Rajasthan and north India

I arrived at Delhi airport which is new and very modern since my last visit. After an  unbelievable fast collection of luggage, customs check, money change, SIM card purchase  I proceeded outside where I was greeted by the friendly open face of Tanu.
It was a long drive across the city through thick traffic to our heritage hotel, time to freshen up before the ladies arrive 2 hours later. After a good nights sleep and delicious breakfast, Tanu and our guide arrived to escort us on our days sightseeing tour of old and New Delhi. We set off in our air con bus to Rhayader Ghat where lies Mahat Magandihi’s tomb, on the way passing the Red Fort. Our driver manoeuvred through the busy chaotic festival traffic to The Mosque where more than 20,000 men gather to pray each day. The morning cloud kept the temperate down which made walking around very comfortable.  We continued our tour next visiting Humayun’s Mausoleum which is the first Mughal Garden tomb which is surrounded by picturesque gardens. 
Continuing onto the Qutb Minar a victory tower f the first Islamic dynasty. The face storey tower in red sandstone is decorated with geometric designs and Koranic verses.

Our guide Gautam was excellent and fancied himself as a professional photographer grabbing our cameras and iPhones to capture the moment, amazingly we actually managed to get some fantastic shots. Jet lag was beginning to take over so Lundy was next on the menu. Tanu and Gautam took us to a fabulous restaurant, frequented by locals and tourists. We ordered a selection of Indian dishes washed down with an icy lemon soda. During the meal a  classic situation occurred when Gautam organised a money changer to come to our table so that we could buy Indian Rupee, the rate was an amazingly 3 rupee higher than the airport, so of course we all opted for the deal, all cashed up for the trip.

Our final destination after lunch was a drive past of the Government buildings, Parliament House, and a quick stop at the Indian Gate to take pics, and made our first purchase from a stunning young girl selling bracelets. Thinking that one bracelet  was 100 rupee, which we thought was a good deal, Tanu came along just at the right time and managed to get us another 3 bracelets for 100 rupee. Bargain?Returning to our hotel we collapsed in our rooms exhausted after a eventful, inspiring day.

Filed under: Jewels of India