Gauss-Telegraph: World trip from home in 30 days – Delhi

Gauss-Telegraph: World trip from home in 30 days – Delhi

by Andrés Muñoz

Humayun’s Tomb

Red Fort

My impression of Delhi

Delhi (दिल्ली)is a whole other world. It’s completely different to all the places I visited previously. I was astonished by how chaotic the city is – or even the country in general. It’s a memorable experience to walk around India and looking at cows wandering the streets while dodging richshaws. Nevertheless, India is very rich in culture and history and you can easily notice that in Delhi. It’s a city where the Present and the Past meet. Delhi is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but as the capital of India, it’s also quite modernized compared to the rest of the country. 

 

 

Qutub Minar

Must-see attractions

A must-see attraction is the Red Fort located in Old Delhi. It was the residence of the Mughal emperors for over 200 years until the establishment of the British Crown in India. The fort complex features many pavilions in various designs and a couple of museums, such as the Swatantra Sangram Sangrahalaya, which exhibits India’s History during the Colonial rule. You can also visit the mosque of Jama Masjid and try the food in Old Delhi. Furthermore, you shouldn’t skip a visit to Humayun’s Tomb. This mausoleum was actually the prototype of the Taj Mahal in Agra, so you will spot a lot of similarities in the architecture. Last but not least, you should drop by the Qutub Minar, the tallest minaret made of bricks. Within the Qutub complex you’ll find the tomb of one of the former Delhi Sultanate rulers, the ruins of the mosque and other monuments.

Swaminarayan Akshardham complex

Best place in the city

The Swaminarayan Akshardham complex (NH 24, Akshardham Setu, New Delhi) is a Hindu temple built around 15 years ago. However, it was designed in a very traditional Indian architecture. You’ll be stunned by all the detailed carvings and sculptures of gods, animals and plants on the main monument. Though the complex is much more than just a temple. It also features thematic gardens, a musical fountain show at night and three exhibition halls: Sahajanand Darshan (Hall of Values) portraying Swaminarayan’s life and his message to the people, Nilkanth Darshan (Theater) displaying a film about Swaminarayan’s pilgrimage and Sanskruti Vihar (Boat ride) showing you 10,000 years of Indian heritage. All this will give you a broad insight into Indian culture. But beware of their security policy before going to the complex.

Favorite local dish

Indian cuisine is so diverse that it’s hard to choose, but I probably liked mutton rolls the best, which is simply mutton meat wrapped in a paratha bread. You should also try an Indian Thali. A Thali is a meal made of different smaller dishes served on a metal plate. The idea behind it is to mix all 6 flavors – sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent – on one plate. You can normally choose between a vegetarian and non-vegetarian Thali. 

Note: Due to the spread of the coronavirus, we don’t recommend to travel until the all restrictions have been lifted.