Getting old is not all that bad after all, at least that’s what I realized when I visited Delhi this time since I hardly could remember my previous 2 trips (when I was just few years old) to this marvelous city! Visit to Delhi was part of our 3 week family vacation to our home-country and I want to focus on this leg of our travel in this blog simply because it was indeed a memorable experience and also, including the entire trip will make this blog too lengthy. For this blog, for the sake of simplicity, I am going to call it as Delhi, although Delhi has a new Delhi part and an old Delhi part to it. I guess it’s more for administrative purpose and really doesn’t matter from a tourist stand point.

Delhi is very well connected – by air, rail and road (last 2 options for domestic travelers only). We flew from Amritsar (our last destination before arriving into Delhi) for a 6 day stay in Delhi and my sister and I were looking forward for our stay in the capital city. The main reason is that we were the ones who planned the entire itinerary for Delhi visit and it’s like we becoming the tour guides of our parents and it was quite ‘fulfilling’ to be on the other side of the table! Both of us had a quick trip to Delhi through our school which was really whirlwind and both of us had the feeling of not having enough of Delhi and through this trip, not only we wanted to ‘flaunt’ our knowledge about Delhi to our parents but also wanted to explore the city in detail, something that we couldn’t do through the school trip.

Delhi airport is one of the nicest airports that I have seen. It is one of the busiest in the region with modern amenities, friendly staff and many awards under its belt. We were warned about the potential traffic jams and hence, took a Metro right from the airport to go to Connaught Place where our hotel was booked and believe me, it was super convenient. Again, very impressed with the Metro – cleanliness, travel etiquettes of the passengers and of course, the convenience.

Our hotel was on Ashoka Road, very close to Connaught Place, the heart of Delhi and I think it is  one of the best areas to live in. Very green and gave the feeling of staying in the middle of a garden, literally! It was so beautiful. In fact, I could only see lush greenery whenever I peeped out of our hotel room which was on the 12th floor, except of course, few skyscrapers popping out amidst those lush green trees, as a silent testimony of urbanization. Although, the hotel reception was crowded with a lot of guests checking in & out, but the guys were very efficient and friendly and the check in was a breeze!

Visit to Janpath Market & Tibetan Market

It was early evening by the time we checked into the hotel and settled down and hence, it was too early to retire for the day and too late to do anything serious that day. Just wanted to do something quick and retire for the day after a good dinner and get charged for the following day. When the suggestion came from the parents for a stroll on the famous Janpath Road as a filler, my sister and I half-heartedly (no prize for guessing it right – shopping is not our cup of tea!) had to agree since we didn’t have any better alternatives to suggest! It was very close to the hotel and when we got there, we were quite stunned to see such a vibrant place. The street is full of small shops and street vendors selling everything from garments, souvenirs, handicrafts to antiques and of course, restaurants and street food stalls! It also had a segment for Tibetan products which is called Tibetan Market. What was also interesting was that we could find vendors from many parts of India selling stuff from their region – ‘everything under one roof’ – literally! The place is so colourful and energetic that it gave us a festive feeling just by being there and I was glad that we visited that place. What we thought would be a filler, turned to be a full-fledged trip to a lovely market place! It was late in the night and we were knackered by the time we got back to the hotel after a delicious meal (and we totally deserved it) in one of the restaurants nearby.

Visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan

It is not an exaggeration if I said visit to the Rashrapati Bhavan was one of the main purposes of our trip to Delhi and it indeed was quite an experience. Rashtrapati Bhavan, the palace of the President of India, the largest democracy in the world, is a majestic architectural marvel standing on a 330 acre estate in the heat of the city surrounded by breathtaking lush green beautiful gardens. Designed by the famous architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, it was built in 1929 as a residence of the British viceroys. The main building has an area of about 5 acres with 340 rooms speared over 4 levels and the total length of its corridors adds up to an incredible 2.5 km!

Once at the reception area, the visitors are split into smaller groups and the visits are a guided tour by the in-house scholar guides (our scholar guide was very knowledgeable and was simply superb!). The interiors and the historic facts are quite a revelation! The décor, the paintings, the architecture are all beyond words. I couldn’t believe that actually saw the Darbal Hall, Ashoka Hall, the Banquet Hall etc which otherwise are seen only in pictures to common people like us. It was indeed a privilege and honour to visit such a revered place and I feel fortunate that I had this opportunity since Rashtrapati Bhavan was opened for public only few years ago.

Prior online booking is required to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan (grateful to a family friend of ours who did all that for us!) and despite being a (quite understandably) a high security area, visitors with the valid bookings can drive up to the last security post which is just before the reception area. However, thinking that the vehicles may not be allowed inside, we let go the vehicle that we had hired and walked all the way to the reception and believe me, no regrets for doing that since, it was quite an experience walking through that prestigious presidential estate. It was certainly memorable experience and a ‘must do’ thing to all who visit Delhi. Bit disappointed that we couldn’t see the famous Mughal Gardens which opens for public only during February each year. But there is always next time, as they say!

Visit to the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex

This is another must do things while in Delhi which showcases the glorious history of India. Located within the President’s estate, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex, apart from a huge collection of rare artefacts relating to the Indian History, has a vast display of official gifts received by the Presidents from across the world and also some of their personal belongings. We can also get a sneak peek at the President’s office and the kitchen through the replicas on display! Spread over 3 floors, the museum holds a lot of interesting historical information like making of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (erstwhile Viceroy House), freedom movement, transfer of power, formation of the Republic, life of the Presidents etc. There are story telling corners with the use of latest technologies like VR and holographs.

Prior online booking is required to visit the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex and highly recommend allocating 3 to 5 hours depending level of interest one has in history.

Visit to the India Gate

India Gate, another creation by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the architect who designed the Rashtrapati Bhavan, is a war memorial dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in wars during the 1^st word war. Very similar looking to the Arc-de Triomphe in Paris, this beautiful monument with a height of 42 meters was completed in 1931 and was built using mainly the yellow and red sandstone and granites. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti, in the memory of the martyrs of the 1971 Indo-Pak, was later added in the complex where the eternal flame burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who laid down their lives in that war.

India Gate stands tall on Rajpath (where the famous republic day parades take place every year) at the opposite end of the Rashtrapati Bhavan (guide told us that it is in a straight line from the main dome of the Rashtrapati Bhavan which is above the Darbar Hall). Surrounded by large lush green lawns and fountains, India Gate gets lit up is beautifully at nights. Open to public on all the days (and night) of the year.

Visit to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex

‘Seeing is believing’ – aptly applies to this breathtaking traditional Hindu temple complex which consists of a main shrine, exhibition halls, fountain, lake and a beautiful garden. I was dumbstruck looking at the intricate carvings of deities, flora & fauna and dancers depicting the essence of India’s ancient architecture, traditions and spiritual messages that was used everywhere in complex and it is certainly beyond words to express – something one must see to experience! No wonder, according to some statistics, 3 out of every 4 tourists who visit Delhi, visit Swaminarayan Akshardham Complex.

Located in the outskirts of the main city, on the banks of river Yamuna, this beautiful temple complex was built using Rajasthan pink sand stone and Italian marble and I was told that neither the concrete nor the ferrous metal like steel. It took almost 5 years to complete this architectural marvel and opened its doors to the visitors in 2005. This has been recognized by the Guinness World Record as the World’s Largest Comprehensive Hindu Temple.

Entry to the temple complex is free of charge, but other attractions like the musical fountain and the exhibition are subject to nominal entry fee. Mobile phones and other electronics are not allowed inside the complex (and so is the photography) and all the visitors go thru a strict security check. Staff are friendly and helpful and it makes the trip truly memorable one. Another addition to the ‘must do’ list while in Delhi (I know the list is growing!).

Visit to the Red Fort and Jama Masjid

Red Fort is a very well-known monument in Delhi (it is in the old part of Delhi) built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17^th century. This magnificent structure derived its name from the red sandstone enclosing walls and this was the residence of the Mughal emperors for about 2 centuries. Typical Mughal architecture is evident in this complex which consists of palaces, meeting places, royal baths, mosque, gardens and water canals. Once considered as a Mughal architectural masterpiece, the Red Fort today has sadly lost much of its glory because of the plundered artworks, jewels and precious structures that took place during several invasions after the fall of Mughal Dynasty and also during the British era. Restoration efforts are on and despite the damages caused to this beautiful monument, it is definitely a must visit to have a look at this glorious monument standing tall even after several invasions and destructions.

Every year, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag and addresses the nation on its Independence Day from the Red Fort. UNESCO has accorded the World Heritage Site status to the Red Fort in 2007. Security around the Red Fort is very strict and the entry is subject to a nominal entry fee. Certainly a ‘must see’ place while in Delhi.

Very close to the Red Fort is another important monument, Jama Masjid, a mosque built by Shah Jahan around the same time during which Red Fort was built for the Mughal royals. This monument, built with red sandstones and white marbles is another reminder of the glorious Mughal architecture and is prominent in the old Delhi skyline. This, one of the largest mosques in India today which can accommodate about 25,000 worshippers, has been built on an elevated platform and has 3 main gates, 4 towers, 3 marble domes and 2 minarets. Panoramic view of new Delhi side of the city from one of the minarets which is open for public is breathtaking and worth the climb!  The mosque has several relics of Islamic religious significance, e.g., an old transcript of the Quran printed on deer skin etc.

It is very close to the Red Fort and one can reach by walk from the Red Fort or hire an auto rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw which are easily available there (a word of caution – too much of traffic around this place).  Best option is (I am glad, we did) is to hire a cycle rickshaw and ask the guys to go via the narrow and busy lanes of Chandni Chowk, the original Delhi wholesale market selling everything from spices, garments, stationeries to traditional Indian sweets. I was told that people still prefer to go Chandni Chowk for big shopping trips despite availability of plenty of shopping places elsewhere in the city.  Photography is not permitted inside Jama Masjid and dress code is applicable for both men and women. Appropriate clothing as per the prescribed dress code is available at the mosque entrance which can be borrowed, in case of need.

Visit to the Humayun Tomb

Delhi has been a place of political significance since medieval period and has served as a capital for many dynasties. As a result of this rich heritage, Delhi has numerous monuments of historical significance reminding us of the glorious past, surviving (to some extent) subsequent invasions and plunder. The tomb of the well known Mughal Emperor, Humayun is yet another such significant monuments. This spectacular complex, another beautiful example of Mughal architecture built with red sandstone and white marble, includes the tombs of Humayun, his wife and a number of other Mughal emperors and is surrounded by beautiful Persian style garden.

Another UNESCO World Heritage site in Delhi and a visit to Delhi is definitely incomplete without seeing this spectacular piece of architecture.

Visit to the Lotus Temple

Another attraction in Delhi is the Lotus Temple (name because of its lotus shape), place of worship of Bahá’í Faith. This spectacular building which has 27 free standing petal shaped marble clad structures, has won several awards for its architecture and design so far and according to CNN, it is the most visited building in the world. This architectural master piece has 9 entrances and is surrounded by 9 pools (number 9 reelects the Bahāʾī belief in the mystical properties of the number 9) and stands on a 26 acre landscaped beautiful garden.

Entry to the Lotus Temple is free and is open to all. The main prayer all can accommodate almost 2500 prayers at a time. It is very quiet and peaceful inside and one must visit to experience the tranquility.

Visit to the Qutb Minar Complex

The list of things that we did in Delhi seems endless! Although I wish it was the case, this was the last thing that we could manage to do within the time that we had in Delhi.

A gift from the Delhi Sultanate, a Muslim dynasty which ruled Delhi over 3 centuries from the 13^th century, the Qutb Minar Complex is believed to have been built on the ruins of the other unknown (no credible records available in this regard) monuments of non-Muslim dynasties. This argument is based on the architectural features that can be seen in these monuments which are not typically found in the ancient Muslim architecture. However, it is not that important in this context. The complex consist of several monuments like tombs, mosques etc. But the most important of them of all (or should I say, famous!) are the Qutb Minar & the Iron Pillar.

Qutb Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world with a height of 72.5 meters which was built as a victory tower in the 12^th century. This splendid structure has been built with sandstone and white marble and has intricate carvings of the verses from the Quran. The entry into the minaret is closed for public for the past several years keeping in mind the safety of the visitors. I am sure, it would have been a spectacular panoramic view of Delhi from the top of this minaret!

Next to that is the Iron Pillar that referred earlier which certainly is not as outstanding as the Qutb Minar when you look at it. But this approx. 24 feet tall pillar believed to have been forged about 1600 years ago, still stands tall in a perfect condition defying its age without any sign of rust or other erosion. Is it a mystery or testimony of the technical knowledge our ancestors had?

One of the most visited monuments in Delhi and because of this reason, be prepared to wait for about 15-30 minutes to buy the entry tickets. The foreign nationals, like in almost all the tourist attractions in Delhi, have a separate ticketing counter and it isn’t as busy. But it is certainly another ‘must visit’ place in Delhi and according to me, this is located in one of the greenest leafy part of Delhi & it is very pretty!

It was almost the end of our stay in Delhi (our vacation was over and the school was calling!!) and it was not possible to squeeze in anything more in this stay. However, we wanted to do a quick tour of the city on wheels before we pack our luggage! Although there are standard city tour packages available, we decided to hire a cab for a couple of hours (didn’t cost us too much) and see the places that we wanted to see since we knew our preferences. The taxi guy, who is another fantastic person that we met in Delhi, seemed like knowing the city in and out and took us around the Parliament House, showed the residences of the VIPs including the PM (with the President’s residence already seen, with this, we have now seen the residences of the 2 top most VIPs of India!), Supreme Court, High Court, Ministries, Embassy Area (called Chanakyapuri, the whole area looks like a huge garden, very pretty) and also some of the nicest locations of Delhi before dropping us back to the hotel.

I am glad we did that quick city tour since after this tour, I fell more in love with the city for its greenery, beauty and of course, the people! We came across some very nice people while in Delhi whether the cab drivers who were extremely polite, well mannered and helpful (some of them were very knowledgeable with whom we could have lengthy conversations on many topics including current affairs, world politics & you name it!) or the common people. We never felt unsafe even in the late ours of the night for any reason. In fact, on one of the nights, it was past midnight by the time we finished our dinner with one of our family friends in a restaurant and we were surprised to see that the place was still buzzing with people of all age at that hour of the night. During our stay in Delhi, we never felt a bit that it was unsafe to stay out late at nights. We didn’t come across any incidence of scams or cheating during our stay and talking about the people, we always had great experience. I must mention about the cycle rickshaw pullers who we hired to take us to the Jama Masjid from the Red Fort, didn’t even bargain or quote for fare except to say, ‘please pay as you feel ok, looking at the our efforts’. We were pleasantly surprised with such gestures of the people everywhere we went. Another incident that I must mention about is the one when we got down from the taxi to visit the Humayun Tomb, my sister’s sandal strap snapped and there were neither footwear shops nearby nor anyone to fix it (she is not small to carry on our shoulders as well) and we had no choice but to take a cab again and buy some footwear for her wear. But looking at our dire straits situation, a passerby (he must have been watching us) walks to us with a screw driver in his hand and says ‘Bhai Saab, woh sandal dikhhiye'(means, brother, please show me those sandals) and with is creative mind, quick fixed the snapped strap and we were just floored by his kind gesture. Believe it or not, the sandal survived our rest of the trip and she didn’t have to use new ones till we got back. These were only few of the pleasant experiences that we had in Delhi during our stay.

It is quite true that this travel blog of mine gives an impression that we were on an archeological expedition to Delhi, but it is not correct. We did other things as well, like shopping & eating…Delhi is a good place for shopping as well and my blog would be incomplete without mentioning about a few must visit places from the shopping perspective. Top of the list of course, is Connaught Place, a beautiful upscale commercial and business hub centered on a ring of Georgian-style buildings which was part of the Luteyan’s city planning. This place is always buzzing with activities and people and also great place to wander about, if not for shopping! Most of the well-known brands, local as well as international, are available here and also some of the finest restaurants, but the prices are steep. Famous underground shopping place, Palika Bazar, is also situated in Connaught Place. Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi Haat @ INA Market and Karol Bagh are some of the other well-known places for some lovely Indian as well as western stuff. Delhi is also a great place for eating out and there are plenty of nice restaurants (casual, fine dining and street food) in these shopping places serving diverse Indian and international delicacies.

As I said earlier, Delhi has a long history and has been the center of political activities of many dynasties and hence, there are so many historical sites to explore in and around Delhi. What we managed to explore was only a small part of what we wanted to see and there are so many things that we couldn’t manage to do in this trip like Jantar Matar, Raj Ghat, Gandhi Smruti, Purana Quila and the list is long! At the end of it all, we left Delhi with the feeling of not having enough of it once again since there are a lot more treasures to explore there. Next time for sure!