What to see in a few days in Delhi? Old fortress Purana Qila

Compiled from my own experience and personal preferences about the city’s attractions, I hope it will help everyone who wants to get to know Delhi better and perhaps return here more than once.
So, let's begin.

First day in Delhi –
The most important rule in India is not to rush anywhere, unless of course you are late for your flight.

You can take a leisurely walk along Purana Qila in just over an hour and literally 100 meters away is zoo. Entrance 100 rupees. Spend at least two hours at the zoo. Next to the zoo, near the very walls of Purana Qila, there is a small pond where you can enjoy a boat ride. Take a ride, why not? There are several inexpensive ones between the Purana Qila gate and the entrance to the zoo - just in time for lunch.

After Feroz Shah Kotla, head straight to Red Fort, you can get there by auto-rickshaw in 10 minutes (about 60 rupees). I will not give here references to the Red Fort, the seventh capital of Delhi founded by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan - quite a lot has been said about this place.
After lunch, I would like to advise you to definitely go to the main mosque not only of Delhi, but also of India - this is the Jama Masjit mosque. At the entrance you will need to pay 200 rupees for the right to bring a camera or mobile phone with a camera. Also, be sure to climb the minaret; from a height of 60 meters you will have an impressive view of Old Delhi. Entrance to the minaret is 100 rupees.
Not far from Jama Masjit (300 meters on foot) there is the Chauri Bazar metro station. From Chauri Bazar go to Qutub Minar(Qutub Minar metro station, 5 minutes ride by auto-rickshaw from the station, about 40 rupees), entrance to the territory of the historical complex is 150 rupees.

After Qutub Minar, I would probably advise moving to Akshardham(Akshardham metro station). Entrance to Akshardham is free; before entering you will need to leave a camera, mobile phone, cigarettes, lighter, and flash drive in the storage room. Closed on Monday.

It is clear that in 3 days it is impossible to see and feel a beautiful city, for this, even a year will probably not be enough, but if you have time, I could add a few more places to this, and first of all, of course
Mehrauli- “enchanted park”

Georgy Melnikov

Sikh Temple
Gandhi Memorial
Akshardham
Humayun's Tomb
Lotus Temple

Safety and hygiene in New Delhi

India is an extract of everything good and bad that is in Asia. Sun, warmth, luxurious buildings, natural food and delicious exotic fruits, smiling open people. And at the same time - dirt, mountains of garbage, poverty, unsanitary conditions, dishonest tourism workers, deception and theft. In cities, and especially in tourist centers these contrasts only intensify, and it is even more unpleasant to spoil your feeling from the negative features of the Indian way of life.

If you only have one transit day in Delhi, and you don’t really want adventure, it would be wise to find a guide with a car (you can ask for recommendations on travel forums or contact the hotel reception or the nearest travel agency on the spot). It is inexpensive - about 1000-1500 rupees (500-800 rubles) per person for the whole day. The cost and route should be discussed BEFORE the trip, so as not to receive an unpleasant bill at the end. The indicated price should include a car with air conditioning (believe me, this is important in Delhi) and fees for any parking, roads, and gasoline. Tourists buy tickets to attractions on their own, and also walk around them.

Most likely, the guide will be English-speaking (but you can also find an expert in Russian, although they are much less common), so along the way it will be useful to ask him about local life. There will definitely be time to talk, since traffic in Delhi is slow - traffic jams. Unique place, in which you can find a wide variety of road users on the road - cars, tuk-tuks, broken-down buses and minibuses, pedicabs, scooters, bicycles and even carts with horses and cows. If you plan to drive with the windows open, take or buy face coverings; the air in Delhi is disgusting, mixed with soot and fumes.

Please note that India and hygiene are incompatible concepts. Therefore, you should only buy water in sealed bottles (drink it and brush your teeth with it), use wet wipes or sanitizers before eating, and avoid eating chopped fruits, vegetables, and freshly squeezed juices (if you want, buy whole ones and wash them with water from a bottle).

Another feature is that it is customary to take off your shoes in front of all religious buildings; there are even special lockers for storing shoes. If you don’t want to get a fungus (the feet of the local beggars who also walk there barefoot are simply scary to look at), it would be very wise to take special socks with you and wear them instead of shoes. In the heat when stone slabs Your feet get hot and burn even through your socks; you can put insoles in your socks.

In general, Europeans who live or have been vacationing in India for a long time are not so paranoid about hygiene, but for transit (after which you will probably experience long rest) these simple rules can be useful. As well as considerations regarding valuables, money and documents - it is better not to forget them in a hotel and not to show them off (put them in a navel or bag, which is in your sight all the time).

Sights of Delhi

Delhi is not a city of just one day. It will take a couple of days to see the main attractions of the city without much thought, and if you still want to see the Taj Mahal (it is located in Agra, 100 km from Delhi), then all three. What is important not to miss in the former capital of India?

Typically, travelers in Delhi are interested in the following attractions:

Red Fort is a 17th century palace from the Mongol era. The Chandni Chowk market, famous in ancient times, is located nearby)

Humayun's Tomb - the prototype of all Mongol mausoleums in India (including the great Taj Mahal), 16th century

Grand Bazaar - a huge market and stronghold of backpackers in Old Delhi

Aksharham is the largest Hindu temple in the world, built in 2005

Jama Masjid - the main mosque of Old Delhi, 17th century

Qutub Minar - the main minaret in a 13th century Muslim religious complex (with a stainless metal column nearby)

Lotus Temple - one of the most famous Baha'i "temples" in the world, 20th century

Lakshminarayan Temple – colorful Hindu temple, 20th century

Most of the attractions are under the protection of UNESCO, and this speaks volumes about their cultural value. In addition to antiquities and places of worship, Delhi has more modern monuments- for example, Delhi Gate and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. It’s impossible to take in everything in a day, and depending on your preferences and interests, you should stop at 3-4 objects and take your time to soak in the atmosphere.

I was initially interested in the Red Fort, Akshardham, Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar (which I agreed with the guide by mail from home), but circumstances turned out differently. Guide Titu:
1) turned out to be a Sikh (it’s him wearing a white turban in one of the photographs),
2) recruited 4 people into the group (all Russians), although according to the original agreement I was alone.

First of all, Titu offered to show us main temple Sikhs in Delhi. The rules there are very strict - they force you to take off the entire “shell” for your feet, even your socks. While I was wondering whether it was worth going there at all, the caretaker decided that I had a “problem with legs” and allowed me to stay in my socks. The temple turned out to be beautiful and alive. It is not recommended to film inside, and there is no need to do so.

There is a lake on the territory, swimming in which eliminates all diseases, and accordingly, the sight of people coming to it is frightening. Sikhs constantly contrast themselves with Hindus - they are honest, hardworking, and are guided in everything by the five commandments - do not lie, do not drink, do not smoke, do not cut your hair and carry a knife. The first commandment makes Sikhs the best guides, traders, drivers for Europeans. With them you can really believe in what you agreed on.

On the temple grounds they feed the hungry and homeless for free - every day Sikh volunteers come to work in the huge kitchen to feed their brothers.

After the Sikh temple, we drove past the monument to Mahatma Gandhi and made a stop at his memorial - this was the wish of our fellow travelers. In principle, both objects are unremarkable. At the memorial local residents they have picnics, sunbathe, relax and date - just like in an ordinary city park, where you can relax from the hustle and bustle.

The next object is worthy of more than close attention. This is a new building and at the same time a beautiful and huge Hindu temple complex Akshardham. Initially (in 2005) the temple was snow-white, but the smog and soot did their job - now the temple is light brown.

The security measures inside are unprecedented even for Delhi. All bags and electronic devices, including cameras and flash cards, must be checked into the storage room. You will be photographed together with your valuables in a special window and placed in a storage room. On the way back, they will check the photograph taken with you and return everything intact. You are not allowed to take photographs in the temple, but for 200 rupees you can purchase a paper photo of yourself in front of this unique structure. Believe me, despite the novelty, the beauty of the temple is worth the queues at the entrance, the ban on photographs, and the crazy checks at the entrance.

Next stop is Humayun's Tomb. A stunningly beautiful mausoleum, its outline clearly reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. Parrots fly around the area, monkeys jump and dogs of all kinds bask in the sun.

Entrance to the territory is paid (unlike previous places): for locals - 20 rupees, for foreigners - 250 rupees. Well, the most expensive object in India, the Taj Mahal, costs 750 rupees.

Already at sunset we arrived at the Baha'i Lotus Temple. The queue was incredible that the attendant at the entrance said that we could go to the very beginning (which we did, feeling like traditional Russian cattle).

I don’t know what my random fellow travelers expected when they wanted to see this temple. It is simple, similar to the Sydney Opera House and does not resemble a temple at all. Only the requirement to take off and hand over your shoes somehow makes it equal to everything seen earlier. Inside, everything is extremely laconic - cold marble benches, huge windows, silence. This is probably what a temple should look like, in which all religions are equalized.

It gets dark early in Delhi, between 6 and 7 pm, so The cultural program ends at the same time. If you have some time left before your flight, you can always spend it in a traditional restaurant, trying the key dishes of Indian cuisine - chicken curry, palak paneer, butter naans, masala chai and lassi. Have a good transit and only pleasant emotions in Delhi!

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Full report about a two-week trip to Nepal and trekking in the Himalayas

Article text updated: 02/2/2019

We ended the story about the photo hunt in the Panna Nature Reserve near Khajuraho with the fact that the next morning we arrived again in Delhi. During my vacation, this was already my second visit to the capital of India. Let me remind you that for the first time we went to see the Purana Qila fortress and the Red Fort. Today our program is: spend the whole day walking around interesting places the main city of the country, and at 20:00 fly with low-cost airline Air-Asia to Goa, where relaxation will finally come - six days of “seal vacation” on the coast of the Arabian Sea.

The train from Khajuraho arrived at Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, code NZM. Katya and I agreed in advance that we would not take the rickshaw directly from the platform - they would probably try to rip off three skins, it would be better to go “to the city”, where it would be easier to bargain.

Delhi is just waking up, fog. It's damp because of something. The crowd on the platform... Naturally, as soon as we stepped off the carriage, we were surrounded by noisy rickshaws.

- Sir, hello. Where should I take you? Cheap!.. You won't find a better offer in the capital.

- Hmm... let's go to Main Bazaar, Vivek Hotel. What's the fare?

— Only 200 rupees (3 USD).

- Sir, you are very generous. And your eyes are so kind. But my mother told me that a trip from Hazrat Nizamuddin station to Main Bazar cannot cost more than 60 rupees.

- Oh, great Shiva! Your mother probably hasn’t been to India for a long time: 200 rupees is a fair price tag.

“Oh, that’s right, but we’d better go outside and study the offers,” with our huge suitcase, driving around the puddles on the dirty platform, we head towards the exit to the city, accompanied by a persistent driver, claiming that there are no other options than agreeing to travel with him , we do not have.

Seeing that the exit gate of the station is not far away, and behind them the competitors are already happily rubbing their hands, the rickshaw gives up.

- I took yours, Sir. Let’s go for 100 rupees,” and he starts loading our suitcases into his little jalopy.

Let's sit down. The driver calmly:

- Main Bazaar? 150 rupees.

- What, uncle, are you planning to play jokes on us? - we are indignant at such petty deception, - Unload!

We go outside and for 100 rupees, in about 10 minutes we get to the entrance of the Vivek Hotel, where we stayed a week ago.

They offered to rent us a room at half price, since we were moving out in the evening. They don’t bargain, even though I pretend to leave (we were going to talk with the administrator of the Relax Hotel, with whom we made such a deal in 2015, but we were too lazy to drag our suitcase there in order to save 200-300 rupees) . In general, we settled in for 750 rupees and went to have breakfast at the “Exotic” rooftop restaurant that was already familiar to us.

At this point I want to quote lines from my diary (always experienced tourists They advise you to write down your emotions, thoughts and feelings while on vacation - this will make the report more vivid).

An endless stream of motorbike and pedicabs, pedestrians, the hum of human voices and incessant beeping, the smells of spices, sewage and night fires, where homeless people tried to warm themselves on a cold Delhi night. A masala tea seller is grinding seasonings, pouring out milk, there is a queue... Another seller is boiling oil in a tandoor and dipping some pies. A third opens his tuk-tuk, preparing for a long day of work. In the Krishna Roof Top Cafe, opposite ours, all the tables are occupied by hungry tourists, the cooks are fluttering like butterflies at the stove. The rag sellers are still sleeping. The roller shutters are down. I remember someone’s words from a review of a trip to India on my own: “Well, hello, my stinking one, my beloved Delhi!”

We ordered a special breakfast from our “Exotic Roof Top Restaurant” (stewed potatoes in Indian spices, toast with jam, omelette with cheese and tomatoes). I was hungry for meat, so I asked for two servings of lamb dumplings (momo). We are going to the Qutub Minar. And in the evening we will be carried away by a silver bird from Air Asia to the same lands where we will forget about work and problems, to Goa.

Review of the excursion to the Qutub Minar

The second part of the review contains a list of the main attractions of Delhi that can be seen in 1 or 2 days of excursions in the capital of India. I probably would have liked to visit the fabulously rich Akshadram temple, but at the entrance I would have to hand over all my photographic equipment - I didn’t want to risk it.

On our first trip to Delhi, we got to the Jama Masjid mosque, but it was too late, everything was closed. There you can climb the minaret for a small fee and take photographs of the surroundings, but it is not clear whether your wife will be allowed in.

There are still a bunch of temples and palaces in Delhi (see the table in Chapter No. 2), but we are already tired of them. We choose a trip to the Qutub Minar, since there is a small park around it. At least you can take a walk.

In the “India, guest reviews on the site” section there is a detailed report describing the history of this tallest brick minaret in the world (73 m), so I will not describe everything in detail. I will only note that it was built in the period from 1192 to 1220, reconstructed in the 12th, 14th and 19th centuries.

The purpose of Qutub Minar is dual: it is both a Tower of Victory and a minaret.

Opening hours of the Qutub Minar archaeological complex: from 7:00 to 17:00. Ticket price for foreign tourists: 500 rupees (7.6 USD).

We decided to get there by metro. To do this, along Main Bazar street we reach railway station“New Delhi Railway station” and go down to the metro. The first part of the review of a trip to India in 2015 contains a map of the Delhi metro with links to the capital's attractions and route lines, and tells how we tried to get there to the Red Fort and Cathedral Mosque Jama Masjid, but in the evening, at rush hour, they did not dare to enter the carriage - the passengers were like herring in a barrel. It was scary to run into pickpockets and lose documents. Then we decided to take a rickshaw (100 rupees). This time we have a day excursion, the subway cars are free.

Fare: 38 rupees per person. From the Delhi Metro map mentioned above, it can be seen that the most famous landmark of the Indian capital is located along one line (Jahangirpuri - Huda City Center). Here is a list of stations on this route and their attractions:

Chandni Chowk – Red Fort and Jana Masjit;
New Delhi (railway station) – exit to Main Bazaar;
Central Secretariat – India Gate monument and Presidential Palace;
Qutub Minar is our minaret with a park.

It probably takes half an hour to travel from New Delhi station to Qutub Minar station. The metro is surprisingly clean for India: almost like in any other civilized metropolis Asian world(Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong or Bangkok).

Although the station is called “Qutab Minar”, it is still far from the minaret; you need to get there by rickshaw. The men first asked for 60 rupees, but quickly agreed to 30...

What can I tell you about your impressions of Qutub Minar? Nice park, ancient ruins. If it weren't so expensive admission ticket, I would say “great place”, but “if you come to Delhi and have half a day free, you can visit.”

Photo 1. The famous Qutub Minar in Delhi. Reviews about a self-guided tour of the capital. 1/250, 5.6, 100, 32.

Previously, it seemed to me that buildings in the Empire, Baroque, or our “Stalin” styles were too pretentious. No, in India, too, builders knew how to inflate the cost of constructing religious buildings! Look at the carvings on the minaret tower.

Photo 2. Arabic script and Islamic ornaments on the Qutub Minar in Delhi. Report on a half-day self-guided tour of the capital of India. Nikon D610 camera, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Shooting parameters: shutter speed - 1/160 sec., exposure compensation -0 EV, aperture f/9.0, ISO 100, focal length - 42 mm.

In the territory archaeological park there is not only the minaret itself, but also the ruins of various medieval buildings. It seems to me that in this case, Indian restorers have found the right balance between restoring buildings completely (when the atmosphere of antiquity is destroyed) and not leaving only the foundations (when you look to a simple tourist nothing).

Photo 3. The ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the first Islamic structure built after the conquest of Delhi by Sultan Qutb ad-din Aibak, who came here from Afghanistan. 1/250, 9.0,100, 38.

Photo 4. Carved walls of the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Self-guided trip report to Qutub Minar. 1/160, 9.0, 100, 62.

Although I said that I was going to the minaret only to take a walk in the park, but when I saw local beauties, my eyes immediately lit up and, with a camera at the ready, I walked around looking for subjects for a photo report.

Photo 5. View of the Kutub Column from central entrance. Report on day trips to Delhi. 1/250, -1.33, 9.0, 100, 32.

It seems that the territory of the complex is small, but we spent two or three hours here. Split with his wife, and each explored what was interesting to him. For example, I wanted to take a closer look at the famous Iron column, which was forged by Indian blacksmiths 1600 years ago (it was installed in 415 in honor of King Chandragupta II in the Vishnu temple in the city of Mathura).

How unpredictable life is. Probably in the 5th grade, during world history lessons, I saw a photo of this column in textbooks. Could I have imagined that in 30 years, it would be possible to buy a plane ticket for 28,000 rubles and, within 8 hours, stand at its fence, trying to make out the ancient inscriptions?..

Near the Qutub Minar there is a foundation larger tower: Ala-i-Minar minaret. It was built by Sultan Alauddin Khilji to commemorate the conquest of the Deccan and the subjugation of all South India to his rule. To prove that he was the most powerful ruler of his time, the padishah decided to build a tower twice as high as Qutub Minar. But last years His reign was not the most successful, and when only the first 24.5 meters of the minaret were erected, the Sultan died...

Photo 18. Ruins of the Ala-i-Minar minaret. How we went to Qutub Minar. 1/200, 9.0, 100, 56.

Every time you visit similar attractions in different countries world, you are amazed how our ancestors could build such grandiose structures without having cars or lifting equipment!

Photo 19. Photo session at the foot of the ruins of the Alai Minar. A trip to Qutub Minar by “savages”. 1/250, 9.0, 100, 70.

By the way, do not forget, when going on an excursion to this archaeological park, take some nuts with you. Here you can not only breathe history, but also have fun with Chip and Dale.

Photo 20. A moment of rest in the Qutub Minar complex. 1/160, -0.67, 9.0, 180, 70.

Photo 21. Palm squirrels are residents of the Qutub Minar complex. In half a day in Delhi, you can not only see ancient ruins, but also arrange a rodent photo safari. Nikon D610 camera, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G telephoto lens, Nikon TC-14E II teleconverter. Parameters: 1/2000, -0.33, 4.0, 250, 195.

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is striking precisely because of the carvings on the dome ceiling and on the columns.

Photo 22. Lonely dove under the dome of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. Reviews about excursions to Delhi. 1/60, -0.67, 9.0, 400, 32.

Photo 23. To take this photo, I had to put the camera on the floor, exactly in the center, and drive away tourists so as not to step on it. 1/60, +1.0, 9.0, 1400, 28.

The security guard saw my exercises with the camera and suggested taking a picture from a different angle so that both the tourists and the dome could be seen.

Photo 24. This photo was taken under the supervision of a security guard at the Qutub Minar complex. But uncle is right? So more interesting photo looks! 1/50, -0.33, 9.0, 280, 24.

Although we had already seen enough of such carved columns while traveling through the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, visiting Hindu and Jain temples, it was still pleasant to wander here.

Photo 25. A tourist lost in the forest of columns in the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. What to see in Delhi in half a day. 1/160, 9.0, 2500, 70.

The height of the Qutub Minar column is 73 m, the diameter at the base is 14 m, at the top – 3 m. A spiral staircase with 379 steps is installed inside. Although formally this building is a minaret from which the muezzins were supposed to call the faithful to prayer, it is unlikely that in practice it served its intended purpose: from such a height who would have heard them in Medieval Delhi, filled with noise shopping streets, the shouts of sellers and the roar of camels.

Photo 26. Qutub Minar is an iconic building of Delhi. Half-day tour of the capital of India. 1/500, -0.67, 9.0, 100, 24.

This is what this place looked like 500 years ago (if the Alai Minar had been completed).

27. Scheme of the archaeological complex Qutub Minar in Delhi. Tourist reports about self-guided tours for one day. 1/320, -0.67, 4.5, 100, 48.

After walking around the park to our heart's content, we decide to go see the Government Quarter. Again we take a rickshaw to the Qutab Minar metro station, from where we need to get to the Central Secretariat. For some reason the driver asks for our used tickets to the park. I think he is in cahoots with the controller: he will sell them to other tourists at half price, and his partner will let them into the territory. So, keep in mind that apparently you can visit the Qutub Minar for less money.

What else can you see in Delhi in half a day? Government Quarter

A twenty-minute metro ride, we get off at the Central Secretariat station and... we find ourselves in a completely different, unnatural India. There is no dirt, no smoke, no wild cacophony of smells and sounds that surround you in any city in the country.

Photo 28. View of the Presidential Palace Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. Review of a trip to the Government Quarter. 1/250, 9.0, 100, 32.

To be honest, we couldn't believe that such sterility could exist anywhere in India. It seems that you are walking through the set of some movie about the future, and not along a real street.

Photo 29. Visit to the Government Quarter in Delhi. What to see in one day. 1/200, +0.67, 9.0, 100, 24.

The most grandiose and recognizable building in the Government Quarter looks like this.

Photo 31. Presidential Palace Rashtrapati Bhavan. In front of it is the Jaipur Column, donated by the Maharaja of Jaipur during the construction of the palace in 1911 on the occasion of the transfer of the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi. Nikon D610 camera, Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G telephoto, Nikon TC-14E II extender. Settings: 1/320, 9.0, 250, 150.

At the time of the excursion, we did not know, but while preparing the article, I found out that behind the Rashtrapati Bhavan palace there is beautiful park Mughal Gardens. Visitors are allowed here during February every year.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan Presidential Palace is also famous for the fact that here tourists can watch the Changing the guard.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony lasts 30 minutes in the courtyard. It usually starts at 8:00 am summer time and 10:00 every Saturday in the winter.

The only thing is I haven't seen a single report Russian tourists about this event, and, as I understand it, to get there, you need to book tickets online in advance.

On the opposite side of the Presidential Palace Rashtrapati Bhavan is Rajpath Marg, and in the distance is the India Gate arch.

Photo 32. India Gate arch on Rajpath Avenue in Delhi. Reviews from tourists about self-guided excursions in one day. 1/640, 9.0, 450, 280.

The India Gate monument was built between 1914 and 1925. It was originally called the All Indian War Memorial. It was erected in memory of the 82,000 soldiers of the Indian army who died in the First World War in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, East Africa and in the Battle of Gallipoli, as well as in the Middle and Far East, in the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

In 1971, Indira Gandhi opened the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the India Gate in memory of the heroes of the Third Indo-Pakistan War. In general, for Indians this place is like the Alexander Garden near the Kremlin walls in Moscow for Russians: a sacred place.

The distance from the President's Palace to India Gate is 2.5 km. It was hot, so I was too lazy to walk. We decided not to approach the arch. We took a rickshaw to Main Bazaar, where we had to buy a new suitcase (the wheels on the old one were broken), have dinner, check out of the hotel and get to international Airport named after Indira Gandhi. In the evening we fly to Goa...

I’ll tell you how we got from Dabolim airport in Goa to Palolem Beach in the next chapter with a review of our holiday in India on our own. Now I’ll just note that in the previous photo, in the distance behind the “Gateway of India”, a small turret is visible. This is the dome on the Purana Qila fortress, the excursion to which I described in the second chapter of the report. If you plan your excursions around Delhi, keep in mind that these attractions are located very close to each other (the capital’s zoo is also there).

This concludes my story about how to spend a few hours in Delhi. I think I have just created a guide to the capital of India.

If you read the fourth chapter from the section “India. Guests”, you can find out Interesting Facts from Mikhail Shmakov about the Qutub Minar and the Government Quarter, see the interiors of the Akshardam Temple and the Lotus Temple.

The first chapter of the report from our trip to India in 2015 tells how to walk from New Delhi Station to Main Bazaar and how to find ticket office for foreigners, where can you buy travel documents on the Indian train. It also tells you how to get to the domestic terminal T-1 of Indira Gandhi Airport by metro.

Basically, you now have a ready-made plan for how to spend half a day, a day or two during your holiday in Delhi. If you think that the information was useful for organizing your trip, I would be grateful if you share the link to the article on social networks.

And now, see you in the thirteenth chapter. In it I will tell you where in India you can relax by the sea, what the pros and cons of each resort are, and how we liked it in South Goa.

India is not only Goa, Bollywood and saris! If you travel to India, be sure to go through Delhi! The whole city is literally soaked in history. Delhi is dotted with various mosques, forts and monuments dating back to the times of the Mughal rulers who once lived there. Today, one cannot help but notice the huge contrast between the labyrinthine Old Delhi and the well-designed New Delhi. Exploring both places will be equally enjoyable, I promise.

Delhi is also a city immersed in greenery and the aroma of flowering gardens, where city dwellers love to go to relieve stress and fatigue.

Among the must-see attractions in Delhi, the following are the most popular.

1. Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple in New Delhi)

The Bahai Temple is usually called the Lotus Temple because it is similar in appearance to this flower. The building looks especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated with lights. Made of white marble, the temple belongs to Baha'iism, which proclaims the unity of all people and religions. The surrounding gardens and ponds have become great place for picnics. Don't miss the Lotus Temple - it's worth a visit!

Entry price: free
Opening hours: from 9 am to dark

2. Humayun's Tomb

Some people believe that Humayun's Tomb in Delhi closely resembles the Taj Mahal in Agra. In some ways they are right, since it was he who served as the source of inspiration for the construction of the Tomb. The tomb is part large complex, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Humayun's Tomb, built in 1570, houses the body of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun. It became the first architectural monument built in the Mughal style in India.

Entrance price: for foreigners - 250 rupees, for locals - 10 rupees, children under 15 years old admission is free
Opening hours: from dawn to dusk

3. Red Fort in Delhi

It is one of the most popular monuments in Delhi and serves as a reminder of the great Mughal Emperors who previously ruled India. The red sandstone walls of the fortress, which gave it its name, were laid in 1638. They stretch over 2 km (1.2 miles) and previously served as protection against invaders. However, they could not save the Red Fort from being captured by the Sikhs and the British.

In order for visitors to fully experience the atmosphere of the ancient era, light and music shows are held here every evening, reflecting events associated with the fort.

Entry price: foreigners - 250 rupees, locals - 10 rupees, children under 15 years old - free
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm, closed on Mondays

4. Jama Masjid

This is a real treasure of the Old Town and the most great mosque in India. Its courtyard can accommodate up to 25,000 parishioners at a time. The construction of the Jama Masjid mosque lasted 13 years and was completed in 1650. Its tallest tower, on the south side, offers stunning views of the rooftops of Delhi. If you are wondering “What to see in Delhi”, this attraction should be at the top of your list!

Before visiting the mosque, dress appropriately, otherwise you will not be allowed to enter. Your clothing should cover your head, shoulders and legs.

Entrance fee: free, but for using a camera – 300 rupees
Opening hours: daily from dawn to dusk

5. Chandni Chowk

Are you wondering where to go in Delhi to feel the atmosphere of the city? Go to Chandni Chowk! This is the main street of the Old City of Delhi, which is very different from the wide and organized streets of New Delhi. Cars, rickshaws, pedestrians and animals all compete for space at Chandni Chowk. This creates a kind of chaos and fuss, but on the other hand it looks charming and exciting.

Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in India, where the narrow streets are filled with all sorts of goods: cheap jewelry, textiles and electronics. In this part of the city you will find an excellent opportunity to try street food Delhi. Don’t be afraid - you won’t get poisoned, the main thing is to wash your hands)

6. Swaminarayan Akshardham

This majestic temple complex, reflecting Indian culture, was built in 2005 by the spiritual organization BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. In addition to the amazing and magical architecture from pink stone and white marble, the Swaminarayan Akshardham complex includes luxurious parks, sculptures and water channels along which you can sail by boats. Amazing Delhi landmark! To examine the entire temple in detail will take a lot of time, at least half a day. During your visit, follow the rules: do not bring cameras or mobile phones with you.

Entry price: free
Opening hours: from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, closed on Mondays

7. Lodi Gardens in Delhi

Lodi Gardens is a magical, serene retreat away from the busy city life. This is the place where you should come to recuperate and get rid of fatigue and exhaustion.

Large gardens were laid out by the British in 1936 near the tombs of India's 15th and 16th century rulers. Lodi Gardens has become a favorite destination these days among joggers, young couples, and people doing yoga and exercise.

Entry prices: free
Opening hours: daily from dawn to 8 pm

8. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar in Delhi is the tallest minaret in the world. Unique monument early Indo-Islamic architecture. The minaret was built in 1206, but the reasons for its construction still remain unknown. Some believe that it represents victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Others say it was used to call believers to prayer.

The tower is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Holy Quran. There are other interesting ones on the territory historical monuments, take a walk, take your time.

Entrance prices: foreigners - 250 rupees, locals - 10 rupees, children under 15 years old free
Opening hours: daily from dawn until dark

9. Gandhi Smriti

The Gandhi Smriti Museum introduces tourists to the place where Mahatma Gandhi, solemnly called the father of the nation, was assassinated on January 30, 1948. He lived in this house for 144 days until his death. The room in which Gandhi slept now looks the same as when he left it. Free access for visitors there is also a place where he held mass meetings every evening. Many photographs, sculptures, paintings and inscriptions are presented to tourists.

Entry prices: free
Opening hours: from 10 am to 5 pm every day except Monday

10. India Gate

The towering archway of the India Gate in the center of New Delhi is a war memorial built in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the First World War. In the evenings, the monument is illuminated with warm light, and the gardens that stretch along its boulevard have become a favorite place for walks on warm summer evenings. An unforgettable place, one of the best attractions in Delhi.

Entry prices: free
Opening hours: 24 hours a day

On the first day, immediately after breakfast, head straight to the city center, namely Purana Qila - the sixth capital of Delhi, founded by the second Mughal emperor Humayun. It opens after 8 o'clock in the morning, and you will have to pay 150 rupees to enter the old fortress. A leisurely walk along Purana Qila will take you about an hour.

About 100 meters from the fortress there is a zoo, so if you wish, you can look there, and after the zoo, take a boat ride in the pond near the walls of Purana Qila. There are also several inexpensive cafes, where you can have a snack if you wish.

After lunch, you should head to Humayun Tomb - the mausoleum of the second Mughal Emperor Humayun. This amazing beauty the building was built in 1562 by order of the widow of the emperor Hamida Banu Begum. Entrance to the complex is also 150 rupees.

After visiting the beautiful mausoleum, it is worth paying tribute to the holy places and visiting the Nizamuddin district, where the mausoleums of Sufi saints and one Indian poet of the nineteenth century, Mirza Ghalib, are located. From Humayun Tomb to the Nizamuddin area can be reached on foot in just 10 minutes. There you can also dine at numerous wonderful eateries. It's enough for the first day.

I suggest you devote your second day entirely to Old Delhi and start it with a tour of Feroz Shah Kotla - the fifth capital of Delhi, which was founded by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq. Entry here is also 150 rupees. And after you have examined everything here, then go straight to the Red Fort - the seventh capital of Delhi, which was founded by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, on whose instructions the Taj Mahal was subsequently built.

After lunch, be sure to visit the most important mosque not only in the city of Delhi, but perhaps throughout India - Jama Masjit. If you want to bring a camera or mobile phone into the mosque, you will need to pay 200 rupees at the entrance. Be sure to climb the minaret (entrance 100 rupees) to admire the breathtaking view of Old Delhi from a height of 60 meters.

After visiting the mosque, walk literally 300 meters and you will get to the Chauri Bazar metro station, from which you will need to go to the Qutub Minar station. FROM it in an auto-rickshaw you can literally reach the historical complex of the same name in 5 minutes. Here you should first of all admire the tallest minaret in the world, built of brick.

Well, after visiting the Qutub Minar, it is best to go to Akshardham - a huge Hindu temple complex. Entrance to the complex is completely free, you just need to leave your mobile phone, camera, cigarettes with a lighter, etc. in the storage room. And remember that every Monday is a day off here.

So, on the third day, in the morning you need to go to one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Delhi - Birla Mandir, better known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple. At the entrance to the temple, you will have to go through a metal detector, and then go into a small room for foreign tourists to take off your shoes and leave your mobile phone and camera in a special locker.

Not far from Birla Mandir, literally a five-minute ride by auto-rickshaw, there is a complex government agencies under the general name - Presidential Palace. After visiting it, you can go to Lodi Garden - a Delhi city park. It will be enough for you to walk along it for a couple of hours, and then have a snack in a nearby cafe and feel free to go explore the Lotus Temple - business card Delhi.

Well, three days is enough, but remember, you haven’t seen nearly everything that the beautiful capital of India - the city of Delhi - has to offer you.

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