My Delhi darshan (Delhi sightseeing tour)

Ever since I landed here, two weeks ago, I have always wanted to explore Delhi. I stayed at Delhi long time ago (10 years to be precise) but never visited any place worth mention. Like it happens to all residents who are well aware of the city they stay in but never bother to venture out and explore, I never explored Delhi when I stayed here.

This time, I have decided to make mends to my approach. I decided that I will visit places that are well mentioned and hence made a small resolution to visit few places. At my workplace, I asked a friend who willing agreed to take me around. So we decided that Saturday afternoon will be the right time to start the Delhi Darshan project.

Cometh Saturday afternoon, the Surya Devta (Sun God) didn't seem very happy. The mercury scaled the peak of around 44°C and there was no need for a sauna bath. The sweat bath was equally good on the day. Freshly baked and wet, I boarded the famed New Delhi public transport (a.k.a Bus) and started towards Connaught place where I was supposed to meet my friend. This friend of mine is a proper Delhite unlike me and knew places. So after the travel time of 1 hr and 10 min in the bus and another 20 minutes of paidal (on foot) walk I met this very generous and kind friend of mine. The first place to visit was local bhaiya (vendor) on the street who was selling cool refreshments. First price hike experience and no signs of economic recession. Against the maximum retail price of Rs. 20, the drinks costed us Rs. 25. Why? Because the guy had served us the 'cool' drinks and not 'hot' drinks and the difference was his service charge for the 'cool' drink. Two drinks down, now it was the turn to do some shopping.

Shopping in Delhi is altogether a unique experience (and so is in India). The 'High Streets' are frequented by both, the road side vendor who have small shops selling from ladies fashion garments to ultra modern fashion jewellery on one hand to Bose, Armani and Gucci brand shops on the other. All co-exists peacefully and do a brisque business. No one complains and the life goes on.

After the small shopping spree, which was interspersed by a short visit to an ATM, a visit to a book store, we decided to cool down a bit at a Chinese restaurant - 'Tao'. The restaurant reminded me of Mung Mee at Lancaster where the Thai food is delicious and this place offered me similar variety. The restaurant was a typical high street restaurant that I could expect in Cannaught Place. The food was enjoyable and palatable. As long as I was inside, I felt really nice but the moment I walked out I felt as if I was thrown in the burning amber.

As I walked out, I decided to explore the famous footpath market alongside Janpath (an area made famous because it hosts the address of one of the most powerful ladies in the world - Sonia Gandhi). The market typically hosts clothing and fashion accessories shops and since my friend is a shopaholic, I also went along and guess what, I pampered myself with handsome sunglasses - brand Armani (ofcourse the fake ones). That's the fun part of shopping in India. You get whatever you want at the price you are willing to pay.

Our next destination was Dilli Hat (a open air market mainly for handicraft items from all around the country, a cultural melting pot). It was one of those places about which I had heard a lot but never chanced to visit it. This time I didn't wanted to miss the opportunity so boarded the first train err.. the Delhi Metro and began a nice ride. The Delhi Metro is a marvel. The trains are wide, seating comfortable, platforms clean, security all around. To get into the station the security is like airport security with armed guards wielding body scanners and there is also a baggage scanner. Believe me, I was impressed. One of the best things is there is no paper ticket. Once I buy a journey, I am given a plastic token that is valid for the journey and the machine recognises the token and allows me to board the train and even takes it back when the journey is over and I walk out of the station. Good 'green' thinking.

Once at Dilli Hat, I enjoyed the food options. Felt that the prices were a bit on the higher side but I didn't mind. It was authentic and tasty.

When I started back home, again the irony of India struck me on the face. Metro, the engineering marvel, on one side, and crowded, overbearing buses and pathetic state of public transport system on the other. India is indeed a developing country but for all its faults it is an amazing place, place that I love.