Delhi Pictures
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Isa Khan's octagonal tomb, constructed in 1547, Delhi, India.
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India's capital city, Delhi, is maddening, chaotic, polluted and crowded, but - unlike Mumbai - also offers the resilient tourist a good variety of superb sights and tranquil spaces. The most congested but lively and colourful part of the city is Old Delhi, particularly around Chandni Chowk bazaar area, while just south west of there is the more spacious and British colonial section of New Delhi, with plenty of attractions. New Delhi is officially the name of the capital of India but few people aside from bureaucrats [who are not, let's face it, really people], take any notice of the prefix.
The rest of Delhi is a vast, dull mass of residential living ranging from seething slums to modern, pricey apartment enclaves and mega-rich mansions.
Here and on page three are pictures of a few of Delhi's main attractions, while the next page displays some typical, down-market, street scene photos.
Humayun's Tomb.
The tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun, begun in 1562, is a magnificently restored complex of red sandstone buildings that pre-date and set the style for the Taj Mahal and are the earliest example of Persian influence in Indian architectural design. This 'Dormitory of the Mughals' [due to more than 100 graves in the complex] includes the great Bu Halima Gate, the Char Bagh Gardens [Persian-style], an Arab Rest House, the fine little white tomb of Isa Khan that pre-dates Humayun's Tomb [photo at top] and many finely detailed ornaments such as the doorway below.
A small side door to Humayun's Tomb.
© Rene Drouyer, Dreamstime
The Red Fort main entrance, Lahore Gate, Old Delhi.
© Angelo Giampiccolo, Dreamstime
Built by Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal and Agra Red Fort fame, the Red Fort in Delhi [aka Delhi Fort] is dishevelled but still houses some worthwhile sights including the Diwan-i-Khas [photo below], Diwan-i-Am [Public Audience Hall], Mumtaz Mahal [Jewel Palace, the harem, now a free museum of textiles and weapons], the Naqqar Khana Gate [Drum House], Daawat Khana small palace that now serves refreshments to exhausted visitors...
Diwan-i-Khas, the Emperor's Private Audience Hall, all in marble, Red Fort.
© Hans Rosbach
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Connaught Place, Delhi.
Also known as Laxminarayan Temple or the Birla Mandir, this is a useful Hindu temple dedicated to Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. It's full of shrines and pictures with a large and calm garden behind it. Take off your shoes before entering but keep your wallet ready!
Delhi Photos © bugbog.com and licensors