Jama Masjid mosque
Our first stop in Delhi was Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India. Built between 1644 and 1658, Jama Masjid is one of the last architectural works of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal.
Before entering the mosque we needed to remove our shoes and abide with the dress code.
The courtyard accommodates 25,000 worshipers.
People resting inside Jama Masjid.
Some scenes from inside Jama Masjid.
Outside Jama Masjid a local vendor shows tourists a small basket with fake dancing snakes.
A wash area near the steps to Jama Masjid and a person looking for a handout
Rickshaw Ride
After Jama Masjid it's time for a cycle rickshaw ride through the street of Old Delhi.
A monkey and a tight squeeze through the narrow streets.
Stores and street markets.
Propane delivery by bicycle cart. Our tour group's rickshaws leave the narrow streets and pass the Red Fort (in background of last photo).
Raj Ghat
A memorial to Mahatma Gandhi is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation.
Outside the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi are street vendors and a snake charmer. For a small price this snake charmer will let you pet the head of his live cobra.
Humayun's Tomb
The complex encompasses the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun, the graves of his first wife Bega Begum, as well as numerous other subsequent Mughals,
The exterior arch of Humayun's Tomb, showing niches on two levels.
Inside the tomb and view of the entrance chamber dome.
Marble lattice screen window and the main chamber.
India Gate War Memorial
Commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. (Note the street sign)
Some other parks and monuments in New Delhi.
Sikh Temple (Gurudwara Bangla Sahib)
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi. The grounds include the temple, a kitchen, a large (holy) pond, a school and an art gallery.
At the Sikh Temple, visitors are requested to cover their hair and not to wear shoes. Head scarves, and shoe-minding service are available free of charge.
A sign posted on the temple grounds.
At the Sikh Temple, the concept of langar is practiced, and all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen (langar hall). The Langar (food) is prepared by volunteers. The meals are vegetarian comprising of lentils and vegetables that are cooked in large pots.
The langar hall is a massive space outside the kitchen. Meals are served twice a day and seven times a week. The temple is known to feed ten thousand people in a day. I found this gecko waiting for a meal outside the dining hall.
Qutab Minar
Our second day in Delhi started with a view of the 240 foot high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom.
On the road to Jaipur
Our tour now leaves Delhi and heads to Jaipur by motor coach, but our driver's assistant needs to pay some road taxes before we proceed. The driver's assistant must cross six (6) lanes of busy traffic, in both directions to pay the taxes.
This motor coach had an accident and is missing it's windshield. On another bus, a boy rides on the roof with some colorful balloons.
A rest break at the world famous McDonald's (which didn't serve hamburgers). Some other fast food restaurants that we didn't stop at.
Our lunch stop at a very nice outdoor setting that served great food and beer.
Some more sights along the road to Jaipur.
Mountains start to appear as we approach our destination of Jaipur.
Link to our next stop, Jaipur
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