2023 – October 21-23 – Delhi Darshan
Preeti and I decided to show Ishaan a bit of Delhi, after the exciting and adventurous Agra trip .
A Room with a Twist: Aloft New Delhi’s Unique Layout
Our whirlwind tour of continued after marveling at the stunning Baby Taj in Agra.
We reached Aloft New Delhi, Aerocity, by 7pm. Thanks to the generosity of a close friend, Prem, who was diligently managing a Marriott property all the way in Vietnam, we were able to snag a fantastic “friends and family” rate at this beautiful business hotel.
Checking into the Aloft was a unique experience in itself. The room layout offered a surprise: an open bathroom to the left upon entering, followed by a small changing area. The centerpiece of the room was a massive bed, cleverly positioned in the center, seemingly sharing a “wall” with the bathroom. While unconventional, it was undeniably cool & quite comfortable.
Having planned a two-day family adventure in Delhi, I had prepped my network of suppliers and friends in the city. The unanimous advice? Brace yourselves for Delhi’s infamous traffic jams! Opting for the metro and supplementing with Ubers was touted as the most efficient way to navigate the city.
Vikram’s Insistence: A Touch of Local Hospitality
Vikram, the Indian distributor for Samoa Lubrication, wouldn’t hear of it. Despite having only interacted virtually for over two years (our first in-person meeting was yet to happen!), he insisted on sending a car to whisk us around the city in style.
A Feast for the Senses: Food, Museums, and Monuments
After a satisfying dinner, we woke up to a breakfast spread fit for royalty. Our itinerary for the day was packed with experiences: a deep dive into Indian railway history at the National Rail Museum, a visit to the majestic Humayun’s Tomb, a serene stroll through Lodhi Gardens, and finally, a chance to capture the vibrant colors of the iconic India Gate.
Beating the Heat: A Comfortable Ride to the National Rail Museum
Our day at Delhi’s National Rail Museum began with a stroke of good luck. As promised, a comfortable Innova arrived at 9am, driven by a courteous chauffeur. This was a welcome relief, considering the hot and sultry weather. While the metro station was nearby, having a car meant we didn’t have to worry about lugging our belongings around, finding parking, or dealing with crowded entry and exit points.
A Diplomatic Neighborhood
The National Rail Museum is located in Chanakyapuri, a neighborhood in Delhi known for housing consulates and embassies. Wide, leafy roads lined the area, and many buildings displayed architectural influences from the countries they represented.
A Treasure Trove of Railway History
The museum itself holds the distinction of being India’s first dedicated transport museum. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by over 160 years of railway history brought to life through a variety of exhibits. During our visit, the museum was refreshingly uncrowded, allowing us to explore the numerous displays at our leisure. Our exploration included a delightful ride on a miniature train that chugged along the museum grounds – a perfect way to cap off our roughly two-hour visit.
Exploring a Mughal Marvel
We met with Preeti’s College friends for Lunch at the Social in a mall at Aerocity, and headed to Humayun’s Tomb, a majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1570 for the Mughal Emperor Humayun, and holds immense cultural significance.
Humayun’s Tomb wasn’t just a final resting place for the emperor, it was also credited with inspiring future Mughal innovations, culminating in the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. The tomb’s design incorporates a hexagram, a geometric pattern often associated with planetary alignments, adding another layer of intrigue.
A Glimpse Inside the Mughal Marvel
The Tickets were easy to get online, but being a Sunday, the queues to get in were rather long!
The sprawling complex itself is a sight to behold. While time constraints limited my exploration to the main tomb, the surrounding structures whispered tales of Mughal grandeur, leaving me yearning to delve deeper. The architectural charm of a Mughal tomb lies primarily in its exterior. Unlike the ornate facades, the interiors are deliberately stark and solemn – a fitting tribute to the departed.
Preeti and Ishaan decided to rest it out at the bottom, while I did a quick round about with my camera, and took a few shots of the beautiful structure.
From Humayun’s Tomb to Tranquil Lodhi Gardens
Following the awe-inspiring Humayun’s Tomb, our Delhi adventure continued to the verdant Lodhi Gardens. This expansive green lung of the city boasts a refreshing escape with its lush greenery and historical charm. The interplay of the golden-hued evening sky with the silhouettes of ancient monuments created a picture-perfect backdrop for capturing memories!
We strolled along from one side to another, and on the way checked out two or three beautiful old structures, sat on the lawns, had sweet tea by a roadside vendor, and reached another gate, to meet the car and proceeded to the India Gate.
India Gate, and Home-Cooked Bliss
Delhi’s whirlwind continued! From Lodhi Gardens’ tranquility, we braved crazy traffic to reach India Gate (a 20-30 minute ordeal!). Our wise driver suggested walking the last leg. The illuminated monument looked stunning from the crowded parking lot. The vast lawns buzzed with people and tempting street food aromas, which we sadly had to resist due to dinner plans with Vikram!
India Gate’s Grandeur and a Swift Exit
While India Gate’s imposing structure and colorful lights were undoubtedly impressive, the overwhelming crowds weren’t quite our cup of tea. We opted for a quick visit, savoring the monument’s grandeur from afar before heading back to our vehicle.
Home-Cooked Dinner and Cricket Cheer
The day culminated at Vikram’s place, where I finally got to meet him properly. We were treated to a delicious spread of home-cooked food, a warm welcome after a busy day. Ishaan, being a cricket fanatic, couldn’t resist catching up on the T20 World Cup action.
By 10 pm, we found ourselves back at the hotel, realizing we had just one more day to explore Delhi before our Monday night flight. The iconic Qutub Minar beckoned.
Conquering the Qutub Minar: A Perfect Last Day in Delhi
Our flight wasn’t until 8 pm from Delhi, giving us the chance to explore the city for most of the day. After a long but incredible tour the previous days, we decided to relax and savor our last moments in India’s vibrant capital.
A Leisurely Morning and a Monumental Encounter
Post a relaxed breakfast, Qutub Minar beckoned. A quick history tidbit: Built between 1199-1503 AD, it’s a victory tower marking Muhammad Ghori’s 1192 AD defeat of Prithviraj Chauhan. Qutb-ud-Din Aibak started it, and Muhammad-bin-Sam finished it, signaling the start of Muslim rule.
The Qutub Minar complex was stunning and well-kept. Despite Monday crowds, locals and tourists alike appreciated its history. Undeterred by the hot sun, we explored this architectural wonder. Our guided tour highlighted the Qutub Minar’s beauty, with its distinct stone tiers and inscriptions telling its construction story.
And we took some quirky pictures of ourselves as well!
Back to the Hotel: Bidding Farewell to Delhi
We returned to the hotel for a late lunch and attempted to negotiate a late checkout. Unfortunately, they could only extend our stay till 3 pm. With our flight at 8:30 pm, we still had a few hours to spare. We decided to relax in the hotel lobby. I had a fun game of snooker with another guest, while Ishaan kept himself entertained with a cricket match.
Our flight landed at 11 pm, and we were finally home by around 12:30 am. Though our Delhi adventure came to an end, the memories of the majestic Qutub Minar and the city’s vibrant energy would stay with us forever.
Click below for the all the pictures!
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