Visiting Delhi
The capital is a large city, where our guide tried hard to split it in two: the old and new Delhi. Well, there are differences, but for a western mind the most remarkable details are the cultural differences present in both areas of the city, making the separation something artificial.
We had not much time to see it, but enough to appreciate the presence of several stages of history and the strength of development. Delhi is a place that I would visit again with pleasure.
For a European arriving in India, the first impressions are so strong, that we will not be able to clearly distinguish the New Delhi from the old one.
The impact of thousands of people everywhere, with cows dominating the streets, make the details of both areas disappear from your mind. Do have a second look, after being acquainted to the reality of the country – that’s my suggestion. We were there twice, and noticed the different sensations, but both stays were too short for the needs.
Birla Mandir
As the best and most tolerant potpourri of cultures and religions, India is too complex for a European, to understand the differences in epochs and styles.
This temple, in Delhi, with less than one century, was inaugurated by Gandhi and it is a good example of evolution of art in India, without losing the strength of its character.
In transindiatravels we may read:
Laxmi Narayan Temple, famously called the Birla Temple of Delhi, is one of the most popular temples in Delhi. It was constructed in the year 1938 by G.D. Birla. The temple is dedicated to goddess Laxmi, goddess of wealth and the preserver, god Narayana. Gandhi opened temple for all castes and so it remains. Paintings that portray Indian mythology are seen in Geeta Bhavan in Birla Temple.
Red Fort
Visiting Delhi in a rush, we couldn’t visit the Red Fort in Delhi, only had a distant look from the mosque.
One more, of the many interesting things calling for a new visit to India.
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib
Very impressive this visit to a Sikh temple. I was rather uncomfortable, wandering with a camera amidst so many people concentrated in their prayers, but they seemed used to it, and no one complained or had a less amicable sign or word.
The pure white of the walls, the reflections in the wide pond, the bright colours of the kerchief we had to use, what a show! Inside, peace and tolerance in a very crowded space surrounded a beautiful altar.
Chor Bizarre – American Look
Chor Bizarre – American Look 
“If you want to cross safely, follow the cow”.
We all laughed, with the suggestion of the guide when we arrived in Delhi, but later on, we understood that he was serious. This was our first experience in India, immediately after a night (non) slept in the plane, and the strong sensations of the first contact with a so different type and rhythm of life, made us overlook this restaurant.
Its American look was, not exactly what we were searching for in India, and the food, with good quality, caught us with its initial strike of spices and… sweats!
We didn’t ever know what we paid, because we were in a package!
After two weeks carrying a diarrhea across India, I returned to the capital, to a final dinner in a very good-looking restaurant, for what it seemed to be the best meal in India maybe better than the first one, but I only could appreciate the liters of juice to hydrate.
Radisson Delhi – Out of town
Radisson Delhi – Out of town
That´s its bad point: the location, a few kilometres far from Delhi.
Several km out of town, it puts you dependent of transport, and for our women, used to wander around the hotels in search of the “special” piece to buy, it became a sort of prison, while for the men, the pool has been a very appreciated alternative.
Address: NEAR MAHIPALPUR EXTENSION NH 8
Different religions – Sikhs
It was one of the best visions in Delhi, the Sikh temple that we visited – Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. It’s harmony and cleanliness were absolute, and the calm ambiance inside was remarkable. Hundreds of people in prayer didn’t bother at all with the dozens of tourists walking around, with a single demand – covered heads. I was thinking: when we visit a Christian temple, we (men) must uncover our heads. What happens with a Sikh in a Christian temple?
Faith
I felt rather uncomfortable in some temples in India. Dozens of people concentrated in their prayers, and a few westerns snooping and taking pictures of everything. I tried my best not to disturb anyone but couldn’t avoid a smile observing a very small child, perfectly imitating the behavior of his father in the great mosque.
