ExploringDelhi

ExploringDelhi: d'Qutub @ Mehrauli

2010-09-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

http://thecoolcityslickers.blogspot.com/2010/02/dqutub-mehrauli.html#links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn7IqFQ2hHM&feature=PlayList&p=594D182B21E459EB&index=0&playnext=1

2010-07-16T23:36:00.000-07:00

The City Slickers are on a break :)

We're hoping to be back exploring delhi, as soon as the summer sun lets us get back to business!

ExploringDelhi: Once upon a time... there was a Hauz Khas, a royal water tank for our Siri.

2010-04-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

ExploringDelhi: Once upon a time... there was a Hauz Khas, a royal water tank for our Siri.

2010-03-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

This week we explored the Bahai temple, also commonly know as the “Lotus temple” due to its lotus like shape, it is architecturally created like a half open lotus flower, surrounded by its leaves, standing afloat on the water. Splendid? Yes, Absolutly magnificent.

The architect, Mr. Fariborz Sahba, had travelled extensively in India to study the architecture of the land and was impressed by the design of the beautiful temples, as well as by the art and religious symbols wherein the lotus invariably played an important role.

All Bahá'í Houses of Worship, share certain architectural elements. An essential architectural character of a House of Worship is that it requires to have a nine-sided circular shape. Inspired by the lotus lower, this temple design is composed of 27 free-standing marble clad "petals" arranged in clusters of hree to form nine sides. The House of Worship, along with the nine surrounding pools of water and gardens.

A true architectural marvel of the 20th century, the GlobArt Academy of Vienna, Austria, granted its 'GlobArt Academy 2000' award to the architect, Fariborz Sahba in recognition of "the magnitude of the service of [this] Taj Mahal of the 20th century in promoting the unity and harmony of people of all nations, religions and social strata, to an extent unsurpassed by any other architectural monument world-wide".

The Temple is open to all regardless of religion or any other distinction. Its proximity to the Kalka Temple in the vicinity is rather striking, you`ll find no idols here, no holy text, nothing! There is nothing, just a space, a hall of wonder, positive vibes and a feeling of oneness. The Bahá'í laws emphasize that the spirit of the House of Worship be that, it is a gathering place where people of all religions may worship God.

The temple emulates the words 'There is one God; mankind is one; the foundations of religion are one' as has been greatly emphasized in Bahá'í texts. Rather paradoxical in a country where people are often divided by religion, a visit to the Lotus temple is a like a breath of fresh morning air.

The Lotus temple, does in fact touch the hearts of the numerous visitors it has each day of the year, and awakens in them a desire to trace its inspirational source and capture a bit of its peace for themselves. The Bahai faith is serene, and we considered ourselves blessed when we made this visit. So stop awhile inside the complex and talk to some of the volunteers who are always there to help.

The Temple is located near Nehru Place – the business hub in New Delhi. We recommend taking your own private vehicle or a cab. There is ample parking space available and the best time to visit is in the mornings. Please do apply loads of sunscreen, wear light clothes, preferably white to be able to embrace the peaceful yet powerful serenity this place offers.

Jamali Kamali through the Lord's eyes

2010-03-16T04:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Once upon a time... there was a Hauz Khas, a royal water tank for our Siri.

2010-03-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

Popularly known as Hauz Khas, the 'hauz' (water tank) 'khas' (Royal) is situated in present day Hauz Khas village, a short walk from Green Park Main Market, South Delhi, a treasure trove you’ll be glad to have stumbled upon. It must be something in the air here that inspires such creativity, for this area, a designer village now, was in the 13th century an important place of learning, a leading Islamic school known worldwide for theological studies, known as "Firoz Shahi".

Since its inception in the 13th century, the area where the lake now rests was excavated by Alaudin Khilji to meet the water supply of the new city of Delhi- “Siri”. We covered another of Khilji’s architectural wonders in our last blog, ‘the Qutub’, a prominent face in the present day city of New Delhi.

There is a bohemian air around the village, where you can find anything and everything, from designer apparel, shoes, carpets and jewels and (I do love!) gorgeous swimsuits to antique pictures, furniture, telephones…well just about anything antique, to fabulous restaurants tucked in, that overlook the lake.

The lake is tucked away at the end of the village, although a short 7 minute walk from the parking area, you often get distracted by the shops and end up forgetting the reason you’re here. Well, we made it this time, and were surprised to find this area so carefully nestled amongst the village as if the villagers here are trying to protect a bit from their precious history.

Also, a den for lovers, it can get a bit distracting if you’re here to gawk at the lake.

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is working on restoring the monument, it`ll be a lovely spot when they complete it; till then enjoy your walk around the lake around the area.

Complete your visit, with a meal at the Deer Park. The peacocks, birds and deer transport you to the saner, wiser city Delhi was. We’re keeping our fingers crossed!

What to wear: A comfortable pair of shoes, carry water and sunscreen.

How to get there: Park at the Hauz Khas Village, MCD Authorized parking, take a sharp left towards the boutiques and you’re at the village…carry on straight down on that road and after a short walk, on your left you find a medieval gate leading you to the madrasa and tomb. Explore, and you’ll find the lakeJ Use google maps for directions.

Cost: the lake and the surrounding sites are free of cost, a lunch could cost between (INR) 300 to 3000 depending upon your choice of restaurant. We recommend Nivedyam for some delightful south indian cuisine and The Living Room (TLR) http://www.tlrcafe.com/, use their terrace if you’re dropping in late evening. Pind Balluchi is recommended if you waiting to catch a glimpse of some wildlife.

Special thanks to the team at Khazana and Werdie, an antique shop towards the end of the village. Take your time browsing through the treasure they’ve collected.

d'Qutub @ Mehrauli

2010-02-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

d'Qutub @ Mehrauli

The Qutub minar is situated in the Qutub Tourist Complex, in Mehrauli, South Delhi, close to Saket. At 72.5mts, the Qutub is the world’s tallest brick minaret, and is a world heritage site. The Complex is a visitor’s delight with well-manicured gardens surrounding it, and traces of Jain, Hindu and Islamic architecture at one place.
The walk around the complex can make for some beautiful memories and delightful pictures to go with them. Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds, it can take you, as it took us, over 3-4 hours to cover the area. It’s an “Oh My God, how could I have not seen this?” moment when you enter. And, if the walk and the sun make you a wee bit tired, you can put up your feet up and have a yum bite at the olive bar and kitchen, http://www.olivebarandkitchen.com/ Near the qutub greens, a sharp left from the complex gate as you come out, a short 10 minute walk and you’re right infront of the ‘Mile High Stop” right after you cross the Tamarind Court.

@ Olive

What to wear: A Comfortable pair of Shoes!! sunscreen and your sunnies :)

How to get there: Use public transport, the Red or Green Government run DTC bus which drops you right in front of the qutub tourist complex, or use your own private transport, use an A/C cab if you're here in the summer. Directions can be found @ http://maps.google.co.in/
Cost: Entry to the Qutub is INR 20 per head for Indian citizens and INR 250 for foreigners. A meal at Olive may cost you over INR 2500 for two.
Special Thanks to INTACH and the ASI who have done their best to make it a site/sight to remember.

You Could: If you’re not upto The Olive Bar, We recommend the Emperor’s Kitchen @ http://www.emperorskitchen.in . We had a fantastic view of the Qutub Minar from our seats, the LIITs and Beer just made it better. (Just a word of caution if you’re an Long Island Iced Tea Addict- you can get better L) But hey, a hottie by your side, the Qutub in front and a goooood DJ it can only make your evening, not break it. The meal can dig a hole into your wallets, so check rates before you order.

Do make sure you get in at about 9PM, the lights at the Qutub go off at 10PM, it gives you one mesmerising hour of a beautiful view, lovely music and jet planes flying over your head!