Our Trip to Delhi

Delhi has a long history, dating back to BC 6000. During this period, it came under the influence or was ruled by Sumerians (Indus Valley Civilisation), Arayans, Persians, Greeks (after Alexander the Great's Indian expedition), Buddists, Arabs, Jains, Hindus, Muslims and British.

Modern day Delhi is the crowded captial of India. Its monuments recall its past. Tourist attractions abound in Delhi. Juma Masjid, Askardam Temple, Lotus Temple, Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Residence of President of India (former residence of British Viceroy) and just a few of them. See some photos below, from our Delhi Trip:

Khutub Minar commentrates the victory of Mohammed Ghori over the Hindu Rajput King Pritiviraj in AD 1192, firmly establishing the Muslim rule in India. Whilst the initial construction was commenced by Rajputs for some other purpose, it was converted into a victory symbol by the new rulers.

Majestic Red Fort, built (in AD 1600s) by great Emperor Shajahan. Even, now-a-days, very few forts in the world can match this glorious fort. Shajahan was one of the greatest builder emperors in the world. His other creation ‘Taj Mahal’ is a world wonder and continues to amaze people. Red Fort is a true legacy of Mogul rule of India. British ended Mogul (& Muslim) Rule in 1858 after capturing this fort in a fierce battle, where Sikhs and loyal Indian kings fought alongside British.

 

A few administrative buildings in New Delhi, constructed by British in 1930s. Now this is used by Indian Government.

Delhi is a historical city with thousands of years of history. It is recommended to visit Delhi and walk through its nook and corner where history was made. What is the future of this great city? Definitely it will continue into next millenium, of course, with changes. What changes? Only time can tell.

We enjoyed our trip. There are many other tourist attractions (in Delhi) not mentioned here such as Railway Musuem. To enjoy a fulfilling trip, it is strongly recommended to read the history of Delhi and you may take a good guide.

Travel Tips

Travel is fun. But many travel and tours become night mare as some minor points are ignored. It can happen to even the most seasoned travelers. One of invitees to attend a seminar from US researched well and found out the common greeting in the Middle East is “asalum alaikum’. He decided to impress people. Having arrived at the airport, he made happily greeted the customs officer, only to undergo more than 2 hours of check. He doubted that he is not pronouncing it correctly. At the seminar venue, he checked with a few friends and to his horror, he found out that he completely mispronounced it and had a different meaning altogether.

Just think “What's your biggest travel mistake so far?” If you haven’t any, you are lucky.  Meanwhile, just see below a few tips to avoid some of the common travel mistakes:

1. Look carefully at flight times and dates. For example, if the travel time is shown as 3.30, it refers to early morning flights. Had it been 3.30 pm, in most cases it would be 15.30.
2. Be careful about the seat upgrades. It can create a mess in the choice of your seats.
3. Before cancelling a credit card, just check whether you have made any reservations with the credit card. Because, along with the cancellation of the credit card, the reservations will also get cancelled.
4. Beware that the hotel room rents can change. Hence, ensure with the hotel that the prices are fixed for you.
5. If you are planning to travel by road, check you car or SUV thoroughly. Get international driving license if necessary.
6. Categorize the items for travel (i) Top Priority – Travel Documents such as Passport, Tickets, Credit Cards, Valet and Visa. If you are on a business trip, ensure that you carry business related essentials (ii) Medicines, Keys and Mobile (iv) Others such as dress, books and food.
7. Before leaving home, ensure that the electricity and water are put into safe mode while your valuables are kept in bank locker.
8. Also ensure that the flat or house is properly locked.
9. Check the cuisine of the city or country you travel and ensure that you can get the type of food you want.
10. Consider the weather and climate at your destination.
11. Book rooms for every night you intend to stay. Travel is tiring and you always need enough rest.
12. Carry a good map. Now-a-days, you can choose GPS Maps.
13. Ensure that the camera, mobile and other electronic items have appropriate specifications to the areas you travel so that you use or recharge them without hassle.
14. Check out the travel warnings, if any issued
15. Take travel insurance, if you think it is a good idea.
16. Make a checklist of the above and other issues peculiar to your case at least two weeks before your trip and ensure compliance.

Have a great travel and if possible, let us know

Fantastic Indian Tours - Relax mind and body

India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and among the greatest cultures in the world. Who else could have given a gifted leader like Gandhi, respected across the world? If you go through the history you can see Britain was armed to the teeth under a great leader like Churchill to keep the Jewel of British Empire (i.e. India) within its fold. But unassuming Gandhi with his unique strategies based on love and non-violence disarmed the British, who had to leave the shores of India more half a century ago. Gandhi was greatly influenced by the teachings of Christ. Among the various comparisons between Churchill and Gandhi, the latter emerges as the better leader always.

Let us come back to India. Indian civilization is at least 8000 years old and great in its tradition and history. Taxashila and Nalanda were the greatest universities of bygone era. India has culturally linked China, Japan and many East Asian countries. Their main religion is Buddhism and the founder of this religion (Gautama Buddha) was an Indian. Another great son of India!

India is a vast land and its north is bordered by the world's highest mountain chain, Himalayas. It is a subcontinent and covered by sea on its three sides- Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. India’s flora and fauna may be among the most diversified in the world.

India is covered by plateaus, tropical rain forests, snow capped mountains, sandy deserts and palm fringed beaches. Just as bewildering is the topographical variations is its cultural diversity and coexistence of a number of religions as well as local tradition.

St. Thomas, the disciple of Jesus Christ arrived in South India in AD 52 and established a church, which still survives, known as Syrian Christians. Whilst Islam arrived in North India with violence and sword causing wide spread bloody battles and wars, it arrived in South India somewhat peacefully with merchants.

India has its own way of life, charming and unique. India is full of surprises for a tourist or visitor. India’s charm and mysticism cast a magical spell on most of the tourists. Traveling through this ancient land is an experience that is beyond description. It is highly recommended to get out of crowded cities and visit places of historical importance or cultural or religious attractions. Or travel to places of great natural beauty. Or take yoga or Ayurveda treatments for great relaxation, mentally and physically. The possibilities offered by India are unmatched.