Red Fort - Delhi India

We took breakfast early next morning at around 7am even though we know that Red Fort would be opening its doors to tourists at around 9am.

We did not arrange a tour of the city bec. we will be leaving for Agra in the afternoon anyway. Our trip to Red Fort would be the first close encounter with an Auto rickshaw driver . It was not pleasant i tell you. We contracted the driver for 200 rupees , after much haggling , to bring us to Red Fort and Connaught Place. But when we arrived in Red Fort he demanded for us to pay up! So i gave him 100 rupees and told him to wait for us to finish inside then he had to still bring us to Connaught Place afterwards then that's the time i would give him the balance of 100rupees. By then, the driver was making a scene already. Shouting pay! pay! pay!.

Losing our temper was the farthest thing on our minds. So we paid up even though it's not the original bargain. I expected this. Tsk Tsk Tsk.

Though, this didn't ruin our day. We had a pleasant visit at the fort.

Red Fort entrance fee (foreigners) 250rupees - approx 6usd each.

I will not give you boring historical stories about the red fort. Just enjoy the pictures and be immersed with the culture!

                               Taken from the main entrance

Aside from the foreign tourists, you may also come accross local indian tourists enjoying the sights.

And if you don't have the time to buy souveinirs in the market, all types of knick knacks may be bought inside the fort to be taken home to your family.

Or you may also visit Janpath Place for authentic Indian dresses . It is located in Connaught Place.

It is so hot in India at this time of the year that all we wanted to do was head back to our hotel and take a shower. In the afternoon we will leave for Agra. I am now excited to see the famous TAJ MAHAL.

It would take 3 hours of indian train ride from Delhi to Agra. This is my first train ride mind you. I fear for the worst but iam overwhelmed by excitement!!!

Some scenes in our train ride can be viewed here.

How to apply for Indian Visa On Arrival

Tourist Visa On Arrival is now eligible for citizens of the following countries : FINLAND , JAPAN , LUXEMBOURG, NEW ZEALAND, SINGAPORE, CAMBODIA, LAOS, VIETNAM, PHILIPPINES. The Indian government , in its effort to promote tourism, has extended its tourist voa scheme to these countries on a strictly single entry and for a short period of maximum 30 days.

This visa is non-extendable and non-convertible and will only be issued at arrival only at 4 designated arrival points namely : DELHI, KOLKATA , MUMBAI AND CHENNAI airports.

Only two(2) visits per year shall be permissible in a calendar year and there shall be a gap of two(2) months between each visit.

VISA FEE AMOUNT: usd60 per person including children

Visa fee shall be paid upon arrival at the airport. It can be paid in usd or rupees. Application form are available at the airport.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. 2 passport sized id
2. 60usd for visa fee
3. passport (of course)
4. return ticket

It's quite simple. Upon announcement of the voa scheme last Jan 2011, our group immediately decided we want to visit India . The return ticket we bought is for MNL (Manila) - KUL (Kuala Lumpur) - DEL (Delhi) - KOL (Kolkata) - BKK (Bangkok) - MNL (Manila).

Everything else in between will be traveled by train (which is quite cheap in India).


When you arrive in IGI(Indira Gandhi Int'l) airport you must proceed to the Visa on Arrival section . The exact location is under the escalator before the immigration counter is.

                              At the Indira Gandhi Int'l Airport

Procedure:

1. Go to the visa on arrival counter.
2. You will be asked by the immigration officer to change your money to rupees.
3. Get an application form and fill out completely. Make sure to attach your passport sized id picture.
4. Hand out your completely filled out application form and 60usd (or its equivalent in rupees) to the officer in charge.
5. If no problem will occur, the officer will stamp your voa in your passport . You're free to go afterwards.

Note: No need to line up in the immigration counter after this. Just go straight to the baggage carousel.

Easy as pie. We had a tremendous cultural experience in India. Shocking, Enjoyable, Fun , Enriching experience indeed.

Follow this blog so you may experience it too.