Jamali Kamali through the Lord's eyes

For most of us commuting from Delhi to Gurgaon, the statue of Lord Mahavira, sitting atop a hill, just before you hit Andheria Modh, is a familiar sight. The impressive 14 feet structure imparts a sense of awe and yet leaves you feeling serene and tranquil.

After the many many times we all wanted to go up there, we finally made it last weekend! The structure is surrounded by lush gardens dotted with palm trees that lead you right up to the statue, a small temple and bell. The statue of Lord Mahavira was errected in the mid 1980's . Do remember to wear your socks as a caretaker may ask you to take your shoes off. Feel free to ask around about the history of the site, and you`ll be fascinated by the stories. The fact that this place stands for peace is obvious and envelopes you like a cloak of scerenity. I'd rate it as one of the best places to come and clear your head after a hard week. The view is absolutly breathtalking. A pleasant breeze blows through your hair while you take in the scene unfolding before you... the tomb of Altamash, the Qutub are prominent structures, while right across the park you get a clear view of the Mehrauli Archeological Park, which houses over 500 years of Delhi's history, Which is exactly where we headed for next!

The park is a pleasant surprsie, no where in delhi can you see so much of the past, in such a short span of time! Spread over 200 acres, according to recent estimates, the place boasts of a history of five centuries with a over a 100 monuments, tombs, wells or Baolis and mosques. We carried a little picnic basket and choose a spot under a 12th century garden umbrella :) fascinating, isnt it! Do the same and let me know how it felt. Just to give you a very brief history of the place, in the 18th century, the area of Mehrauli was well known for its summer palaces of the Mughal royals and British officials, as also for its forests and hunting grounds. Explore Mehrauli! It1ll take you over a day to look around and a few weeks to absorb it all. Going back to the park you`ll find easy refernce marks all over, red sandstone posts depict the park map, with all the major monuments marked for easy reference. Just follow the map and enjoy your walk.
Do read: http://www.intachdelhichapter.org/conservation_of_mapark.html

And to wrap up your day, do pay a visit to the flower market and pick up lovely bargains in beautiful flowers at a quater of the price that you get from your local flower seller. The Flower mandi as it is locally known as, is a delight. About 20-30 different stalls selling, bonsai's, bamboo shoots, cut flowers, exotic flowers and annuals. You can pick up the flowers once a week and in a minimal budget and have yourself a happy girlfriend or mother and a house full of flowers.

What to wear:  Shoes, socks and sunscreen.
How to get there: The Mahavir Ahinsa Sthal, the Mehrauli Archelogical Park and Flower market and in close proximity of each other, close to saket and the Qutub Minar. Use http://wikimapia.org/449975/Jain-mandir-Ahimsa-Sthal

Cost: We spent INR 200 on the flowers at the flower market, entry to the Ahinsa Sthal and the Mehrauli Arceological Park are free.