Page 12 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

10  INTRODUCING INDIA

3 Days in Delhi

India’s capital is full of
contrasts, from the Muslim
flavour of its Mughal heritage,
through the colonial echoes
of the Raj, to the buzzing
modernity of a constantly
developing metropolis.
• Arriving IG International
airport is around 20 km (12
miles) from the city centre.
The main train station is New
Delhi, in the centre of town.
The ISBT bus station is a
short way north of Old Delhi.
The colourful Kinari Bazaar in Old Delhi
three domes are visible from miles Janpath south to the National
Day 1 around. Don’t miss the panoramic Museum (pp80–81, closed Mon),
Morning A good way to spend view from the south minaret. Walk whose rich collection chronicles
the first day is by soaking up the north from here to Chandni millennia of Indian history and
atmosphere of predominantly Chowk (pp88–9), the frenetically includes priceless gems such
Islamic Old Delhi. Start at the busy main thoroughfare of Old as Aurangzeb’s sword and
magnificent Red Fort (pp90–91, Delhi, lined with shrines of various Chola bronzes.
closed Mon), named after its religions, including the fascinating
distinctive rust-coloured ramparts. Digambar Jain Temple. Finish off Afternoon Enjoy a stroll
Among its highlights, arranged with a tasty tandoori snack from along the wide open spaces of
around pristine lawns, are the one of the many hole-in-the-wall Lutyens-designed Rajpath (p78),
sixty-pillared Diwan-i-Aam, the restaurants lining the side streets. admiring the grand buildings of
royal apartments of the Khas the British Raj, which now house
Mahal and the elegant hamams. Day 2 Indian govern ment ministries,
Afterwards, dive into the bustling Morning Attend a puja ceremony galleries and museums. Pass by
streets of the old city, whose at the lively Lakshmi Narayan the gigantic sandstone arch of
narrow alleys contain a kaleido- Mandir (p82), which offers a fine India Gate (p78) en route east
scope of bazaars, selling anything introduction to modern Hindu to the Crafts Museum (pp84–5,
from jewellery to auto parts and practice. From here walk east to closed Mon). Don’t miss the
excellent street-food shops. circular Connaught Place (p79), artisans displaying their skills in
still the hub of New Delhi, whose the Crafts Demonstra tion Area.
Afternoon Pay your respects at landscaped central park provides End the afternoon in the tranquil
Jama Masjid (p90), one of the respite and the underground mall surroundings of the Purana Qila
world’s largest mosques, whose shopping opportunities. Follow (p83), the sixth city of Delhi, just to
the south. The ornate Qila-i-Kuhna
Mosque and octagonal Sher
Mandal Tower are its most
note worthy structures.
Day 3
Morning Begin exploring south
Delhi with a ramble through
Lodi Gardens (p83), a picturesque
park landscaped around some
imposing 15th-century tombs.
Then head east towards the
stunning edifice of Humayun’s
Tomb (p87), a prototype for
the Taj Mahal, via the absorbing
Nizamuddin Complex (p86), a
historic necropolis decicated to
the memory of various Sufi saints.
Afternoon Further southwest,
One of Delhi’s most popular landmarks, India Gate, Rajpath another venerable monument
For practical information on travelling around India, see pp750–59

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