India's big cities are green. And they are getting greener every day. Not that India was ever a dry, barren landscape. But there is a big push in big cities to be greener. From the CNG buses and cabs to the plantings in every median, India is planting.
There are also the large green spaces that were created during the Mughal era. These are, for the most part being maintained, but probably are not an accurate representation of the way it was during it's heyday. Even the texts from the time describe the gardens around the Taj Mahal and Humayun's Tomb being much more elaborate than they are now.
 |
| Bara Gumbad tomb and mosque |
Lodi Gardens are located about a mile from the India Gate. The stone path leads you in under a cooling canopy of trees, slowly revealing it's first treasure of Mughal architecture, the Bara Gumbad tomb and mosque. As you walk around the path to the right of the structure, there are little area where young people congregate and lovers sneak to be alone for a while.
The grounds are well kept and there are a variety of
Plumeria and
Canna all around, many in colors I have never seen before, so it was a real treat.
 |
| along the path around the Bara Gumbad or "Big Dome" |
 |
| Plumeria |
 |
| Canna |
If you love architecture as much as I do, then you will love this place. You should plan on spending at least a couple of hours here, as there are so many details. Some of the original colors are still evident, but is is a ruin of sorts, and just the shells of the building survive. But then you get to see the bones of the structure, the mathematics involved in the overall design and symmetry.
 |
| walking up to the Bara Gumbad tomb and mosque |
 |
| architectural detail |
 |
| 3 Domed Mosque architectural detail |
 |
| architectural detail |
 |
| Mosque architectural detail |
 |
| sandstone carving architectural detail |
 |
| overlooking the gardens |
 |
| Looking over to Sheesh Gumbad |
The Sheesh Gumbad, or "Glass Dome", so named for the glazed tiles used to cover its outer skin, some of which you can still see today, sits right across from the Bara Gumbad. Bright spots of color are the only thing letting you know that in its prime, this was a sight to see. Its proportions are nearly perfect.
 |
| Sheesh Gumbad |
 |
| The view inside invites us to use our imagination, knowing that it was once, truly magnificent |
 |
| looking back to the Bara Gumbad |
 |
| Inside the high dome with the tombs of a family long forgotten |
 |
| looking out over the gardens from the Sheesh Gumbad |
 |
| A lovely place to visit |
 |
| Don't forget the Bonsai garden |
The local Delhiites come here to relax, spend time with family and loved ones and to perform yoga and meditate. I say do not leave this off your list of things to do in Delhi. You will be sorry if you did.
No comments:
Post a Comment