A full-day guided city sightseeing of Delhi follows after morning breakfast.
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and the new India.
We start our morning tour with New Delhi. Our first stop is the famous India Gate - a war memorial dedicated to thousands of Indian soldiers who lost
their lives during World War-I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Thereafter, we drive past both the Houses of Parliament and Connaught Place both being iconic attractions and a reflection of the British colonial era architecture.
At Old Delhi, enjoy a rickshaw ride and explore the hubbub yet the charming side of the old Delhi. Visit the 361-year-old Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India with a courtyard that can hold up to 25,000 devotees. The elegant looking mosque with onion-shaped dome and minarets was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who built the famous Taj Mahal. Next is the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Red Fort - [Closed on Monday] served as the imperial residence of the Mughal dynasty for around 200 years. Built of red sandstone, the construction started in 1639 and took nine years. Enclosed behind the massive high walls are wonderful structures to admire.
Our next stop, the Humayun’s tomb is a magnificent garden tomb and the first grave of a Mughal dynasty. It was built in 1565 by Bega Begum - senior widow of emperor Humayun, nine years after his demise. The arched exterior facade is inlaid with bands of white and red sandstone. Its Islamic geometrical style strictly dominates the building’s structure and design.
Lastly, we will proceed to another World Heritage site, the Qutub Minar – a brick minaret towering 72 meters, 15 meters in diameter at the base and a mere 2.5 meters at the top. Built in 1192, Qutub Minar is the highest single tower in India and the tallest brick minaret in the world. The 5 storey tower is made of marble, buff and red sandstone, in a honeycomb design. Beautiful Arabic verses are carved on the walls.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.
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New Delhi