Hi all.....
Thought we'd just give a brief taste of our 4 days in Delhi, before getting stuck into Nepal..
We arrived from Goa by flight (the easy way out), to avoid the 30hr train journey! All in all our time in Delhi, is as we could have expected for this crazy city!
Its busy,noisy,polluted, mostly dirty and just downright insane.Maybe it could more appropriately be classed as a 'unique experience'. But beyond all this, there is certainly a charm and a vibrant side to the city, that can make it quite a pleasure to be in.
The feeling of development and prosperity is all around and in some parts, it is a very modern city. But again, on the flip side, if you are easily phased, then the first 24hrs in Delhi could potentially make you turn and run back to the airport and depart forthwith. This especially being the case, if you choose the wrong area to get a hotel!
We thought to just take the plunge and go for the area of Pharganj, located just on the edge of Old Delhi. This area being noted by many people and guidebooks, as 'seedy' and 'dirty'. In fact we found it to be a fun and buzzing area to be. Most other travelers base themselves here and so there are at least the comfort of that whilst roaming the streets. Our days were spent just strolling around the many lanes and shops of this area. There is the potential in this city, for just spending many days around the many bazzars and lanes,where spices, material and just about anything imaginable on earth is sold! Its a real test of the sense's to just roam the streets. The noise of vehicles horns is oppressive and the sights and smells can range from rank human waste, to very pleasant! Again all part of the Delhi experience.
The many places we visited are all worth a look thought. We got to see the famous red fort, India Gate and the Presidents palace and grounds, Connaught place (where western shops and nightlife can be found) is worth a visit. The many markets.around Chandni Chowk are also a must and Palika Bazaar (under connaught place) is good for a bargain. All to name but a few.............
The rest of the sights on offer are just a matter of personal taste. There are plenty of museums, sacred tombs (from various important people over India history) and numerous Mosques to see. As long as you can stand the rickshaw driver's steep charges, to take you around (as they refuse to use the cheap metered fare!), plus the potential danger of being on the road full stop, not to mention the attempts of getting you to shops by touts and asking to 'buy 'buy' buy' from all angles in general, then all should be cushty!!
But as before the place is nothing to be worried about. The bark is certainly a lot worse than its bite. Its great to be treated like a star when going to areas, rarely visited by tourists. We would be on a bicycle rickshaw around the lanes of Old Delhi and people will wave, smile, stare and simply want to talk to you! Maybe its cuz they think we are a bit simple, who knows!
Anyhow we will now be taking a break from lovely India and heading overland by train and bus to Nepal. We were going to fly but felt it was about time we did an overnight train and mingled with the locals......I'm sure it's going to be a fun 15 hours on the train!!! Can't wait to get to Nepal now, we intend to ditch the booze and hit the mountains for some trekking....We'll let you all know how we get on!!!!
Hope you are all well and looking forward to the BBQ to come out shortly! Take care all and speak soon. Lots of love x x x x x
More thumbnails ...
67 votes 
This is a top pick!
