Exploring Delhi on foot and by rikshaws

 


Visiting Delhi after 32 years (!), I wanted to see some of the places I knew plus discover new ones. On my first day I started from my neighbourhood, Paharganj, on foot, intending to walk as much as I can, with rikshaw rides between some of the points. At the end, as I ended up quite far, I took the metro back to New Delhi station from where I walked home. Attractions visited on the first day are as follow.


Sacred Heart Cathedral Catholic Church
Christmas atmosphere on December 24










Gurudwara Sri Bangla Sahib
A Sikh religious complex in Delhi





Modernist government buildings
With unfriendly guards




Jantar Mantar
An ancient astronomical observatory































Connaught Place
The main "square" is actually several circles












Street with modern buildings
And a street performer













10th century step-well
Impressive and entry is free











"If you don't get educated, you may end up driving some of these rikshaws"



A walk from India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan
The level of smog was so bad, you could hardly see the arch and the presidential buildings




















Sabz Burj
An octagonal tomb







Barakhamba Tomb




Dargah Nizamuddin Aulia
Domed Sufi Muslim shrine dedicated to Hazrat Nizamuddin






A rubbish collection point with slogans




Waste to Wonder
I was expecting a place with a strong environmental message, where the focus is on recycling; instead, it's a theme park with replicas of mostly foreign landmarks, one that produces far more waste than it reuses














Taking the metro home
You are screened at every station upon entering, but Delhi's metro system is great and easy to use







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