Naps, Chipmunks and Admission Fees

 

One of the most apparent aspects of Delhi's - and perhaps all Indian - culture is napping. Much like the Spanish with their siesta the Indians here love a nap, the difference being it doesn’t necessarily need to be after lunch and it’s usually in a garden – or any patch of green large enough to accommodate themselves. This seems to be so immersed in the city’s lifestyle that even the dogs follow it!

Wherever you go around this part of Delhi you’re bound to come across a dog or two and for every five dogs, four will be sleeping. It says a lot about India’s relationship with animals that a lot of these dogs chose to lay in the middle of a busy side walk – although they too prefer gardens – without a worry for being stepped on, or shooed off into some corner. Some will even chose to lie in one of the most dangerous places possible, the side of the road.  What some would consider a result of India’s societal chaos is considered here the coexistence between humans and animals who rightly have their place in society too. But I digress, we were on the topic of gardens… gardens are thus important to Delhi and well taken care of, be they small or large.

Lodi Garden

The Lodi Garden in particular is probably one of the places I so far love most about this city! Large enough to integrate a neighbourhood, this garden is actually more like a small park, home to a wide variety of plant and bird life – it is said to even have vultures, which unfortunately are rarely seen.

Chipmunks are another main feature of the park and, although you can spot them anywhere throughout the city – so long as there are trees nearby – here you’ll witness these little rodents running all about the place, including on – and in! – the old mosque and tombs inside the garden.

Athpula Bridge

Although the Garden itself was built during the late 1930’s, the three tombs inside it date back to the 15^th century. As you walk into Lodi Garden from its main entrance, you cross the 17^th century Athpula Bridge – literally “Eight Pears Bridge” – and spread out throughout the garden you’ll find the tomb of Sikandar Lodi, the Bara Gumbad – Big Dome – and Sheesh Gumbad – Small Dome – tombs and also the tomb of Muhammad Shah. These were the first “sights” I visited since being here and I can now say that they’re fairly small for India standards, however don’t be fooled... the sight is awe inspiring and as much as we tried to capture the magnificence of these monuments in all their grace – admittedly with the use of our little amateur camera – I can assure you that these pictures pale in comparison to the sights themselves.

Muhammad Shah's Tomb



Bara-Gumbad Tomb & Mosque

I haven’t had the opportunity to speak with any nationals on the subject of India’s cultural heritage and history but from what little I’ve seen there is a clear will to promote it not only to foreigners but to nationals alike. As a student of International Relations I can see the advantages that this bolstering of national pride can – and will – bring India in the long run, especially given its search to assert itself as a world power. As a tourist from “back home” it makes me wonder whether our government could perhaps learn from India in this respect, or whether we as a people simply take for granted that which can still do more than serve as a nice picture on facebook. A good example of this can be seen in admission fees to certain sights. Lodi Garden is free and welcome to all but other Sights, such as Safdarjung’s Tomb and Qutub Minar charge an admission fee that varies according to whether you’re a foreigner or national.

At this time I cannot compare the admission fees at Qutub Minar – as I don’t recall them –which is just as well, considering that Allison and I weren’t able to take any pictures of this world wonder because “someone” forgot the camera’s memory card the day we went there (g’job G!)... Looking on the bright side this gives a reason to return and for a new post but for now, let’s get back to this one.

Safdarjung’s Tomb I can speak of and, as to admission fees Allison and I each paid Rs.100 (Rs. = Indian Rupees), roughly €1.80 at the current exchange rate, whereas any national will pay about Rs.5... need I bother with converting?  

Safdarjung's Tomb East Entrance

 

Sheesh Gumbad

Unfortunately for some even this small amount of money is still too much to be done without, as there are those who survive on as much as Rs.80 a day, however it does allow for a vast number to visit this amazing place. Built in honour of the emperor Muhammad Shah’s – not the one mentioned earlier – first prime, Safdarjung, back in the 18^th century. The sight itself takes no more than twenty minutes or so in its entirety, yet I suggest – should you plan on visiting – that you bring along a little blanket and a small picnic, or simply indulge yourself in this typical Delhi custom of lolling about on the grass and cease the opportunity to relax in the gardens while you bask in the splendour of this world wonder and ponder on the spectacular marvel that humanity has achieved again and again... or simply do as the Indians do and take a nap.

Safdarjung's Tomb