New Delhi is India’s capital and was moved to its present location in 1911 when the British decided to move the capital from Calcutta. The region of New Delhi and the old city has a population of 18 million and is like many cities rolled into one. It is often referred to as the Rome of the East. Old Delhi has been around for more than 3,000 years and is littered with many relics from lost empires providing a feast for your senses.
The chaotic, bustling area of Old Delhi is typical of real India and contains an eclectic mix of stalls, shops, food outlets and temples. The locals love to shop in the crazily colourful Chandni Chowk bazaar where everything is for sale from wedding outfits, jewellery, temple trinkets to spices. Somewhere I’m sure I heard the squawk of a chicken or goat from my seat in the cycle rickshaw which was firmly wedged tight in a rickshaw traffic jam as I watched the amazing scene unfold.
From its perch on the hill the magnificent 17th century sandstone Red Fort overlooks the mayhem of Old Delhi and even though it may have lost some of its former beauty it is still easy to imagine the glory of its imperial past. Close by is Jama Masjid, the beautiful red sandstone and marble building which is India’s largest mosque. Up 25,000 worshippers attend the mosque each day. For a birds eye view of the new city you can climb the 121 steps of the mosque’s narrow minaret. From here you have a good view of Connaught Place and Parliament House. The mosque was built by Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal.
Delhi is home to many beautiful historic sites. Two in particular are worth visiting even though they are a little out of the way; Qutub Minar with its 73 metre ornate tower built in 1192 and Humayun’s Tomb. The tomb is set in beautiful gardens and is one of the most peaceful places you will find in Delhi.
British colonial architecture dominates New Delhi with tree lined avenues, colonial bungalows, Parliament House, India Gate and the Vice Regal Palace which is now the residence of the President. The day I was touring there was a demonstration which caused many of the streets to be closed and the police weren’t allowing any cars to stop.
Like Mumbai and Kolkata the traffic in Delhi is crazy busy with cars, trucks, buses, tuk tuks, rickshaws, bicycles, cows and people. The air is heavy with haze but the wide streets, many parks, golf courses and tree lined streets soften the scene. For the dedicated shopper there is a great choice of distinctive Indian merchandise providing you can haggle hard and handle the hustle and bustle.
Once again I was visiting during the lead up to the Diwali Festival so I’m sure this added to the madness, mayhem and magic of Delhi!
