From Across the Kitchen Table: What To See, Where To Go, What To Do In Delhi, India (Part 2)

Travelling independently is great and I have been doing so for years. I prefer to travel this way because I get to control and decide when and where I want to go, what time I want to leave and where I like to eat and stay. A lot of research is needed though but you can certainly learn a whole lot as you go along. For me, this is more fun and exciting also a great way to meet and interact with the locals and learn more about their culture. Thing is, travelling to India can be quite a challenge. I have been advised by other travellers that going with an organised tour may be a better option for India. For safety issues (especially women travelling alone) this is the best way to do it. It was also a good thing that we joined a tour because just a month before we went, India was hit by a currency crisis. Indian Prime Minister Modi suddenly announced his decision to ban 500 and 1,000 rupee notes and money withdrawals were also limited leaving many Indians and tourists desperate for cash. I was glad all our hotels, sights and meals had already been sorted by our tour agent. The limited amount of cash withdrawals we had, we used it in markets and auto rickshaw rides. For taxi, we just used Uber and so far it was reliable. Another thing I must share is never to use your credit card in India if you want to avoid the risk of getting it hacked. So just always use cash.

Deciding on which organised tour to book can be rather daunting. I made my research and finally decided to go with "Trip A Deal". I have no regrets. It was definitely the type that ticked all the boxes and we were really impressed with the whole experience. The tour was well organised from start to finish. What's more, we only had a small group of 4 travellers. That was really awesome, it was like having a private tour. We were given enough time to go around all the places without feeling rushed and also enough free time to explore India ourselves. All our local guides were friendly and professional, polite and helpful and most of all didn't ask for extra tips. Our driver for the duration of the trip was very kind, caring and polite as well. It is the type of tour that I would definitely recommend to anyone.

Remember, just like visiting any other country, it is important to be culturally aware and be smart.

On our second day, we visited Jama Masjid, the grand mosque in Old Delhi built in 1656 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also commissioned the construction of Taj Mahal) is the largest in India. It was built in red sandstone and marble by more than 5,000 artisans. Visitors have to remove and leave their shoes at the entrance before entering.

Ambassador is still the most loved car in India.

A trip to Delhi must always include a visit to Chandi Chowk. We had an amazing time trying to zig zag our way through the meandering lanes of Old Delhi and to add a bit of excitement, we hopped on a rickshaw for a thrilling ride. Sure felt like competing in Amazing Race!

Every Indian kid I met greeted me with a smile.

Road side food stalls.

Our delicious Indian breakfast buffet at the hotel.

(from top left, clockwise)
Pyaz Ki Kachori, Medu Vada- Crisp Indian Bread, Aloo Mattar, Mattar Parantha

Gulab Jamun is always present at every meal.

The Red Fort Complex is a World Heritage Site and Delhi's most iconic monument. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty for nearly 200 years.

Lahore Gate, the main entrance to The Red Fort in Old Delhi.

Diwan-i-am, the Hall of Public Audiences.

Diwan-i-Khas, this is the most expensive building in the fort. It is made of white marble decorated with inlay of cornelian and other stones.

Naubat Khana which houses the Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate). During Mughal times, visitors would dismount from their elephants or horses on this spot as a sign of respect.