I have been living in Delhi for few years now... but never really took the time or had the time to visit the usual famous places in and around the city. So, it was decided I was going to do so. Joining me on this 'trail of discovery' was my friend, Sunny, who's almost like a family to me and his sister Tannu. We got up early morning and after arguing and discussing about where to go and whether to go or not right there at a bus stop we finally took an auto to Connaught Place. There we got ourselves tickets from a Delhi Transport Corporation bus services. When we saw the bus, we were quite disappointed. Sunny's plan to travel in the new DTC green bus went up in smoke!! Or should I say fog?
We visited many places. From the ones we'd pass by almost everyday to the ones we had never seen before. The pic below was taken at Humayun's Tomb, my first visit there. Before Sunny has a chance to complain, let me give the credit where it's due. This photo was taken by him. Sunsets and sunrise seems like a rare sight. I sometimes don't even notice the clouds!
I find the Baha'i Temple a real calming place. One can meditate inside the dome in complete silence and hear our inner voices, talking to us, guiding us sometimes... sometimes showing us what we already knew but forgot... sometimes just clearing up our thoughts. If you need a place to introspect or to just be with yourself, then take some time off and visit the place. You won't regret it.
And below climbing up the stairs of the Humayun's Tomb
the Birla Temple taken from inside the bus
This was a first too. What I liked about the temple was the inspirational, mythological and spiritual inscriptions and pictorial depictions on its walls. After coming out of the temple, as we were really, really tired and hungry, we had some fruit juices. Only to realise after ordering that the place was unhygienic and the glass were dirty too!! Tannu raised a toast to our good health as we hesitantly gulped down our mosambi juices!
Sunny waiting for the token for our shoes as we visited Rajgath, Gandhiji's cremation ground
There are around 12 cremation sites across yamuna banks apart from Gandhi's including that of Indira Gandhi, her father Jawaharlal Nehru and her grandsons, Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi.
The flame is kept burning at all times
I had heard and seen the place on television many times but this was my first time here. I guess the problem with visiting tourist spots is that there are way too many people and one doesn't get the kind of time one would have otherwise wanted to spend. We waited to click a group photo. When the spot was free and told the guard to click the pic, turned out it was his first time, so after posing for quite sometime the pic below was clicked.
I think I'm going reverse here. The Red Fort was actually the first place we visited. When we had gone there, renovation work was going on at some places. I guess nothing really stands the test of time in its original form. But I feel more needs to be done to restore the damages sustained by most of the heritage buildings in the city.
Tying to give a historical pose or is the pose already a history?
From up above to the 'garden' below
From up above to the 'garden' below
The Red Fort from outsideMeena Bazaar, inside the fort
We concluded our tour with a visit to the magnificient Akshardham temple. But couldn't take any pics since mobile phones and cameras are strictly not allowed inside. The security at the temple impressed me. Although after we witnessed the breathtaking sight and sound of the musical fountain, I couldn't help complaining about not being able to capture it. I guess I did capture it, but in my mind. Can't wait to go again. The musical fountain takes place daily at 6pm for 15 minutes.
On our tour we had passed through several important and some insignificant places. Of course depending on what is of importance to you. We passed through the Indira Gandhi Stadium, which was decked up for the 2010 Commonwealth Games; World Health Organisation building, Old Fort or Purana Qila where Humayun died; National Science Centre; Pragati Maidan; National Gallery of Modern Art; India Gate; Indian Parliament, world's largest circular building; Nehru Park among others.
Even after the dilli darshan I am not sure if I know the city all too well. There's something about the city that embraces you yet alienates you at the same time. Perhaps delhi still harbours its mystical nature!
Even after the dilli darshan I am not sure if I know the city all too well. There's something about the city that embraces you yet alienates you at the same time. Perhaps delhi still harbours its mystical nature!
