After breakfast set off on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi.
OLD DELHI: This was the former Imperial capital of the Mughal Emperor, though very little remains of the grandeur of the Emperor Shah Jahan’s city. Old Delhi’s backbone is Chandni Chowk. Today, it is a busy market, selling an extraordinary variety of items – silver, jewellery, aromatic spices, leather, fruit and vegetables.
RICKSHAW RIDE IN OLD DELHI FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO JAMA MASJID: Here, you will enjoy a rickshaw ride tour through the narrow bylanes of Chandni Chowk. You'll also visit one of India’s largest Mosques, Jama Masjid. This mosque is amongst the final architectural extravagances of Shah Jahan. Construction began in 1644 and the mosque was not completed until 1658. It has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets standing 40m high. It was constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.
RAJ GHAT: Afterwards, board your waiting vehicle and drive to Raj Ghat. A simple square platform of black marble marking the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948. It is surrounded by a beautiful park with labelled trees planted by notable personalities such as Queen Elizabeth II, USA President Eisenhower, Ho Chi Minh and various others.
MEMORABLE MOMENT: VISIT TO BANGLA SAHIB GURUDWARA
The Gurdwara includes a temple, a kitchen, a large (holy) pond, a school and an art gallery. As with all Sikh Gurdwaras, the concept of ‘langar’ (free kitchen) is practiced. Walk around the Temple complex and meet the people who prepare and eat the 10,000 meals served here every day. At Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, a historic Sikh shrine in central Delhi, everybody is welcome to a meal.
Fascinated by stories of the extremely busy ‘langar’ (free kitchen) housed within the golden-domed complex, Bangla Sahib Gurdwara’s langar served an amazing 180 people every 15 minutes. Quietly and orderly, people of all castes, religions and ages took places on long, rough mats along the langar floor. Metal serving plates were handed out, volunteer servers distributed hot fresh chapatti, lightly spiced basmati rice, hearty dal, a spicy potato dish and a creamy yellow turmeric-based sauce with onion pakora.
All range of characters gathered, from those who survive on the langar’s food, to those simply socializing, to those who want to help serve their community.
Next, head off on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi.
Visit Humayun’s Tomb, (UNESCO world heritage site) the earliest example of Mughal architecture in India. Recently renovated with the gardens restored to their former splendour, and fine fountains, it is a very attractive site. Architecturally, the mausoleum drew its inspiration from the styles prevalent in Samarkand, and the design of the Taj Mahal is based on this tomb.
You now have some free time for lunch at your leisure at a local restaurant Near India gate. (Payable direct locally)
From here, drive to Qutub Minar complex, which has many historic monuments. The first mosque in India – The Quwwat-Ul-Islam – built from the dressed and carved stones of demolished temples lies in this complex. It establishes the political victory of Islam in northern India. Construction of The Qutub Minar itself began in 1199 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was completed by his successors. This fluted elegant tower is decorated with elegant balconies and carvings.
Later drive past India Gate, Presidential palace, Parliament house Lutyen Delhi and get a chance to admire the colonial grandeurs and the important government complexes of the country. Named after the leading British architect Edwin Lutyens, who was responsible for much of the architectural design and building when India was part of the British Empire.
Finish the day with a complimentary optional activity of your choice;
COMPLIMENTRY OPTIONAL ACTIVITY 1: VISIT TO DILLI HAAT
Dilli Haat, in South Delhi, is an open-air food plaza come craft bazaar which was established to encourage arts and crafts in India. It has food stalls representing each state of India and offers a complete variety of tastes from across the country. Products on offer also include many ethnic creations such as rosewood and sandalwood carvings, colourful fabrics and drapery, gems, beads, brassware, metal crafts, and silk and wool fabrics.
On this optional excursion you can spend 60–90 minutes visiting various handicraft and food stalls enjoying the variety of snacks & food from different parts of India which is unique in itself.
Dilli haat is wonderful example of an Indian Bazar or local market. It's the perfect place to buy a souvenir to remember your trip or purchase a gift for a loved one.