Page:Burke, W.S. - Cycling in Bengal (1898).djvu/50

 of beautifully sculptured Hindu pillars, and the adjoining Kutab Minar, the tallest minaret or pillar in the world, being 238 feet in height, rising from a base having a diameter of 47 feet to 9 feet at its summit, are among what have been fitly termed "the many architectural glories of Delhi." Outside the city to the north are the Kudsia gardens with their interesting ruins, and about a mile to the north-west of the Mori gate is the historic ridge which formed such a prominent feature in the last siege of Delhi, and from which a most extensive view can be obtained of the city and suburbs.

The streets of Delhi and the roads round about the city are vile, full of great holes, and dusty to the last degree. But once fairly clear of the city, we strike the Grand Trunk Road, after crossing the Jumna Bridge, where we pay toll, receiving eight tickets for two annas — why eight, we cannot say. The bridge is wood-paved and is 2,640 feet long, the railway running overhead. The road from this point for many miles is like a racing track, undulating here and there, with a good deal of shade up to Ghaziabad (twelve miles). This city is entered by a large gateway, to get to which one has to turn off the road to the left. There is nothing of interest here, but Kellner's Refreshment Rooms and a P. W. D. Bungalow close to the gateway. It will hardly be necessary to suggest that cyclists will patronize the former. The next village of any importance is Dadri, 12 miles further on, and after that Sikandarabad, another 12 miles, and then Bulandshahr, the road for the last 20 miles rising very gradually. The Dâk Bun-