Delhi-Agra-Jaipur: An Indian Journey

It's been a year since my last blog post and I've been hoping to blog for way too long now. Sitting at the Mumbai Airport, I had some time to quickly pen down this post. Here is a little note (errmm, let's call it a travelogue since there is lots to share)

I took some time off from work to visit three Indian cities famed for their architecture, food and history. First off, I had to see Delhi and 'dilli ke log'. There was no way I could miss eating at Karim's. Known for it's Mughlai food and kebab's, the eatery prides on authentic recipes crafted by the last known royal chef. 

Walking off Jama Masjid's Gate Number 1, you can easily miss this place for another ordinary eat-out. Ask someone who has eaten at Karim's and they will start drooling over the non-veg fare. The place was packed for it's rather odd location off a small by-lane in the market. 

A look around the place and there is no doubt the place is really, really famous. The place was packed for dinner but I was lucky to find a spot. Since there were three of us (mom, dad and me), we ordered Chicken Mughlai, Keema, Seekh Kabab and Roti. 

The Keema was the show-stopper on our table as I saw other people hog away without a hitch. The table next to ours had ordered a 'Mutton Raan' which looked tempting to say the least. The Keema was clearly hand-minced and it blended well with the rich spices. Skip the place completely, if you are a heath-freak as you will get free oil and ghee added in most of the dishes you order. 

Next-up was the Mutton Mughlai which left me a bit disappointed. It was a bit creamy, a tad-bit sour and too thick for my liking. But the Karim's Special Roll covered up for it. Seekh Kabab wrapped in a soft roti make the most awesome combination. I could eat as many Kabab's as they would serve and the place was extremely affordable. (Our total bill was approximately Rs. 600, which is really really cheap compared to other places).

The main road outside the Masjid has lots of small shops with interesting people. I am sure everyone lost in their own little world has a beautiful story to share about Purani Dilli. 

I found a small book-shop outside the same gate (yes, gate number 1). The shop-keeper had beautifully scripted Quran in different sizes. Priced between Rs. 200 and Rs. 400, I ended up buying three books at the shop. Try your luck bargaining, he might even give you a better price. 

There is not a lot to do around the place as you can just hang around the different small shops and see the place. I headed back to my hotel to retire for the night as I had a long journey ahead. 

Day 2: Delhi ka khazaana

I had booked a city tour with ZipTrips India, an internet start-up providing different tour packages and travel options. 

Stop 1- Jantar Mantar

Starting at 9:30, we visited Jantar Mantar which was built in 1724 by Maharaha Jai Singh II. 

Apparently, the place was originally set-up to keep track of space and time without the use of watches. A collection of five different life-size buildings served as the scientific instrument for the purpose. 

Stop 2: Delhi Red Fort

Next up was the Lal Qila, better known as the Red Fort. My only knowledge of the fort was from my school history textbook. Being more of a techie than history-lover, this fort was the first of many forts I would see in the days to come. 

The imposing boundary wall gives little idea of the sprawling city inside it. Our driver dropped us outside the parking area and there was a lot of walking to reach the main gate. There are no carriages to help you get to the ticket-sale counter. A small room next to the counter rented out head-sets and audio players which worked as audio guides on our visit to the fort. The guy at the counter was kind enough to get me the entry tickets along with the audio guide (of course, I paid for the tickets. And yes, the company which provides the audio tours is called NarrowCasters).

The outer boundary wall of Delhi Fort. 

Each penny of the Audio Tour was worth it as the information changed the entire walking exercise into an unforgettable history lesson. Each gate, door, passage-way and hall has a story behind its existence. The walkway leading to the main courtyard had shops on both sides. Back in the day, the place was a small market for people living inside the fort. 

Not to forget, the first floor of the same market served as a residence for foreign diplomats visiting the emperor at that time. Such royalty and opulence was the order of the day that, visiting diplomats were welcomed with a rose petal shower as entourage entered into the market and living quarter. 

The Top Floor of this market inside the Red Fort served as a guest-house for visiting diplomats during the time.