1/26–Delhi second stop–Qutab Minar

Back on the bus, we glide through the eerily empty streets of Delhi, arriving at the Qutab Minar complex fairly quickly.  Built around 1200 by Qutb-ud-din, the first ruler of the of the Delhi Sultanate, in honor of his defeat of Hindu rulers, the tower is constructed from pieces of 7 temples that were destroyed in order to build it.  It is the tallest stone tower in India, with five stories, each designed in different patterns and shapes of red sandstone and marble (on the 4th and 5th storeys).  The whole complex itself is made up of carved sandstone arches, a mosque, the Iron Pillar and other structures surrounding the Minaret.

 

 

After a brief introduction, we are free to wander, and after a restroom break, we start at the Iron pillar, which is 1600 years old and doesn't show any signs of rust or decay.  As Bhanu says, it is an excellent example of metallurgy!

  

It’s a beautiful day, and we are quite content to wander around this gorgeous monument.  The carvings are incredible in their detail, every turn providing a new and interesting sculpture to photograph.

     

Making our way to the upper reaches of the park, we round a corner for some good shots of the Minaret, when a security guard comes and tells us that this is the best spot for pictures.  He shuffles us around and offers to take pictures.  Ok, nice!

  

He does a great job too, and after we’ve all had our photo shoot, he sticks out his hand!  Of course! It’s worth a hundred rupees, but still, a security guard?  Ah well, everyone has to make their money somehow!

Proceeding on, we keep encountering these little squirrel like animals that are like vermin all over the place.  Their bodies look like squirrels, but their coloring looks like a chipmunk – we christen them Squimonks – and watch them climb all over every structure and tree in the place as we wander.  We’ll end up seeing them everywhere we go – for better or worse!

On our way to the group rendezvous, we can’t help snapping picture after picture – what a great place! And surprisingly not crowded – either because of or in spite of Republic Day!

 

As we return to the bus, all the hawkers are there, lined up trying to sell us items.  But, as will become standard procedure at every stop we make, Bhanu and Sanjay organize the vendors, then bring items onto the bus for us to purchase.  Bhanu runs it like the Price is Right – it is one of the most memorable – and fun – things that he does for us.  I absolutely love to hear what he’ll show and say next – “And here is a book on all the places we will visit, is only 200 rupees, a wonderful deal! Anyone? Ok, and here are 20 elephant key chains, key chains! For only 100 rupees?  Who wants this deal?”  (Actually we did buy the elephant key chains!)  It is such fun, and totally alleviates the aggravation of constantly dealing with hawkers and vendors trying to sell us something – because we know Bhanu will probably have it on the bus for us at the best price!

Next up – it’s lunch time in Delhi.