After spending a few extra days in Jaipur getting healthy, we finally moved on to Delhi (approx. 5 days later than scheduled). After another night at the Colonel’s Retreat in the Defence Colony, we took a pretty comprehensive one day tour of some of the main sites of Delhi with our guide, Rajesh (who is also fluent in Japanese!).

First, we went to Old Delhi after checking out the back side of the Red Fort. These pix also include some random shots from our car (including a slum and rare deer outside Jaipur from the day before)…

Here are some shots of the auto parts section of Old Delhi. I imagine it might be tough to get the right part if the guy who owns the shop isn’t there…?

A few more pix of Old Delhi and some of the large government buildings in New Delhi…

Our guide Rajesh did a wonderful job and advised us about much more than old buildings around town. He had several Sanskrit sayings and more than a little practical philosophy. Here he is at the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, which inspired the Taj Mahal being built 80 years previously…

Finally, here is the fabulous Qutb Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world and one of the most ancient sites in Delhi. Started in the 1100’s, Qutb Minar is the five storey victory tower, but the area also features the Iron Pillar of Delhi, an obelisk dating back to near 300 AD, which is 99.7% pure and consequently doesn’t rust. There are dozens of carved stone pillars and the ruins of what was a large complex of tombs, mosques, and monuments. A fascinating place! Here are some pix…

Study Questions:

1. Research the difference between Old and New Delhi, explain.
2. Research the design of Old Delhi and the influence of the British, drop some names.
3. Research Humayun’s Tomb, relate to the Taj Mahal and the Mughal Dynasty.
4. Research the Qutb Minar, discuss the various features.