Few Hours in Chandni Chowk

If you ever want to know what Old Delhi looks like – head towards Chandni Chowk. The plethora of shops, hawkers, people, tourists struggling to find way in the narrow lanes, the web of telephone and electricity wires overhead, the I care a damn attitude is what depicts our very famous Chandni Chowk – an organized chaos.

Red Fort, Delhi

On our way to Amritsar, we had few hours in hand in Delhi and we decided to head and get a feel of this brouhaha and enjoy some very famous street food of Delhi.

From the airport, we took the easiest and the fastest way to Chandni Chowk – the metro. It is said that Chandni Chowk is undoubtedly the King of Street Food and since we wanted to have exactly that why settle for less.

Just when we walked out of the Metro Station and came on the main road of Chandni Chawk we found a hawker selling roasted sweet potato and for us that was the starting point.

Lip Smacking sweet potato chaat

Post that, we headed towards the Red Fort Side and on our way we stopped at the very famous Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner (near Central Bank). It’s THE place to have Aloo Tikki and Dahi Bhalle. All the tikki lovers must stop here and savor its flavor. They make it right in front of you and serve you hot loaded with sweet and sour chutneys. It made in pure ghee and costs Rs 50 each. There is no sitting area, you have to stand on the footpath and eat.

Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner

Served HOT!!!

Next we stopped at Haldirams’ and had a Chole Bhature and Raj Kachori.

Lunch at Haldiram's

We also stopped over to have aloo fried in ghee topped with chutney, chaat masala and lemon... 

Then we headed to the Red Fort. Since we dint have much time we decided to visit the Red Fort some other time and took pics from the outside only.

Red Fort

While returning back to the Metro Station we stopped at the Old Famous Jalebi Walla. Sweet tooth anyone? As the name suggests, this small place is known for its iconic Jalebi which are made in pure ghee.  

Jalebi Walla

Jalebi

We were not able to cover all the places which we wanted to due to time constraints. But we were more than happy with what we have eaten. My advice – try a little bit if everything and keep reminding yourself that there is loads more to taste and appreciate.

Chandni Chowk also known as Dilli 6, is the place to come to relish some lip smacking street food. It is a Gastronomical Delight!!!    

Amritsar – A Day of Spirituality, Patriotism & Food

Amritsar, a city in Punjab which is famous for Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Jalliawala Bagh and finger licking food. And this is exactly what we did in our one day stay in Amritsar.

The Golden Temple

Golden Temple – Tranquility & Spirituality at its peak

The most famous and the most mesmerizing place in the whole of Amritsar has to be undoubtedly The Golden Temple whose actual name is Harmandir Sahib.

The temple gets the name ‘Golden’ because of the golden dome on the main temple. The temple is open to people of all faith. One can enter the compound of the temple from different directions but there is one entrance to reach the main sacred place - Harmandir Temple. The temple is located in the middle of the sacred pool and is mesmerizing.

Entrance of the Golden Temple

Every day thousands of pilgrims visit The Golden Temple some for a day visit and some stay longer and volunteer in the Temple. The Temple also provides shelter to people without homes, with a place to sleep and a warm blanket during the chilly nights.

I recommend that you visit the temple at least twice – One in day time to feel the vibe of the place and enjoy the beautiful splendor and later at night to view the sheer brilliance of the temple’s beauty. At night, The Temple lits up in dark and leaves you starring with its golden beauty.

Sight on way to Golden Temple

Right in front of Jallianwala bagh

Always keep your head covered within the complex. You can use a shawl, scarf or handkerchief. There are numerous head covers provided for free at the entrance of the temple.

Do not carry back packs – you have to deposit them in the cloak room (for free). Cameras and ladies hand bags are allowed. You can click pictures in the complex but not in the main temple.

You need to wash your hands and feet before entering the temple complex.

At each corner of the complex, water is served by the volunteers. You must try out the Langar here – the food is provided free of cost and will have chapatti, one vegetable, dal, and sweet.

Most of the work in the temple like managing cloak room, shoe room, kitchen, cooking, cleaning the utensils, cutting vegetables, serving food, providing water etc are done by volunteers and with a big and pleasant smile on their face. This volunteering in their word is called ‘Seva’.

The Golden Temple should be an inspiration to all the other religious places in the world. This is one place where there is total discipline, total neatness. You will not find any chaos anywhere in the complex and all the things run smoothly.

First sight of The Golden Temple

Since it was winters, the water where you wash your hands and the shallow where you wash your legs was warm. They think of such nitty gritty details to make one’s visit comfortable. Hats off to the volunteers at The Golden Temple.

Not to forget the Khada Prasad that you get after the visit to the Harmandir Sahib is simply out of the world.

Jallianwala Bagh

Jallainwala Bagh is located very close to the Golden temple and there is no entry fee. It is just what it is supposed to be – a park – a garden.

But it’s the history; it’s the event that happened here so many decades ago that does not make this park just a simple park.

Jallianwala Bagh Entrance

A walk in the Jallianwala Bagh will surely remind you of the stories you read in your History Class.

As I entered this place I was shocked to see the place brimming with people. It looked like a picnic spot with kids playing cricket and Frisbee. There were others that were catching on their afternoon nap.

Inside Jallianwala Bagh

About a short distance from the entrance is the ‘Flame of Peace’. There is a museum at the exit that depicts the horrific story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. 

You can see the well in which so many unarmed Indians (women & children amongst them) jumped to escape from the merciless firing by the English army. The walls where they were mercilessly shot, butchered and annihilated. The bullet marks have been chalked out on these walls.

Bullet Marks at Jallianwala Bagh

Martyrs' Well at Jallianwala Bagh

This is one place which is very crucial in Indian History but the way it manhandled gives you creeps.

Wagah Border

Around 45 minutes’ drive from Amritsar is the India – Pakistan Border where every evening a special border closing ceremony is conducted. We took a private tuk tuk for Rs 800 to reach the border.

Enroute Wageh Border in a tuk tuk

The ceremony starts at 5:00 pm in winters but it is recommended to go atleast two hours before the ceremony starts – first to get better seats and secondly to clear the security check. Please carry only the essential items as they will not let you to carry anything else to the border area. Locker facility is available in the parking area. Cameras are allowed.

Before the ceremony the Indian women (from the spectators) are asked to run on the road with the Indian Flag followed by them dancing.

The Ceremony Starts

Crowd at Wagah Border

The main show starts after this. The officers of both the countries – India & Pakistan – dressed in their respective uniform starts by shouting some commands. They start marching towards the border gate like gymnasts and throwing their legs up till their head.

After lot of marching and shouting commands the flags of both the country are lowered simultaneously. During the ceremony the border gate is opened for few minutes and then closed after shaking hands with the commander of the other country.

Soldiers of India & Pakistan

Lowering of the Flag

The entire ceremony does not take more than half an hour.

Throughout the time the spectators are shouting slogans with respect to the motherland. You could see lot of Indian Flags amidst the crowd and hear slogans and clapping on numerous occasions.

On the Indian side of the border, construction is on – they are making the stadium wider and in some time more spectators can come and witness the ceremony in its full glory.

Food

This city is the apt place for foodies; from Amritsari Kulcha, to aloo chole puri, to sarson da saag and makki di roti to Lassis to Jalebis… you can spend breakfast to dinner relishing delicacy after delicacy, one better than the other. There are numerous places where you can go and eat and it’s very difficult to decide which is your favorite. But if you are looking for some recommendations – try Kesar da Dhaba, Kanha Sweets, Langar at Golden Temple.

Breakfast at Kanha Sweets

It is the Golden Temple for which I will come back to the city. And the finger licking food … and the patriotic feeling you get at the Wagah Border…

Seems I am coming back to the city again.. for just about everything.

Matheran - A quick getaway from Mumbai

There are few trips that you make because you just need a break from your everyday schedule…. A break from the daily home to office and office to home..

I recently made such a trip to Matheran. Our Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi had just announced the demonetization of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 note. There were crazy lines in front of Banks and ATMs, but we were on our way to Matheran.

Early morning – Andheri to Neral

With the alarm ringing we got up at 04:30am. We were very tired after a late friend’s get together last night and wanted to sleep for few more hours. After willing away some time in bed we decided to finally get out of bed. I had not packed last night and therefore dumped two t-shirts and other essentials for a one night stay in my back pack. Assuming that it’s going to be cold I dumped one sweater and one shawl in my back pack.

Nikki and I got ready in top speed and were out of the house by 05:30am. Our plan was to catch a 6:35 am train to Karjat from Ghatkopar. Since we din’t have 100 rupee notes (I had Rs 270 only in my wallet) we decided to first go and withdraw some money from the nearest ATM.

After visiting 8 ATMs (non of them had any money) in my locality we headed to the metro station. We took the metro to Ghatkopar station and just about manage to catch the 07:14 fast train to Karjat from Ghatkopar (were not able to catch 6:35 as were trying our best to look for a ATM which had some cash in it).

Pramod boarded the same train from Dombivili and we got off at Neral (two stop before Karjat) around 9:00 am.

Neral to Matheran

Just outside Neral Railway station we boarded a shared cab from Neral to Dasturi (Rs. 70 per person). The drive from Neral to Dasturi starts with straight roads but soon you will be on steep winding roads. After a 20 min scenic and adrenaline drive we reached Dasturi. No vehicle is allowed post Dasturi. If you have come via your own vehicle there is a parking area where you can park your car.

A saw a girl handing over the new note of Rs. 2000 to the cab driver. The cab driver had a big question mark on his face as he was seeing the note for the first time. He was not sure if the note is genuine or fake. The girl was explaining him that she has got this note yesterday straight from the bank.

Before heading to Matheran, we went to a small shop near the entrance gate to Matheran to have some vada pau and tea. You will notice that the red mud here and large no of monkeys.

After paying the entrance fee (Rs. 50 for adults, Rs. 25 for children) we headed to Matheran on foot. Everyone was trying the old 1000 and 500 rupees note at the window to pay the entrance fee to Matheran, which was politely refused by the official.

You can reach Matheran through one of the three options – horses, hand carriages or your own foot. 

Horses at Dasturi

It’s a 30 to 45 minutes simple trek (not including stoppages for clicking pictures). A slow and steady walk to Matheran takes you through an isolated and very beautiful jungle full of lush green woods. The walk up to Matheran is wonderful. 

Trek to Matheran

You will find benches on the way wherein you can sit and take a break from the walk, relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape. Occasionally you can hear the buzzing of the insects when you are walking in the jungle.

Resting on a bench

The trail is comfortable but full of small stones and red mud. Use a good pair of walking shoes with sturdy grip.

Matheran      

Once we reached Matheran, we decided to first head to our hotel, alight our bags have some chai and then head to the main market of the small hill station. We had already booked our one night stay at Spring Wood Heritage. The room was huge with three beds, TV, attached bathroom, geyser. Our stay was inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.  The hotel had the facility of swimming pool, carrom, table tennis, badminton.

Spring Wood Heritage, Matheran

After check-in and some tea we headed to the main market of Matheran. The main market was bustling with activity and people on the weekend. The road was filled with travelers and couples alike. There were shops selling chikki, footwear, bags, sunglasses etc.

Wax Museum

Kolhapuri Chappal Shop

After a good long walk in the market we decided to return to our hotel for lunch. After resting for two hours we played carrom in the hotel. In the evening we walked towards Lake Charlotte to witness the sunset.

On our way to Lake Charlotte

After a beautiful walk amidst the dense forest we reached the Lake. The breeze near the lake was chilly and the sun was about to set.

Lake Charlotte

We headed to the Lord’s Point, which is a two minutes walk from the Lake to witness the beautiful sunset.

Sunset at Lord's Point

The sun was a blazing orange and was heading down giving way to the dark night.

View from Lord's Point

Another View from Lord's Point

Matheran has a lot of “points” – Louisa Point, Sunset Point, Monkey Point and so on… We dint try to cover the points. We went on a walking trail and saw the Lake and sunset from the nearest valley there.

Don’t worry about getting lost in the woods. If you think you are lost wait at a crossroad, you will find someone who will guide you. Usually if you keep walking you will either end up at some “point” or you will find yourself back in the market. It’s like all road leads to Matheran Market.     

Horses ready for a ride

Since there was still time for dinner, we had time to leisurely take a stroll along the famous and long main market road again. Even after the sunset it was not cold, a thin sweater or even a full sleeves t-shirt was comfortable.

We tried some really economical sunglasses, some kolhapuri chappals, looked for some lunch box jute bags, ate corn, feed some hungry dogs Parle-G biscuits and finally made our way back to the hotel.

Corn at the main market of Matheran

The hotel was playing some really slow and beautiful bollywood songs and we tried some ball dancing (tried). Next was a part which we truly enjoyed – table tennis. We tried our hands at table tennis and must have played for two hours or so.

By then my shoes sole had given away and we again went back to the market to get the same fixed. Since the cobbler asked for Rs 200 to fix the sole, we decided to buy two fevi-quick and take care of the shoe sole onour own. (All done in Rs. 12).

With the shoe now stuck we had a fulfilling dinner and gulab jamun and two hours long heated discussion on various topics.

Once back in the room we all settled in bed and dozed off in no time.

Pramod was expecting or should I say hoping to see fog early morning. He got up early and peeped out – quite disheartened he went back to sleep after seeing there is no fog. We all got up quite late, each trying to wake the other person.

Matheran to Mumbai

Finally around nine we were up and started getting ready. After breakfast we again tried our hands on table tennis (we all liked this game).

Nikki had to attend a wedding in Colaba in the evening and was in hurry to be back home. After playing Table tennis for a while we started our trek back to Dasturi.

We again enjoyed our trek back and clicked some pictures. Once in Dasturi we took a shared cab and were back to Neral Station. After waiting for few minutes we boarded a slow train to Thane.

The 4 Monkeys

Pramod got off at Dombivili and Nikki and I boarded another slow train from Thane for Ghatkopar. From Ghatkopar we took the metro and were back home.

Matheran is a hill station which is very close to Mumbai and Pune and thus very popular as a weekend destination. It is an eco-sensitive hill station and is a no vehicle zone. Have you seen any other hill station where vehicles are not allowed? Monsoons and winters are two good season to visit the hills at Matheran.

The red mud of Matheran will stick to your clothes and shoes so be ready to wash it separately. Be sure to wear comfortable and study shoes as there is lot of walking in Matheran and there is no plain roads. 

If you want to try your hands on horse riding - this is the place. You will see loads of beautiful horses in Matheran, you can cover various points on horses too. 

One point that I want to make is that even though we were travelling with less amount of cash, we din't face any difficulty. The hotel is equipped with payment through plastic money, train tickets were taken through smart cards and metro was traveled with access card.  

It is always a pleasure to visit Matheran and it should be on your list too if you have not been to Matheran till now. 

Rajahmundry - Random Clicks

My friend recently went to his home town, Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh) and shared few clicks with me.

I thought why not share these clicks with you all...

So here we go :

Village Road

Holy bath taken in Godavari

Rail cum Road Bridge - longest of its kind in Asia and second longest in the World

Havelock Bridge

A View of Godavari

Lake next to his house

Farm View

Another Farm View

A View of the Sky

Preparing for the evening Godavari Aarti

Fishing

Pictures Courtesy : Satish Ganni