Today we had a guided sightseeing tour of Delhi, starting in New Delhi, with its wide, tree lined avenues, beautifully kept roundabouts and the impressive architecture of the government buildings and embassies.

This was followed by a visit to the Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. We had to leave our shoes outside.

Following this we took a rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi. It was chaotic, and slightly nerve wracking but fascinating.

Safely back on the coach, we drove to see Gandhi’s memorial sight where an eternal flame burns.

We then visited Humayun’s Tomb. He was the second Mughal Emperor. It was built for him, by his wife, in 1569. Set in beautiful, symmetrical gardens, it was an oasis of calm.

Tired and hungry by now, we stopped at a hand knotted carpet emporium for a demonstration of carpet making and lunch! We had the best Samosas in all of India, according to our guide, Raj.

Finally, and most poignantly, we visited the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. We were able to visit the room in which he stayed, and follow in his final footsteps.

It has been a packed day, full of contrasts, a truly amazing experience.

Tomorrow we leave Delhi (for now) to travel by train to Agra.

Until then

Carol