Around 09:00 am this morning we commence the city tour starting with Old Delhi followed by New Delhi. 

The first stop on the itinerary is The Red Fort, built in 1638 by Shah Jahan. The fort is an epitome of the Mughal era in India and an outstanding example of Mughal architecture with the use of red sandstone. Within the Fort, we have the Chhata bazaar selling anything from local handicraft to scarves, bags, caps and just about anything. The Red Fort has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a must see for any one visiting Delhi. 

Next, we head to the largest mosque in India–Jama Masjid Built by Shah Jahan in 1650.  It can hold 25000 devotees at a time and has four towers. The southern tower gives a stunning view of the city and ample of photo opportunities. 

Being a place of worship strict dress code must be followed where men and women are expected to cover their heads, shoulders and knees. Photography is possible on payment of a fee.

To give you a joy ride on a cycle rickshaw we now head to Chandni Chowk build by Shah Jahan in 1650. This being the main street of Old Delhi is always chaotically competing for space while its narrow lanes swell with shops selling daily and gift items. Also, street food just doesn’t get better anywhere than right here at Chandni Chowk. On arrival here hop into a rickshaw and enjoy the ride through the narrow by lanes admiring the local culture and taking in the aroma wafting from the many food stalls here.  

 

After sampling some local delights, we head to Raj Ghat, Built by Vanu G Bhuta in 1948. Raj Ghat is where Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns at one end. Paying homage here is a surreal experience, bringing back memories of the struggle India had to endure to get where it is today. 

 

A quick drive past the prime Government buildings will get us to our next destination where we halt for lunch. 

 

Rashtrapati Bhawan was built in 1912 by Edwin Lutyens and is the residence of the President of India. The Bhawan was referred to as Viceroy House during British period, and access to this grand piece of architecture is restricted. This is the largest residence of any head of the state in the world. With four floors and 340 rooms spread across 200,000 square feet, it has a huge garden (Mughal Gardens), large open spaces, residences for bodyguards and staff, stables, other offices and utilities within its perimeter walls. The architectural design of the building is based on the design of the Edwardian Baroque with the middle dome of the building being a perfect amalgamation of the Indian and the British architectural styles. One can drive past North and South Block and click photos too. Another imposing monument we pass by is the Parliament House followed by the India Gate. The India Gate was built in 1931 by Edwin Lutyens, as a memorial for martyrs of World War I and the war in Afghanistan. On Republic Day a grand parade is held here showcasing India’s might and its many achievements along with colourful performances put forth by the individual states. The ceremony also hosts international guests and national leaders who are present to admire while paying tribute to the freedom fighters and great leaders of the country.

 

Post lunch, we head over to New Delhi to conclude the remaining part of the days program. Start with a stop at Humayun’s Tomb, built by Empress Bega Begum, Humayun’s wife, in 1569-70. This is one of the most amazing works of Persian style of Islamic Architecture to which Taj Mahal owes its design. Not only the grave of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, but this tomb also secures the graves of Bega Begum, Dara Shikoh, Hamida Begum, along with other significant members of the Mughal clan. The tomb is made of red sandstone and white marble is a must see UNESCO site. 

 

Built in 1192, built by Qutub-ud-in-Aibak, Qutub Minar stands tall with its 72.5-meter-tall brick minaret. The structure has five stories, abundant with chiselled carvings and scriptures and has been declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This red stone tower is a heritage site and an amazing example of the beautiful Iranian architecture along with Parso-Arabic and Nagari details. The complex has the famous Iron Pillar, which was commissioned by the emperor Kumara Gupta I of Gupta Dynasty (320-540 CE) and transplanted to Delhi during the 10th century. This is a metallurgical marvel as the pillar stands proud without any trace of rust or erosion.  

This concludes our day trip and you will be transferred back to the hotel.