India is huge. If you are a first time traveler to India and are wondering where to start exploring this vast subcontinent, the most obvious choice is what is popularly called the “Golden Triangle“: the Northern cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. The three cities make up a microcosm of modern India: a long history, breakneck economic development, the existence of the ancient with the modern, a collection of UNESCO heritage sites, busy streets, bustling bazaars and of course, mouth- watering North-Indian cuisine. So let’s start on a whirlwind tour of these three vertices of the “Golden triangle”.
India's golden triangle - Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
Delhi – land at the T3 terminal
First impressions are the strongest impressions. Delhi government certainly had this in mind while constructing the new Indira Gandhi international airport terminal which opened in 2010. The new T3 terminal now boasts to be one of the swankiest airport terminals in the world. Visitors are struck by the large size, efficiency and beautiful aesthetics of this new airport. Paintings, sculptures and other art is littered around the airport and gives a feeling of walking through a museum rather than an airport.
Giant hands depicting Indian dance mudras overlook the immigration check-point
Delhi – the old and the new
The city of Delhi is a giant melting pot: Hindus and Muslims, ancient ruins and modern skyscrapers, rich and poor, world-class metro rail and rickety buses, vegetarians and meat-lovers, humans and animals, the religious and the atheists… all are to be found here living side by side. Many a travelers have been overwhelmed by the sheer energy and differences in the city and have thus dubbed India popularly as “the land of contrasts“. This is in a big way made possible by the variety of rulers that Delhi has had: Hindu kings, Mughal rulers (who were Muslim), the British. Now Delhi serves as the seat of power and political capital of the World’s largest democracy.
Lotus temple, Delhi. Built by the Bahai Faith.
Delhi sightseeing places:
Popular sightseeing places in Delhi include Qutab Minar (the world’s tallest stone tower), Lotus temple, the Red fort of Mughals, the ancient Jama Mosque, Chandni chowk, India Gate, Lutyen’s Delhi (housing the President’s house & Parliament) and countless others.
India Gate New Delhi. A war memorial for the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in WW1.
UNECSO World Heritage sites in Delhi:
UNESCO has listed the Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb and the Red Fort as World Heritage sites.
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
How to get around in Delhi:
The best way to go around in Delhi is definitely the underground (and sometimes above ground) Metro. The Delhi Metro is one of the largest in the world with more than 150 stations and more being added everyday to cover the large area of this mega-polis. It is also a great way to avoid the hot weather and busy traffic on Delhi roads.
Delhi Metro
Taxi and call-a-cab services are also available as is that ubiquitous symbol of Indian city transport: the Autorickshaw.
Delhi autorickshaw
Delhi cuisine:
Delhi is a foodie’s paradise. The melting pot of Delhi is nowhere reflected better than in its cuisine – Mughal, Punjabi, Sindhi, Rajasthani, South Indian, Chinese (made the Indian way), Continental – all of the master cuisines of the world contribute to make what has to be one of the most tantalizing cities for the taste buds of food lovers. Centuries old specialty shops exist side by side with gourmet restaurants and chic outlets. Be it the firni (a milk and rice based sweet) or the Mutton kebabs, Delhi food will leave you wanting for more. A comprehensive list of the dishes of Delhi will take a post of its own so in the meanwhile, enjoy the pictures:
A typical North India platter featuring Naan bread, kebabs, biryani rice, vegetables, Chutneys (sauces) and Yogurt.
Street vendor in Chandni Chowk making spicy veggie curry with bread - better known as Pav Bhaji
Best time to travel to Delhi and North India: September to March
Delhi Weather: Hot and sunny in summer (April to June), pleasant and sunny in winter (September-March), Occasional rainy during monsoons (July-August). Don’t forget to carry your hats and sunscreen.
