14 Touristy Places to see in Delhi

Say you are going to Delhi, to do the tourist-y things. Where do you begin? As someone who is natively from Delhi, that is a very tough question. Whenever I’m visiting Delhi there are a few places that I have to go to (mostly to hog, but still):
1. Chandni Chowk to eat Bedmi Aloo
2. Khan Market to eat at Big Chill Cafe
3. Connaught Place to shop at Janpath and eat at Nirula’s and Wengers
4. Nani’s house in old Delhi and to eat bedmi aloo.
5. Taiji’s house to eat whatever is the latest street food fad.

You get my gist, right? It’s mostly about food when I’m in Delhi. But, I decided the next time I go, I’m going to do some touristy things, and visit some actual tourist spots that I only went when I was some 9-10 years old on a school trip, back when I was still living in Delhi.

So, here’s a few places that you must visit on your first trip to Delhi:

1. Red Fort
   This is the beginning one for Delhi right? And luckily, it’s situated like right next to Chandni Chowk.
   Little about the place:
   It was the main residence for the Mughal Emperors for about 200 years, after it was constructed by the emperor Shah Jahan. But, since then it’s been through a lot: Invaders and  Britishers (or, you know the same thing!). Nowadays, it’s used as the location for Republic and Independence day in Delhi. It’s an iconic spot where the Indian flag flies high.
2. Lotus Temple
   
   Delhi’s architectural marvel, the Lotus temple is a beauty. The temple is open to all religions but needs you to be very, very quiet inside.
3. Humayun’s Tomb
   
   Inspired by Persian designs, it was a tomb to the Mughal emperor, Humayun.
4. Akshardham Mandir
   
   One of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi, the Akshardham Mandir is the main attraction of the Akshardham Complex. The beautiful temple is one of the most peaceful places to visit in Delhi. Keep in mind that you can’t really carry any cameras or mobile phones inside- so either leave them back in the hotel or in the car. Because the queue to storage is VERY long. There are photographers inside who will take picture inside for a reasonable fee.
5. Tomb of Safdarjung
   
   Because of the Mughal emperors, a lot of Delhi’s old architecture reflects Persian roots. This was built for Mughal Statesmen Safdarjung.
6. Agrasen ki Baoli and Jantar Mantar
   
   These are both really close to Connaught Place- and can be included when you’re in and around the area. Agrasen ki Baoli is said to be super old- older than the 14th century (when it was re-built!) and is a step well.
   Jantar Mantar is a giant sundial, built in the 18th century.
7. Hauz Khas Fort
   
   If you’re in Delhi, you will end up in Hauz Khas Village- you know for a few bites and drinks. The whole place is built near the Hauz Khas Fort- that traces itself back to the 13th century. If you read about it carefully, it is essentially a giant water tank from the century.
8. Lodhi Gardens
   
   It’s a local hotspot for early morning walkers. There are three historical buildings that you should visit- including the Tomb of Sikander Lodi, the second of the very short-lived Lodi Dynasty.
9. India Habitat Centre
   
   Soak in Delhi’s culture. There’s an amazing American Diner while you’re there- and with several art galleries, and lush gardens- it’s a must visit.
10. Dilli Haat
    
    This one’s a tourist’s dream. Colourful little stores everywhere, with everything “desi” you’d want to buy. I took my friend, Lucy there, and both of us went completely mental and ended up having a very relaxing time there.
11. Qutub Minar
    
    

    This 5 floored piece of architecture is on several itineraries. But, because it’s in the south of Delhi, it’s sometimes bumped off last minute. I visited there so many times a kid from school.

12. India Gate
    
    This is a proud war memorial near Rajpath. It was a memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in France during the First World War. Underneath burns the Amar Jawan Jyoti, the eternal fire as a sign of respect to the immortal soldiers.
13. Bangla Sahib Gurudwara
    
    A Sikh Gurudwara, it’s also near Connaught Place. On the grounds is the Gurudwara, holy pond, a school and an art gallery.
14. Jama Masjid
    
    One of the largest mosques in India, it was built by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan.

Places Indians get Visa-on-Arrival

If you’ve been reading my blog or have read my previous article about the whole debacle in just getting to Lebanon, you’d understand the necessity of this article.

I’ve worked with several British and French nationalities- most of whom get visas on arrivals – so they’ll never understand the actual pain that it can be to apply for a visa and then convince the visa officers of why you want to travel to their country.

In the spirit of that, I thought it will be a good idea to share the countries around the world that Indians don’t need visa for! Below are 23 out of 49 countries that offer visa on arrival or don’t require a visa for Indian citizens

1. Thailand
   The first country I visited where I was given Visa on arrival. I have never been more happy to stand in the smaller queue for SAARC countries and get cleared within 2 minutes with a visa.
2. Maldives
3. Macau
4. Indonesia
5. Jordan (This is pretty recent and wasn’t the case when I went about 8 years ago!)
6. Cambodia
7. Laos
8. Mauritius
9. Seychelles
10. Kenya
11. Tanzania
12. Madagascar
13. Comoros Island
14. Ecuador
15. The British Virgin Islands
16. Haiti
17. Jamaica
18. Fiji
19. El Salvador
20. Georgia
21. Burundi
22. South Korea
23. Bolivia

 

References:
IB Times
Wikipedia

9 Things to Know Before Traveling to Delhi

As someone who is from Delhi, but doesn’t live in India anymore I often get people asking me what they should know before jetting off to India, especially Delhi. There are a bunch of things that come to mind. I thought this would make the perfect post to write about.

1. “Delhi Belly” isn’t a myth. Be very mindful of what you eat- especially of street food. Delhi’s the city known for it’s amazing street food and “chaats”. But not all of it will agree with your stomach as it might not be prepared in the most hygienic of ways. As much as you can, drink bottled water and avoid tap water. I’ve never had tap water in India- we have a water purification filter in the apartment in Delhi. One thing people often forget about is ice. Avoid ice in any drinks.
2. Dress modestly. I’m not saying cover up completely- but just make sure the tops aren’t too deep from the front. It’s not just about disrespecting the culture- but since you might be actually going to touristy places- it might attract some unwanted attention.
3. Etiquette in holy places- India, in a larger prospect, is a land of several religions. And a lot of sight seeing in Delhi will have you in temples, gurudwaras, mosques. There are little things that you should know- for example, don’t wear chappals in the temple, cover your head in Gurudwaras and mosques. Be mindful and respect the place’s customs.
4. Bargain your way! Whether it’s taking a rickshaw to a local market or buying those colourful bags at Connaught Place- get ready to bargain! Especially the second they realize you’re a foreigner- their prices will hike. Sometimes you’ve to literally bargain 70% lower of the rate they’re saying and even then you might be over-paying!
5. Carry toilet paper. Most public washrooms will not have toilet paper- they will have a faucet.
6. Avoid public displays of affection. India might have been the country the kama sutra originated from- but it’s certainly not the place that takes PDA very nicely.
7. Especially in Delhi, avoid going to shady areas at night- and if you can avoid it, be in your room latest by 10pm. It’s just about being safe.
8. As much as it hurts to say, there is a lot of poverty in India and so, there are a lot of people begging on the streets in India. And if they see a foreigner, they get more clingy and ask for money. Avoid it- do not give the kids or adults any money. I always carry little sweeties in my bag for this reason in Delhi. Especially, because then at least the kids will directly get something!
9. Don’t be stupid and believe everything about India from the Hollywood movies you saw. Delhi has all the modern facilities available- and you’ll find that a lot of people can speak English- even if broken.

Srinagar, Kashmir (Part 4 of 4)

Next morning began our Srinagar tour. We started with the Valmiki temple. It was 500 steps from the ground to the temple. 500. Never had we thought about the exercise we were going to get on this trip. This temple was an old one, located opposite the Dal Lake. The view from the top, by the temple, of Srinagar was quite good. Next we went to the very famous Shalimar Bagh. It is a beautiful Mughal garden which was built by Emperor Jahangir for his wife. The beautiful park sets a tone of romance with its colorful diverse flowers, water fountains and shallow terraces. It was there I tried the local woman’s dress in Kashmir.

Since we had spent the previous day in Amarnath, we had to skip some of the places of interest. We did have a booking for a house boat on the Dal Lake. Srinagar’s Dal Lake is the influential highlight of the city. From the pavements, we sit on the hued Shikharas that took us to our house boat. After dropping our luggage and checking out that beautiful house boat we had booked, we sat again in the Shikharas and swayed around the river under the sunset. It was quiet, peaceful and all very pleasant.

It was our last night in Kashmir, next morning we were to fly to the next part of journey to Jammu. I didn’t want to leave Kashmir. I wanted to go back and sit by the brooks in Gulmarg, lie in the Baisaran Meadow, and wake up again in Panchtarini.

Kashmir is very rightly known as the heaven on earth, because being there, you realize that it is. Heaven is hidden under the beauty of the nature. Purely and completely nature. And if you haven’t been to Kashmir yet, please go. You can thank me with Kashmiri Pashiminas, when you return!

Things to remember when travelling to/in Kashmir:

• Always carry identification proof, wherever you travel.
• It is advised to wear conservative clothing, because of the conservative culture. Helps avoiding unnecessary attention.
• Always inform the hotel staff as to where you are going, when will you return, and give them driver’s information for emergencies.
• Give your driver’s information to somebody back home and make sure somebody or the other always know where you are.
• Avoid wandering alone in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, especially, after dark.
• Due to territorial restrictions, only post-paid cell phone plans work in Jammu and Kashmir. Make necessary requirements.
• The economy of Kashmir largely depends on tourists. Be kind to the horse walkers, the Shikhara sailors and shop owners. However, this doesn’t mean you should accept all or any inflated amounts of money they ask for. Always bargain.
• Bargain about the money before using the service.
• Book all house-boats in advance. They get too expensive last minute, and during peak seasons, there often isn’t any available.
• Many places, like the Amarnath Cave, restrict photography. Kindly respect their re
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Amarnath, Kashmir (Part 3 of 4)

Pahalgam, Kashmir (2 of 4)

Gulmarg, Kashmir (Part 1 of 4)