Delhi Metro crossing infront of the huge Hanuman idol near Karol Bagh

Photo #2 : Gulab Jamuns (Golden Fried Sweet Balls)

Photo #1: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi

Indian Railways are not only the world’s longest rail network of the world. Despite their lack of cleanliness and general maintenance, they also offer the cheapest and easiest way of transportation, for humans and cattle alike between any two Indian cities.

While planning my trip to the chaotic city of the Taj, I initially decided to take my own car. On after thoughts, since this trip was all about connecting with hotels in Agra and the general theme of travel and tourism, I  decided to travel on Taj Express, Delhi to Agra. Logging onto the Indian Railways website, with the tourist season in full swing and so many of you goras booking your seats like 5 years in advance, I was left with the only option of non-AC chair car.

For probably the first time in my life, I woke up at 5.50 AM on  a Sunday, hurried past my morning rituals (not the religious kinds:)) and took an autorickshaw to Nizamuddin Station. My autowallah was a gawky fellow chewing pan masala and singing Madhuri Dixit songs non stop. I had to virtually kick him to drive fast, I had a train to catch. Atlast, after some requests, some shouting, a lot of cursing and unfulfilled offers of extra tips, I finally arrived, just on time.

The train was right on time. Sitting on the window seat, I was all ready and geared up to brave the slums. If you haven’t traveled on an train from Delhi, you probably don’t know what I’m talking about. Delhi, like any big metropolitan in a developing world, is surrounded by kilometers of slums on its outskirts. In India, they particularly develop close to the railway tracks,  largely due to availability of free water, uninterrupted and absolutely free electricity supply courtesy stealing from Indian Railways and a close place to pee and shit without the requirement to clean afterward.

You are treated to the visual gushes of these little slum-villages as soon as the train leaves the station. Then there are intermittent garbage dumps the size of city blocks that open  your nose and send wafts of decaying matter  up it despite you clinching it shut as hard as you can. At 7ish in the morning, everybody is getting ready for the day. Most of them are shitting on the adjacent track as your train passes  and sends a  whirlwind down their open shirts . You can see bare bottoms hovering over mounds of digested onions, salt and chappatis. You look at their faces zooming across your window and immediate realize, it is not their fault, it is their majboori, they are shackled by poverty. In 15 minutes, you see why India is still a developing country.

The train ride wasn’t uneventful. To the brave-hearted traveler,

I would suggest traveling non-AC to see how Indian people actually behave, eat, drink, sleep, squat, talk, fight, shout, network, sing, squeal, cry, beat their children, ask for advice on their engagement menu, give unsolicited advice on weight loss, sell tea, drink tea, gargle with tea and the like. This wouldn’t be a very comfortable experience, but an eye opener for sure. You will have to hold onto your seat because there are people traveling without reservation ready to grab any inch of sitting space on offer. You will have to say no to aisle vendors selling spidermans, paper soaps, pens, pencils, nail cutters and other parenphillia (all priced at Rs.10) at least ten times every hour. You will hate the sound of words like ‘tea’, ‘coffee’, ‘veg cutlet’ and ‘bread-omlette’ because it will be shouted in your ear every five minutes throughout your journey. But you will have an unforgettable experience.

Event: Let the Music Take You

(Solo Paiting Exhibition by Prodeep Mookerjee)

Date: 13th November to 18th November 2009

Location: Visual Arts Gallery, IHC

Let The Music Take You Solo show of paintings by Prodeep Mookerjee.

A solo exhibition is on display by a budding artist who is set to grab the Delhi art scene by storm.  by an exciting new artist set to make waves in the art world. Prodeep Mookerjee balances his life in Dubai and London. He work in oils -  “undiluted, using a spatula, my fingers, and occasionally a brush… sketch rough, if at all, work wet-on-wet, and once it’s somewhat dry  ‘finish’ it”.

Do check out what Mr. Mookerjee has to offer!

Event: IITF 09    (29th Edition)

Date: 14th November to 28th November 2009.

Location: Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Commuting: Delhi Metro is preferable due to congested roads.

Every year, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) organizes the biggest trade fair in India. IITF is their flagship event held every year showcasing latest developments in various Indian states and public sector enterprises. India International Trade Fair or just trade fair is a unique exhibition where not only a huge amount of companies market to other business and direct consumers, they present a brand image that is projected the world over. State goverments and public sectors like defence and textile ministries also have their own halls showcasing advances in their fields, achievements and more.

This mega event is the easiest way to experience all of India’s specialties, culture, food etc at one place. A huge amount of visitors swarm in from throughout India and Abroad for business and travel purposes. Whether it’s for business or pleasure, IITF is one of the major events to experience in New Delhi.

09 THEME: “Export of Services”.

This year, ITPO has chosen “Export of Services” as the central theme for IITF 09. This is a well thought theme that depicts the increasing share of foriegn income being generated by outsourcing of various services from India since we have developed into one of the biggest exporter of non-tangible goods in terms of BPOs, call centres, back-end offices and more. Pointers to and events  based around this theme would be visible throughout this year’s events. Many outsourcing companies and organizers have also grouped together to showcase their excellence in the field and also promote their businesses.

Book your accommodation for IITF 09: Call 9971843131 or email us at delhidairies@gmail.com

Namaste,

This blog is dedicated to everything about our beloved city Delhi and our motherland, India . It can be used as your personal Delhi Travel Guide, as a little research tool while planning your next trip to India, as a journal of sorts on what to do and not to do in India or just a good read about everything Delhi and everything India. We will keep you updated on the latest events, new places to see, unknown but extremely popular places to eat, what to do, trip itineraries, footloose tour ideas and more. Keep watchin!

Namaste and Welcome from our Delhi Bed and Breakfast