The reader and her extended family at the Pink Palace.
Watching travel shows on the television was the only way I would travel to India ... or so I thought.
India was never a destination that interested me. Whenever friends would suggest a trip to India, I always declined. And with the pandemic still looming in our heads, a trip to India had to be planned carefully. The subtropical semi-arid humid climate, food and water safety, and respiratory hygiene health risk – all these bothered me.
However, I had not met my daughter’s in-laws ever since she settled in Delhi, India during the height of the Malaysia and India Covid-19 lockdown. In April this year, my daughter’s in-laws convinced her to book me a flight to Delhi, on their invitation.
I declined, with the excuse that summers can get scorching hot there, and then exacerbated by dry dusty winds. But my clever daughter came up with a travel itinerary that kindled my wanderlust while focusing on my interests, and stimulating my senses.
So, I caved, and packed my bags.
The city’s diverse patchwork of characteristics was hard to resist even though I still had my reservations. We stayed in Gurugram, India’s second largest technology and financial hub. Our morning sips of masala chai included sights of women dressed in vibrantly coloured silk saris often walking in handcrafted and braided leather slippers called Kolhapuri chappal. A parade of housekeepers, gardeners, dog walkers, car washers, sundry delivery agents, laundry collectors and security guards greet the day ahead.
Older folks grouped in the community park for their daily “laughing” exercise, yoga, mantra chanting sessions, and meditation. Even though poverty remains one the India’s gravest social and economic challenges, I am humbled by how their army of working poor can lead a precarious existence. But with toil and frugality, they and their families have managed to survive.
New Delhi really lived up to its nickname, the “Land of Contrasts”. This bustling capital is one of the oldest cities in the world, and is recognised as the country’s famous of the Golden Triangle cities (New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra).
Old Delhi is a spectacular example of Mughal architecture, with plenty of charisma and nostalgia. Our sightseeing covered the iconic Red Fort and breathtaking Jama Masjid, the majestic Taj Mahal and a fair share of ancient ruins, landmarks, monuments, gardens and museums.
The reader in Jaipur. — Photos: SHEELA K
The “Pink City” of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was the most mesmerising visit for me. It is recognised for its fusion of Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal architectural heritage, royal history, opulent palaces, intricate glass and stone inlay craftsmanship, and courtyard scenery of the surrounding countryside. Highlights of this visit include the famous Amber and Nahargarh Fort where you can either take an elephant or jeep ride up to the hill top.
Nearby, Jal Mahal, a palace located in the middle of Man Sagar lake, is accessible by boat.
After lunch, we visited Jaigarh Fort known for its massive cannon, Jaivana. We also stopped by Jantar Mantar, an observatory built in the 18th century, the Albert Hall Museum and Birla Mandir temple. By evening, we were captivated by the honeycomb design of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and had access to the cooling rooftop views.
Meanwhile, the seven-storey Chandra Mahal City Palace is still a home for the Maharajas of Jaipur.
This enriching experience was celebrated with a dinner of Rajasthani vegetarian cuisine at Chokhi Dhani. Food is a religion in this city! Kebabs, tandoori and mutton biryani were served with mint, tamarind chutney, pickles, and curries.
We were treated to a Rajwadi song and dance show too.
Sweet shops in India are filled with stacks of cottage cheese, yoghurt and milky desserts. The heavenly aroma of food liberates the taste buds for vegans and vegetarians.
Upon returning to Delhi, we spent the remaining days exploring the pungent Khari Baoli wholesale exotic spice market which sold a variety of refined spices, chillies, nuts, grains, pink and black salts, and baby saffron.
We also went to Chandni Chowk and Sarojini Nagar Bazaars area where there were plenty of silver jewellery, textiles, carpets and handicrafts on sale. Dilli Haat market, meanwhile, was specifically set up by the government to provide a platform for artisans to come and sell their wares.
Discovering India is not something that can happen in just a single visit or trip. Their customs and quirks are complex, but the scenery, spiritual calm and reflective feelings unruffled my initial apprehensions.
India offers every kind of travel experience imaginable, with both tradition and modernity existing side by side. The nation of people belonging to different religions and backgrounds live in unity.
The views expressed are entirely the reader’s own.
