Recently in March of 2017, I went to meet my friend who lived in Ghaziabad in NCR(National Capital Region.) The cheap and the best option for the middle class people is the bus service, which runs continuously from many stations in Himachal. He lived with two other friends in a flat they had rented together on the 12th floor of a tall residential building.
I needed to buy a camcorder for my youtube channel videos and I hoped that I would find some better product in the chrome digital store in Delhi. I visited the chrome store and 3-4 other stores in the big malls of the Ghaziabad region but they didn't have the camcorder. Now I felt disheartened, so in order to delight myself I thought of visiting some places before going back. I took a 3-wheeler to reach near the Raj-ghat to pay homage to the magnificent soul - Mahatma Gandhi.
Raj-Ghat
This is the place where the last rites were performed on 31st January 1948, a day after Mahatma Gandhi's death. The place is very simple in its design. Marbled, square shaped and without any roof, the memorial is surrounded by a gently sloped land in all of its four sides, which is carpeted with the green grass.
Mahatma Gandhi's last words 'Hey Ram' are inscribed in the marble here, and one can also see the eternal flame burning. People come here and prey. I think this is the most beautiful and simple place in Delhi.
Red Fort
Red Fort lies on north west of Raj-Ghat and it is better if you take a vehicle, but I decided to walk along the footpath of the Ring-road. It took me some time, but walking is the best way of touching the city in slow manner.
(Road of Delhi)
Red fort has its history related with Moghuls, and now it is used for some ceremonial purposes, such as the celebration of the Republic Day on 26th January each year.
(No Entry from this south western gate.)
(this is from where you enter)
It is visited by numerous people everyday, because one can witness such giant architecture at very few places. There are number of gates, but entry is allowed only from the Lahore Gate, the north west most gate I guess. One has to pay one time entry fee per visit, I remember, I paid 20-40 rupees, but it may be different for foreigners. At Raj-ghat I didn't need to pay anything, it was free.
Inside the fort are various chambers, gardens and courtyards which have their own historical significance. Personally I hated Mughals because of their religious propaganda, but I couldn't beat them to death when they already are dead, so better I just revisit and contemplate on history and learn from it.
Qutub Minar
One has to go to the southern part of the Delhi to visit this architectural wonder. Though it is also related to Mughals, but I like it for its simplicity and rising high towards sky spirit. The below photograph is from my earlier visit of the Minar.
Also there is this age old iron pillar in the same complex.
conclusion
I think New Delhi was cleaner than the Ghaziabad region which comes under the Uttar Pradesh state.
Here is a dull morning at the Ghaziabad, you can't ignore the dust and smoke. Also shopkeepers and rikshawalas are nicer in New Delhi region, but always be alert, because some of them just don't know any kind of honesty.
I hope you liked the story and pictures.
Thanks for your kind visit!