After a good breakfast, we embarked on our first trip.
The Laxmi Narayan Temple, also called Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple in Delhi, India, dedicated to Laxmi Narayan. Laxmi Narayan refers typically to Vishnu, the Trimurti Preserver, also known as Narayan when he is with Lakshmi as his consort. The temple is one of Delhi's most prominent attractions and draws tons of devotees at the Janmashtami and Diwali Hindu festivals.
Next, we travel to the Parliament House, or Sansad Bhavan is one of New Delhi's most impressive structures, located at the end of the Sansad Marg. The House of Parliament consists of a central hall that is circular and is considered a very significant part of the building.
Once we finish this, we go to the Red Fort, a fortress in New Delhi's national capital.
It was the principal residence of the Mughal dynasty emperors, located in the center of the city. Designed in the year 1939 by Shah Jahan, this majestic piece of art derives its name from its impregnable red sandstone walls.
Today, this landmark is home to several museums that display an assortment of valuable artifacts. Each year on Independence Day, the Indian Prime Minister unfurls the national flag here.
From here, we travel to the Jama Masjid. Shah Jahan’s last architectural extravagance, the Jama Masjid towers over Old Delhi and is India’s largest mosque. The mosque was established by Shah Jahan in 1650 and had taken six years to build, and got over by 1656. The Jama Masjid's large yard can accommodate up to twenty-five thousand worshippers and houses many fascinating artifacts, along with an ancient copy of the Quran engraved on deer's skin.
The most important of places is what we visit next. Raj Ghat was the memorial raised on the same site, where his last rites took place.
Vanu G. Bhuta was responsible for making Gandhi's monument, a black marble platform symbolizing his life's simplicity and accepting his last words 'Hey Ram.' We fold our hands in respect and make our way next to the Jantar Mantar.
The Jantar Mantar in Delhi is a prime example of the world, culture, and values coming together. The incredible collection of historic instruments it houses can leave you mesmerized.
Built to observe planetary positions with the naked eye, it embodies many architectural developments. From Science, we travel to history again.
Looking tall and proud as the symbol of Mughal influence and dominance, Qutub Minar is an iconic landmark that speaks out Delhi's story like no other. Located in Mehrauli-Delhi's heritage shop, the site is also the location for the three-day annual Qutub Festival-a festival of musicians, artists, and dancers.
Next is entertainment at the red fort.
The Sound and Light Show at The Red Fort is a 1-hour audio-video as it highlights the past of Delhi and Red Fort. The show also shows the struggle for Indian Independence that begins with wise speeches by Chandrasekhar Azad and Mahatma Gandhi with a moment of pride in capturing the tunes like Vande Mataram and Sare Jahan se acha. Ends with a speech by Jawaharlal Nehru and Indian National anthem is also sung at the end.
It’s been a long exciting day, and we make our way back to the hotel.