Old Delhi, New Delhi
Rajnee Narula catches a glimpse at the sacred and the hip in Delhi.
Don’t be mistaken by what you read about India. There’s more than Hindu temples and snake charmers. The hustle and bustle of Delhi’s streets might make you dizzy but you can’t resist the peace, culture and charisma hiding in every nook and cranny.
Old City, New India
New Delhi is the administrative capital built by the British on the borders of Delhi, the old capital of the Mughal Empire. The essence of the Mughal still runs strong in Delhi, despite a cityscape of soaring malls and skyscrapers. Jama Masjid Mosque (Chandni Chowk Rd., Old Delhi) is a classic icon of Mughal architecture, with its red sandstone and intricate white and black marble floor. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in India and is big enough for some 25,000 worshippers.
While you’re in the neighborhood, walk over to the old market, Chandni Chowk, the oldest and biggest market in Delhi where you can find authentic Indian food, shoes and leather goods at cheap prices. It sprawls at the foot of the Red Fort (called Lal Qila) built by the emperor Shajanhan, who also built the Taj Mahal. The fort features a blend of Indian, European and Persian artwork.
Canaught Place Road, commonly known as Rajiv Chowk, where all the big name brands and chain restaurants can be found – Bercos, Rodeo, Saqi Bar, QBar, United Cooffee House and DV8. Nearby is Janpath Market, where you can get all kinds of knick-knacks and Indian crafts. But be careful not to get scammed and good luck with the bargaining.
Down the road from the market is India Gate, the monument built for Indian soldiers. Located on Parliament Street, it’s one of the most attractive tourist spots and has the perfect view of the Parliament House. Other monuments you might want to check out are the Bahai Temple or Lotus Temple (Kalkaji Rd., South Delhi), shaped like a lotus flower; Qutub Minar (MG Rd., South Delhi), the tallest brick minaret in the world; and Akshardham Temple (Near Noida in East Delhi) sitting on the banks of the holy river Yamuna. There you can pray to the Hindu gods and goddesses, or just enjoy its blend of varied architecutral styles from all across India. By night, it has a musical fountain show representing the circle of life.
The New India
Most of Delhi’s best clubs are in five-star hotels. Capitol (Ashoka Hotel, Chanakyapuri Rd.) may not be very big, but it’s a hotspot for youngsters dancing the night away.
The Pool Lounge (Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bikaji Cama Place Rd.) has the old Brit vibe going on strong with its paneled wood, leather seating and a fireplace. And they serve some of the best malt whiskies in town.