Delhi is known for its historic acquaintance. Post independence, the national capital is an emerging political hub. India Gate with Amar Jawan Jyoti, Rajghat, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Red Fort are important tourists links. Delhi being a leading cosmopolitan is home to people from diverse religious community. While exploring my neighborhood last Saturday, I carefully noticed a harmonious blend of past and present in South Delhi.
Like all other corners of the city, southern zone is noisy and crowded (expected in any busy metropolis)! Qutab Minar, soaring over 72m, was built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in1193 — one of the tallest brick minarets of the world. Aibak started the construction, though final touches were rendered by his successor Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlak. The five-storied structure is made of red sandstone and marble. Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque at the monument’s foot is believed to be the first mosque in India. An iron-pillar, around 7m high in the courtyard of the premises is considered auspicious. A lot of wishes get fulfilled by encircling the pillar by hand, while standing with our back to it. I gave it a shot, wishing traffic blues to vanish, knowing well, it is next to impossible.
Growing in popularity, everyday is Hauz Khas Village, one of the posh stretches in Delhi. The name itself suggests an Islamic origin. Hauz Khas is a huge tank, built by Alauddin Khilji. What brings tourists here is an urban village. Lavish food joints, most of which feature international delicacies, pubs, cafeteria, expensive designer boutiques — it’s like an open air shopping arcade. All of these are built around ruins of an ancient fort. Being here with friends and family is perfect if you want to overspend. A rustic flavor amid roaring price charts, is something worth checking out.
Epicura is a newly opened food court at Nehru Place. This surely won’t disappoint die-hard epicures! A massive food mart next to the metro station houses best brands of food. While scanning my surroundings, I was indeed surprised to see people of all ages enjoying their meals in neon green seats. The huge hall had stalls of Chicago Pizza, Kerala Express, Subway, KFC, Wokstar, Karim’s, Moti Mahal, Canton Chicken, Uncle Tom’s Steamed Hotdogs, Sona Sweets Sri Udipi Restaurant. Options galore! Eating is easy, just top up a card with a minimum of Rs 100.
While driving home, I paused at CR Park in the evening. A mini Calcutta… Truly! Sari-clad females can be spotted everywhere in the city, but crisp cotton saris belong to Chittaranjan Park. Keeping up to Bengali culture, fish markets and sweet shops are a rage here, mostly named after Kolkata! Durga Puja gets a lot of visitors to this Bong locality. Biggest pandals of the city are seen here, so much so that no vehicle is allowed to ferry through a guarded stretch during the 4-day carnival. The CR Park Kali Bari is greatly revered among Bengalis.
A number of foreign students and professionals lodge in South Delhi. Metro rails are a boon to Delhi, if you want to travel faster. Let go off your lazy streak and embark on this fun voyage, South Delhi beckons.