| Educational Travel Program |
December 29, 2005: NEW DELHI
Bus Tour of New Delhi covering:
Qutb Minar - The highest stone tower in India , the Qutub Minar was built by Qutbuddin Aibak, the viceroy of Mohammed Ghori in 1193. It was built to celebrate Ghori's victory over the Rajputs.
The Minar is a five-storey building with a height of 72.5 metres. The first storey of the Qutb Minar was completed in the lifetime of Qutbuddin. His son-in-law and successor, Iltumush, added three additional stories. Within the complex is the famous Iron Pillar which has stood for millennia without rusting. Quwwat-ul-Islam is the first mosque built in India , and the Alai Darwaza , the gateway to the complex was erected by Alauddin Khilji.
Iron Pillar - The 7.2 metre high pillar, standing within the Qutb Minar Complex, is proof of India 's advanced knowledge of metallurgy 2000 years ago. For it continues to stand, even today, rust-free. The pillar was erected sometime between the 4th and 5th century AD as a Dhavaja-stambha (flagpole) of a Vishnu temple. It was erected in memory of King Chandragupta Vikramamditya, who ruled from 375 to 413 AD. *It is believed that hugging the pillar will make all of one's wishes come true.*
India Gate - This solemn monument was built in memory of the 90,000 Indian soldiers who died in World War I. It was built in 1931, designed by Lutyens, and was originally called the All India War Memorial. The names of the soldiers are inscribed on the walls of the arc of the gate. Later in 1971, an eternal flame was lit here in memory of the unknown soldiers who died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war.
Rajpath - More popular for being the venue of the annual Republic Day parade, Raj Path is an immensely broad road, designed by Lutyens (ornamental ponds on either side flank It). The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located on the two sides of this broad road, 'King's Way'.
Humayuns Tomb - Built in the mid-16th century by the senior wife of the second Mughal emperor, this is the first important example of Mughal Architecture in India . It's also one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and should not be missed.*The elements of its design are echoed in the Taj Mahal.*
Rashtrapati Bhavan - The palatial building built on an area of 330 acres with a private garden designed by the illustrious Lutyens, as the official residence of the Viceroy of India during British reign, is now the official residence of the President of India. The imposing structure almost overshadows all other monuments within its vicinity. The architectural wonder is a mixture of Mughal and Western styles.
Birla Mandir - Commonly known as Lakshmi, Narayan Temple is a famous Hindu temple, constructed in the year 1938 by Raja Baldev Das Birla and was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. Located in the heart of Delhi , the shrine is dedicated to Godess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. People of all religions and faiths can worship in the temple but one can only enter the temple, bare foot. The temple incorporates numerous images and idols depicting several Gods and Goddess of Indian mythology.
Connaught Place - Renamed Rajiv Chowk (the outer circle is Indira Chowk) centralized shopping arcade, formerly major shopping center during British Rule.
Return to hotel for dinner and O/N.
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