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Delhi, India - A Mix of Old and New
By: Nomad Rick

Like many cities in India, Delhi is packed to the gills with people. Delhi is unique, however, because it mixes the old with the new.

New Delhi

If you fly into Delhi, you will inevitably end up in New Delhi. This section of the city is very modern in relation to the rest of the country. Roads are wide and organized with something other than a chaos theme. You’ll actually be able to walk without feeling like a cow in a heard, which is very unique in India. On the other hand, New Delhi just doesn’t have that ancient Indian charm found in other cities. It’s a good place to get a hotel room, but you’ll need to venture into the city proper to get a taste of India.

Old Delhi

Old Delhi is where the action is if you really want to experience India. The streets are a chaotic mass of markets, overbuilt streets, signage that would make Las Vegas blush and monuments to the past. The best way to see Old Delhi is to catch an auto rickshaw to the Red Fort and then just start wandering around the bazaars and old markets. Hotels will try to rent you mopeds, but this isn’t advisable if you’re hitting Old Delhi. The chaos will overwhelm you and you definitely don’t want to run into a sacred cow.

Things to See

Regardless of where you head, Delhi has a plenty of attractions to keep you busy for a few weeks. The great pacifist, Mahatma Gandhi, was assassinated in Delhi and you can visit the location at Birla House as well as pay your respect at his black marble tomb. To contemplate this great man, you can follow up the visit with a stroll through the Lodi Gardens, which are peacefully overgrown.

Delhi is the home to forts, mosques and palaces galore. The Qutab Minor Complex is a good place to see Mughal architecture. Safdarjang’s Tomb is a poor mans Taj Mahal with the same basic structure. The Red Fort and India Gate are good places to take pictures.

When it comes to sports, India is mad about cricket. Kids can be seen playing it all over the place. If you’re looking to see the professionals, try the games at Coronation Dunbar.

Delhi is undoubtedly the most comfortable of the large cities in India. This comfort, however, comes with a price. One tends to get the feeling you aren’t seeing the real India. Delhi is a good place to visit, but make sure you see other locations in India.