Nekibur (Nikki) and I had to be in Delhi for a few days for work, so we decided to make the most of our free time and do some exploring. Like Washington D.C., Delhi is the capital of India. Although it is similar in size to Houston, it is home to more than 22 million people. Delhi is one of the world's most populous cities, second only to Tokyo. I find the city to be crowded and overly polluted; I would much rather be at home in Jaipur. Regardless, Nikki and I took advantage of the morning hours to see some of the sights Delhi has to offer.
Day two helped me appreciate the phrase "hazy shade of winter". Obviously Simon and Garfunkel spent some time in Delhi! Winters here are equated with foggy conditions (although I'm guessing the haze is partially due to pollution). Yesterday's blue skies were replaced with a blanket of grey, which isn't very kind to snapping pictures. Luckily Google images came to my rescue for blogging purposes (I swear, the Lotus Temple really looks like that!).
Our first visit was to Qutab Minar, which is also the only site open on Mondays. Something to be noted about visiting India's historic sites: foreigners
are charged exorbitant prices in comparison to Indian nationals (i.e.
Qutab Minar entrance fees: 250 rupees/$4
USD versus 10 rupees/16 cents USD).
Qutab Minar is a 238 foot tall Islamic monument found in an area referred to as the Qutab complex. It is a large red sandstone and marble pillar that was constructed in 1192 covered with inscriptions from the Qur'an. An intricately carved marble mosque, living quarters, and burial site can be found on the complex grounds as well. Hindus cremate their dead, whereas Muslims bury their dead.
Day two helped me appreciate the phrase "hazy shade of winter". Obviously Simon and Garfunkel spent some time in Delhi! Winters here are equated with foggy conditions (although I'm guessing the haze is partially due to pollution). Yesterday's blue skies were replaced with a blanket of grey, which isn't very kind to snapping pictures. Luckily Google images came to my rescue for blogging purposes (I swear, the Lotus Temple really looks like that!).
Nikki and I ventured out to the Baha'i House of Worship, more commonly known as the Lotus Temple. It is an imposing structure, although surprisingly small inside. It was built in 1986 and is open to members of all faiths as a place to come and pray. It is set in the middle of a perfectly manicured garden and surrounded by nine pools. No formal services are held at the temple, and the interior calls for complete silence so people may worship peacefully.
It is a beautiful and impressive temple, and therefore doesn't come as a shock that it has won many architectural awards and accolades.
Quite frankly, Delhi leaves something to be desired. Fortunately for us, Agra is a quick jaunt by train. And "quick jaunt" by India's terms means 2-3 hours. We caught the 6:00 am train from Delhi to Agra in hopes of escaping the chaos (and work!) for the day.
Our first stop in Agra was the Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, sometimes referred to as "Baby Taj". Incidentally this is the resting place of Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, who happens to be the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built. After 6 years of construction, this mausoleum was completed in 1628 and sits in a lovely garden along the Yamuna River. As luck would have it, the grounds were virtually empty when we visited.
Everywhere we visited in Agra were gorgeous displays of Mughal architecture, which is known for its use of marble, semi-precious stones, and elaborate craftsmanship.
Next on our list was the Agra Fort, which is a sprawling "walled city" covering 94 acres with walls at 70 feet high. Although the site has a history dating back almost 1000 years, the current state we see it in was completed during the 1628-1658 reign of Shah Jahan (who is more widely known for his construction of the Taj Mahal). An interesting tale surrounding the fort is that towards the end of his life, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son and held at the fort. However, his son placed him in captivity where he had a view of the Taj Mahal, the final resting place of his beloved wife Mumtāz Mahāl.
Quite frankly, Delhi leaves something to be desired. Fortunately for us, Agra is a quick jaunt by train. And "quick jaunt" by India's terms means 2-3 hours. We caught the 6:00 am train from Delhi to Agra in hopes of escaping the chaos (and work!) for the day.
Our first stop in Agra was the Tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah, sometimes referred to as "Baby Taj". Incidentally this is the resting place of Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, who happens to be the grandfather of Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built. After 6 years of construction, this mausoleum was completed in 1628 and sits in a lovely garden along the Yamuna River. As luck would have it, the grounds were virtually empty when we visited.
Next on our list was the Agra Fort, which is a sprawling "walled city" covering 94 acres with walls at 70 feet high. Although the site has a history dating back almost 1000 years, the current state we see it in was completed during the 1628-1658 reign of Shah Jahan (who is more widely known for his construction of the Taj Mahal). An interesting tale surrounding the fort is that towards the end of his life, Shah Jahan was deposed by his son and held at the fort. However, his son placed him in captivity where he had a view of the Taj Mahal, the final resting place of his beloved wife Mumtāz Mahāl.
Naturally, we ended our day at the Taj Mahal. I could hardly move to India for a year and neglect to visit one of the modern wonders of the world!
(yes, I really took this picture...and yes, I have awesome iPhone editing apps)
The Taj Mahal was built as a final resting place for Shah Jahan's third wife, Mumtāz Mahāl. She died at age 38 while giving birth to her fourteenth child. Although his third wife, it was widely recognized that she was the great love of his life and his first two marriages were merely perfunctory.
The Taj Mahal was built as a final resting place for Shah Jahan's third wife, Mumtāz Mahāl. She died at age 38 while giving birth to her fourteenth child. Although his third wife, it was widely recognized that she was the great love of his life and his first two marriages were merely perfunctory.
The Taj Mahal is as beautiful in real life as the pictures make it out to be. People arrive by droves in hopes of glimpsing inside the intricate marble walls. When I wasn't busy taking pictures of my own, I was being bombarded by people asking me to take pictures with them. For whatever reason, I am constantly mobbed in India with requests for pictures. Apparently all Americans are movie stars in India. Finally, Nikki dragged me away so we could look inside. He also suggested I start charging per picture. I would've made a small fortune by now!
Even though the Taj Mahal is wonderfully large outside, you'll be surprised to know that the interior is rather small. There is an octagonal walkway around the two cenotaphs (empty tombs), with plenty of natural light. The actual tombs are beneath the Taj, and inaccessible to the general public. No shoes (although they give foreigners ugly shoe booties) and no photography is allowed inside.
(shhh, don't tell anyone!)
With all of the running around we had been doing, it was nice to just sit and relax amidst the throng.
A 6 1/2 hour bus ride later, and we're back to Jaipur and back to the real world.
Lee, I'm really enjoying your blog. I've been wondering how you were being received in India...nice to know it's as a "Movie Star"!
ReplyDeleteRunnin' wild and lookin' pretty.
ReplyDelete