Tag: Architecture

TTL: Delhi: Ugrasen Ki Baoli and Rajghaat

Now that we were back in Delhi, the remaining few places on the list, we planned to visit them quickly.
The first stop was the Ugrasen Ki Baoli. Also known as Agrasen Ki Baoli, this is a step well (baoli/bawdi) with 108 steps to the bottom. There are three different levels on which arches are made. It is right in between the busy and bustling Connaught Place, Delhi, located on the Hailey Road.

Now, this place is pretty, and quite nice for photo shoot, which is the good bit. The sad bit is that it seems the entire clan of college bunking kids find this place to flock, right from the second the gates are opened. Hence, crowd seems to be an integral part of the shots of the baoli.
No wonder, I was not too enthused about not getting clear shots of the architecture and beauty, I turned to the beauty I had being my guide 🙂

Girl sitting on stairs with a smile, Agrasen ki baoli, New Delhi, India

Girl looking back with a smile, Agrasen Ki Baoli, New Delhi, India

Girl resting on a wall with a smile, Agrasen Ki Baoli, New Delhi, India

Finally, I managed to pull this photo out with a lot of difficulty.

The Agrasen Ki Baoli, New Delhi, India

Yes, it is a composite photo of about 30 shots. I would have got some more, but the guard was not very happy about the tripod. Hence, had to pack up. Also, as we walked out, I noticed a board which prohibits all the type of photography that can be done in there.

Next we went to Rajghaat. The cremation place of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. It has a nice big lake and huge lawns, on which, as expected, one can find people rolling about. I didn’t find anything of interest here. Got some good photos though 😛

Girl sitting on the edge of a lake and relections, Rajghaat, New Delhi, India

Girl sitting on the edge of water playing with her hair, Rajghaat, New Delhi, India

Girl playing with her hair with a smile, Rajghaat, New Delhi, India

Next up, we had something to eat and were on our way to the next location.

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Cheers!!

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Safdarjung's Tomb in silhouette, Delhi, India

TTL: Delhi: Tomb of Safdarjung

After being done with the Red Fort and the Lotus Temple on the previous day, the second day began with a visit to a old friend of mine. We had brunch and soon it was time to meet up with Tuhina, who would be my tour guide and model for the rest of my stay.

After meeting up with her, we made our way to the Safdarjung’s Tomb. Located on the Safdarjung Road, this is a sandstone domed structure erected in 1750s in honor of Safdarjung. The architecture is quite mesmerizing and within the walls, it is quite peaceful. The mausoleum has four water chambers on each side, which were sadly dry. There are arabic inscriptions on the doorway. There are lawns ideal for people to laze. There are at least a couple of peacocks in the premises too.

Nearest metro station would be Jor Bagh on the Yellow Line. The Safdarjung Tomb is right opposite to the Lodi Gardens, which I visited on a later date. The monument remains open from 0700-1900h all round the week. There is, most probably, a ticket of ₹30 per head, kindly confirm on site. Expect a crowd and you may often find people strategically lazying to ruin your perfect shot.

Here goes…Safdarjung’s Tomb!

Tomb of Safdarjung, Delhi, India

Girl sitting on the steps of the mausoleum, Delhi, India

Parrot on one of the minarets, Delhi, India

Girl with a pretty smile at the monument, Delhi, India

Safdarjung's Tomb, Delhi, India

Girl posing while sitting at the monument, Delhi, India

Safdarjung's Tomb view from the entrance arch, Delhi, India

 

We visited the Delhi Haat next to buy a couple of stuffs mum asked me to get for her, with expert help from Tuhina, that assignment was completed. We followed it with dinner and retired, for the next day, we were going Alwar, Rajasthan.

Cheers!!

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TTL: Delhi: The Lotus Temple

Post my visit to the Red Fort, I made my way to the Lotus Temple, on the other side of the town, using the metro. Well, I am all praises for the metro, for it is highly convenient and economic many times over than a cab or even the buses.
The Lotus Temple is a Baha’i House of Worship, which, being in line with the code, is a temple which welcomes people, irrespective of religion, sex or any other distinctions to worship at the giant hall. The only request they make, please be quite. It is considered to be one of the most visited building in the world.
Architecturally, it is a marvel, being a 9 sided marble lotus flower, along with 9 pools on the sides. The hall can house 2500 people at a time.
Nearest metro station is the Kalkaji Temple Road on the Violet line, which can be tapped on to at the Central Secretariat. It stays closed on the Mondays, while being open 0900h-1900h, rest six days. No entry charges are levied. There is a strict prohibition on carrying food inside the premises.

Lotus Temple, Delhi, India

Arches of Lotus Temple, Delhi, India


Lotus Temple, Delhi, India

I was tad hurt to see that a huge chunk of the people who come at this place, have no idea of what they are visiting and also, why they are doing so. There are men screaming from one corner of the yard to the other, ladies cutting lines feeling entitled, kids running around, complete pandemonium. Also, once you reach the hall, you have tourists, not just Indian, but also foreign ones blatantly disregarding the request to not shoot indoors.
In my opinion, a ticket system must be put to place. Tickets for the ones who want to visit the inner sanctum, sit and pray, and tickets for the ones who would want to roam about in the open, take the photos and be done. It should also be made very clear that within the hall, there is absolutely nothing to gaze and marvel at, so that there is an auto filtration. I had been to the Lotus Temple, when I was about 3 years old. I remember sitting on the hall, and contemplating at the silence and peace. I had gone to revisit the place, after about 22 years, to find a similar peace, and all I found chaos.

With a heavy heart and irritated head, I boarded the metro back. My mood was improved soon for I met with my dearest muse, Tuhina shortly for dinner.

Next day, would be fun. Keep an eye out.

Cheers!!

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