Delightful (if deserted) Delhi

Delhi often seems to be in the press for the wrong reasons, but it is in fact a fascinating ancient city packed with interesting things to see and do.  Phil and I have both visited several times but always with work so without much time to see or do touristy things, with the exception of one weekend shortly after we arrived in India.

We decided that it was high time for a return visit at a relatively cool time of year (Delhi's temperature varies from close to freezing in December up to 50 degrees in June) to sweep up lots of the sites and museums that we had not visited on our previous trips.

Here are some pictures from our weekend away:

 The Lotus Temple, set in beautifully kept and peaceful grounds, and built as a temple to "bring all religions together".

Looking down Rajpath towards India Gate.  This avenue is huge and reminiscent of the Mall in Washington D. C.  You can see the smog.  Delhi has recently been awarded the dubious accolade of being the most polluted city in the world.  

The Presidential Palace at the end of Rajpath.  When the Mountbatten's lived here, they employed over 400 gardeners.  The palace is open to the public for only a few weeks a year, sadly starting the week after we visited. 

 Another of the impressive buildings on Rajpath.  The Ministry buildings feel like a cross between Whitehall and Mughal palaces.

India Gate.  It covered with inscriptions of the names of fallen soldiers from 1919. 

 A recently discovered ancient stepwell in the heart of New Delhi - a highlight for Phil.

Haldirams - purveyor of North India style sweets and snack food

The Jama Masjid, the biggest mosque in India, in Old Delhi and close to the Red Fort.

We had an unusual quiet day in Old Delhi on Saturday as nearly everything was closed for the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections.  This was actually quite fortunate, it was amazing wandering around the narrow twisting lanes of Old Delhi practically on our own.

As an aside, this election was an interesting one.  70 seats were up for grabs and the exit polls suggested that 20 - 30 of these would go to the ruling party (BJP), 25 to 35 would go to a local party which has recently gained popularity (Aam Aadmi) with the remainder going to the Congress party and others.  In fact, 67 out of 70 seats went to the Aam Aadmi party.  This is the UK equivalent or an election in which Labour and the Conservatives come out with virtually nothing.  Interesting times, and proof that exit polls are not to be trusted!

 Deserted Old Delhi

Cricket playing in an Old Delhi courtyard 

Enjoying a light lassi and paratha lunch in the alleys of Old Delhi 

The entrance to the Purina Qila - the old fort 

Well preserved architecture inside the fort 

 A second gate at the other side of the fort, with a mishmash of bricks and design styles

The truly awesome Akshardham temple complex.  Cameras are not allowed inside this new group of temples which is quite amazing in its size and intricacy.  This is a showcase for what Indian craftsman can do today, which is an awful lot based on what we saw in here. 

A new sundial, including in our itinerary for the benefit of Frank King.  This is bizarrely located in a park with seemingly no pedestrian access, no parking and surrounded by flyovers.  The other main group in the park was a group of stoned teenage boys looking a bit edgy. 

We visited the national museum on Sunday morning as it was shut for the election on Saturday.  This is well worth a trip an requires a few hours to get round. 

Our Haldirams Delhi chaat lunch