Tag: History

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 Red Fort

Last week, I was at New Delhi, the capital city of India.
It is an old city and has been a seat of power for various rulers over the history of India, most significantly, the Mughals.

Red Fort, India, Tricolour flying

The first place I visited, was the Red Fort. Made using red sandstone by the emperor Shah Jahan, this majestic fort, currently serves as a frequented tourist spot. It has a museum, used to be a garrison for Indian Army and also features serves as a ceremonial and political centre in the modern times.
The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk, which is almost a kilometre away. The distance is very much walkable. If not, take cycle rickshaws, but do bargain hard with them.
There are ticket charges. ₹35 for Indians (including the museum pass) and ₹200 for foreigners (kindly confirm). No extra charges for cameras though.

One enters the fort by the Lahori Darwaza.

Lahori Gate, Red Fort, India

The gate opens to a small courtyard, following which one enters the Chatta Chowk. In the ancient times, this place would sell gold, silk and other items for the imperial household, today, there are shops which sell souvenirs.

Shops in Chatta Chowk, Red Fort, India

Crossing the Chatta Chowk, one should find themselves in front of the Naubat Khana and the house of the commons, the Diwan-e-Aam.

Diwan E Aam, Red Fort, India

Moving on, one gets to see the quite magnificent Diwan-e-Khaas, which was the house of the lords, as one may say. The walls are quite intricately carved and they have paintings, which look marvellous even now.

Painting on the wall of Diwan e Khaas, Red Fort, India

Beside the Diwan-e-Khaas, the Khaas Mahal is located, which would serve as the emperor’s chambers and is made in white marble. It is indeed a sight to behold.

Khaas Mahal, Red Fort, India

Moving on, one finds a dried out reservoir with a red sandstone structure in its centre, this is the Zafar Mahal, added by and named after Bahadur Shah Zafar. On either side of the Zafar Mahal, one can see pavallions, Sawan and Bhadon, named after the Indian seasons.

Zafar Mahal, Red Fort, India

Sawan Bhadon Pavallion, Red Fort, India

With this, my tour ended within the Red Fort. I took nearly 45 minutes for the round. I didn’t visit the museums, which I would have, had there been some more time. I would recommend it be checked out.

Map of the Red Fort, India

There are pay per use toilet facilities available outside as well as inside the fort premises, which are maintained by Sulabh, hence they ought to be clean.

Once I was done with the Red Fort, I took the metro, from Chandni Chowk station, changed at the Central Secretariat, and went on towards the Kalkaji Temple Road, to visit the Lotus Temple.

Stay tuned, for the Lotus Temple post.

Feel free to reach out for further information.

Cheers!!

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