Jaipur- the Pink City

Rich with an effervescent past, narrating the dazzling accounts of valour and bravery, Jaipur is one of the most important heritage cities in India. The city with its wealth of palace complexes and stunning pre- modern architecture is the city of dreams for many ardent lovers of history, culture and vivacity.  It was my sheer love for palaces and medieval architecture that got me hooked to the city ever since I had my first Jaipur tour. It was a school trip and I still remember I stood awe struck at the first glance of the huge City Palace. The thought of a family living in such humungous houses always fascinated me. As a kid I would want to know what was the reason behind living in such big mansions, don’t they get scared of living in a palace, how wonderful it must feel to be owning such a gorgeous place with so much space and splendour. 

The palaces of Jaipur still make me think about the fine artisans and craftsmen of that era whose refined skills resulted into such fine artistry. In the past I have had several Jaipur tours and it almost feels like coming back to home now. 

Chandni Chowk

The undulated alleys of Chandni Chowk are also renowned for the street food joints creating sinful recipes. Making optimum usage of the spices of India, these eateries are located close by the monuments of historic and religious relevance in Old Delhi. Thus a tang of Indian cuisines while adoring these monuments takes the experience to an ecstatic level. Amongst the connoisseurs of street food the names that are most resplendent are Shree Balaj Chaat Bhandar- a gourmet’s heaven this place is truly for those who won’t mind experimenting a bit in pursuit to attain the perfect flavour. Bishan Swaroop, Lala Babu Chaat Bhandar etc are to name a few specializing in creating the Indian favourite street food better known as Chaat. Then there is the Paranthe Wali Gali, which happens to be enjoying the crowning glory amongst all the street food joints. A street in Chandni Chowk is termed as Paranthe Wali Gali for its series of shops selling parantha, a fried and mostly stuffed Indian bread. Once in the city a culinary rendezvous is what consolidates one’s union with the city and thus is an absolute must do thing in Delhi.

Shopping at Dilli Haat

Out on souvenir shopping the travellers will come across an abundance of opportunities to indulge in a shopping buffet. However, blessed are those who make their way to Dilli Haat. Conveniently located on the main road, Dilli Haat is a craft bazaar availing exquisite goods originally manufactured even in the smallest of villages of India. Vibrant colourful stalls here representing states of India bring forth the best of their creations. This noise free bazaar in Delhi is a rarity and is coupled with a treat of diverse Indian cuisines and art. Indian handicrafts and handlooms can be found in aplenty along with silk and woollen fabrics woven at Indian villages. The bazaar organizes various exhibitions to celebrate festivals or to promote the handcrafted products of India. Colourful dance and music presentation, with dancers performing in the middle of the crowds are organized often to enhance the gaiety of the atmosphere here and to introduce travellers to Indian art forms making it a popular sightseeing place in Delhi.

Visit to Red Fort

Encapsulating the characteristics of Persian, European, Mughal and Indian architecture, Red Fort exhibits best of Mughal architectural calibre. This profound specimen of Mughal architecture exudes opulence and splendour. As the fort was earlier part of Shah Jahan’s capital it was enclosed by a stone wall with bastions, turrets and elaborately carved gates. Inside the stunning Diwan-i-Khas hall of private audiences is decked in astounding beauty. The hall of public audiences, Diwan-i-Khas focuses more on size to be able to accommodate all the common public beneath one roof that of justice. The imperial aura of Red Fort has sustained the testimony of time and continues to make the nation proud by making its place in the list of UNESCO compiling the World Heritage Sites.