We started our Indian holiday in New Delhi, the capital city of India. A bustling metropolis where the old historic Delhi and the New Delhi of businesses and tech hubs coexist in a harmony of sights and sounds. Here we visited historic buildings such as Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar, and checked out the largest street market in Delhi – Chandni Chowk.
Qutub Minar
Built between 1199 and 1220, Qutub Minar is an 800 year old tower in Old Delhi. It is considered to be the tallest tower in India which consists of 399 steps. Built by Mogul emperor Qutab-ud-din Aibak who initiated the construction of Qutub as a victory tower after he defeated the last Hindu ruler of Delhi in 1199.
The tower was built to mark the beginning of Islamic rule in the region. Since then future Mogul dynasties of the Delhi area continued to add stories until 1368.
The tower was built on the site of an existing Hindu temple, and remnants of the previous Hindu temple compound can still be seen throughout the Qutub Minar complex, from the domed structures to pillars with carvings of Hindu deities and Hindu temple designs.
An 800 year old tower still standing and in great shape even today is a marvel! Qutub Minar is a do not miss on the Delhi tour guide.
Humayun’s Tomb
Humayun’s Tomb is a 450 year old mausoleum in the historic district of Delhi also known as Old Delhi. It was built as a mausoleum in 1558 by Empress Bega Begum, Humayun’s first wife and chief consort. Under her patronage, Persian architects, along with Indian craftsmen, designed the tomb, ensuring that her beloved partner would be laid to rest in a place of beauty.
Humayun’s Tomb marked a turning point in Mughal architecture as it was the first large-scale structure in Delhi to use red sandstone, a material that would later become synonymous with Mughal architecture in the area. This was also the first time red sandstone and white marble were used together in a building. This pioneering design served as a major framework for future Mogul architectural innovations in the area, and is said to be the predecessor and inspiration for the grand Taj Mahal.
The tomb was also the first garden/tomb structure on the Indian subcontinent.
Chandni Chowk. A 360 year old bazaar in the heart of Delhi
Considered to be the largest and oldest street bazaar in Delhi, Chandni Chowk (moonlit bazar) dates back to 1650. The area was created by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his daughter Princess Jahanara Begumas.
It was originally created as the new capital of the empire when Shah Jahan moved it from Agra to Delhi. Because of the half-moon shape of the square which housed the business center of the regime, and a central pool that reflected moonlight, the name Chandni Chowk became a common name.
Today this massive 360 year old bazaar houses thousands of shops in hundreds of alleys and streets selling everything you can think of.
Taking a chai break with chai served in traditional terracotta cups.
Street vendors selling piping hot chai is every popular at the bazaar. Chai here is served in tiny terracotta pots that are then thrown away, as these pots are not glazed and designed for one time use only. These terracotta pots are safe for the environment, biodegradable, and provide business security for small scale artisans.
BTW did you know traditionally chai is meant to be just 3-4 sips! Not in a cup or mug like they serve here in America 😁. But rather chai is served in tiny two inch terracotta pots – it’s like having a shot glass of chai 😁.
That’s a brief look at our excursions in Delhi, India.
We visited a few historic sites, walked around local street bazaars and had the most delicious vegetarian food in the city. The weather was amazing in the 60s and 70s, perfect for a few fun filled days in Delhi, India.
