Delhi, one of the largest cities in India, is among the most historical, culturally rich, and modern cities in India. Tourism is royal at the site, as it comes with different packages of historical sites, traders’ markets, and vibrant events like nightclubs. Indeed, there is a popular hotel known as The Lalit New Delhi situated in the city centre. Whether you are a tourist and businessman on a work trip, book a room in The Lalit New Delhi for a luxurious stay. In this article, we will discuss some of the places in Delhi that you should check out.

Historical Monuments

1. Red Fort

Delhi houses the Red Fort, a monument inscribed under the World Heritage listing as it symbolized the era of the Mughals. This historical monument was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan during the seventeenth century. This fort has been developed from red sandstone and represents the great historical era of Indian history. Open to visitors are numerous courtyards, palaces, and museums that display original items from the period of Mughal rule.

2. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a famous tourist destination and is considered one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites; this is mainly due to its gigantic size. This is a 73-meter-high minaret built in the 12th century that has refined carving and inscriptions on it. The other major attractions that neighbour the Qutub Complex are the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and other structures, such as the Iron Pillar.

3. Humayun’s Tomb

It is a huge monument of Mughal architecture and is known to be a trendsetter for the subsequent monument, namely the Taj Mahal. This tomb was constructed in the 16th century and has a lawn around it; therefore, it provides the beauty of a park in the middle of the city. The tomb’s balanced look and fabulous designs attract a large number of visitors.

Cultural Experiences

4. India Gate

India Gate is a war memorial that was built to honour Indian soldiers who died in World War I. In the middle of Delhi City, the structure is established and surrounded by green lawns. This is one of the well-known public areas where people take sandwiches and drinks for a picnic, take an evening stroll, and feel the pulse of the city. Under this arch, an eternal flame, Amar Jawan Jyoti, is burning to pay homage to the unknowing soldiers.

5. Lotus Temple

The Lotus Temple is a much-valued structure as well as a memorial to the social principles of peace. The place has a calm atmosphere and an architecturally fascinating religious structure, which makes it suitable for meditation.

6. Akshardham Temple

Since Akshardham Temple is a recent creation in terms of architecture, it hosts modern art and culture in India on par with its spiritualist roots. The historical place contains a carved relief, a museum, and a musical water show. It can be safely said that a visit to Akshardham is an enlightening experience about India’s culture and principles.

Shopping and entertainment

7. Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and most crowded markets in Delhi, dating back even before the Mughal period. The market of Agra is very animated and attracts buyers due to the narrow roads packed with shops ranging in textiles, jewellery, spices, and tasty street foods. Chandni Chowk indeed has a lot to offer, and thus one cannot afford to miss the spices, snacks, and sweets here that make the place stand out.

8. Connaught Place

CP, the abbreviation for Connaught Place, is one of the largest commercial zones in Delhi. This circular market, which has shops, restaurants, and cafes on its perimeter, has international brands as well as specialty shops. The city is relatively small; however, there is a wide variety of shops to visit, mouthwatering restaurants to eat at, and fun to be had within the lively city.

9. Dilli Haat

Dilli Haat is a space that offers different types of food directly produced in different states of India. The market is ideal for those guests who want to find handicrafts, textiles, and artifacts from India. Moreover, the vendors vary from food trucks to serving real meals, providing a glimpse of the regional cuisine, which makes it a food trip.

Modern Attractions

10. The National Museum

 The National Museum, situated in Delhi, is a storehouse of India’s art, culture, and history. It contains sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts of a time past, in addition to other necessary equipment and materials. As it represents a brief overview of India and its cultural heritage, the museum is a must-visit place for all citizens, especially those interested in the arts.

11. Lodhi Gardens

Located in India on 90 acres of land, this historical Lodhi park has tombs and monuments. There are beautiful lawns and beautiful gardens where one can take a morning walk, have a picnic, go for a stroll, or do whatever one may fancy.

12. Hauz Khas Village

Hauz Khas Village itself has become one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Delhi, famous for harmonizing antiques and style. The part adds historical landmarks, artwork, shops, and nightclubs. The facility of the Hauz Khas, which is a medieval water tank, is historical and beautiful and transports one to the early days of Delhi.

Nightlife and dining

13. Kitty Su

There are nightclubs for those who love to enjoy nightlife; Kitty Su, the nightclub of the hotel Lalit New Delhi, is the most famous one, with very lively and good music. It is ideal for all the party lovers to come and enjoy all the nightlife the city has to offer.

14. Delhi’s Street Food

Street food is very popular all across the world, especially in Delhi, so one definitely should try it out. From the spicy chaat of Chandni Chowk to the fluffy paranthas of Paranthe Wali Gali, food lovers can truly have a feast.

Conclusion

Delhi is one of the most interesting cities that will always captivate its visitors’ attention with its past, present, and future. Starting from the availability of many kinds of attractions, such as monuments and shopping in the lively markets, to the nightlife and food from the new and improved restaurants, cities like New Delhi cater to everyone’s needs. The Lalit New Delhi offers a luxurious stay and serves as a great base to explore the city’s attractions. Delhi, in general, will not disappoint you if you are a fan of history, a shopping freak, or simply love good food. Well, fasten your seat belts and prepare yourself for the numerous wonders of India’s capital city.

Imagine stepping off a plane in India, where every corner offers a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and sounds. Whether you’re exploring the bustling markets of Mumbai, the historic fortresses of Rajasthan, or the serene backwaters of Kerala, having the right travel wardrobe can make your experience infinitely more enjoyable.

Let’s dive into crafting a simple yet stunning wardrobe that will keep you comfortable and stylish on your Indian adventure.

Choose the Right Fabrics

India’s climate varies dramatically from north to south, which means choosing the right fabrics is crucial. Lightweight, breathable materials like cotton and linen are perfect for most regions, particularly during the hotter months. Not only do these fabrics keep you cool, but they also fit beautifully into the local fashion landscape.

Cool Cotton for Day Tours

When you’re packing for a day exploring ancient temples or local markets, comfort is key. To enjoy every moment of your trip, opt for loose cotton tops or tunics, which pair wonderfully with light cotton pants.

When it comes to pants, women Ribbed pants are a fantastic choice. They offer an elegant look without sacrificing comfort. It is also ideal for walking through crowded streets or sitting down for a spontaneous chat session with locals.

Make Your Evenings Elegant With Leather

When the sun dips below the horizon, and cooler temperatures take hold, having an outfit that transitions smoothly from day to night is invaluable. For such occasions, women leather pants are an excellent choice. They provide a sleek, elegant look that’s perfect for an upscale dinner or a cultural event.

Additionally, leather pants are surprisingly adaptable. They can be dressed down with a simple T-shirt for a casual evening or paired with a fancy top for more formal events. Their durability and style make them a smart addition to your travel wardrobe. They ensure you look chic no matter where your Indian adventures take you.

The Role of Versatility in Your Wardrobe

Versatility is your best friend when traveling. You want pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits from a few key items.

1.     The Multipurpose Scarf

The versatility of a scarf knows no bounds. Not only does it shield you from the sun’s rays and add a pop of style to your ensemble, but it also doubles as a practical accessory for cultural excursions.

Whether you’re exploring ancient temples or wandering through bustling markets, a scarf can be effortlessly draped to respect local customs or provide extra coverage on windy days.

2.     Adaptable Footwear for Every Occasion

When it comes to footwear, versatility is key. While a sturdy pair of walking shoes will keep you comfortable during sightseeing expeditions, don’t overlook the importance of chic sandals that can effortlessly transition from day to night.

Opt for designs that combine comfort with elegance, ensuring you’re prepared for anything from dusty trails to evening soirees under the stars.

3.     Dressing Appropriately for Indian Customs

Remember to dress respectfully and appropriately to adhere to Indian cultural norms and customs. When visiting religious sites, you can wear modest clothing like loose-fitting tops and bottoms that provide coverage for shoulders, arms, and knees. You can also opt for flowy dresses or tunics that cover the knees, which are appropriate for maintaining modesty in Indian cultural settings.

Additionally, lightweight Cardigans or wraps can be worn over sleeveless tops or dresses to cover the shoulder when needed.

Practical Tips for Packing and Traveling in India

1.     Light Layers

While India is known for its sweltering heat, evenings can sometimes be cooler, especially in the northern regions. Pack light layers, such as a lightweight sweater or scarf, to stay warm when the temperature drops. This provides added warmth during cooler evenings or when traveling to higher-altitude regions like the Himalayas.

Don’t forget to include a compact, packable rain jacket or poncho in your luggage, especially if you’re visiting during the monsoon season. Sudden downpours are common in many parts of India, and having waterproof outerwear will keep you dry and comfortable during your travels.

2.     Sun Protection

Remember to pack essential sun protection items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun’s harsh rays. This provides an extra layer of protection, especially during outdoor activities like hiking or sightseeing.

It’s also important to stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Carry a refillable water bottle with you and take breaks in shaded areas whenever possible. Remember to pack essential sun protection items such as sunscreen, sunglasses to protect your eyes from the unbearable heat, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun’s harsh rays. This provides an extra layer of protection, especially during outdoor activities like hiking or sightseeing.

The Final Thoughts

Your journey through India deserves a wardrobe that’s as functional as it is fabulous. With these tips, you’ll be able to pack a suitcase full of versatile, stylish options without overpacking. So, embrace the simplicity of these choices and focus on the stunning experiences India has to offer.

Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur and cultural richness. From the colonial charm of Shimla to the adventurous landscapes of Manali, each corner of this northern Indian state beckons travelers with promises of awe-inspiring vistas and unforgettable experiences. In this exploration of the top 10 places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, we will unravel the diverse tapestry of this region, catering to the interests of nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those seeking spiritual solace. Moreover, for the convenience of those planning their journey from Mumbai or Nagpur, we’ll touch upon the availability of Himachal packages from Mumbai and Kullu Manali tour packages from Nagpur, ensuring a seamless and enchanting escapade into the heart of the Himalayas.

Shimla – The Queen of Hills

Nestled at an elevation of 2,205 meters, Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, exudes colonial charm and natural beauty. The Mall Road, lined with shops and cafes, invites leisurely strolls. The Ridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills, while the Christ Church, with its neo-gothic architecture, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history.

Manali – Adventure Hub

Nestled amidst the snow-capped mountains, Manali unfolds as an idyllic haven for adventure enthusiasts, making it an irresistible destination in sought-after Himachal packages from Mumbai. The allure of Old Manali, with its bohemian vibe and welcoming atmosphere, serves as a vibrant hub, particularly drawing backpackers seeking an authentic Himalayan experience.

The Hadimba Devi Temple, an architectural marvel in the form of a wooden pagoda-style structure, stands as a serene testament to spirituality amidst the thrill of adventure. For those embarking on Himachal packages from Mumbai, Manali’s charm extends beyond its immediate boundaries. A short drive away, the Solang Valley emerges as a playground for adventure seekers. Set against a stunning natural backdrop, this valley invites enthusiasts to engage in a myriad of activities, from skiing and paragliding to other heart-pounding adventures. In every twist and turn of this Himalayan paradise, the spirit of adventure seamlessly intertwines with the serene beauty of the landscape, creating an unforgettable experience for travelers from Mumbai.

Dharamshala – Spiritual Retreat

Dharamshala, set against the backdrop of the Dhauladhar range, is a spiritual and cultural center. The Namgyal Monastery, perched on a hill, offers serenity and panoramic views. The Kangra Valley below provides a peaceful escape, making Dharamshala a perfect retreat for those seeking spiritual solace.

Dalhousie – Colonial Charms

With its colonial architecture and panoramic views of the Pir Panjal range, Dalhousie is a charming hill station. Subhash Baoli, a perennial spring named after Subhash Chandra Bose, provides a tranquil setting. The town’s churches, such as St. John’s Church, showcase a blend of British and Indian architectural styles.

Kullu – Valley of Gods

Known as the “Valley of Gods,” Kullu, a pivotal destination in the sought-after Kullu Manali tour package from Nagpur, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. The Bijli Mahadev Temple, perched atop a hill, not only holds spiritual significance but also provides enchanting panoramic views of the valley below. Kullu Dussehra, a week-long festival celebrated with fervor, transforms the region into a cultural extravaganza, drawing visitors from far and wide. For those embarking on a Kullu Manali tour package from Nagpur, these facets of Kullu promise an immersive and unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with cultural vibrancy.

Kasol – Mini Israel of India

Nestled along the Parvati River, Kasol is a haven for backpackers and nature lovers. The trek to Kheerganga, known for its hot springs, provides a mesmerizing experience. The village’s numerous cafes, offering a variety of cuisines, add to the unique charm of this “Mini Israel of India.”

Chamba – Ancient Heritage

Chamba, with its ancient temples and historical significance, is a destination for history enthusiasts. The Chamba Palace, showcasing a blend of Mughal and British architectural styles, stands as a symbol of the town’s rich heritage. The Bhuri Singh Museum offers insights into the art and culture of Chamba.

Khajjiar – Mini Switzerland of India

Often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Khajjiar is a picturesque plateau with lush green meadows and a serene lake. The landscape, surrounded by cedar forests, offers a tranquil escape. Activities like horse riding and nature walks allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

Kufri – Winter Wonderland

Located near Shimla, Kufri transforms into a winter wonderland during the snow season. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities like skiing and tobogganing. The Himalayan Nature Park, showcasing a variety of flora and fauna native to the region, adds an educational dimension to the visit.

Spiti Valley – Land of Lamas

For the intrepid traveler, Spiti Valley offers a rugged and raw landscape. Key Monastery, perched atop a hill, is a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The ancient Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.

Whether you’re drawn to the colonial charm of Shimla, the spiritual retreat of Dharamshala, or the adventure hub of Manali, each place in Himachal Pradesh has a unique story to tell, making it a must-visit destination for every type of traveler. Consider exploring these wonders through Himachal packages from Mumbai or a Kullu Manali tour package from Nagpur for a seamless and unforgettable journey.

About Himachal Pradesh

In concluding our journey through the top 10 places in Himachal Pradesh, we find ourselves captivated by the sheer diversity and allure this state offers. Whether it’s the historic charm of Dalhousie, the spiritual tranquility of Dharamshala, or the adrenaline-pumping adventures of Manali, Himachal Pradesh caters to every traveler’s whim. As we contemplate the breathtaking landscapes, ancient heritage, and unique cultural experiences that define Himachal, it becomes evident that this region is more than a destination; it’s an immersive journey into the lap of nature. For those planning their exploration from Mumbai or Nagpur, the availability of Himachal packages from Mumbai and Kullu Manali tour packages from Nagpur opens doors to a hassle-free and memorable expedition, ensuring that the magic of Himachal Pradesh remains etched in the hearts of all who venture into its embrace.

Photo credits:
Hadimba Devi Temple, Hidimba Devi Temple Dhungari Temple Manali by Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When you think of traveling to India, what’s the first spot that comes to mind? Is it the breathtaking Taj Mahal? Or is it a day trip to the lively streets of Mumbai, New Delhi, or maybe even Kolkata? Well, what if I told you there are spots way better and way more underrated than the ones mentioned above? When visiting India for the second time, I didn’t have high expectations of Daman and Diu, but, boy, did they blow me away. If you’re planning a trip to Daman and Diu, I’ll cover everything you need to know about these less-known gems of India!

How to Get to Daman?

After my partner suggested a trip to Daman, my first thoughts were about the logistics of getting there. The first time I went to India, I spent five days in and around New Delhi, and it was terrific, but it wasn’t as complicated to organize as this. I spent two whole days studying the map of India and figuring out the best way to get there, but it was totally worth it.

There are a few options to get to Daman. First, there’s always a train; for me, there’s nothing more romantic than a long train ride. However, the nearest railway station is Daman in Vapi, only 12km from the town. Once you reach Vapi, you must take a local taxi to get to Daman. As for the trip from the states, the nearest international airport to Daman is Mumbai international airport, which is, luckily for us, not that far. But, instead of enjoying the train ride, I must admit I mostly slept through it.

What to Do in Daman?

I recently spoke with a friend who visited India at the same time as I did. The only difference is he was in Rishikesh while my partner and I spent a few fantastic days in Daman. Looking at his photographs, I, however, didn’t feel jealous at all. The things we saw and visited on this trip will forever stay in my memories. Here are only some of the spots we visited:

Jampore Beach

One of the first beaches we hit since unpacking was this one, and after we got there, I kept saying I never wanted to go anywhere else. I suddenly didn’t care about visiting other spots. My partner, however, had other plans, but not after we spent a whole day sunbathing and enjoying the Jampore beach paradise.

The Moti Daman Fort

Our second day in Daman was more touristy. That’s when we visited this beautiful monument from the sixteenth century. Although it’s slightly worn out and needs restoration, it’s still amazing. Also, it’s a great spot for travel pics if you’re into that sort of thing.

Jain Temple

There are several temples located all across the city of Daman, and I wanted to visit all of them. And I did. So, I’m glad to say that out of all of them, the Jain temple was probably my favorite. The distinctive design of this temple is breathtaking, and so are the frescoes from the 18th century that represent the life of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.

How to Get to Diu?

From Daman, there’s one main way to get to Diu; the bus. I initially dreaded this option since I easily get car sick, but the ride wasn’t as bad as I feared. However, during the night, it got freezing. But, lucky for me, I packed as though I was moving to India, so I followed the advice of the experts from Heart Moving NYC and packed for all kinds of weather. In the end, I took some pills to calm my motion sickness and slept through most of the ride, but that meant I was full of energy when we reached Diu in the morning.

What to Do in Diu?

Nagoa Beach

Nagoa Beach, which is about 20 minutes from the town of Diu, is a popular beach with locals and tourists, and I can see why. We had a fun day in the sun to fully recover from our trip, which definitely worked. Aside from the usual, this beach offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including water sports and horseback riding.

Naida Caves

My favorite spot in and around Diu was the Naida caves. I’ve never seen anything quite like it, although I have to admit I haven’t visited many caves in my life. I recently wanted to show my friend a photo of the caves, so I googled it and found out the caves are temporarily closed. Hopefully, they will open again soon because they’re an absolute must-see.

Diu Fort

Another beautiful old castle. It was fascinating to see it as it looks even better in person than in the photos.

If You Go:

Packing Tips

Though I did brag about bringing my entire closet with me to Daman and Diu, you shouldn’t try to be like me. It would be much better to pack lightly to help you get from one destination to another. Moreover, bring only the essentials, and leave the expensive jewelry and all of that back at home. If you’re afraid of someone stealing your valuables while on holiday, ask a friend to house-sit or rent a safe place for your items, like short-term storage that you’ll only use while you’re away.

When Should You Travel?

When it comes to traveling to Daman and Diu, from what I heard, you can visit these towns any day of the year, and it will still be beautiful. However, it does get scorching in the summer, so if you’re not into extreme heat, maybe use that time to camp in the Himalayas and then come back to Daman and Diu in the fall.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I spent two weeks in Daman and Diu, the less-known gems of India, and I have so much to say about these two towns. However, everything I’ve seen and experienced cannot be summed up in a single article. If I had to summarize it, I’d have to say I loved every single moment of this trip. Yes, even the bus.

Browse Guided Tours Now Available In And Around Mumbai, India

Having traveled to numerous places, I’ve had an opportunity to become familiar with various cultures, experience mesmerizing sights first-hand, and partake in activities many would only dare think of. It’s precisely on that journey over the world that I’ve stumbled upon Goa – for most, just a typical party place swirling with tourists that are only interested in having fun at the beach and drowning in booze. However, in my eyes, it was so much more than that. It was a place like no other – a place with a rich history and beautiful landscape worth taking a deep dive into. I gave it a chance, and boy, did it not disappoint! Now, it’s time for you to do the same. However, before you get packing, take a look at six offbeat things to do in Goa. They will, undoubtedly, make you remember it for years to come!

Offbeat Things to Do in Goa That Make It Worth Visiting

In case you aren’t familiar with Goa just yet, it is a state located on the west coast of India. This ex-Portuguese colony is known for its all-year pleasant weather, beautiful beaches, festivals, lavishing nightlife, and otherworldly seafood. However, there’s more to it than meets the eye. And it’s precisely those unordinary aspects of this party capital of India that we will focus on.

#1 Pay a Visit to the Goa State Museum

If you happen to be a history buff, you’ll be happy to know there’s something for you to do in Goa. To take a trip down memory lane, you’ll have to visit the Goa State Museum. The museum introduces visitors to the origins of the state. It depicts its culture and customs and helps people better understand Goa’s pre-, during, and post-Portuguese phases.

Unfortunately, Goa State Museum doesn’t get much tourist traffic. It’s typically visited by students only, which is such a shame. Learning as much as possible about the place you visit should be the first thing on every traveler’s list.

 #2 Go to Indian Customs & Central Excise Museum for a One-Of-A-Kind Experience

Another museum on the list, but a museum like no other! When looking for offbeat things to do in Goa, you’ll not make a mistake if you go to Indian Customs & Central Excise Museum. Located in the state’s capital, Panaji, this place is so unique that there’s no chance you won’t be entertained by it. It’s meant to showcase India’s smuggling history and features various items that customs officials have uncovered over the years. While there, on top of seeing what it is that people tried bringing across the border, you’ll also learn of ways they attempted doing it. And oh dear, are the lengths they went to amusing. Bonus points for creativity!

#3 Visit One of the Many Chapels, St. Sebastian Chapel

Goa is home to many religious places, like chapels, churches, and temples. Among them is St. Sebastian Chapel, nestled in Panaji. The building itself is pretty dated. It has been around since 1818 and has, ever since, attracted many tourists. Back in the day, the area was devastated by the plague. It’s believed that none other but St. Sebastian treated the affected.

The chapel houses the white crucifix. However, on it, Jesus’ eyes are open. It’s partially because of this that the people of Goa believe that the crucifix has magical capabilities. A common belief is that it has the power to reward the worthy and punish the wrong-doers.

#4 Discover Shipwrecks

Today, it’s pretty easy to transport things from one side of the world to the other – courtesy of planes. A hundred years ago, though, that wasn’t the case. Back then, most of the transportation was done by the sea. Considering that Goa was a Portuguese colony, it’s not hard to imagine that trips between the two were inevitable. However, due to the way ships were built and the length of travel, shipwrecks were a common occurrence. Even today, people can see the evidence of that at the bottom of the sea.

If you are interested in exploring these further, worry not, as it’s certainly possible! First, learn how to dive and then book a guided dive tour of the shipwrecks. Don’t forget your GoPro! You’re probably going to want to document this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

#5 Take a Trip to the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa

Designed as a sanctuary for more than 100 species of butterflies, the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa is truly a magnificent place to visit. There’s something so fascinating about seeing hundreds of colorful insects flying around, each of them special and unique in its own way. As a visitor, you’re allowed to feed them with fruits, and you can get a close-up of them collecting nectar.

#6 Go Bird Watching

While on the topic of offbeat things to do in Goa, it’s worth mentioning the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Carambolim Bird Sanctuary, and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, which are all places that allow you to take part in bird watching. Each of these is home to exotic bird species, some of which cannot be seen elsewhere in India. And isn’t that enough to convince you to come?

A Couple of Last Notes

Now that we’ve covered some of the extraordinary things you can do in this place, it’s time you got your suitcases ready as Goa awaits you! The long trip is ahead of you and considering you’ll probably be traveling by plane, you’ll be limited in how much luggage you can carry. With that said, you’ll have to resort to packing economically to bring with you everything you want and need. Luckily, easy techniques to save space are many. Take a deep dive into the web to determine what these are!

Also, don’t forget that to be able to come to Goa, or India in general, you’ll probably need a visa. A visa is almost always a requirement unless you come from one of the few countries with a no-visa agreement with India. You must familiarize yourself with the country’s regulations as far as tourists and immigrants are concerned on time. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to experience offbeat things to do in Goa yourself.

About the Author
Rachel Stevenson is a travel journalist who’s had the opportunity to travel worldwide. She can hardly stay put and tends to move from one place to another. Her constant moving has helped her become quite an expert at it, which is how Rachel landed a writing gig at miamimoversforless.com. Nowadays, she’s looking for new places to explore and hopes to find somebody to accompany her on her journey.

by Mary Anne Broccolo 

It’s late evening as our taxi bounces us through the streets of New Delhi from the airport to our guesthouse. It’s a shock to my western senses, this introduction to the country in which I have just arrived. We are surrounded by a cacophony of honking cars as we dodge the onslaught of traffic, vehicles of all sorts driving haphazardly in every direction. We seem to narrowly escape collisions with rickshaws, stray dogs and cows. Walking on the side of the road is a man dressed in a ragged loin cloth and a long grey beard, skin covered in ashes. The air stinks. I laugh out loud. It’s both thrilling and fascinating, this dissonant symphony taking place around us. Noise, traffic, masses of people and animals, strong smells. So this is India, I think.

After a few final honks and swerves, our driver pulls in behind the guest house and I am shown to my room. Thankfully, the car horns fade into the night and sleep comes.

It’s September 2004, and I have arrived to meet seven others, including our Vancouver guides, Rasik and Melinda. The trip was originally planned as a yoga tour but the yoga teacher has cancelled for health reasons. Still, I am filled with excitement to be in this strange country, so different from any others I’ve visited. There would be no yoga or meditation, but we would be embarking on a week-long trek in the Himalayas to a source of the Ganges, that most sacred of Indian rivers.

But first, we spend several days in New Delhi visiting historic sites and monuments, but it’s India so we also see cows pulling old-fashioned lawnmowers to cut the lawns. We shop too, travelling by auto-rickshaw.

We dine in the majestic Imperial Hotel, enclosed by walls and guarded by handsome doormen dressed in white uniforms, looking as if they’d been standing there since the days of the Raj. We also dine in Old Delhi where we are entertained by dancers performing regional dances. During the taxi ride to Old Delhi, I spot a legless man on a low wooden cart, pushing himself along with his hands, recalling an image from Rohinton Mistry’s novel, “A Fine Balance.” There are also entire families with babies and small children living on the sidewalks of Old Delhi among the garbage, feral dogs, cows and dung.

 It’s soon time to head for the mountains and we leave New Delhi, travelling by train to Dehradun where we’re greeted by Chile and Neelu, bearing garlands of marigolds which they drape around our necks. Chile and Neelu will be our chief guides and caretakers in the Himalayas. After refreshment of chai and sweets, we board taxis for the two hour drive up steep mountain roads to Mussoorie, an old hill top fortress dating from the days of the Raj. Mussoorie is also a popular holiday resort for the Indian people, and it’s bustling when we arrive.

Staying two nights in Mussoorie to acclimatize to the increase in altitude, we hike in the surrounding forests. The elevation at Mussoorie is about 6,300 feet. It’s an interesting city, a reminder of India’s many dichotomies. From our guest house, we have a stunning panoramic view of the spreading green valley far below us, but it’s interrupted by a garbage slum situated on the higher edge of the slope. Families live there amid the garbage.

We travel by jeep further into the Himalayas to Uttarkashi, accompanied during the drive by Indian folk music on the tape deck. The roads are treacherous – narrow and winding -and there are many large military vehicles coming from the other direction, forcing us to hug the mountain side as they edge past. In case anyone driving on this road should forget to pay attention, entertaining signs line the side of the road, warning us: “Peep peep, don’t sleep”, “Road is hilly, don’t be silly”, “Awake today, alive tomorrow”, “Steady your nerves, before the curves”, “After whisky, driving risky”.

As we drive through this region, I begin to form an idea of India’s place in today’s world, with one foot in the modern era but the other still in an ancient way of life. There are women and young girls carrying heavy loads of brush on their backs, while men cluster in groups drinking and chatting. Nomadic hill tribes camp on the verge of the road while journeying down from their higher summer territory to their winter territory in the low valleys, together with their cattle, buffalo and goats. We are told that their way of life is threatened by the modern invasion, which can bring discontent when they see how others live.

In the village of Uttarkashi, we visit the local Swami, whose name we never discover. He is an intelligent, well-spoken and educated man, and speaks English well. We are invited into the home that he shares with a servant-follower and he speaks with us, showing wisdom and common sense in his words. And yet I don’t remember those words.

The next day, we drive on to Gangotri, the last village on our route, passing on our way a place on the road where sixty people died recently in a monsoon-induced mudslide, something I remembered seeing in the news.

We rest in Gangotri, visiting Swami Sunderanand, who allows us to have photos taken with him in front of his hut. Swamiji does not speak English but our guides are able to translate for him. He shows us a large and beautiful book about the Himalayas, filled with photographs he has taken during his many years of wandering in the mountains. He is selling this book to raise funds for a meditation retreat. Later that evening, we attend services at the local Hindu temple, standing with the crowd just outside the temple. Although two of our group go inside to have red paint dabbed on their foreheads, a ritual that reminds me of communion in a Christian church, I feel more comfortable remaining at a respectful distance outside.

In the morning, we finally set out for our first day of trekking, about 8 kilometers of gradual ascent on a path following the Bhagirathi River to Chirbhasa, our first campground. The Bhagirathi River joins another river farther downstream to become Mother Ganges. Porters, mostly young Nepalese men, many of them teenagers, carry our duffel bags, food and camping gear. Some of them support entire families back home. We wear hiking boots, but they wear light sandals, nimbly passing us soon after we leave. There are eight of us from Canada, as well as our two Indian guides and cooks, but there are eighteen porters.

At Chirbhasa, we must visit the local swami since Chirbhasa is his campground. He is a doubtful swami and he has been nicknamed the “Thong Baba” by our guides from Vancouver, who have met him before. The Thong Baba believes in minimal clothing and the next morning a couple of us are dismayed to inadvertently spot him performing his morning ablutions by a pool behind his hut. We creep away. When we visit him, he speaks at great length, loudly and with a hint of arrogance, not allowing time for translation, but we sit before him on the ground with our legs crossed and try to look attentive. We are told later that he was angry because his followers had deserted him.

The next day, we move on to Bhojbhasa, another campground, but the heat of the day and the thin mountain air make the four kilometres feel more like ten and our pace is very slow. We are grateful for the refreshment stops at tea dhabas, which seem to appear periodically along the trail, offering chai and couches in tents for resting. As usual, our camp is ready for us when we arrive. There are no modern facilities at these places and it’s difficult to find large rocks to hide behind but we find that the staff have taken pity on us and built an “outhouse”. Three of us go to check it out. Surrounded by a tarp flapping in the breeze, we find two flat stones on either side of a miserably small hole in the sand, about the size that a cat might scratch but our uncontrolled laughter makes their efforts worthwhile, although perhaps not in the way they intended.

The next day, we trek to Gaumukh, the glacier from which the Bhagirathi River we have been following trickles, and then we begin the truly challenging part of our journey – the ascent to Tapovan over the moraine of the glacier that feeds this river. Our final ascent is several hundred meters and although I am a hiker, I begin to wonder if I will die before I get there. Every two steps seem to require a rest. Close to the top, I see friendly faces peering over the edge, calling to cheer me on. We camp on the plain at the top, below the peaks of the Bhagirathi Sisters and Mount Shivaling, under a full moon.

I am exhausted, sick and have a headache, and snuggle into my sleeping bag, where my tent-mate, also sick, has already snuggled into hers. Chile brings hot bowls of soup to our tent, but we are finally encouraged to join the others in the dining tent. It’s freezing cold. While days can be hot, the nights are bitter. We are at an elevation of 14,500 feet! I finally realize that I must be experiencing altitude sickness.

The next day, without much enthusiasm, our group attempts a short walk, then we visit the Shimla Baba (also called Birdman) who resides in a rustic hut next to our campground. He is happy to have visitors, serves us juicy fresh apples and talks to us briefly before sending us on our way with a warning that it will soon rain. He’s right. Shortly after we leave the glacier, it begins to rain. It’s a much faster journey now and we only camp once before returning to Gangotri, where we began. But before we arrive in Gangotri, we are required to step aside to allow a large group of about 300 pilgrims who are travelling in the other direction to the glacier at Gaumukh. An Indian woman riding a donkey catches my eye as she passes and greets me with the words “Namaste, Hari Ohm.” I think she looks like an Indian princess.

From Gangotri, we return to Uttarkashi, and then Mussoorie, with parties in both places to say goodbye to our Indian friends. We dance with them and they try to teach us Hindi dancing. A few days later, we arrive back in New Delhi.

Our trip is ended and we finally part ways but I must remain in New Delhi one more day. I want to see the Taj Mahal. I book a coach tour to Agra, city of the Taj Mahal. I gaze at the magnificent building while a guide talks about its history, but I am so mesmerized by the thick, inch long tufts of coarse hair sprouting from each of his ears that all I can recall is that a prince built it for his wife.

This trip to India was almost accidental but it turned out to be one of my most memorable travel adventures. In some ways, it has made me change my way of thinking about the world. Everywhere we went, we seemed to see some the most appalling living conditions, yet people managed. They carried on. They lived together in one of the world’s most crowded impoverished countries and yet they warmly welcomed us, showing interest and kindness. I came to admire their resilience and fell in love with their vibrant country.

If You Go:

Discover New Delhi

Plan Your India Trip

India’s Himalayan Region

Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek ( Poon Hill circuit, Annapurna sunrise view trek)

About the author:

After a career as a legal assistant/paralegal, Mary Anne is happily retired and enjoys doing what she loves best – going back to school taking a large variety of courses through Simon Fraser University’s seniors program, walking, hiking and reading a lot, and finally learning to write her stories.

Photographs:

Gaumukh Gangotri glacier by Atarax42 under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license.

Photos #2 – #5 by Mary Anne Broccolo

6-Day Himalayan Ladakh Tour: Buddhist Monasteries Lakes and Yaks from Leh

by K. A. Thomsen

India is a spiritual place. It is a place where you can allow your vision to be sharpened, to shed your naivety, to peel back the layers and see, for the first time, yourself. Several years ago, I was part of a group of traveling students, who went to experience the culture and offer a hand wherever we could. We visited four different regions in the space of ten weeks and volunteered in different capacities.

Delhi: In early May it is nearing summer here, in the old city of Delhi, India. I am standing in the centre of a square of hotels in a walled community known as the Tibetan Colony on top of a small hill. I am amazed that the floors and stairs of the several story buildings seem to be made entirely of marble. After a shared breakfast of spicy fried rice and eggs, we meet on the rooftop. From there we can see a marshy area where crops are grown outside the walls, with a road crossing a bridge frequented by produce wagons and pedestrians.

 It is about 37 degrees out. When the wind blows, it feels like standing in front of an open oven. A few team mates stand with me while we wait for everyone to arrive. The monks in their priestly maroon and gold garments congregate, drinking chai out of tiny clay cups, silently watching us. I wonder what they are thinking; if they are listening, whether or not they understand English.

There are a few sellers that have set up stands in the pedestrian only streets, some with jewelry, some with snacks and bottled water, some with bandanas and CDs and soap and lollipops and a variety of colours of toilet paper. The toilet paper here is kind of like party streamers – rough and colourful. You can’t put it down even the flush toilets – it clogs them. We are not, like the natives, free from this luxury, and continue to buy and use it for the entire trip.

Taking a rickshaw is an adventure in itself. Motorized rickshaws are sort of like tiny, open-aired taxicabs which are cheaper than cars. They can also be made of a small wagon-like sulky and pulled by people, bicycles, or animals.

After a few days I’m still in culture shock and take comfort in the discovery of a McDonald’s at a nearby plaza. Some kids wave to us and we realize that one of our team mates looks just like Ronald McDonald. We take a photograph of him standing in front of the restaurant, holding the McDonald’s flag.

On the second day here our team leaders wake us up at 4:30 am to take a bus to the Taj Mahal. This historical wonder is an impressive structure made of white marble and inlaid semi-precious stones. It was commissioned by the Emperor, Shah Jahan, in 1632 as a tomb for his late wife, who had died giving birth to their 14th child. Its tallest dome stands at 240 feet, and is surrounded by four smaller domes and four towers at the edge of the raised platform on which it stands. The design is unique in that it is totally symmetrical front to back, and side to side.

There is a long walk of fountains in the front, and several red sandstone structures, beautifully designed and almost impressive as the one we came to see. The fountains are empty today: we are told they are cleaning them.

Women in their colourful saris are lined up sitting in the cool of the shade as the sun reaches its zenith in the sky. We ascend several stairs, each time climbing onto another level, getting closer to the mausoleum itself. At one of them, a sign tells us to take off our shoes. The white marble is cool and smooth as fondant in the shade, burning hot as desert dunes in the sun. It hurts my feet. I dash across the hot surface to the cool of the shadow, and there find relief.

Inside are vaulted ceilings which meet in round rooftops above our heads. In the centre is a fenced metal grate, which opens to the tomb that is said to hold the queen’s ancient remains. There are no lights inside, just walls of cool shaded marble. They ask us not to photograph it, because it’s a tomb: a sacred place.

Gujarat: We have no idea why we are here, but something has called us to come. The region has been in a drought for the past two years and nothing grows. Out the train window, the ground is dry and cracked for miles. There was an earthquake here just three months prior, 7.9 on the Richter scale, and as our bus pulls into the region, we start to see some of the damage. Buildings have been reduced to piles of rubble. People mill around these flattened buildings. Some transport supplies on the backs of camels or in wheelbarrows. Desperation hangs heavy in the air.

 Even the hotel we decide to stay in has massive cracks in the walls. Some of the guys scout out opportunities and we find out that there’s a doctor who runs a children’s hospital here who is in desperate need of help. She needs volunteers to help her move the makeshift hospital from one set of tents to another location farther away so they can blow up the old building and rebuild. She has already set the date and scheduled the “blast-man.” A team of volunteers was set to come help her out but they cancelled at the last minute. Two other girls and I are sent to prepare the area for the new tents. We sweep up cow dung and level the sand as best we can with our brooms. There is a cow wandering around the site. First we make sure no one’s looking, then we shoo it away.

Over the course of the next two days the hospital in tents is completely moved. We stand on a rooftop and cover our ears to watch the damaged five-storey concrete hospital building crumble to the ground, as the explosives are detonated.

Ladakh: Having previously been covered by an avalanche of snow and ice, we receive word that the road to Ladahk has finally opened. Leh, Ladahk is the highest human settlement in existence, set in the Himalayas, at 18 000 feet above sea level. It takes three days of driving through mountain passes that dwarf even the Coast and Rocky Mountains. The thinning air and cooler temperatures cause some people to have elevation sickness. I start to feel lightheaded and panicky at one point. Others are much worse, especially the native Hawaiian. He’s never been above sea level, or seen snow before. When we stop to play in a glacier that comes up to the edge of the road, he does a little song and dance.

Believe it or not, there is a Moravian school and church there, and we serve them, working with the children in an after school club and in the schools. Being so high in elevation, every step takes twice the effort. Even walking up a small hill after supper feels exhausting. We stay for two weeks, enjoying the cooler weather.

In a few incredible months I have been dwarfed by the largeness of the world several times over. We’ve immersed ourselves in the irascible, undeniable, colourful, indomitable culture. The heat has humbled us. The celebration of the majesty and power of love, colours, inventive foods has been internalized and will live forever in our hearts. Hopefully, we made a difference in India because it definitely made a difference in us.

 If You Go:

New Delhi: Majnu ka Tilla

Services in Majnu ka Tilla

Ladakh Tours

Bhuj Tourism

About the author:

K. A. Thomsen is a BC writer with an emphasis on historical fiction and poetry. Her first novel, a junior fiction cowboy story set in the Chilcotin wilderness was published in August 2016. It deals with tweens coming of age, issues of land stewardship, First Nations peoples, ranching, and horsemanship. She is married with two children.

Photo credits:
Chanchari dance by Amitsah8888 under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.

Taj Mahal by Yann; edited by Jim Carter under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International, 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license.

Thiksey Gonpa by Angshuman Chatterjee under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

by Susmita Sengupta

The history of the independence of India is synonymous with the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi, the “Father of the Nation.” The preeminent freedom fighter, social activist and politician was an inspiration for international icons such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela due to his singular devotion to the doctrine of non-violence and truth. His is the face that adorns every Indian currency note. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in Porbandar in the state of Gujarat in western India. He crisscrossed the sub-continent in his quest to liberate India from British rule during the Indian freedom struggle.

It was in New Delhi, the capital of India where he lost his life to a fanatic’s bullet.

I was looking at the Mahatma’s footprints reconstructed on the route he took on the fateful day of January 30, 1948. We were at Gandhi Smriti, literally Gandhi Memorial/Remembrance, at Birla House in New Delhi, India, the place where he spent the last four and half months of his life, 144 days to be exact. I walked alongside the winding pathway through the tranquil, serene grounds, following the concrete footsteps and reached the Martyr’s Column that commemorates the exact spot of his death.

Birla House was built in the colonial era by Ghanshyam Das Birla, the patriarch of one of the most well known industrialist and philanthropic family of India. G.D. Birla became an early supporter and follower of Gandhi and the freedom movement and his residence became a center for those fighting for freedom.

Mahatma Gandhi arrived here from Calcutta and lived in this house from 9th September 1947 to 30th January 1948. On that day at 5:17 pm, he was shot while going for evening prayers that he held every day in the compound garden in front of a mass congregation. In the 1970s, this house became a memorial committed to keeping alive the essence of the most notable man of India.

When we entered the expansive premises of Birla House, the first thing I saw was a gigantic peace gong, a fitting tribute to the occupant of this house. All around in the midst of flowers and greeneries in the lush, landscaped gardens were rocks and stones engraved with quotes of the Mahatma. “I would not like to live in a world where there is no peace.” I translated the Hindi quote in my mind as I stood near the World Peace Gong, inaugurated here in 2006 on the centenary of Gandhi’s first Satyagraha, meaning loyalty to truth and his adopted method of passive resistance to non-violence. The enormous gong displays the flags of all the countries in the United Nations and the symbols of all world religions.

“My life is my message,” the familiar quote was inscribed at the bottom of the large statue of Gandhi near the entrance to the museum. We walked by the little plaque that highlighted each event of his life every time he stayed in this building.

Inside the museum, our tour guide walked us through floors and rooms full of sculptures, photographs, paintings, movies, recordings and memorabilia of all kinds related to the epic life of Mahatma Gandhi. We walked through halls filled with his photographs and placards and his countless words of wisdom, chronicling the transformation of his life from being a lawyer in Britain to his formative years as a political activist in South Africa to his ultimate legendary status.

I loved the colorful charkha displays, embodying the traditional spinning wheel that in Gandhi’s hands became a potent emblem of his political beliefs. What really caught my attention were the historical dioramas depicting significant scenes from Gandhi’s life intertwined with crucial events of the Indian independence movement.

In one, there was a pile of colorful cloth, surrounded by a mob of men, women and children carrying posters in Hindi, Gujarati and English. “Boycott foreign cloth”, it said, showing the bonfire of foreign cloth campaign from 1922. In another diorama, he is at Buckingham Palace in 1931 in his customary loincloth attire, meeting King George V while in yet another, he is in Shantiniketan meeting with Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore who is known to have given him the title of Mahatma (a great soul).

The model of Sabarmati Ashram gave us a good insight into what the real one would be like. Located on the banks of the Sabarmati River in the state of Gujarat, this is the place where Gandhi conducted his experiments on farming, animal husbandry, khadi and other such issues. It was his home from 1917 to 1930 and was a primary venue of the Indian freedom movement.

Certainly, the most poignant moment in the visit is when one enters the chamber where Mahatma Gandhi sat last before walking out to his death. This is a sparse area and we walked in to see a preserved room that highlighted his simple living style while staying in a lavish mansion. A corner of the large room had his mattress, pillows, a desk, and his spinning wheel. I noticed the little wooden sculpture of the three wise monkeys and on the wall a display of his meager personal possessions including his recognizable round glasses and his pocket watch that had stopped and was showing the time of his death.

Next to a floor length window was the sign that noted “the path that Gandhi walked on his last day to the prayer grounds.” We walked out the door tracking the cement footsteps and out into the garden to reach the final prayer spot on an elevated lawn. Under a canopied pavilion, is the spot where he was shot three times in the chest at point blank range. The memorial notes his last words “Hey Ram’’ and the date and time that he was shot. The events immediately before and thereafter are thoroughly recorded by the photos of Henri Cartier-Bresson, at the time a little known photojournalist who happened to be there by chance and who photographed Gandhi a couple of hours before his assassination.

Seeing the famous photos here reminded me of our visit to Raj Ghat, on an earlier separate trip. This is where the cremation of Mahatma Gandhi was held on 31 January 1948. Cartier-Bresson’s photos at Gandhi Smriti show crowds of people gathered on the streets of Delhi, all waiting to pay their last respects.

The memorial is reached after a long walk through a scenic park. On the day that we went, the crowd was thin, no doubt due to the fiercely high midday temperatures. The large, square, black marble platform is built at the exact place where he was cremated. An eternal flame symbolizing his undying spirit burns at its one end and the words “Hey Ram” (Oh God), believed to be his last words are inscribed in Hindi on the bottom of the facing end. The cenotaph area is surrounded by greenery and the entire space is enclosed within a high wall thus keeping it hidden from view while we walked to it. Opposite Raj Ghat is the museum dedicated to highlighting the life and philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi. The collections include original books, journals, personal items, audiovisual memorabilia and other such items belonging to Gandhi and his wife Kasturba and other notables connected to the Indian freedom struggle. A little drawback is that the museum does not permit photography of the exhibits.

Located about 10 miles from Birla House, this temple dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu, also known as Birla Mandir was inaugurated in the 1930s by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that all castes would be allowed to enter the temple premises.

One of the oldest Hindu temples in New Delhi, this red sandstone and white marble temple reminds us of the Mughal colors but it is built in the style of traditional Hindu temples with wall frescoes depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

An impressive addition to Gandhi related memorabilia, this is a massive sculpture of a set of black stone statues commemorating the iconic Salt March. Known as Gyarah Murti (eleven statues showing Gandhi in the lead trailed by ten marchers), it was sculpted by the noted Indian sculptor Devi Prasad Roy Chowdhury.

On March 12, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi and seventy-nine of his followers marched from Sabarmati to Dandi on the coast of the Arabian Sea, to extract and make salt from the sea in order to defy the salt tax imposed by the British. Along the way, when he stopped at villages, thousands more joined the march. The Salt March led to mass civil disobedience all across India.

The only way really to see this statue is while driving along the road as there is no place to stop by and savor the scene. Nevertheless, it provides a suitable end to a day spent visiting the various memorials to Mahatma Gandhi in the city.

If You Go:

Gandhi Smriti at Birla House is located at 5 Tees January Marg near Claridges Hotel. Tees January meaning 30th January in the Hindi language, the date he was assassinated. It is open 10am-5pm Tuesday – Sunday, closed on Monday. There is no entrance fee. The closest metro stop is Rajeev Chowk. It is easily accessible by all modes of transportation.

Raj Ghat is open from dawn to dusk all days of the week. It is located at Mahatma Gandhi Marg (Ring Road). The closest metro station is Pragati Maidan station. There is no entrance fee.

National Gandhi Museum

Laxmi Narayan Temple or Birla Temple is located at Mandir Marg and has no entrance fee. It is open all days from 4:30am – 1:30pm and again from 2:30pm – 9pm. The closest metro station is R. K. Ashram Marg.

Gyarah Murti or Dandi March Statue is located at Mother Teresa Crescent and is on easy view if one is traveling on this road.

Buses, hired cars, taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available outside all metro stations and hotels and can be used to reach all the above destinations.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

Gandhi Tours in Delhi Now Available

Delhi Footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi Half-Day Tour
Private Half-Day Mahatma Gandhi Tour in New Delhi
Old Delhi Tour with Gandhi Museum Including Rickshaw Ride

About the author:
Susmita Sengupta is a freelance writer who loves to travel. She and her family have traveled to various parts of the USA, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Middle East, Southeast Asia and India.

 All photos by Susmita Sengupta

1. Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation spot with the eternal burning flame and his last words “Hey Ram” inscribed in Hindi
2. Mahatma Gandhi’s final walk memorialized in concrete footsteps at Birla House
3. The World Peace Gong at Birla House
4. LaxmiNarayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir.

Intriguing Ruins of a Lost Dynasty

by Priya Florence Shah

In early November 2011, I was fortunate to go on a 10-day trip to Kashmir, a state at the very north of India, that has since been overrun by terrorism and violence.

During our visit, our Kashmiri guide, Parvaiz bhai, took us way off the usual tourist route to see some gems of Kashmiri architecture that very few people get to see. One of these was the Martand Sun Temple that lies 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Anantnag.

Martand is another Sanskrit name for the Hindu Sun-god, Surya. It was built during the 8th century A.D. by the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty, Lalitaditya Muktapida, and destroyed by Sultan Sikandar Butshikan in the early 15th century.

Now only the ruins remain to tell the story of this excellent specimen of Kashmiri architecture, blended into the Gandharan, Gupta, Chinese, Roman, Syrian-Byzantine and Greek forms of architecture.

Situated on top of a plateau, one can view whole of the Kashmir Valley from this temple. The courtyard has a primary shrine in its center and is surrounded by 84 smaller shrines, incorporating a smaller temple that was previously built.

According to Wikipedia, the primary shrine is located in a centralized structure (the temple proper) that is thought to have had a pyramidal top – a common feature of the temples in Kashmir.

A number of wall carvings in the antechamber of the temple proper depict other gods, such as Vishnu, and river goddesses, such as Ganga and Yamuna, in addition to the sun god Surya.

Myriad other carvings, like this one depicting a lone musician playing the flute, can be found among them.

In a straight line from the central shrine, was a carving of what looked like a flower, but is more likely the sun.

Strangely, this feature is no longer visible in any of the later images of the Martand Sun temple online. Was it destroyed or stolen by vandals? I would really love to know what happened to it.

Another carving that I have not seen anywhere else online is a Shivling (Shiva Lingam depicting Lord ShivaТs male organ) with a reddish, barely visible Sanskrit symbol of СOmТ painted on it long ago, that lies forlornly in the lawns of the ruins. Shivlings are worshipped all over India as a sacred Hindu symbol of creation.

There are some more fascinating relics of the ancient civilization that built the temple, like this motif displaying the ancient Śāradā script.

Although the Martand Sun Temple is a site of national importance and appears in the list of centrally protected monuments as Martanda (Sun Temple), these relics of a lost dynasty are lying in ruin today and there seems to be no motivation to restore them.

The last time the Martand Sun temple was in the news was as the backdrop for the song Bismil from the Bollywood movie, Haider, in which it was controversially shown as a place of evil.

As a lover of ancient ruins and architecture, I considered myself lucky to get an unblemished view of this striking example of Kashmiri architecture at a time when the valley was still relatively peaceful and tourism was flourishing.

If You Go:

India Kashmir Trip Planner

About the author:
Priya Florence Shah is a former journalist and publisher of Naaree.com , one of the top 100 womenТs blogs in the world. Her travel blog, AhoyMatey.blog, showcases her love for the planet and its wildlife through responsible and eco-friendly travel.

 All photographs are copyright (c) Priya Florence Shah

1. Primary Shrine of Martand Sun Temple Kashmir
2. Greek style pillars line the smaller shrines surrounding the courtyard
3. Hindu god and goddess carved into the walls
4. Carving of sun in the floor of the temple

by Susmita Sengupta

Is shopping a true facet of tourism? Or is it merely a whirl into the materialistic world? This question has often popped up into my mind on our vacations and trips to various countries around the world. More often than not we relegate shopping to an afterthought, a gathering of trinkets as a memento of our journeys. Happily, it becomes a part of my life on my annual extended visits to New Delhi, India.

This teeming, bustling capital of India that effortlessly straddles the old and the new world is a shopper’s paradise. Over the years of visiting New Delhi, I have had the opportunity to go to a vast array of markets, malls, stores and bazaars. While this may not sound as the best way to spend vacation time, shopping in Delhi is an experience unlike any other.

I begin by visiting the neighborhood marketplaces which have a charm of their own as each market has its own unique personality. These are the places that cater to the residents of the locality for all their daily needs. Stop by these markets if you want to try the local cuisine or buy local items at the fraction of the prices charged at more popular places. Most of these markets are laid out in a courtyard fashion with shops all around a central built in plaza or in case of larger available space, the shops will be arranged around the central neighborhood park. On a cold, winter evening during a recent visit, I was tempted by the aromas wafting from the momo cart that was surrounded by people oblivious to the wintry chill enjoying these stuffed dumplings originally from Nepal and Tibet. Instead we opted to be in the relative warmth of the eatery inside the market where the chhole bhature, the Punjabi dish consisting of deep fried bread accompanied by spicy chickpeas was equally delicious and mouthwatering.

The real tour of Delhi shopping areas should start at the chaotic, crowded bazaars of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. Situated opposite Red Fort, the Mughal era fortification and palace complex that was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638, Chandni Chowk or Moonlight Square has a storied history. The market begins at the Lahori Gate, the main entrance of Red Fort and still has shops that can trace their roots to the Mughal era. It was established in 1650 by Jahanara Begum, the favorite daughter of Shah Jahan. The original plan had a pool and a canal running through the center where the moon would be reflected on full moon nights, thus giving the bazaar its name. That does not exist today and the market is a warren of streets full of shops selling everything from books, textiles, food, jewelry, spices, and even medicines, chemicals, electrical goods and more. Each commodity has its own defined streets and areas and certainly visiting these zones is an adventure unto itself.

Chandni chowk is also home to the representations of the different religions in India. The imposing and gorgeous Mughal era Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India looms over the hustle and bustle of the market while the Fatehpuri Masjid, another Mughal mosque is on the other end. Nearby are the Gurudwara Sis Ganj, the Sikh temple established in 1783, the 16th century Digambara Jain temple and the Gauri Shankar Hindu temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Less than three miles from Chandni Chowk is Connaught Place, which is named after the 1st Duke of Connaught. It is the heart of Delhi and is a shopping, business, recreational and entertainment center built during the British rule of India. Located in New Delhi, CP as it is known by Delhiites, was constructed in the late 1920s and early 30s in the Georgian architectural style by Robert Tor Russell, an associate of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the architect of New Delhi. Connaught Place is easily recognizable on the map of Delhi as a wheel shape that has two concentric circles in the middle around a central park with roads emanating from the center in a radial fashion. The buildings that form a part of the Inner Circle and Outer Circle are two storied white colonnaded structures with arched walkways. On any given day the place teems with locals and tourists, all there to enjoy the various retail establishments and eat at some of the finest and most famous and historical restaurants of Delhi.

A visit to Delhi is incomplete without once making a trip to Janpath, and its namesake market along the road that starts out from Connaught Place. Janpath meaning People’s Path was also known as Queen’s Way in the British era and for years this market has been the go to destination for bargain hunters from both India and abroad on the lookout for ethnic style clothes, shoes and fabulous traditional jewelry. Also present are the women from the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat who travel to Delhi so they can sell their handmade miniature paintings and colorful, heavily mirrored and embroidered cushion covers and bags at a higher price than in their home states.

Close to Janpath market is another stalwart of Delhi, the Central Cottage Industries Emporium which was established by the government in 1952 as an outlet to showcase the rich heritage of handicrafts in India. With a department store like setting, this place is a haven for anyone who wants to experience the entire art and craft legacy of India but simply doesn’t have the time to visit the entire country. There are textiles, tea, spices, jewelry, furniture, carpets, paintings, pottery, sculptures and more representing all twenty nine states and seven union territories. One can also visit the individual state emporiums if time is not a constraining factor. These places are geared towards selling the handmade highlights of that state. For example at the Rajasthan Emporium you will find pichwai paintings and sculptures, jeweled glass and lac bangles, and traditional outfits while at Kashmir emporium, it would be carpets and embroidered woolen shawls and garments that would draw you in.

While it’s true that a mall visit can really have no redeeming purpose, we do make it a point to go to at least one to catch up on the new world of modern Delhi. The idea of shopping malls arrived in India in the 1990s as the country opened to the global economy. Delhi got its first mall in 1999 and since then shopping malls have proliferated all through the city. The DLF Promenade Mall in South Delhi is a shopping destination full of high-end international stores along with top-notch Indian brands. We particularly enjoy the various food kiosks in the food court that sell everything ranging from burgers, Indian style Chinese food, foods from Punjabi cuisine, South Indian delicacies such as dosas and idlis and Mughlai dishes of kababs and curries.

Of all the variety of shops and markets that I have visited during my annual sojourns to Delhi, the ones that have given me the most joy are the weekly vegetable markets that spring up in a neighborhood during certain days of the week.

Also known as “haat”, similar to the western farmers’ markets, these are stalls that are set up on a road blocked to traffic for a few hours in the early evening. The sellers bring vegetables grown in the farms that are situated on the Delhi outskirts. There are carts full of fruits which are bought by the vendors from the fruit wholesale markets, thus making them fresher than the ones found in the local markets and stores. Along with the customary mounds of potatoes and onions, eggplants, tomatoes and green beans and peas, there were the vegetables of my childhood that I had not seen in years. Green papayas, large spiky green jackfruits, “mocha”, the purplish maroon flowers of the banana plant and the inner white cores of the banana plant stem known as “thor”, long green drumsticks and more. Nearby a cart overflowed with pomegranates, the vendor having displayed a few cut ones on top like an open flower with little pink jewels.

So whether you are an inveterate shopper or just enjoy window shopping, Delhi provides an almost endless list of various shopping hubs to suit different styles and budgets. It provides an inimitable insight into the sights, sounds and smells of this city and an expansive look into the whole country.

Delhi Evening Food Walk Tour of old and New Delhi – $32.00
from: Viator

If You Go:

The Delhi Tourism Shopping page provides a comprehensive list of all the shopping destinations in the city.

Central Cottage Industries Emporium is located at Jawahar Vyapar Bhavan, Janpath.

Individual State Emporiums are located in State Emporia Complex at Baba Kharak Singh Marg.

Chandni Chowk can be reached by yellow Line of Delhi Metro.

Vasant Kunj Malls is a complex of three malls and is located at Nelson Mandela Road.

Connaught Place and Janpath Market are near each other and are easily accessible by any mode of transportation.

For neighborhood markets and haats, it is best to ask the inhabitants of that area as they will provide the desired information.

About the author:
Susmita Sengupta is a freelance writer who loves to travel. She and her family have traveled to various parts of the USA, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Middle East, Southeast Asia and India. She resides in New York City with her family.

All photos by Susmita Sengupta.

1. A view of Christmas decorations at an upscale mall
2. A plate of Chhole Bhature with a side of pickles, onions and green chili
3. Stalls selling art and crafts, clothes and jewelry in the early evening at a neighborhood market
4. The Georgian colonnaded architecture of Connaught Place
5. Ganesh statue for sale at Central Cottage Industries Emporium