Old Delhi: A Walk Down the Memory Lanes of a Forgotten Gem

We all have had that one friend who was once an inseparable part of our life but somewhere in the ambitions and the crowd and the hustle – we lost him. Old Delhi is that old friend who is lost by the travelling spirits of most of the travellers.

People like to think of Delhi as the capital of the world’s largest democracy. A hustling bustling city with the corporate high towers, the night clubs and the traffic jams. Yes, that is also a part of Delhi. Old Delhi is that hidden gem which is lying right in front of people and people keep missing it, struck by the shines of New Delhi.

So, here is what you see when you walk down the memory lanes of a forgotten gem – Old Delhi.

1. The mornings when peace steps out of religious places and covers the streets.

No Old Delhi tour can guarantee you to keep you intact from the crowded narrow lanes of Old Delhi. Yet, when you are taking a stroll in the morning, the city shows you its real charm. The galiyaare (narrow streets) are covered by silence and serenity. You can almost see the city is sleeping, waiting for another poetic day to begin.

2. At the distance of a few steps, a new religion awaits you.

On one end of the street you will find a Hindu temple. Somewhere while crossing the same street you will find a Jain temple. As you walk ahead, you will see a Gurudwara and just a few steps ahead would be a Mosque. Such is the charm of Old Delhi! It knows only one religion – of love and unison. It is remarkable to see how each religious belief is sitting so close to each other, like a group of old friends sitting at the last benches of the school. The school called Old Delhi!

Everyone knows the Jama Masjid that sits royally with its dome standing as a prideful ruler standing in Delhi, admiring the grandiose of his kingdom! If you want to surprise your senses and trust Old Delhi for the same, Old Delhi will not disappoint you. If you visit Jama Masjid in the morning, just a few lanes away, you will find the Sisganj Gurudwara which is echoing with the enchantment of hymns in the morning. Take a few more steps and you will be heading towards the Gauri Shankar temple, this time welcoming you with the ringing bells. Finally, as you move ahead, you will be welcome by a 16^th century Digambar Jain temple. All the religions sitting beside each other.

3. Your taste buds are up for a challenge.

Old Delhi will first welcome with the friendship of the religions and then tease you with the sprawling tastes you get! It is said that you can fill your stomach fully for an entire month if you just try to taste food at each food joint in Old Delhi! Well, if you go at the best ones, you will hardly be able to take a step ahead, because there are so many smells in the air just calling you to the shops! There is Daulat ki Chaat for the lovers of tangy flavours, Natraj Dahi Bhalla for the ones who like it spicy and tangy at the same time, Jung Bahadur Kachauriwala for the ones who want to properly cheat on their diets, Moti Mahal literally the place which gave birth to butter chicken and Nemi Chand Jain jalebiwala for the ones with a sweet tooth! Old Delhi just does not disappoint anyone, no matter how your taste buds are aligned!

4. The heritage.

This is it. Although unlikely, if nothing up there attracted you, this one is for you. Visit Old Delhi for its heritage. Some of the shops in Old Delhi’s food streets are older than hundred years and probably run by the fourth or fifth generation of cooks! That is not even the heritage that will attract you. The heritage is in the monuments which stand tall in pride and have a story to tell. An Old Delhi heritage walk will be the one you remember for the rest of your life. Starting from Red Fort and going through Jama Masjid, there are a thousand stories worth exploring.

When in Rome, behave like Romans do. When in Old Delhi, behave like puraani delhiwaala. The truest Old Delhi folks still take a rickshaw. So, if the walk doesn’t attract you, give Uber and Ola a day’s holiday and give yourself the pleasure of taking a rickshaw ride in Old Delhi.