Delhi Day 2 - 19th October 2012

 Acclimatising - Raj style!

There were Mudra hand sculptures at the immigration gates...

This one is Tripatāka Mudrā – apparently it denotes the application of a tilaka or victory mark on the forehead, but specifically denotes the hoisting of a flag composed of three fabrics or colours, hence tri-patāka. Definitely
symbolizing journey, travel, arrival, welcome and victory.

Rashtrapati Bhavan

The hotel's driver kindly took a detour to see a few of the New Delhi sights.

Me in front of the Presidential House (formerly the Viceroy's residence)...
 

All 340 rooms of it...
 

Cannon & elephants at the outer wall...
 

Miche, cannon and elephants...

Kites near India Gate in Delhi's haze...

The Imperial

We decided to splash out for our first night to properly acclimatise. We had to go through airport style security to get into the building, but once inside it was an island of peace.

The decor was distinctly colonial and Art Deco in style with British era paintings and old photographs; one of the impressive atria...

We were very lucky to be upgraded to one of their Grand Heritage rooms, with intricate marble floors, rugs, lovely furniture (did I really just type 'lovely furniture'!) and staff that couldn't do enough for you...

 

A couple of fine moustaches on display...
 

After a long day, time to relax in the 1911 bar...