Let me take you to two monuments in New Delhi. The first is called Qutb Minar, a minaret that showcases Indo-Islamic architecture. Around this tower is a small, dainty park where families go for a picnic or an afternoon stroll. There are also old Hindu temples and ruins which make up the whole complex.

According to our guide, the tower gradually becomes thinner towards the top. The base is 14.3 meters wide while the top is only 2.75 meters wide. The tower is divided into five levels, each with a unique design. Notice how at one level the tower is shaped like a cube while in another level it’s rounded. As a result, if one looks at the tower from above, one will see a lotus flower, India's national flower.

I entered one temple and saw an old lady crouched on the floor. Seeing that I was by myself, she offered to take my photo inside that temple. Once I gave her my camera, she suddenly became bossy and strict. She ordered me to pose in front of an undecorated wall then she forcefully made me sit on top of a tomb-like stone block. I thanked her and asked for my camera back but she stepped back and insisted she takes another photo of me and the stone block, but now from another angle. I forced a smile to conceal my irritation. She was wasting my time. Finally, she returned my camera and asked for a tip! I should have known better.

The other monument is called the India Gate. It's one of my favorite spots in the madness of New Delhi. The monument is in a huge park with wide gardens perfect for lounging around with friends or family. It's actually a war memorial and India's national monument. It was built for the Indian soldiers who fought for the British Army in the first world war. The name of the valiant heroes are inscribed on the walls of the gate.

As the sun set, more and more people came. Families taking an evening stroll, lovers stealing a moment to hold hands before another day of work, and groups friends cracking foolish jokes on one another filled the park as night drew on. The gate was majestic and picturesque especially with the klieg lights beaming from below. It looked like a star had fallen from the heavens and landed in the middle of a park.

It looks like the Arc de Triomphe on Champs Elysee, doesn't it? The India Gate is lit up every night so make sure to visit when you're in town. There are hundreds of vendors that sell ice cream, Indian snacks and flying toys all over the place. The best time to go is during sunset so you can see the monument transform. Bring someone with you.