Thursday 14th Feb - Day 11

As we are in Delhi, we might as well look at all the normal tourist attractions.

We visit the Red Fort. Its red on the outside and it's a big fort with grounds and a museum in the middle. Can't say it was particularly enthralling to anyone, unless you happen to have an interest in army memorabila. I dare say I would have wodered what it was like had I not gone to see it.

We also go and see Qutb Minar, a 240 foot tower, errected to celebrate the Turkish conquest of Delhi. It's architecture is quite interesting even to a philistine like me. It reminds me of the story of Rumplestiltskin: it's where a girl is stuck at the top of a tower. She grows he hair and a Prince climbs up it to rescue her - I think it's that fairytale ? The tower's interesting anyway ! Also, I find that locals can come and see it for 10 rupees. Foreigners and NRI's (non-resident Indians, that's me I think) have to pay 250. Today I am a local.

The Lotus Temple

Next, we head for the Lotus Temple. This is a really interesting looking building from the outside. It looks a little like a Lotus flower/Sydney Opera House , I imagine. And on the inside is a big auditorium where you are allowed to sit down and contemplate. Nobody is allowed to talk or take photographs inside. It's a temple for the Bahai religion. For some reason it's administration centre is in Isreal. I wondered why white people with American accents were showing us where to take our shoes off and showing us inside. You always have to take your shoes off when you go to a temple of any religion here.

India Gate

After a brief drive around Delhi we see India Gate. It's a huge arch with the names of fallen Indian soldiers written on every brick. We stop and take photographs of this impressive site.

Having seen most of what we wanted to in Delhi we begin our 6 hour drive to Jaipur. We had hoped to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra tomorrow, but the site is closed to the general public on Fridays.