I’d never been to Delhi. But for the longest time, it’s been on the top of my list!
My Twitter time-line would constantly break out in a Delhi-Mumbai battle – which city is better, which of the two have the more delicious food, more pleasing weather, more style? To top it off, even Oprah has been to Delhi and said it has a “method to its madness.”
When I recently reviewed Jet Screen, I knew that I would fly Jet Airways somewhere, but the destination was unknown until 24 hours before the flight. I secretly hoped for Delhi – and you know what they say about the universe conspiring!
Obviously, I didn’t pray hard enough because I had a mere five hours to spend in Delhi. Considering the time needed to de-plane and having to leave to be at the airport an hour before departure back to Mumbai, that gave me FOUR hours.
I asked the folks on Twitter for suggestions on things to do that are close to the airport. Some suggested visiting Qutub Minar which is relatively close by. Others were skeptical I’d get anything done, with Delhi’s traffic scene being so bad, and told me to window shop at Delhi airport. The latter seemed like a waste of time. Besides, I love a good challenge.
9:15 AM
With no check-in baggage to wait for, I rushed out of the airport where a friend was waiting with his motorcycle (note – having no baggage and a motorcycle helped save precious time). We headed off for a quick breakfast of Kheema Paratha and coffee at one of the dhabas in Qutub Institutional Area. While this road is usually full of bikers and motorcycles, it was deadly quiet on a Saturday morning and most of the dhabas were only beginning to open their shutters.
10:30 AM
New Delhi infrastructure is definitely better than Mumbai! We rode for around 20 minutes on clean, wide roads that seemed fit for the capital of India before halting at India Gate. The smog dampened the experience a little bit, but the monument is stunning nonetheless, beautifully combining historic grace and modernity.
People blowing soap bubbles, men selling cotton candy and photographers offering to take instant photographs reminded me a lot of Juhu beach. But the feeling of seeing India Gate in front of you, rather than on TV for Independence Day, is different – it brings out a little patriotism
11:30 AM
From New Delhi to Old – the change is enormous! Crowded streets, insane traffic, narrow lanes and street vendors paint a contrasting picture and was very intimidating! At noon, the shopping spots were just beginning to open up, but I couldn’t spend time here as it was a 40 minute ride back to the airport.
Here are some shots from the city. Sadly, the red fort was covered in smog and was barely visibile from the road.
While it was too early to grab any lunch, I tried Delhi’s famed jalebi with rabdi and it was out-of-this world! In comparison to that in Mumbai, this one was far more lavish, gooey and utterly thick. People who like thin, crispy jalebis would not like it at all!
Next I stopped at Natraj, a tiny, no-frills counter that’s famous for Dahi Bhalla. Customers have to give their order, collect the food and stand on the footpath and eat it. Living local, people!
The dish comprised of whipped dahi poured over urad dal dumplings, and then streaked with sweet, tamarind chutney. The generous amount of pepper mixed into the lassi-like dahi made all the difference! For me, this was like an entire meal because it was so heavy!
12 PM
It was time to leave the madness behind as we jumped on to our bikes and headed along a more scenic route to Indira Gandhi Airport. Made it just in time, with the last call to board the plane in progress. Phew!
The trip was over in the blink of an eye, and when I was back in Mumbai by 4 pm, it didn’t even seem real. I need another taste of Delhi really soon – maybe a party at Hauz Khas, a visit to the Lotus temple and shopping at Khan Market, this time?
Have you ever taken a really short trip somewhere? Tell me about it!
Also, if you like adventures, you should definitely read my Mumbai to Goa Road trip and check out my Spiti Travelogue.
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Byee!