 There’s
no second chance to make a first impression and for many travellers, the
first experiences in Delhi set the tone for their judgement of the city, if
not for the rest of the country. Some travellers are put on the first plane
back again, screaming like a pig. Others never ever want to leave again (or
at least not for the forthcoming year). Decide for yourself which side you’re
on in this inevitable love-hate relationship. ‘ Delhi, love it or hate it’.
(And when you don’t love it, leave it for one of the other fascinating
places.)
Located on the banks of river Yamuna, Delhi consists of New Delhi (the
national capital) and Old Delhi. It is home to over 11 million of people
and India’s third largest city after Kolkata and Mumbai . Pronounced Dilli
in the vernacular, it is truly a city of contrasts. Its architecture ranges
from 10th century Hindu-Rajputana through 17th century Mughal to 20th
century British architecture. It is not uncommon to see cars, tongas (horse
carriages) and rickshaws on the same road. And while it is one of the
greenest cities of India, with vast parks, it is also one of the most
polluted.
New Delhi was built by the British and that is reflected in its
architecture. All roads in New Delhi lead to the India Gate which is a
memorial to the unknown soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
Towards and along Janpath, you’ll see the international hotels, impressive
buildings built to house the governmental departments, the foreign
embassies and museums such as the famous National Museum and the Nehru
Museum. New Delhi is also the place where the new big international
businesses are concentrated and extended spacious residential areas are
located as contrasted with the swarming life in Old Delhi.
These days, it still is an impressive melange of the old and the new
world. Main Bazaar, near the Delhi railway station is the perfect example
of this dualistic nature. On the one hand it is prepared for travellers and
offering western life in a nutshell when it comes down to shops,
accommodation and nightlife facilities. On the other hand, it still has its
street vendors, beggars and pollution.
Old Delhi is over 2500 years old and was the captial city of the Mughal
empire. It is dominated by the grand bazaar of Chandni Chowk and by the
Jama Masjid which is the largest mosque in India. You will be impressed by
the stillness of this place as soon as you leave the ant-hill of narrow
streets, vendor stalls and rickshaws and carriages fighting for a place on
the road behind. It offers some excellent views of the city as well.
Another popular sight is the Old Red Fort that dominates the horizon with
its minarets. Although it is in a rather neglected state, it still is an
excellent place to wander around and breath in the atmosphere of the old
emperor’s days.
South of Delhi, there is the Qutub Minar complex and Humayun’s tomb. The
wife of Humayun built the tomb for her husband and it is and it served as
inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra that was built later. It can easily
take up to four days when you want to see all the sights of Delhi.
Most people arrive at Delhi Airport that is still quite some distance
away from Main Bazaar, the main budget accommodation area in New Delhi.
Make sure you take the travel time in consideration when you have to catch
a plane. It can be reached easily by taxi but roads can be very crowded
during daytime. Delhi is connected perfectly to all other major cities in
India and trains run pretty much on time. At the train station, there is a
special office for foreigners upstairs to make reservations. The staff make
is accurate, friendly and quick and this is certainly a smart idea when
you’re planning to make one of these at-least-taking-twenty-hours train
trips. |
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