Day 3 2/25/2023
India - Delhi
Frank's Trip
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Out and about in Delhi...
I got a taxi for the day - much easier than the hassle of trying to find a taxi after every different attraction. The driver stopped by a roadside "tea shop" for a cup of tea. After tea I went on to the Qutub Minar complex - many different things to see. Finally, a visit to the Lotus Temple.
The last couple days have seemed very long... maybe jet lag. Next stop will be Agra with many wonderful places to see - top of the list being the Taj Mahal - one of the 7 Wonders Of The World!
<< LEFT:
My taxi driver for the day
RIGHT >>:
A tea shop. Here they actually heat the water over a fire (using sticks as shown in the box) and make your tea on the spot, on demand, one customer at a time. This isn't a quick service business! They also sell cookies, chips, water, etc. Early version of Starbucks?
Qutub Minar itself is only the primary feature of a complex with other things to behold. Actually, it all seems to be parts of the remnants of Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque / Quwwatul Islam Mosque (built 1192-1316). Much of the construction material was scavenged from destroyed Hindu structures that were victims of the Malmuk conquest of India.
RIGHT: Serai Gateway to Qutub Minar
This arched gateway to Qutub Minar is believed to be part of an older Mughal Serai. A Serai, or Caravanserai - equivalent to a modern day guest house for travelers. These were common along the Silk Road.
LEFT: Tomb and burials near gateway
Alai Minar
Alauddin Khilji started building the Alai Minar and wanted it to be two times higher than Qutub Minar. However, after his death in 1316, the monument was never completed by his successors. The first story of the Alai Minar still stands today at Qutub Complex.
Tomb of Iltutmish
Built in 1235
Iron Pillar
The pillar was constructed by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya. It is 23 feet high and weighs more than six tons. The fascinating fact about the Iron Pillar is that it has not been rusted since the day it was erected over 1,600 years ago.
Qutub Minar
Built in the early 13th century a few kilometers south of Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutub Minar is 238 feet high, tapering from 9 feet in diameter at its peak to 47 feet at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings.
Ali Darwaza Gate
This is the southern gateway to the site and was built in 1311. This is the first building in India to employ Islamic architecture principles in its construction and ornamentation.
Tomb of Imam Zamin
Immediately beside the Ali Darwaza Gate is the Tomb of Imam Zamin. It dates from 1537-38.
Lotus Temple
This Bahá'í House of Worship, also known as the Lotus Temple due to its nine sides and stunning central dome, is an architectural masterpiece. Constructed of white concrete and marble. Built 1986
There was a wait to go inside the temple. It was disappointing that no photos were permitted inside after waiting so long.
However, since the inside was very simple with little adornment and the lines following the exterior, there wasn't much to picture anyway.
