tourists should pay for and where they can go. I did not think the visit was worth it for all the hassle we had to endure.
Our final stop in Old Delhi was Rajghat, where we paid a visit to where a few Indian luminaries were cremated including Mahatma Gandhi. It was set in a peaceful park. We walked around but didn't stay too long because of the unrelenting heat.
We took a rickshaw back to New Delhi and Khan Market, where 'Delhi's elites hang out', according to the Lonely Planet. I had expected an indoor covered air-con shopping complex and so I wasn't sure initially if we had gone to the right place. All doubts went out the window when we went to the Latitude cafe, on the 2nd floor of the Good Earth homeware shop. It was lovely and chi-chi and totally suited for ladies who lunch. We loved it, loved it.
Khan Market was a serene refuge from the heat and Old Delhi's colour. There were grocery shops, bakeries, pharmacies and clothes shops, basically shops selling anything we might need while in India. I reckon we'll be going back there again.
Karin bought a very nice salwar kameez from a shop called Vishnu run by a cheery 65 year-old man. It looks like a place from where we could get more ready made indian clothes.
Early night tonight as we have a 4am start the next day.
First stop, Red Fort or Lal Qila. It was built by the Mughal emperors. It was beautiful and magnificent. It also had lovely grounds. Being early also meant it was not so hot or busy. You can wander around and imagine the emperor and his family living there. There was a hall where he heard citizens' grievances and another where he received guests. The halls are built covered with lots of pillars providing shade. There would also have been a stream running through the marble drains providing natural air-con. There was a small museum in the grounds which had a just-right portion of exhibits including arms, letters, costumes.
Karin was approached by groups of local tourists wanting to take a photo with her, as a foreigner. Over here, this is called "one snap please". She happily acquiesced as they seemed rather friendly and giggly.
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| A pavilion at Red Fort or Lal Qila |
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| Beautiful, intricate designs at Red Fort or Lal Qila |
Next stop, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in Delhi. We walked there from Red Fort and it was major hassle town. We were pestered by rickshaw drivers, the traffic was mad, the road dusty and smelly. When we reached Jama Masjid, in addition to the entrance fee, we were told to put on some robes which we had to pay for. The entrance system was disorganised with inconsistent agreement on what 'extras' tourists should pay for and where they can go. I did not think the visit was worth it for all the hassle we had to endure.
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| Jama Masjid Foreign Visitors Entrance |
Our final stop in Old Delhi was Rajghat, where we paid a visit to where a few Indian luminaries were cremated including Mahatma Gandhi. It was set in a peaceful park. We walked around but didn't stay too long because of the unrelenting heat.
 |
| Mahatma Gandhi's cremation memorial, Rajghat |
We took a rickshaw back to New Delhi and Khan Market, where 'Delhi's elites hang out', according to the Lonely Planet. I had expected an indoor covered air-con shopping complex and so I wasn't sure initially if we had gone to the right place. All doubts went out the window when we went to the Latitude cafe, on the 2nd floor of the Good Earth homeware shop. It was lovely and chi-chi and totally suited for ladies who lunch. We loved it, loved it.
Khan Market was a serene refuge from the heat and Old Delhi's colour. There were grocery shops, bakeries, pharmacies and clothes shops, basically shops selling anything we might need while in India. I reckon we'll be going back there again.
Karin bought a very nice salwar kameez from a shop called Vishnu run by a cheery 65 year-old man. It looks like a place from where we could get more ready made indian clothes.
Early night tonight as we have a 4am start the next day.
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