Tuesday 21 February 2012

Delhi- Jaipur Route

We started from Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi in the evening around 7:00 PM after criticizing ourselves for being late. The energies were down after a hectic day and soon we began to curse the never ending Traffic of the Capital.  Delhi’s traffic is a one way to the hell seriously. One could think going on the off- peak hours to avoid it but that’s the game, there IS no Off-Peak hours in Delhi. Every time it’s the same. Although after the arrival of Delhi Metro which I must praise is a sheer bliss in the commutation, it’s still a long way to go for DDA. I may  rant about the Traffic on a whole page but that would be inadequate for you, so let’s move out of the ordeal now.

I would like to include a few strokes on the Delhi-Gurgaon Highway here, which I personally consider justly Global in many terms. A sixteen lane  broad highway stands out with its smooth bends and levelled roads. When at night, the glittering buildings around and the bacons shining across the highway combine to form the moving experience International in all terms. The toll is a bit high I must say, but at the end, if you are a traveller it all pays to be on pleasant roads, like this one in India. It’s a long road with many exits and bends, finishing till the borderline of Gurgaon and Rewadi, a developing town.

The road somewhere was under construction ( I don’t know if it’s still the same )and you might feel hiccups here and there. The moment  you land out of the boundaries of  Haryana, the road side Dhabas and Food Corners take their plunge in the journey. And you start to enjoy the rustic mix of Country side and new constructions. With the feeling of Capital parting behind and the land of sand coming in the way, you are bound to feel that effect from the very beginning.

We were striving by 10 PM and started looking for a decent Dhaba across, but could wait for long and stopped  in a cool looking Restaurant cum Motel. The food was great, a little expensive but in good quantity. We ate in fairness, since had at least three hours of journey ahead. Here is a  picture of the Motel:

We were quite content for the rest of the journey and felt asleep till reached Jaipur at around 12:00 AM. The hotel we booked was a cheap Bagga Nivas,  got it via Expedia. The address mentioned on the website did not seem to be enough to search for the area there, so we had to call the Manager to explain us the route. After a series of description and disappointments, he was kind enough  to come and pick us from where we were. And after reaching there, we were sure it was our luck to caught him at 1 else we would have been just circling down the lanes and never find it. If you go in the day time, it might get easier since you could ask the people and confirm but at night, it was pretty difficult.

The hotel was OK with respect to the charges ( Rs.900/- per room), although they gave us the Terrace rooms which were cold and the blankets provided were not sufficient. Still, they were hospitable and solved the purpose of a brief stay. If you are going there in winters, you could clear this well in advance else might feel disappointment as we did. Rest everything was cool. We went for sleep immediately to start afresh the next day in Jaipur.

Friday 3 February 2012

Family Affair 1- Half Day in Delhi

Our trip started the moment we landed to Delhi. Although I have stayed in Delhi almost all my life but not my in-laws, so it was a pleasant start for them to visit India Gate. India Gate indeed fills you with a moment of pride, the sense of belongingness embrace your heart when you stand in front of that one shrine we adore, India Gate. I remember the times when we used to roam around at nights having ice-creams from local stalls and playing with big balloons. No, am not talking about my childhood, just some recent memories of College and work. Anyways, the place has changed now. Instead of long and late opening hours, its silence all around after dawn. We can no longer enjoy those carefree moments and wander around without the scrutiny of Police officials there. Though better for security purposes, it makes me wonder how things transform and get out of our reach with time. However sad it might sound, India Gate is still a place for those Indians who have not been there, at least once in the lifetime. Just to share that emotion of our togetherness.
Nostalgic !


There are stalls all around which serves you roasted peanuts, Murmura, Bombay Bhel, Golgappe and street food like that which you can easily carry and roam around. Enough Chehal-Pehal in terms of Ice-cream stalls and even soft drinks are abundant just in case you feel thirsty or want hot in the scorching warmth of Delhi. And if you get tired with eating, there is plenty to play around, for all ages and choices. Balloons, toys, flute and yes, how can I forget the evergreen Mehandi Walas. They have breaded themselves in just every Gali-Nukkar of India Gate and around. You can get a very good hand painted in just 10-15 minutes in not more than Rs. 25. You might have to bargain a bit though to get this price fixed.
With all its Pride 


Our driver was a native to Delhi and gave us a lot of info which even I was unfamiliar of. Around the India Gate, there are a lot of buildings for the ministers and prime Legal authorities. RBI Office, Offices of all states in one row named on each state, Gyarah-Murti, Parliament House, Indian Military Office, National Gallery.. There is a lot more to see if you are interested and at the least half day can be easily spent in the area. If you have good guide with you, this can stir a lot of interest in rambling around. Incredible history and culture of the place carries nostalgia in itself.


With the poignant roving in our hearts, we moved towards Lajpat Nagar where we had to do some essential shopping for our main trip to Rajasthan. Lajpat Nagar is a big spot with many sectors in its vicinity. The main market of the area is Central Market which I adore personally. Because of its colourful ambience and massive variety in shops, it’s a shopping bliss for all age groups and budgets. You will get almost everything under Local and Global brands. Although some of the Showrooms are pretty old and not as good in Interiors as are in new malls, they stills serve the purpose well. With lots of contracted streets, it has the vibes of both a cultural and modern Bazaar. From colourful salwar-kameez, mix n match kurti, Branded denims, local western outfits, Designer Saarees, Rajasthani Lehnga-choli, to matching accessories, purses & bags,  Jooti, shoes and sandals, artificial and gold Jewellery you will get it all. Not only that, a whole range of home furnishing and cookware is also dispensed out throughout. Not leaving behind men, it has all leading Local and Designer showrooms for them as well. For people looking for all big designer showrooms, its a bit of disappointment though. But for that, you have plenty other options nearby in Delhi.
Chinese Chaat in Lajpat Nagar
Lajpat Nagar is a heaven for Street food lovers. Chinese Chaat is a personal favourite, since you won’t get that in any other city I have known so far. Kind of patent for Delhites I guess :) But if you are looking for a decent restaurant in the vicinity, you will be a bit disheartened since there are very few around. You will have to go outside of the main market area to enjoy a proper luxury meal, if that’s what you are looking for. We purchased some mix n match Kurtis for me and ladies along with. Some accessories and Levis Jeans (the only one that fits my Mushroom body ). By then it was 18:00 and we were all tired and down. So, we settled down in our car and started for Jaipur, our final destination for the day.