New Delhi - Capital city of India

One of my all time favorite cities to visit in India is the city of New Delhi. Besides the fact that it is the capital city and oozes history from its every nook and cranny, Delhi is a shopaholics dream come true. Even an apathetic shopper like me gets all excited at the prospect of a trip to Delhi and shopping at Karol Bagh, Khan Market, Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place and Dilli Haat. As a child I spent many vacations here, since it was just an overnight train journey from the neighboring city of Lucknow where I lived.

The foundation of the city was laid on December 15, 1911, and was planned by Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, leading 20th century British architects. Inaugurated on February 13, 1931 by Viceroy, Lord Irwin, the city is known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and is home to numerous national institutions and landmarks. Unfortunately the ever burgeoning population of India is taking its toll on this city too....but there are still many parts of the city where it is a joy to drive through the wide roads lined with impressive diplomatic residences and giant gulmohar trees on either side.

Delhi-ites are foodaholics...if there is such a word! Spicy Indian food and sweets from the different states of India have found a big market in the capital city of New Delhi. The cuisine is famous for its variety and spice. Punjabi 'Chhole-Bhature' and 'Pinni', Mughlai and Tandoori cuisine is too tempting to resist. The roadside "dhabas" or eateries serve the most amazing food. One of the best meals I have ever eaten is the dal makhni and rumali roti at Royal Restaurant Dhaba behind Connaught Place. The roti or bread is served piping hot with butter melting all over it along with a steaming bowl of spiced red lentils and sliced red onions, with salt and a dash of lime - yummm pure heaven!!!!!


The real flavor of Delhi can be tasted at the century-old food joints, such as 'Karim's' in Old Delhi. It still retains the taste that had rendered it famous and offers delicious 'Korma', 'Kababs', and 'Biriyanis'. Don't forget to try the mouth-watering 'Paranthas' of 'Paranthe wali gali' in Chandni Chowk. You will have a time of your life. Old Delhi is the perfect place to pamper yourself with food. Then, there are South Indian food joints too such as Udupi, Sarvana Bhavan and Sagar Group that offers light and tasty 'Dosas', 'Idli-Sambhar' and 'Uttapams'. Punjabi food is a specialty of Delhi. 'Chaat' is the spicy Indian snack and offers variety such as Papri, Bhalle-Papri, Aloo Tikiki, Gol Gappe, etc. See my previous post on chaat!

All this aside, New Delhi offers the tourist a number of historical buildings to visit. Here are some pictures which will give you a hint as to what this lovely city has to offer!

Bahai Temple

Birla Temple

Flower Market

Flower Market

Humayun's Tomb

India Gate

Lal qila or Red Fort

Local cook at a dhaba

Shopping

Lodhi Gardens

Safdarjung's Tomb

Close up of Safdarjung's Tomb

Bara Gmbad Mosque

Images courtesy Aman resorts website