We stayed in the South, in New Delhi at the ITC Mauyri. This hotel was fantastic – the room was great, the bars and restaurants were excellent and the staff was extremely nice. Upon walking in, I enjoyed the Christmas Tree in the lobby made entirely of green bangles (unfortunately I was stupid and didn't take a picture).
Qutab Minar – a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Built to be a self-sustaining city, there is little information on who built this site. It is an interesting mix of both Hindu and Muslim faith and architecture. Our tour guide told us that there was originally a Hindu temple at this site but then Mughal’s took over the area and built their own buildings. However, the ruler preserved the Hindu works – which included several columns and carved stone pieces and used them in the new buildings. Although the faces of the Hindu gods were taken off, you can still see the different gods in the carvings based on their bodies. Most importantly it houses the world's tallest brick minaret.
Bahai House of Worship (Lotus Temple) – this beautiful temple sits surrounded by beautiful gardens and surrounded by nine pools of water. There are 27 petals on the flower all covered in white marble. Photography was prohibited inside the temple. There was a main skylight at the center of the completely open, cavernous room. There were pews all facing a main area with a clear podium intended for lectures. The pews were made of carved wood with marble seats.
Mughal Red Fort – another UNESCO World Heritage Site - Built by the emperor Shah Jahan from 1638 to 1648 it is made entirely of sandstone. Unfortunately, the emperor was unable to enjoy his rule in Delhi for long since his son overthrew him and imprisoned him in the Agra Fort.
This is the main Lahore Gate.
This is the covered bazaar that was set up for all the ladies of the court to do their shopping.
This is the Diwan-i-Am which is the Hall of Public Audiences and the emperor would hear weekly from his subjects. The small covered side windows were so the ladies of the court could also hear but without being seen.
This is the Diwan-i-Khas, made of white marble and was the Hall of Private Audiences for the emperor to have private meetings. This is where the famous Peacock Throne once sat which was later looted away from India. Mughal architecture is known for its symmetry – at this can be seen in every single building.
These other rooms were the living quarters for the emperor and his court. These lower parts of the floor were once filled with water to create a cooling effect for the rooms and our tour guide told us at night they would be filled with scented oils.
It is unfortunate that the British used the fort for military purpose as you can see here they just built barracks for the soldiers in the middle of the splendid buildings.
The only picture we have of us at the Red Fort - unfortunately its blurry.
Cycle-Rickshaw ride to Jama Masjid – leaving the Red Fort we took a cycle-rickshaw ride through some of Old Delhi’s narrow streets to reach the Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India. Also built by Shah Jahan it was completed in 1658. We were unable to enter the mosque because it was closed for worship.
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