TRAVEL | DELHI, TAJ MAHAL AND AGRA FORT

After a brief intro to India via a long weekend stopover in Mumbai en route to Sri Lanka, I was keen to return. Lured by visions of extravagant palaces, spell-binding forts, the elusive tiger, and not to forget the Taj Mahal, we booked Rajasthan’s Golden Triangle tour followed by tiger tracking in Ranthambore National Park, Jodhpur and Udaipur.

We stayed at Claridges in New Delhi, across the road from the tranquil Lodi Gardens. With a lovely swimming pool and gardens, it was a welcome retreat from the bustling Delhi streets.

This trip was complete escapism, absorbing its breathtaking architecture, staying at beautiful old world hotels and being bewitched by its charm but you cannot ignore India’s social, problems especially the rape and sexual violence faced by women and children and poverty that impacts 2/3 of its population.

Now known as New Delhi, it’s a vast city and there's a lot to see in both area. Old Delhi encompasses traditional India with its Mughal architecture and tombs including Red Fort, Juma Masjid and Humayun's Tomb along with a cacophony of tuk tuk horns and market traders. New Delhi in contrast is quieter, cleaner and home to Lodi Gardens, India Gate and government buildings/embassies. 

With only a day to explore, we first visited Humayun’s Tomb. Commissioned by Humayun’s first wife and designed by Persian architects paved the way for its Mughal and Persian architectural influences. Further, with more than a passing resemblance to the Taj Mahal, the stunning two-storied masoleum is surrounded by peaceful gardens and ornate tombs belonging to other royal family members.

We then headed to the Lotus Temple, a remarkable flower-shaped building, home to the Baháʼí House of Worship and tuk-tuk rode through the old government buildings of what was once Old Delhi.

Delhi also has brilliant homeware/lifestyle shopping:

Good Earth  3b, Connaught Place, New Delhi

An established luxury home and lifestyle brand with beautiful and unique tableware, home decor as well as bedding and children clothes.

Nappa Dori  Shop No. 25, Meharchand Market, Lodhi Road, New Delhi

There are three stores and a showroom in Delhi, showcasing a wonderful collection of hand-crafted accessories and i-kat satchels as well as very cool leather trunks for home or travel. 

Artisan Luxe  56 Mehar Chand Market, Lodhi Road, New Delhi

Located in Mehar Chand market, this is a chic interior and lifestyle store stocking handmade textiles and a lovely collection of candles, lamps and ceramics

 Safomasi   2nd Floor, Near, 458, Hanuman Mandir Rd, Sector 1, Chirag Dilli, New Delhi, 

Make an appointment to see their fantastic collection of homeware inspired by their travels. Sarah’s beautiful illustrations are hand printed on cushion covers, blankets, table linen and you really are spoilt for choice etc

Fabindia  A-1 , Hamilton House, Connaught Place

A stalwart of India's shopping scene, they have everything from block-printed home textiles, home decor to fashion and skincare. 

Delhi was the gateway to our Rajasthan adventure and with only limited time, we opted to see Agra Fort instead of Old Delhi’s Red Fort. Although possible to do a day trip, we stayed overnight at the Radisson Blu, exploring Agra Fort in the afternoon before waking early to take in sunrise at the Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort sits above the banks of the river Yamuna with a views across to the Taj Mahal. Behind the red sandstone fortress, there are hidden courtyards, beautiful antique doorways, exquisite tiled floors and mosques to explore. 

The Taj Mahal needs no introduction; described by Rudyard Kipling as 'the embodiment of all things pure' and as one of the most iconic buildings in the world. It's as beautiful in person and seeing it at sunrise without the crowds was perfect. From a distance, marvel at its sheer beauty whilst up close, observe the craftsmanship and artistry involved in creating the rose petal patterns inlayed to the exquisite white marble.