Our first destination is The Qutub Minar, a remarkable structure. Inspired by the Minaret of Jam in present day Afghanistan, Qutub-ud-din Aibak built the Qutub Minar to celebrate his King, Mohammad Ghori’s victory over Prithviraj Chouhan. Qutub-ud-din Aibak was a Viceroy when the construction commenced in 1199. In a remarkable turn of events, during the course of the construction he became the first Emperor of the Slave dynasty. The Qutub Minar was completed by Iltutmish in 1236.

The Iron Pillar is a mysterious phenomenon. Built 1600 years back through forge welding, this 24 feet pillar weights 6 tons and is made of 98% wrought iron. The biggest mystery about this pillar that over a Millenia it has escaped rust. There is only a tiny amount of rust despite the pillar witnessing the ravages of time. The purpose of the pillar is also a mystery with some believing it to be a flag staff for the King, while others say it was a sun dial. Some even believe it was originally in Madhya Pradesh and someone moved it to Delhi a thousand years ago!

Bangla Sahib is one of the most important place of worship for Sikhs. The 8th Sikh Guru, Har Kishan, had stayed here when it was the guest of Raja Jai Singh of Amber. In 1664, the Guru took care of victims of small pox and cholera in this bungalow. He too eventually became a victim of the disease and passed into the ages. Today, Bangla Sahib is on of the most popular places of worship in India.

Akshardham is the world’s largest comprehensive Hindu temple. This marvel of modern temple architecture has more than 20000 sculptures chiseled out of pale red sandstone. The concept of this temple was evolved, inspired and developed by Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj, the present head of Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha. Often called as the spiritual cultural centre of Delhi, Akshardham was built by 7000 volunteers and 3000 artisans.