Red Fort

While entering the fort, I was stopped by the security to check my bag, As he is Singh wearing a turban, I find it amusing when he notice the scarf around my head looks like a turban too and complimenting nice turban! Then, rush all the young children visiting the fort with their teachers like a school outing, asking to take a picture with me. For a moment, I really thought that I'm a Bollywood star ;) This happens for quite a few times inside the fort.

The Red Fort (Lal Qila) is one of Delhi's top tourist sights. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also built Taj Mahal) as his ruling palace. Completed in 1648, the years since have not treated the buildings kindly: the rooms have long since been stripped of all objects, the marble inlays are long gone and quite a few buildings are off limits. Still, the scale remains imposing and the gardens are kept lush and green even in midwinter.

New Delhi

After a long 13 hours bus trip from Dharamshala, I check into the Potala hotel that I booked when I first reach Manuju Latika with TBC.

I took a shower and went to bed immediately. I woke up around 11am, had my breakfast, not knowing how to begin the day. I asked the reception for the map of Delhi. Thankfully, the map distruibuted for the tourist in the airport recommend a few places to go. I circled a few places; Red Fort, Bhai Lotus temple, Iskcon temple & Japathu market is my Itinerary for the day. I asked a few travel agencies and the price for booking a taxi that can show me around in Delhi for 8 hours cost 800 Rupees. A decent price that I can afford, since there is nothing left to do in Manuju Latika the whole day.

I started my tour in noon with my driver.My driver told me there is no parking in Red fort thus he suggested I took a rickshaw. The idea of someone cycling me is tortuous. I can't help but to think that I might be too fat on a rickshaw but my driver sure think otherwise. Riding the rickshaw on an heavy traffic road is exhilarating! I even saw a number of students taking the rickshaws to school! It's such an adventure!

Delhi isn't as bad as some of us have think. Yes, the traffic is heavily polluted and Poverty is visible. If you spend time to do some research, you should able to enjoy even on the roadside.

One thing that annoys me is my driver keep insisting me to visit one of the local handicraft shop which I have absolutely no interest. Finally, my reluntancy won over his determination thus no partonizng is done ;)