Thursday, September 1, 2016

TRAVEL BLOG

Delhi: A City of Cities!

So last month I went exploring Delhi. Inspite of having lived there for so long, I realized I have not seen all that there is_ the Purana Quila or Humayan’s tomb for instance. Every time I leave Delhi I crawl up on something and make a mental note_ “next time”. Around 11 am in the morning it was perfect weather with a slight drizzle, me and my friends went to Purana Quila, Humayan’s tomb and Agrasen ki baoli- all marvels from the past. The perfect day which also felt like chapter from our history text books?
At entrance there is a small entry fee, the architecture is in line with all other Mughal structures- built by Persians. I particularly liked is a khan’s tomb. The gardens are a perfect picnic spot; the walkway around the tomb is quiet and beautiful. We really had a great time over there. The Humayun’s tomb is well concealed by a huge wall, making it difficult to get a quick peek. This tomb was one of the first in India to be surrounded by Baghs or gardens. Also one of the first tomb, to use red sandstone at such a large scale. Grandiose gesture for the dead I would say. We walked around it-occasionally; one could hear a train’s loud whistle- as THE NIZZAMUDDIN RAILWAY STATION is very close to the tomb. Behind the tomb flows the famous Yamuna River.
Finally, we decided to have some snacks so we went to one stall or ‘tapri’ where we had chai with lots of gapshap. It was just like cherry on the cake, perfect weather, and perfect people. Perfect place to explore, after this we headed towards our next stop Purana Quila or old fort which is another UNESCO heritage and protected site. It’s one of the oldest forts in Delhi; in fact it is the oldest known structure of any type in Delhi. It’s located at the site of the legendary city of Indrapastha. This time we went, we actually saw the excavation site that was cordoned off. I was quite fascinated by large wooden carved doors all of them quite high I must have posed along most of them am sure.
The grand Masjid or mosque inside the fort is another beautiful structure in front of which you can find a lot of visitors sitting and relaxing. Apparently, our outing turned out to be most adventurous yet memorable. While roaming around we came across so many visitors from different countries. We interviewed them, about their experience in India.

Baoli or a step well has some of its step permanently immersed in water. Its structure is very utilitarian the water remains covered-the steps make the water accessible.  A baoli of this type is seen inside the fort. But one of the largest step wells in Delhi close to Qutab Minar. It was good time, with lots of memories in the pocket we went back to our respective places happily.

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