Delhi

3,287,590 km²
(79x the Netherlands)

UTC +5.30

Hindi, English, Bengali, Gujarati etc.

Kanchenjunga - 8,598 m

The flag was adopted in 1947 and is called 'Tiranga' (tricolor in Hindi). The flag consists of three horizontal stripes: saffron (courage), white (peace) and green (energy). The centerpiece is an Asoka Chakra (wheel of the law) with 24 spokes. The 24 spokes symbolize the 24 hours of the day and progress in every hour.

Indian rupee. Rupee comes from Rupya (Sanskrit) which means silver. The silver rupee was introduced under the British occupation in 1835.     Until 1950, several states still had their own currencies. Mahatma Gandhi (1869 - 1948) is depicted on all Indian banknotes. He was one of the founding fathers of the modern state of India and he fought for reconciliation between Hindus and Muslims in India. Gandhi was murdered in Delhi in 1948.

Humayun was the second Mogul ruler of India. His tomb, along with some tombs of other important people, is located on a large and quiet complex. A good place in Delhi for a first introduction to the country. The tomb, built 1570, served as an example for the Taj Mahal and consists of red stone. At the Tomb of Iza Khan near the entrance, you can go up a narrow staircase where you have a good view of the graves.

The largest and most important mosque of india is located near the Red Fortress in Delhi. The Jama Masjid was built in 1656 by Shah Jahan. It is located on the only hill in Delhi. Via a narrow spiral staircase you can go up in the left minaret. The view is beautiful but it is very crowded.

The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous structures. It was built in 1631 by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mogul ruler. He started to build the mausoleum after his wife died during the delivery of their 14th child. It took 22 years to build. At the entrance of the Taj Mahal men and women separated and searched. It's better not to bring any bags. When leaving the complex, visit the Muslim quarter and have breakfast in the little square at Joney's Place. It's a challenge but the food is good.

Varanasi (Benares for locals) is one of seven holy cities in India. The city islocated at a bend in the Ganges. It is overcrowd with pilgrims. They come here to die or to wash themselves in one of the approx. 80 Ghats along the holy river. Two of the ghats are used for cremation. You are able to observe from a higher building next to the Ghat. Not recommended for everyone. Just behind the Ghats is a maze of narrow alleys which you should explore. It's an obstacle course with cows that often block the alley. Downtown, things just gets busier. The tuk tuks driving bumper to bumper and walking is a big challenge.

Jodhur is the most authentic of all the cities in Rhajastan. Visit impressive fortress on the hill in the morning. The Meherangarh Fortress was built in 1549 by Rao Jodha, leader of the the Rathora Rajpoet Clan. There are beautifully decorated rooms. Visit the old city in the afternon. It is called the blue city due to the fact that most houses are painted blue. Centuries ago the locals discovered that it repelled insects.

Khajuraho was briefly the capital of the Chandella Rajpoet Clan. Between 950 and 1050, 80 Hindu temples were built and decorated with erotic images amongst others. The western group contains 11 temples (entrance). The temples near the old village are scattered and you can visit them using a bicycle. Don't forget the old village.