Since childhood, traveling has been very close to my heart. I relish every opportunity associated with travel-related experiences, whether it's exploring new destinations, immersing myself in diverse cultures, or simply the pure joy of the journey itself.
It was in June 2023 that I realized it had been a long time since I had gone on a refreshing travel adventure. I was busy with my writing work, and at one point, it became so overwhelming that I felt the need to travel as intensely as one needed oxygen or water. I badly craved the freedom, inspiration, and rejuvenation that only travel could provide.
That's when I remembered my friend from college, who had recently called and asked me to visit Gurgaon, near Delhi, where he had moved for work. Delhi is like a central hub, well-connected to numerous other states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and many others, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Northern India.
So that's it, the decision was made! Delhi was set as my initial destination right then and there.
Without booking the return ticket, I reached my friend's place with zero plans, as I have had frustrating experiences of canceling trips due to over-planning. It was only after reaching there that I decided to go with the flow and let the journey happen on its own.
Long story short, the initial few-day trip was extended to three weeks, covering Gurgaon, Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, and Manali. During this time, I had the chance to experience so much more than I had planned, immersing myself in the culture, food, and beauty of each place. In this travelogue, I would like to share my favorite places that I had the luck to visit in Delhi.
Qutb Minar
Standing over 72 meters high, Qutb Minar was a symbol of architectural grandeur since it regularly appeared in our primary school social studies textbooks. As a kid, I used to wonder how tall this tower would be. Would it be larger than the old jackfruit tree in my backyard?
I took the metro, followed by an autorickshaw, and finally reached Mehrauli in South Delhi, where the Qutb Minar stood tall like a grand monument reaching for the sky. The joy inside me resembled that of the kid in school days, excited as I walked towards the base of the towering structure, eager to see it up close.
The view of flights from the Delhi airport passing close to this monument is a breathtaking sight in real life. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which completed its construction in the early 13th century, is a testament to the rich history and architectural brilliance of that era.
Lotus Temple
The Lotus Temple resembled the Sydney Opera House in its unique, flower-like design and white, petal-shaped structure. I had high expectations of this lotus-shaped temple after seeing many pictures while planning to visit. Still, even with such high anticipation, the Lotus Temple just blew me away with its aesthetic beauty.
I love to take photos of beautiful buildings, but for a few minutes, I was so captivated by their peacefulness and beauty that I forgot about everything else around me. Finally, when I came back to my normal senses, I thought, "Wow, this is it," but the Lotus Temple had more to offer its first-time visitor.
Inside the temple, it was something else with utmost silence in the huge central hall with lots of benches that can seat thousands of visitors at a time. Interestingly, there is not a single idol, picture, or statue of any god, and it uses solar power to meet its energy needs, making it an eco-friendly marvel.
Humayun's Tomb
Built-in red sandstone, Humayun's Tomb was not on my list when I planned to explore Delhi, but it turned out to be one of the most unexpected highlights of my trip. The panoramic view of the tomb from its west gate entrance is nothing less than a breathtaking sight, with its grand architecture surrounded by lush greenery and long palm trees.
The reddish tomb, the greenery, and the bluish skies create the perfect backdrop for a peaceful walk. As I wandered around, I couldn't help but be struck by the calmness of this place. It was a rare escape from the hustle and bustle of Delhi city, where time seemed to slow down with every step forward.
The tomb's beautiful gardens, calm water channels, and peaceful atmosphere invited me to stop and think. Everywhere I looked, there was a story to tell about the glory of the Mughal Empire, the skilled craftsmen who built this masterpiece, and the timeless beauty that still draws people from all over the world.
Purana Quila
Purana Quila, one of Delhi's oldest forts, was another surprising discovery during my trip. Situated near the Yamuna River, this fort stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. The massive walls and the grand entrance gate immediately caught my attention, giving me a glimpse of the strength and grandeur of the past.
This fort, covering over 300 acres, made me feel like I had stepped into one of those old stories my grandmother used to tell, where kings and warriors once roamed these very grounds. The Yamuna River flowing beside the fort only added to its charm, reflecting the beauty of the ancient walls and creating a peaceful atmosphere that made the place feel like it had stood still in time.
There's also an archaeological museum in the fort complex where ancient relics and sculptures are displayed, offering a deeper look into the region's past. Along with that, there were paintings, coins, pottery, and other objects from various ancient civilizations, giving me a glimpse into the region's rich cultural history. It was fascinating to see how these artifacts had survived the centuries, telling stories of a time long gone, and it made me appreciate the significance of this place even more.
Jantar Mantar
During his rule in the 18th century, Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur built five observatories across different Indian cities, the first of which was located in Delhi. This architectural marvel was designed to observe celestial bodies and measure time with incredible precision.
The Jantar Mantar in New Delhi is home to four distinct instruments, each crafted for precise astronomical observations and calculations. These remarkable tools were employed to measure time, determine celestial coordinates, and track the declination of stars.
They also helped pinpoint the altitude of celestial bodies, chart the sun's position, and even indicate noon in cities across the globe, among many other functions. The observatory was not only a scientific tool but also a symbol of India's rich history in astronomy, combining art, architecture, and science uniquely.
Leaving Delhi, But Not the Experience
Finally, after exploring many gems around Delhi and ticking off all the must-see landmarks on my checklist, it was time for me to say goodbye with sincere gratitude for the unforgettable memories and new perspectives.
Every time I travel, I experience something new and learn things I would never have otherwise. Traveling is not just entertainment for me; it's a mix of discovery, reflection, and growth.
After visiting all these amazing places and many others not mentioned here, I couldn't help but admire humans' potential and creativity. With modern technology, resources, and knowledge, we can achieve so much and continue to shape the future.