Delhi Belly
Trip Start
Nov 18, 2011
1
4
8
Trip End
May 15, 2012
Delhi, India
Monday, December 19, 2011
Its been a serious adjustment to a normal ~9-5 work schedule from teaching. However, I've taken advantage of the weekends and explored this expansive city much more. Here are some highlights from my ultra-tourist activities:
ISKCON Temple
- Very close to my apartment, Hare Krishna center
- Fairly new construction
- Nothing special, aside from some drum-beating, mantra-chanting Euro-American monks
Lotus Temple (The Baha'i House of Worship)
- Awe-inspiring architecture, white concrete in the shape of a lotus flower
- Silence is the only rule once inside
- The workers noted that this is a peaceful place for any form of religion, any form of worship. It was extremely calm and serene, just what I needed to regroup after one week in Delhi.
Humayun's Tomb
- Smaller, red version of the Taj Mahal
- Built for another Mughal emporer
- The first garden-tomb in India with beautiful grounds
Qutb Minar
- Tallest minaret in India, built in 1193 to beat one in Afghanistan
- Complex filled with ruins
- Legendary Iron Pillar with Sanskrit writing, believed to grant wishes
Old Delhi
- The epitome of chaos, craziness, and culture
- Paranthe Wali Gali: best paranthes (fried bread stuffed with various ingredients)
- Spice Market: we used scarves to cover the intensely strong smell, though coughing fits enused
- Red Fort: interesting juxtaposition of Mughal and British architecture in this complex
- Jama Masjid: beautiful mosque and a minaret with incredible 360 views
- Kamir's: another foodie staple, fluffiest naan I've had yet!
The monuments in India are unlike any I've seen around the world. There is a unique mysticism with Mughal architecture and the diversity of religions intertwined throughout the city. Along with these sights, my favorite part of Delhi is undoubtedly the markets. With food, clothes, handicrafts, and more, there is temptation at every stall, especially with such low prices. I've already done my fair share of shopping!
I am heading out soon on my first trip with around 10 of my flatmates for the holidays. We are going to Bangalore (India's Silicon Valley), Goa (the hippie beach state) and Mumbai (~Bombay, Bollywood). It should be a nice retreat South after freezing with no central heating! Look out for my next post detailing these adventures.
Mikaela
See more pictures below.
Comments
WOW! what a kaleidoscope! but a Top Ramen restaurant?
Nice, Mikaela! Seems like I've seen some pics already ;) Waiting for the new ones from Goa!
ISCKON
Nothing special, aside from some drum-beating, mantra-chanting Euro-American monks
HAHAHAHAHAHA! FTW!