India – New Delhi

Arrived in Delhi yesterday morning and was able to check into our hotel by 10.30am which was a bonus, because we’re absolutely knackered after an all night flight from Dohar. Eros hotel very nice, so after a few hours of shut eye went for a stroll and absorbed the massive culture shock of downtown Delhi, and then walked back via a nice tranquil park. Back at the hotel the bar was open so had a couple of much needed beers, happy hour so 2 for the price of 1!

On day 2 we decided to use our driver to take us to a couple of extra sights before our formal guided tour tomorrow, reason being the weather wasn’t as warm as we expected, so using the day to chill by the pool wasn’t an option.

We went to an interesting cultural market called Dilli Haat with a variety of Indian crafts and clothing on display and for sale of course. Didn’t get haggled too much, so a nice relaxed atmosphere, plenty of food stalls around the place as well, so a nice place to visit. Costs 100 rupees per person (less than £1). After that we went to Lodi park, free entry, several historic buildings dotted around the place and an impressive layout with a lake, loads of birds and lovely trees, well worth a visit if you want to experience an authentic indian park. Plenty of locals there enjoying themselves.

On the way back we asked our driver to take us to a liquor store to get some wine. This was a bit of a mission because it’s not easy to buy alcohol freely in the city, but to be fair he found us a back street lock up, and we managed to get a couple of bottles at a decent price.

Day 3 we went on a guided tour to Old Delhi and then some of the historic sites of New Delhi. The first part of the tour was a real blast on the senses, and a real eye opener into what traditional real life is like in this part of the city. Amazing to see communities working and undertaking long deep rooted skills and processes, also the combination of different religions hindu, muslim and Jaidism living harmoniously together. It was a really fascinating tour and our guide who was once a street kid who has worked hard to make something of his life was excellent. I’m sure these images and videos won’t do it justice but the experience has been imprinted on my mind.

The second part of the tour was totally different but equally inspiring, taking in some of Indias historic buildings representing their complex, multi religious past and how the country has been shaped over the centuries. Our guide was again very knowledgeable and personable.