When Sue and I decided to start our travel journey in India, there was nothing that could have prepared me for the experience I can only describe as life changing.
I firmly believe that you can hear stories, watch video’s or television shows about India, but nothing will truly prepare you for this experience.
We spend a few days in Delhi and even after all this time I still felt like there is much more to experience than we got the chance to do.
When you land at Delhi airport, be sure to have your hotel transfer await you, navigation and communication might leave you in a bit of a pickle.
Delhi is incredibly hot, wear lose clothing, a hat and sunglasses. We went early morning and late afternoons to the sights since during the day it really is just too hot outside to comfortably walk about for hours.
There are so many sights to be seen and we started by visiting the Humayun Tomb. This world heritage site is a must visit. The grounds are quite large so you can walk around and take your time to walk the entire grounds.
There is some amazing history about this site, but mainly it is in the spotlight due to the fact that the Taj Mahal (which has been build after the Humayun Tomb) has a striking resemblance in architectural composition. For foreigners the cost will be 500 Rupees and you can spend as long as you want.
Chandi Chowk Market
WOW what an experience. Sights, Sound and Smells hit you from all sides all at once. There really is no word to describe this market. Situated across the road from the Red Fort, Chandi Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Delhi. – {I swear only people who has been in this market will understand the gravity of the word “busiest”}
I can not explain the sensory overload we experienced in this market. Street vendors, food stalls, jewelry and clothing is easily found here. This sounds so simple, but I will give you my word you have not experienced anything like this in your life. The energy in this place is incredible!
What hit me like a ton of bricks was the poverty I witnessed. Being in India you are well aware of the overwhelming poverty factor these people have to live through every day. However for me standing in the middle of the Chandi Chowk Market, I could not help but feel overwhelmed by this. {I don’t want to focus too much on this, but you can not help but be incredibly humbled when you witness how these people live and make a living every day} – You will walk away not sure what to do about the sheer volume of people who have to beg for money to keep alive, people who are sick that needs help and stray animals that clearly need love and attention.
If you go there by taxi they will drop you off at a central point since cars are not allowed (well they can not drive there even if they want to) If you do not want to walk, you can hire a ricksha bike or tuk tuk to drive you around the market. (Range from 200 – 500 Rupees)
There is tons to do and see, you can try street food at the local vendors, bargain for great prices as well as visit the Spice Market where you can buy every spice imaginable.
Red Fort
The Red Fort is located across the road from the Chandi Chowk Market and proved to be a large ground to cover once inside. There is quite a few buildings/sites to be seen inside the Red Fort, each with their own description and history. I have to be honest, we did spend only a fraction of the time here. It was mid day and very hot. (Like I said you will be surprised how quickly your energy is depleted when you walk around for hours sight seeing in +/-45 degree weather.
The locals also found us (Two blonde ladies) very fascinating and we were bombarded to take photos with them, so much so that I would recommend if you want to enjoy the sights incognito to cover your hair with a scarf and put sunglasses on. (Just a tip for the ladies)
The Red Fort has beautiful architecture and grassy patches to rest on if you feel like taking a breather. Be sure to take bottled water with you as we did not see any water being sold. There is little shops that sells handmade products etc so be sure to take a look around if you want to buy a souvenir.
Trying StreetFood in Delhi (VIDEO)
One of my biggest fears is eating street food…anywhere, not only in India. {They don’t call it Delhi-Belly for nothing} – However Sue decided that she will face the fear on camera and the two of us ventured into a local street market to try some food and buy some spices. Interacting with the locals is an incredible experience. They are friendly and even though they might not understand english some of the times they will do their utmost best to try to communicate with you somehow.
Walking through one market I came across two individuals who I just had to capture. A lady and a gentleman (on separate occasions) made their way through the market, asking for small change from the vendors & tourists. When I looked at them, there is so much that hits you, they both were old, clearly did not have an easy life and their faces tell a story which I would love to hear. Wisdom, heartbreak and a hard life beams from their faces and I had to take a moment to try and capture that few seconds I had shared with them.
Delhi has incredible energy and there is no way you can not have your horizon’s broaden after spending even just 1 day venturing into markets, sights and attractions.