By Nishat Anjum
Image Source: Hindustan Times
When the sun shines on the old streets of Chandini Chowk and birds delightfully chirp along to the Azaan from Jama Masjid, the day starts in Purani Dilli. Though the National Capital Region offers many interesting places to visit and spend time, if one is looking for a city still dipped in History’s essence, then Old Delhi is the place to be.
Start the day with the sunrise at Jama Masjid. The warmth of the sun caressing the skin. The pigeons’ coo taking one to a place of serenity on a warm winter morning. When ready, step into the streets of Old Delhi, it would feel like travelling back into the past, into the black and white era. With bullock carts and hand-pulled carts on the road, it’s a pull away from the rush capital.
As it's time for breakfast, a variety of morning street food catches the eye. These streets are full of Pakodas, Puris, Kachoris and Garam Chai. Pick the favourite and savour it. After finishing up the breakfast, head to the busy street of Chandini Chowk. Here one can go on a shopping spree. From material for ethnic wear to leather goods to imported products, there is nothing that can’t be found in these narrow lanes of Old Delhi.
Image Source: Times of India
Starting from Khari Baoli, which is the largest spices market in India. Spices ranging from Malabar to Kashmir. The market is located just behind Fatehpuri Masjid and can be reached on foot or through a rickshaw. When there, don’t forget to take a detour of Gadodiya Haveli. From the rooftop of the haveli, one can see the glimpse of royal heritage spread across Shahjahanabad as well as a scenic view of the Khari Baoli market.
Image Source: Times of India
The market adjacent to this is Dariba Kalan. This was built by Shahjahan in the 17th century. The market was once known to serve the riches and royals who wanted to trade in Gold, Silver and precious stones. Today, it is the most famous market in the capital for silver jewellery. Due to its historical setup, the market is often crowded with tourists. After these two markets, one is bound to feel hungry, which means that it is time for lunch.
For lunch, one must cross these narrow lanes and reach Jama Masjid. The food range offered in this part of the town is varied from veg to non-veg but nothing can beat a good century old Karim’s. Here one can savour delicious Mughlai cuisine which includes Karim’s famous Mutton Burrah and Mutton Mughlai which is served with Tandoori Roti. For dessert one must taste their Shahi Tukde and indulge in the magic of Old Delhi.
Now that the lunch is over, it’s time to unleash the shopping beast inside them and head to Maliwara. The real hustle-bustle of Old Delhi can be seen in these not so narrow but crowded lanes. However crowded these lanes are, the moment one steps into them, they become a part of it. That’s the beauty of these lanes, there is space for everyone.
Next up is wearing the patriotic hats and heading to Lal Quila or the Red Fort, again built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century, the majestic fort still stands tall and is one of the most important monuments not just for its cultural heritage but also because it was where our nation was declared independent. Take a walk among those ramparts; see where kings and queens lived.
Inside there are shops with books on history, culture and society. Explore the fort to find shops selling everything ranging from textile, condiments, and handicrafts to accessories.
Take in the spirit of Old Delhi strolling along the lanes, a little chaotic and haphazard but aesthetic in its rustic way. See people coming in from diverse places, cultures and communities that have made their way to Delhi ages ago, and now have made their new community that coexists sharing their lives, cultures and livelihood, and that is Delhi’s own culture.
Well, the sun is down and a beautiful moon starring on and it is time for dinner. Head to Matia Mahal. Aslam’s is a paradise for chicken lovers. But no day is complete without dessert, so Chawri Bazaar is the place. To satisfy the sweet tooth head to Kuremal Mohan Kulfi Wale, one of the oldest kulfi places in Delhi. With a variety of Kulfis and the classic old Rabdi, there is an assurance to satisfy the sweet tooth. That completes one day in Old Delhi. No matter how much the capital city develops and rapidly grows, there is something special about this place that one always cherish.
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