Our first stop was Qutab Minar, the tallest minar in India which was originally used as a watch tower. Built in the early 13th century a few kilometers south of Delhi, the red sandstone tower of is 72.5 meters high, tapering from 2.75 meters in diameter at its peak to 14.32 meters at its base. It features alternating angular and rounded flutings.
The surrounding area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art, built in 1311, and two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest in northern India.
Next up was Akshardham Temple. I think it may be the most impressive sight I’ve seen so far in India. Yes, perhaps even more impressive than the Taj Mahal. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to bring cameras and even phones into the temple complex, but even pictures cannot depict the true size and magnificence of the temple.
Akshardham is the largest Hindu temple in the world and is completely covered with intricate and ornate carvings of religious symbols and natural elements. There was something to see wherever you looked, and it was difficult to believe that the temple was only opened in 2005.
"Akshardham" means the eternal, divine abode of the supreme God, the abode of eternal values and virtues of Akshar, as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads - where divine bhakti, purity and peace forever pervades. Who wouldn't want to stay in such a place!
No cameras are allowed inside, so I'll be supplementing the blog with borrowed photos.
The main monument, at the center of the complex, is 43 meters high, 96 meters wide and 109 meters long. It is covered top to bottom with carved flora, fauna, dancers, musicians, and deities. There was much in the complex that we were unable to see and do. Tanmay told us that there is a two hour boat ride experience available, but after we visited the central temple and reclaimed our shoes, it was back in the cars!
Our last cultural stop of the day was a visit to Humayun’s Tomb. The first thing we noticed about the tomb was that its architecture is strikingly similar to the Taj Mahal, which we had recently visited. Built in 1570, it's of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. AND it indeed had inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was built by his widow, Biga Begum (Hajji Begum), in 1569-70, 14 years after his death, at a cost of 1.5 million rupees. It was later used for the burial of various members of the ruling family and contains some 150 graves. It has aptly been described as the necropolis of the Mughal dynasty.
We climbed the very steep steps up to the actual tombs and spent some time walking around the complex before beginning the shopping portion of our day in Delhi. Although we were all looking forward to shopping, our first excursion was tops on Ian's agenda! He was in the market for several Persian rugs. We had no idea how interesting the rug shopping would be. Visiting two stores, we were shown MANY handmade rugs of both wool and silk, all impressively rolled out onto the floor in front of us.
A shop owner showed us how the coloring of a rug changes depending on the side from which you viewed. The difference in textures was between wool and silk rugs is remarkable. Ian (and some fellow immersioners) made purchases at our second stop and, shopping bags in hand, we made our way to dinner.
Although it sounded American, Barbeque Nation was actually a very interesting Indian restaurant and a spinoff of the idea of a Brazilian steakhouse. For a fixed price, customers get unlimited appetizers (veg and non-veg) on skewers that are kept warm on a grill in the center of the table.
Once you lower the flag on your table, the appetizers stop coming and you are free to explore the main course buffet. The appetizers were so good though that none of us really needed the buffet.
Full and tired from a long day of travelling and sightseeing, we dropped Ian back off at the Westin and then checked into the Courtyard Marriott for a full night of sleep.
