Numerous generations have been a part of Dilli transforming into Delhi and this city has welcomed all of us, no matter where we come from, we all find a home in Delhi. There is an invisible line between New Delhi that was designed during the colonial times and continues to expand haphazardly with new megastructures, highways, skyscrapers springing out of nowhere. And then there is the old historic Delhi consumed by the rich cultural heritage and history. Though there are no formal borders, every time you cross over and enter into the other side, you can certainly distinguish the vast cultural differences that the city offers and just makes you double-check, whether the location on the maps is still Delhi or not!

I stumbled into Delhi through the Spanish route of Instituto Cervantes, I wanted to study Spanish and the school’s address happened to be in Delhi. Thus at the age of 22, I began my tryst with this city.

New Delhi is stunning and sensational. There is always something happening in every nook and corner, the concerts, the food festivals, the protests for social causes, all fall under a daily routine for Delhi. I’m sure if the city was a person, it would be needing all the vitamins, minerals and energy bars to get through the days including weekends. New Delhi exhibits all the comfort and class that a new-age cinema provides the moviegoers. The recliners, those cozy blankets, ordering gourmet food while watching the movie and getting pampered under those dim lights. A pure magical experience.

I, like Dora the Explorer, started my journey with the city. The brands that were housed in Paris and Milan, were now spread all over the stores at Emporio Mall and became the destination for retail therapy. The window shopping was not limited to the malls, Vasant Vihar was the place that had overnight become the nucleus for fancy grocery stores which had a whole section dedicated to Cheddar, Bocconcini and Mascarpone and so much more. India Gate was another destination that soon became a nightly routine for me. Driving through the lush green trees overshadowing the wide roads and avenues, the Indian Flag flying high, perfectly groomed gardens and those little ice creams pit stops, what more could a girl ask for.

From nights to days, Mehrauli’s mesmerising architecture was what made it a perfect spot for brunching and catching up with friends and family. With the prominent Qutub Minar in the backdrop, it was the new hub for the posh cafes and bistros serving Amuse Bouche along with White Asparagus and Chayote Squash, a few words that I had only heard in MasterChef series, were now on the menu’s of these charming restaurants. If this was not enough to attract audience, along came the high end fashion couture of designers like Manish Malhotra or Sabyasachi laying it all out and spicing up the already “oh so hot” Delhi.

New Delhi is an absolute delight, it is like living in a Karan Johar’s Movie. You step out in your Gucci shades, Prada shoes while trotting a Hermes bag. For all its shortcomings it offers you something in return and that makes up for all the disappointments one might get from the city. New Delhi even gives all its one-time visitors, who just pop in for a layover a little exotic experience called as the Aerocity. The comfort of the hotels and the excitement that comes around it, surely makes even a one-night stand with Delhi worth it.

In all it’s majestic glory, the Delhi I had been introduced to was just one side of the coin, the other side remained unchartered and unexplored and I was soon introduced to Old Delhi when the news of me getting married reached my aunts. Therefore what better way of introducing myself as the bride-to-be and entering the lanes of mystical Old Delhi to get lost in it’s charm and beauty and to shop of course.

In comparison to the spacious avenues of New Delhi, Old Delhi boasts of a labyrinth of streets, taking you so deep inside the city, that it seemed like I had suddenly donned the hat of an archaeologist. Digging deep and peeling off layers of this beautiful city, the Cinderella had to let go of her shinny cab and step into the rickshaws which could actually take her weight across Chandni Chowk. Since I could not afford a real Sabyasachi, what’s the next best thing to wear for my wedding? A true blue replica, which clearly did not look like one. Chandni Chowk boasts of rustic beauty, tiny streets, houses that were constructed ages ago, and shops lined up like a 3-year-old setting up his legos, one top of the other. The food is another topic of discussion. Old Delhi offers such a wide range of delicacies that there are people who come from far away lands just to try the scrumptious paranthas, lassis and the unlimited Indian sweets.

The glorious Red Fort and Safdarjung Tomb covered in pink and white bougainvilleas were a treat for my eyes and a history lesson for my brain. Away from all the shiny disco lights of New Delhi, this place was a paradise for getting lost in the art that this city boasts of. The magnanimous havelis in Old Delhi are a pee ka boo of the grand lifestyles that people lived many many years ago. Although the initial shock of the crowded streets, shopkeepers trying to rope me in and sell things I never really wanted or the constant nudges from my mom to grab on to my bag as if my life was dependent on it, was a little bit disturbing but once I got comfortable, Old Delhi seemed just the right place to be in.

I’m now, a true Delhiite. New Delhi is like your best friend and Old Delhi seems like a grandmother’s hug. Delhi offers an immense palettes of colours and nothing is black and white about this city, therefore the day I checked in, I chose to be fully committed to this gorgeous city. 

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