Exploring Delhi by Metro, on Christmas Day and Evening

 


The Metro system in Delhi is really great: it's comprehensive, cheap, and not or not very crowded. There wasn't a single line when I last visited Delhi in 1992, and it is definitely a great development. It provides a convenient way to get around, and since I wanted to cover a bigger area, I bought a day-pass. I forgot, however, that it was Monday and some attractions might be closed, as it turned out to be. I still managed to visit many places, as you can see next. Another thing to keep in mind is that buying entrance tickets to a government site with a bank card is cheaper than by cash. 




Qutab Minar & the Iron Pillar
I visited this site in 1991 and liked it much, and I definitely wanted to see it again. The minaret is impressive, and there is the mysterious Iron Pillar wich has been standing there for more than 1600 years and doesn't rust. In the 1990s, people tried to put their hands around it, standing with their back to the column, as it was concidered to bring good luck if one managed. Now the pillar is fenced off and it is strictly forbidden to touch it, which is understandable considering the large number of visitors. So now people queue up to take a photo with one of their hands extended, to make it look like they touched the top of the tower - and every tourist will have the exact same picture of themselves! 



















































Chhatarpur Temple Complex
Located only one Metro stop from Qutab Minar, the Chhatarpur (Chhattarpur) temple complex a large site on two sides of the road, with several beautiful temples and a monumental Hanuman statue. 








































The Baháʼí Lotus Temple
It is closed on Mondays, to be visited next day.




Shree Akshardham Temple
It is closed on Mondays, to be visited next day.



Safdarjung's Tomb
Also known as the Tomb of Safdar Jang, this mausoleum is a very iconic building that was once featured on the cover of Lonely Planet's India guide. This is another site that I visited, and liked much, over three decades ago.

























Lodhi Garden
Near Safdarjung's Tomb is Lodhi Garden, and within this free public park are several tombs and other old buildings. It was Christmas day and locals were out in huge numbers, having a picnic, playing, dancing.















































Connaught Place
I finished my all-day-long Metro trip at Connaught Place, a frenetic business and financial hub, centered on a ring of colonnaded Georgian-style buildings with global chain stores, vintage cinemas, bars and Indian restaurants. And being Christmas, there was a free concert and people were out in massive numbers, celebrating that it is a day that needs to be celebrated.



















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