2023 – October 21-23 – Delhi Darshan
From Humayun’s Tomb to Tranquil Lodhi Gardens
Following the awe-inspiring Humayun’s Tomb, our Delhi adventure continued to the verdant Lodhi Gardens. This expansive green lung of the city boasts a refreshing escape with its lush greenery and historical charm. The interplay of the golden-hued evening sky with the silhouettes of ancient monuments created a picture-perfect backdrop for capturing memories!
We strolled along from one side to another, and on the way checked out two or three beautiful old structures, sat on the lawns, had sweet tea by a roadside vendor, and reached another gate, to meet the car and proceeded to the India Gate.
India Gate, and Home-Cooked Bliss
Our day in Delhi was a whirlwind adventure! After the peaceful stroll through the lush greenery of Lodhi Gardens, our sights were set on the iconic India Gate.
The journey, however, wasn’t quite as serene. Delhi traffic proved to be a challenge, and it took us a good 20-30 minutes to reach the vicinity of the monument. Upon arrival, our driver suggested ditching the car and opting for a walk – the sheer volume of cars and people made navigating by vehicle near impossible!
The walk through the parking lot offered a glimpse of India Gate illuminated in a mesmerizing display of colors. As we approached, the vast lawns surrounding the monument came alive with activity. Throngs of people, both tourists like ourselves and local vendors, filled the space. The aroma of delicious street food wafted through the air, tempting our taste buds! Alas, a prior dinner invitation from our friend Vikram meant we had to resist the call of the street food!!
India Gate’s Grandeur and a Swift Exit
While India Gate’s imposing structure and colorful lights were undoubtedly impressive, the overwhelming crowds weren’t quite our cup of tea. We opted for a quick visit, savoring the monument’s grandeur from afar before heading back to our vehicle.
Home-Cooked Dinner and Cricket Cheer
The day culminated at Vikram’s place, where I finally got to meet him properly. We were treated to a delicious spread of home-cooked food, a warm welcome after a busy day. Ishaan, being a cricket fanatic, couldn’t resist catching up on the T20 World Cup action.
By 10 pm, we found ourselves back at the hotel, realizing we had just one more day to explore Delhi before our Monday night flight. The iconic Qutub Minar beckoned.
Conquering the Qutub Minar: A Perfect Last Day in Delhi
Our flight wasn’t until 8 pm from Delhi, giving us the chance to explore the city for most of the day. After a long but incredible tour the previous days, we decided to relax and savor our last moments in India’s vibrant capital.
A Leisurely Morning and a Monumental Encounter
After a leisurely breakfast, we set our sights on the iconic Qutub Minar. Here’s a quick historical nugget from the internet:
The Qutub Minar stands tall in Delhi, India. Built between 1199 and 1503 AD, it served as a victory tower commemorating Muhammad Ghori’s defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan, the Rajput king, in 1192 AD. The minaret was commissioned by Qutb-ud-Din Aibak, the first Sultan of the Mamluk dynasty, and completed by his successor, Muhammad-bin-Sam. The construction of the Qutub Minar marked the beginning of Muslim rule in India.
The entire Qutub Minar complex was beautifully laid out and meticulously maintained. Despite it being a Monday, the crowds were impressive, with a mix of locals and tourists soaking in the historical significance.
The hot and sunny weather didn’t deter us from exploring this architectural marvel. We took a guided tour around the complex, thoroughly impressed by the Qutub Minar itself. The tower’s beauty lay in its distinct tiers, each constructed with different types of stone. Inscriptions adorning the tower narrated the story of its construction and offered a glimpse into that era.
And we took some quirky pictures of ourselves as well!
Back to the Hotel: Bidding Farewell to Delhi
We returned to the hotel for a late lunch and attempted to negotiate a late checkout. Unfortunately, they could only extend our stay till 3 pm. With our flight at 8:30 pm, we still had a few hours to spare. We decided to relax in the hotel lobby. I had a fun game of snooker with another guest, while Ishaan kept himself entertained with a cricket match.
Our flight landed at 11 pm, and we were finally home by around 12:30 am. Though our Delhi adventure came to an end, the memories of the majestic Qutub Minar and the city’s vibrant energy would stay with us forever.
Click below for the all the pictures!
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