New Delhi - North India: A Soulful Revelation

On the last two days in New Delhi (TAJ MAHAL & VARANASI) before returning home, I enjoyed a relaxed morning on the second-to-last day. After breakfast, I stayed in my room, sipping coffee and having a light meal from the buffet. While the rest of the group went shopping, I took advantage of the hotel's fast Wi-Fi to catch up on social media (COLOMBO DISCOVERY & HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST).

For lunch, we headed to "Flavour Of Southvala" in Karol Bagh. Despite the cramped seating, the food was exceptional. We shared a Paper Tosai, a Non-Vegetarian Thali Set, and India's beloved Bru Coffee. The curries were rich and flavorful, thanks to the spices used, and the presentation was appetizing - unlike some eateries that overlook the importance of plating. This meal was a clear winner, making up for the less enjoyable dining experiences elsewhere (CHENNAI & KODAIKANAL).

 

Next, we headed to Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi. This stunning spiritual and cultural complex showcases India's ancient art, culture, and spirituality. Opened in 2005, the temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and is renowned for its intricate carvings, majestic architecture, and serene gardens. The main monument, made of pink sandstone and white marble, houses a grand statue of Swaminarayan, surrounded by ornate pillars and domes.

(Image credit: akshardham.com)

The complex also features the Yagnapurush Kund, the largest stepwell in the world, an IMAX-style film on Swaminarayan's life, cultural boat rides, and the Sahaj Anand Water Show. The sheer number of visitors was overwhelming, and the queue seemed endless. After a slow and steady wait, we finally entered Swaminarayan Akshardham. With strict security checks and a no-photography policy throughout the complex, the experience remained undisturbed by modern distractions.

 

By this time, winter had begun to set in, and I found myself unprepared without a jacket, unlike the rest of the seemingly resilient crowd. Despite the chill, the visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham was entirely worth it. The immense effort and resources put into creating this magnificent site have made it a must-see attraction in New Delhi.

 

For the rest of the day, it was shopping in Karol Bagh - a task I don't particularly enjoy. Luckily, another person from my tour group also wanted to return to Hotel Sohi Residency after an hour. Although we initially lost our way, we managed to find our direction and made it back to the hotel, wrapping up the day.

The next day, it was back to shopping in Karol Bagh. What? Holy moly. I tagged along again, but despite visiting specific outlets, I wasn't tempted to buy anything. For lunch, we returned to Flavour Of Southvala on Padam Singh Road. Malaysians sure love their food adventures, but sometimes familiarity wins. Regardless, the Mutton Biryani was outstanding, and the appam got rave reviews from a fellow diner.

Our sightseeing started at India Gate, a place I'd heard of countless times. Seeing it in person was truly special. India Gate is an iconic war memorial in New Delhi, commemorating the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died fighting for the British Army during World War I. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and completed in 1931, this 42-meter-high sandstone arch is inscribed with the names of the fallen soldiers and features the eternal flame of the Amar Jawan Jyoti, added in 1971 to honor soldiers who died in the Indo-Pakistani War. Being there felt like a sincere tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, a touching moment amid the huge crowds.

Since the Indira Gandhi Memorial is just about 10 minutes away from India Gate, we decided to walk. Navigating New Delhi’s traffic felt like a thrilling adventure. Crossing main roads and being cautious of speeding vehicles was quite the experience, making me feel like I was part of the city's pulse.

The Indira Gandhi Memorial, located in the Safdarjung area of New Delhi, is a poignant tribute to India's first and only female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Once her residence, this museum preserves her legacy through a comprehensive collection of photographs, personal belongings, and newspaper clippings that chronicle her life and political career. The memorial offers an intimate glimpse into her leadership, including pivotal moments such as the Green Revolution and the Emergency period. A glass pathway marks the spot where she was assassinated in 1984, providing a solemn reminder of her tragic end.

True enough, the memorial holds significant respect for Indira Gandhi. It felt deeply sentimental, like walking back in time through her life - her growing up years, political career, family, and tragic end. The most touching part was seeing her saree and other personal items from the moment she was shot on display. It was emotional; I wanted to cry, but I held back my tears. My highest respect to you, Madam Indira Gandhi. You are an inspiration to many people around the world, including myself. I salute you, Madam.

Coming out, I couldn't resist taking a photo with the tall, lanky, and handsome army guy standing nearby. Wah! Could I take him back home? Ahahaha!

Next, we headed to the airport, stopping at McDonald's for a meal, while waiting for our flight. I ordered a McChicken, Coke, and fries. The McChicken was super nice, truly delicious. I'm glad I gave it a try - a tasty end to my solo North India trip, even though I was in a tour group with unknown people.