Qutub Minar is a minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mehrauli area of Delhi, India. This 73-metre (240 feet) tall tapering tower of five storeys. The building was begin around 1192 with the first storey, then in 1220 another 3 were added but a lightning strike in 1369 resulted in a bit of a rebuild and the last storey was added. It is a beautiful example of old Delhi architecture.
This incredible 5 storey tower in the heart of Delhi is not only a major tourist attraction, but a testament to 14th century construction and design. It has heritage that is thought to draw design from old Afghani architecture.
Wandering the Red Fort ruins of Delhi we came across this random dog in one of the outlying buildings. He was obviously very much at home, but like so many of India's dogs he was very wary of humans and after a quick look, he was gone.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the President's Estate in Delhi. This wonderful estate consists not only of the main mansion (a 340-room main building) that has the president's official residence, halls, guest rooms and offices; it also refers to the entire 130-hectare (320 acre) area taken up by the estate.
Isa Khan's tomb was built 1547-48, in preparation for his death. Isa Khan was a prominent member among the ruling family. This beautiful octagonal building is situated near the site of the Mughal Emperor Humayun's Tomb complex in Delhi.
The streets of Delhi are packed with buildings, cheek by jowl with every inch competing for space to advertise their product, their store, their wares. Yet somehow along this particular road it was not garish or loud. It was almost subdued and pastel. It was the softer side of Delhi.
The classic Taj Mahal image - the reflecting pool. The only way to get this image without literally thousands of tourists and visitors is to be at the gates for the dawn opening. In the early light the citadel glow warmly, even in dull light, but the perfectly still pool reflects the entire building. It is created most perfectly (said with an Indian head wobble).
The Taj Mahal in Agra, India was built by a king as a shrine for his wifes earthly remains, a testament to his love. As the light changes throughout the day, so too does the Taj. In the middle of the day it is a bright gleaming white, however as the evening light comes in it can drop into a deep golden colour, glowing in the afternoon light.
The Taj Mahal has many moods, depending on the time of day. As the sky turned gold just after sunset, the domes and minarets drop into silhouette, outlined against the gloaming.
As the sun hits the Taj Mahal in the late afternoon the marble glows with a warmth that seems to reflect the love that inspired its construction.
In the harsh light of a hot Indian midday, the sky turns a flat hard white and the dome almost blends into the background. This white on white shows off the intricate details of the decorative effects.
Around the ricer side of the Taj, the side furtherest from the reflecting pool, the structure gives way to incredible arches, perfectly rendered in the marble surrounds. Against a clear blue sky they virtually shine.
One tends to think of the Taj Mahal as being an incredible white building, a pure testament of a mans love for his dead wife, but the Taj is more than just white. Around he corners of the complex sit four turrets of red. these red brick sentry boxes are a wonderful counterbalance to the austerity of the Taj itself.
Every family should have a nest egg and for these fellows their cattle/water buffalo are their livelihood. We stopped in a tiny town between Agra and Varanasi and went for a wander. These animals were being fed literally right in the middle of the village. Indian life at is best.
India leads the world in so many realms. You pick up an unknown call and it could well be an Indian voice you hear. You buy an electronic product, it may very well be made in India. But in the countryside, India can be a very simple lifestyle, lacking a lot of the technology we take for granted.