Delhi, INDIA
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Layer upon layer of history, created over several centuries by a series of powerful dynasties, has etched out a fascinating city of multi-hued culture and a tapestry of some of the richest architecture in the country. Delhi’s strategic location on the banks of the River Yamuna has made it an ideal choice as capital, since the time of the Pandavas (of the epic Mahabharata fame), who as mythology says, christened it Indraprastha 5000 years ago. Archaeological excavations point out that the first city of Delhi was Lal Kot, founded by Tomars in 786 AD. Unravel the medieval mysteries of the many cities of Delhi in a tour covering three epic locations.
Vanquished and vandalised several times over, Delhi City has been built and rebuilt again and again. Battered ruins and glorious monuments from every significant episode in the timeline still stand in testimony, telling tales of yore. One of the most impressive and well-recognized emblems of Delhi is the Qutb Minar Complex. Occupying centrestage in this grand assemblage of ruins is the tallest brick minaret in the world, a 13th-century architectural masterpiece in red sandstone, intricately inscribed with Koranic verses. Broken arches, elaborate mausoleums and delicately sculpted pillars echo the grandeur of a lost past.
Look forward to a touch of sublime at the Lodi Gardens, a 90-acre landscaped green sanctuary, where Delhi’s elite go for jogging, doing yoga, and picnicking on the grassy lawns. Swan-filled meandering ponds, refreshing fountains, a butterfly park, a bamboo forest and oodles of fresh air make Lodi Gardens a favourite hangout, especially during winters. Built by the British to remind them of their English gardens, it has some exquisite tombs and monuments and a small bridge reflecting Indo-Islamic architecture of the 13th to 16th centuries, particularly the Sayyid and Lodi Dynasties. Use the power of visualisation while viewing the missing lapiz lazuli and turquoise tiles that would have once graced the facade of the majestic Sheesh Gumbad (glazed dome).
A narration of Delhi’s architectural heritage is incomplete without a visit to the the marble-sandstone tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor of India. The sprawling UNESCO World Heritage site is laid out in characteristic Mughal style with a Charbagh (quadrilateral garden), water channels and tinkling fountains. The complex also has many other ancient tombs, mosques and mausoleums of dignitaries and nobleman of the Empire. Hogging the limelight though, is undoubtedly Humayun’s 16th-century tomb, considered to be the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent; it is believed to be the inspiration for many grand monuments, including the Taj Mahal. Topping the list of ogle-worthy details is the tomb’s gigantic double dome and the wide, terraced platform on which the structure rests in an imposing show of flawless geometry. The synthesis of Indo-Persian elements will leave you struggling for superlatives.
Price upto 2 adults | : ₹9,600 |
Children | : Complimentary for children below 10 years |
25% of the total cost will be charged, if cancelled 15 to 10 days prior to the tour date.
50% of the total cost will be charged, if cancelled 9 to 5 days prior to the tour date.
No refund if cancelled less than 5 days prior to the tour date.
For group size more than 4 adults, write to us at info@footprintholidays.com
We can arrange other language speaking guides based on your request and availability
The tour can be customised to suit your needs like change of time, change of pick-up point, etc. You can write to us to info@footprintholidays.com customise your tour as per your preferences.