Yeh Hai Dilli!

Here are some quick facts about the capital city of India, Delhi:

a) One of the oldest cities in the world.

b) It was formed in 1000 BC.

c) Became the capital of India on February 10, 1931.

d) Was designed by the British architect, Lutyens.

e) Houses more than 25 active art galleries.

f) Three of the UNESCO world heritage sites are located here – The Red fort, The Qutb Complex and the Humayun tomb

g) Comprises of Old and New Delhi.

I came across some interesting heritage walks conducted in Delhi and these are on my ‘to be experienced’ list when I visit the city, next time:

a) Walks in Delhi conducted by India Habitat Centre, www.indiahabitat.org

b) Walking tours by Delhi Heritage walks, they conduct customized tours too, www.delhiheritagewalks.com

c) Heritage walks with Surekha Narain, www.delhimetrowalks.com

d) INTACH Walks organized by The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, the fee for these walks is very nominal, www.intachdelhichapter.org


“Not all those who wander are lost.” – J. R. R. Tolkien

Exploring Delhi – Dilli Meri Jaan

Part 2 of North India Soujourn

The capital city of the world’s largest democracy, Delhi, always fascinated me. Having visited Delhi a couple of times on business trips, I did not get a chance to explore Delhi.

Finally I visited Delhi (though for a few days) some time back. It is a place which just cannot be covered in a couple of days. However here are some highlights which I would like to recommend from my experience:

a) Travelling by the world class Delhi Metro

Delhi Metro - cool way to travel around Delhi

b) Browsing the varied wares in Paharganj market

c) Go for a ride on a tanga (cycle rickshaw)




Tanga ride outside Paharganj metro station

 

d) Visit the famous Lotus temple (Baha’i temple)

One of the most visited landmarks in Delhi - the lotus shaped Bahai temple

e) Admire the beautiful, mammoth scaled Akshardham temple




The heavily guarded Akshardham temple

 

f) Explore the ruins of Qutub Minar complex

Qutb Minar

g) Pray at Laxminarayan Mandir (temple)

Across from the Laxminarayan temple

h) Savor delicious food at Parathewala Gali in Chandni Chowk

The varied menu as displayed in one of the Paratha shops in Parathewali Gali

i) Pay homage to the Nation’s leader – Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Smriti

The silent surroundings at Gandhi Smriti

Next time I plan to take the HoHo – Hop on, Hop off bus, in New Delhi – which covers most of the tourist places in Delhi, www.hohodelhi.com

 

A wonderful and economical way to explore Delhi !

Ho Ho Delhi !

North India Sojourn

Part 1

Having been to many South Indian states of India, I yearned to visit the Northern states and finally visited some of the famous places like:

a) Delhi – The Capital City



The famous Lotus temple in Delhi

 

b) Chandigarh – The Planned City


 

One of the many beautiful creations at Rock garden, Chandigarh

 



Beautifully adorned swings at Rock garden in Chandigarh



c) Amritsar – The Holy City

 

Overlooking the serene Golden temple at Amritsar





Wagh border near Amritsar



d) Shimla – The Cool Hilltown



The famous Mall road in Shimla




One of the many scenic pathways in Shimla

 

Visiting these cities and town within a week was indeed possible. Though seven days is not sufficient to explore all of these wonderful places, I must say it was a wonderful experience!

Each of these places has its own inherent attractions, which I will share in my upcoming posts.

“A wise traveler never despises his own country.” – Carlo Goldoni

A Hundred Hands!



Beautiful coir handicrafts of Pipli, Orissa

 Handicrafts – handmade by beautiful hands .....
I always loved handicrafts and happened to read about a beautiful event being held in Bangalore to promote handicrafts and the artisans.


The Handmade collective - The only festival of all things handmade is back for the 4th year with over 65 Artists & Groups.....says the home page of the website: www.ahundredhands.com

This festival is being held in Bangalore from 27th -30th November 2013.
Venue: The Kocchar Institute, St. John’s Church Road, Opposite Kendriya Vidyalaya, MEG, Bangalore.

A Hundred Hands is a nonprofit trust whose mission is to help those directly involved in the creation of handmade art, crafts and homemade foods, to earn a fair and sustainable livelihood from their work.

For more details, please visit their website: www.ahundredhands.com