The soul of Delhi somehow still resides in the roads of old Delhi. If you want to experience the spirit, then embark on a journey to explore the narrow lanes, twisted galleys and see what they have in store for you!
Aao Chalein Hum, Dekhne Apni, Puraani Dilli!
Well, yes guys, it’s an overwhelmingly magical and utterly musical journey to explore Delhi in all its authentic flavours.
While the futuristic avatar of India’s capital lies in those lofty buildings, swift metro rails, sky-high super malls etc.; the soul somehow still resides in the roads of old Delhi. If you want to experience the spirit, then embark on a journey to explore the narrow lanes, twisted galleys and see what they have in store for you!
Come with me.
Puraani Dilli Aao, To Tabeeyat Se Khao
If you are a foodie; then dotted with numerous cuisines and assortment of street food joints to a variety of high-end restaurants, Old Delhi is your paradise. A must visit is into the lanes of Paranthe wali gali, wherelip smacking paranthas (fried bread) made in pure ghee in plentiful varieties like stuffed with potato, cashew, almonds, peas, or even rabri, await you. The list of accompanies is also endless, from sweet tamarind chutney, mixed vegetable pickle, to paneer (cottage cheese) and potato curry; you name it you get it. However, don’t look for non-vegetarian options here. Want to have little tangy, little spicy delights; then let your taste buds relish Delhi’s special chaat at Daulat ki Chaat at Chandni Chowk. This joint’s specialties are unbeatable. The next trial can be with some curd and dumplings at Natraj’s Dahi Bhalle. The Aloo Tikki of this joint is equally tempting.
How about having some sweet indulgence now? Head to Chandni Chowk, where The old and famous Jalebiwala and Ghantewala Halwai are at your service. While the former is known for its piping hot and juicy jalebis, that taste even better when taken with samosas; the Ghantewala Halwai is frequented for its Sohanhalwa. If you feel you are done for the day with your eating drive; a glass of Lassi or buttermilk in flavours of Kesar (saffron), Mango, Malai (cream), Banana, Jeera (cumin) or Strawberry lassi from Amritsari Lassi Wala, can still fit into your stomach.
If these traditional foods are not your take; then fret not as the purani dilli has its fast food galore too. What you need to do is to visit the Kamla Nagar Market and chose from the range of fast food joints there. The market is also famous for its momos. Must try are the Momo Point and Momo King located next to the Barista.
Puraani Dilli Ki Tabeeyat Wali Shopping
Done with your gastronomic tour? Then let us try the most favourite activity of any woman; you guessed it right! It is shopping. From Chandni Chowk, to Kamla Nagar to Cannaught Place; shoppers can spend days after days here as the range of products is beyond one’s imagination.
Right from the Mughal era the Chandni Chowk market was famed for its fountains and shops. This bazaar is a set-up of lanes and by lanes and each having its own signature or specialty. When Chawri Bazaar is known for stationery items; the Sadar Bazaar and the Khari Baoli are the wholesale giants in entire northern India. For an aromatic purchase; must buy is Ithar at Dariba Kalan. Even the trinkets are also quite interesting here. Gadget lovers, Lajpat Rai Market can blow your mind off with its wide collection of the latest gadgets.
Since 1950’s Kamala Nagar market is not just only meeting the needs of the students, but also offering shopping options to others as well. From fashionable yet reasonably priced apparel and shoes to branded ones; anything and everything is available here. The best deals can be the trendy kurtis, shirts, coats, jackets, skirts, jeans, suits, salwar-kameez and many such fashion apparels. Two things to remember, one it remains closed on Mondays and second, one has to keep a guard against pickpockets, touts and duplicate products. If you do that, you are hale and hearty.
Connaught Place or popularly called as CP, is the spot for you if you are the type who swear by brands. Before these shopping malls mushroomed in the nooks and corners of Delhi, CP use to be the hub for elite class shoppers. Till today it is an interesting place for all income and age groups, and very well connected both by metro and bus route. Head for some bargain shopping at Janpath, if you are good at haggling then this place will be rewarding for you.
If you ever wish to see Delhi’s olden beauty and breathe in Delhi’s crisp air, be at these places and nowhere else.
I promise a stroll of the lifetime.
