Incredible India - New Delhi Part 2

I visited the main landmarks of Delhi - Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Day 1:

https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/04/incredible-india-new-delhi-part-1.html

Those were the touristy stuffs that you have to see. 

I had also allocated 2 full days to visit a friend, and take casual stroll around this historical city. Taking the Delhi Metro is recommended. It's clean, convenient and efficient. 

The first stop was India Gate.

Rajpat, or King's Way during the colonial days. 

India Gate (left) was to commemorate WWI, while the Secretariat Building (right) was where the British ruled from. 

Walking along the Rajpat from India Gate, you would reach the Secretariat Buildings, the government headquarters, situated on top of Raisina Hill. For 20 rupees, a Tuk-Tuk will safe you from walking 30 minutes.

The Secretariat Buildings - The center of British Raj

 Prime Minister's office (behind the Jaipur Pillar) - No entry permitted

However, away from the glamour and splendour, reality was still stark.

Sorting out rubbish

Life is generally tough

I would meet up with my classmate from Glasgow - Shubham, who was from New Delhi after lunch.     

                           And I was treated with fantastic hospitality

Pleasure meeting you all - Let me know when you come to town

Shubham and I then explore downtown Connaught Place, the main shopping street of Delhi, before heading for a terrific dinner at BBQ Nation. 

We had a stove

And were spoil for choice of different curries / dhal - To eat curry during winter was just awesome

Very interesting and intellectual topics during dinner - I think I lost my voice afterwards

Thank you my friend and I look forward to host you in return.

~~~

The 3rd and final day in Delhi was reserved for leisure strolls, and the most serene and leisure spot in the whole of Delhi must be the vicinity of Gandhi Smrithi. This was where the Father of India - the Mahatma spent the last 144 days of his life. There were also rows of embassies and important-looking houses nearby.

Introduction - The surrounding was perfect for a morning walk

 On 30th January 1948, Gandhi was assassinated here 

Gandhi was the undisputed leader of this country. He was a strong opposition of the partition, and emphasized non-violent resistance. I think the British met their match. Gandhi was a Cambridge-trained lawyer, and witness first hand the sorry state of Apartheid was in South Africa.

He was a reminder to eradicate racism and prejudice. Racial stereotyping and discrimination has got no place in modern society. When race and religion are combined to become a political instrument, it would almost mean destruction of the nation.

Gandhi did not respond to violent conducts of his enemies. He merely kept to his principles.

He became one of the most important leaders of the 20th century 

His thoughts would be studied, and influence generations of leaders

 The leader of India's freedom fighters - Ultimately sacrificing himself for the country

For any reader of world history, it was an overwhelming experience, tracing the footsteps of Gandhi.

From Gandhi Smrithi, still drowning in thoughts on India's fight for independence, I took a 30-min stroll to Lodhi Garden, which was known as Lady Willingdon Park (the wife of the then Viceroy).

Opened on 9th April, 1936. There was a famous tomb inside this park - Sikandar Lodi's

Sikandar Lodi was Sultan of Delhi from 1489-1517, 2nd ruler of the Lodi Dynasty

The first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent, and earliest surviving enclosed tomb

Wikipedia gives a short but interesting overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_Sikandar_Lodi

Parrot

 Like any tombs you find, it was fortified

 Lodhi Garden was serene, pleasant and quiet - Perfect for a Sunday morning stroll

To be continued...

New Delhi Part 3:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/05/incredible-india-new-delhi-part-3.html