A SUBURBAN STORY
by Siddha3th
As with most major cities in India today, Delhi too has sprouted its own suburban sub-culture - and it goes by the name of Gurgaon. Roughly an hour from the heart of Delhi, Gurgaon offcially comes under the State of Haryana. Minor detail however, since almost all the multinational companies and residents in the area will staunchly refer to themselves as Delhi-ites :) You'll be amazed at the number of shopping malls, multiplexes and boutiques that are spread out across Gurgaon. It's like you can hardly walk a step without bumping into a new structure or development. The area's got some really nice pubs & nightclubs as well - most of which, as usual, yours truly forgot to photograph :)) There are a large number of towering residential complexes here. Thankfully, many of them have been designed and laid-out very elegantly. What's nice is that there are many farm-houses interspersed between these skyscrapers. It gives an interesting dimension to the Gurgaon experience.
Chandni Chowk
by l_joo about Chandni Chowk
When I ask Pranja where shall I go to look for traditional stuffs, he think a while and he said " ...you can go to Chandni Chowk...." So here I come, this is the roadsign pointing at the street where peoples selling things at roadside with billions of peoples busy strolling and looking at each other.
Traditional Delicacies and Sweets
by DaDrifter about Haldiram's
For over sixty years, Haldiram's has been a name trusted for Indian sweets and savouries. From a modest begining in 1941 from Bikaner in Rajasthan, Haldiram's today is the biggest brand for packaged Indian sweets and snacks all over the world.
This restaurant cum shop at Chandni chowk is a great place to try authentic Indian vegetarian snacks and sweets. Just about everything on offer
Visit Jama Maslid, Shah Jahan's last project
by pchamlis
Jama Maslid was the last major building project commissioned by Shah Jahan (the guy who built the Taj Mahal). Started in 1650, sixteen years ahead of Shah Jahan's death, Jama Maslid was completed in just six years. At that point and still today, it is India's largest mosque.
Typically Moghul in its design and building, Jama Maslid has impressive onion domes and sharp minarets piercing into the Delhi sky. The grounds surrounding the mosque are beautifully laid-out and add a sense of peace to Jama Maslid - which is amazing considering that it's right in the heart of bustling New Delhi. Completely enclosed by pillared and decorative halls, there is a huge rectangular ablution tank (a place for the ritual washing of ones' feet and hands before entering the holier sanctums of the structure).
The mosque is open daily, and the hours vary by season for non-Muslims. For example, when we were there in October, the hours were 7 am - 1215 pm and then 1:45 pm until 1/2 hour before sunset. For Muslims, the hours are always 5 am - 8 pm. The time that the mosque is closed to non-Muslims each afternoon is for prayer. You'll need to remove your shoes to enter the mosque, and you'll be expected to supply a little tip to the guys who help you "find" your shoes upon your exit.
The cost for entry into Jama Maslid is remarkably FREE. If you choose to climb one of the minarets, there is a miniscule 10 Rs charge. NOTE, females are not allowed into the minarets without male accompaniment. There is also a 100 Rs charge for using a camera or a video camera on your visit. If I remember correctly, I paid 100 Rs and used both.
We weren't there on a Friday, but I"m told that the congregation for Friday afternoon prayers by thousands of Muslims.
Raj Ghat-Memorial of the Father of the Nation
by Preetibandooni
A black marbled platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation, Raj Ghat was part of my Old Delhi tour. This memorial dedicated to the father of the nation is a simple square shaped platform and is always decked with beauteous floral décor. Entering inside the memorial I had to leave my shoes though under guided protection in iron shelves, this is a gesture of paying respect to one of the greatest freedom fighters of the nation. The stone footpath is very clean and goes through the lush green lawns leading to a walled enclosure wherein the Gandhi memorial lies. Entry inside Raj Ghat is free for both localities and tourists. The memorial has last words uttered by Mahatma Gandhi- ‘Hey Ram’ inscribed on it and a perpetual flame keeps burning in a copper urn. My guide also informed me about the commemorative ceremony which takes place every Friday which includes prayer sessions, so may be next time I will visit this place on Friday.
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Book store on Main Bazaar, New Delhi
Room view
decorative archway, The Red Fort
GOOD AMBIENCE
