Like many cities in India, Delhi is packed to the gills with
people. Delhi is unique, however, because it mixes the old with
the new.
New Delhi
If you fly into Delhi, you will inevitably end up in New Delhi.
This section of the city is very modern in relation to the rest
of the country. Roads are wide and organized with something
other than a chaos theme. You'll actually be able to walk
without feeling like a cow in a heard, which is very unique in
India. On the other hand, New Delhi just doesn't have that
ancient Indian charm found in other cities. It's a good place to
get a hotel room, but you'll need to venture into the city
proper to get a taste of India.
Old Delhi
Old Delhi is where the action is if you really want to
experience India. The streets are a chaotic mass of markets,
overbuilt streets, signage that would make Las Vegas blush and
monuments to the past. The best way to see Old Delhi is to catch
an auto rickshaw to the Red Fort and then just start wandering
around the bazaars and old markets. Hotels will try to rent you
mopeds, but this isn't advisable if you're hitting Old Delhi.
The chaos will overwhelm you and you definitely don't want to
run into a sacred cow.
Things to See
Regardless of where you head, Delhi has a plenty of attractions
to keep you busy for a few weeks. The great pacifist, Mahatma
Gandhi, was assassinated in Delhi and you can visit the location
at Birla House as well as pay your respect at his black marble
tomb. To contemplate this great man, you can follow up the visit
with a stroll through the Lodi Gardens, which are peacefully
overgrown.
Delhi is the home to forts, mosques and palaces galore. The
Qutab Minor Complex is a good place to see Mughal architecture.
Safdarjang's Tomb is a poor mans Taj Mahal with the same basic
structure. The Red Fort and India Gate are good places to take
pictures.
When it comes to sports, India is mad about cricket. Kids can be
seen playing it all over the place. If you're looking to see the
professionals, try the games at Coronation Dunbar.
Delhi is undoubtedly the most comfortable of the large cities in
India. This comfort, however, comes with a price. One tends to
get the feeling you aren't seeing the real India. Delhi is a
good place to visit, but make sure you see other locations in
India.
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