A Day in Delhi: History, Spirituality, and a Lucky Break
Our day began bright and early at 6:15 AM. After a quick shower and a hearty breakfast of Glenn’s favourite—bacon and eggs—we fuelled up for a full day of exploring Delhi. I grabbed some fresh cut fruit to snack on during the bus ride, knowing we’d need the energy for the packed itinerary ahead.
Our first stop was supposed to be the iconic Red Fort, but we were disappointed to find out it was closed for a month-long restoration. Instead, we settled for a drive-by glimpse of this magnificent structure. The Red Fort, built by the same Mughal emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan, is steeped in history. After the death of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan was so heartbroken that he left Agra, moved to Delhi, and built both the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
Speaking of the Jama Masjid, our next stop was this breathtaking mosque. Visiting required a bit of preparation—no shoes allowed, and women had to wear gowns to cover up. The grandeur of the mosque, with its towers and vast courtyard, was awe-inspiring. It was a humbling experience to stand in a place so deeply connected to India’s history and culture.
From there, we hopped onto a rickshaw for a thrilling ride through Chandni Chowk, the bustling street markets around the mosque, even though it was early and most of the vendors were closed it was still hectic. Our next destination was a Hindu Laxminarayan Temple, where, once again, we had to remove our shoes before entering. No Camera or bags allowed in this temple.
The Laxminarayan Temple, also known as the Birla Mandir, is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Delhi, India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Narayan) and his consort Goddess Lakshmi, the deities of wealth and prosperity. The temple is a significant religious and cultural landmark in the city and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
We visited the India Gate One of the most iconic landmarks in Delhi, India Gate stands as a majestic war memorial, honouring the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
As we approached India Gate, its towering archway came into view, standing proudly at the heart of Rajpath. The 42-meter-high structure, made of red sandstone and granite, is both imposing and elegant. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the monument is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, yet it carries a unique Indian identity.
India Gate was built to commemorate the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I. Their names are inscribed on the walls of the monument, serving as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice. As we walked around the structure, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of respect and gratitude for these brave souls. The Amar Jawan Jyoti (Flame of the Immortal Soldier), an eternal flame burning beneath the arch, further symbolizes the nation’s undying gratitude to its martyrs.
Adjacent to India Gate, we also visited the recently unveiled statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most revered freedom fighters. The statue, made of black granite, stands tall and proud, capturing Netaji’s indomitable spirit. It was inspiring to see how the government has integrated this tribute to a key figure in India’s independence movement with the war memorial, creating a space that honours both military and civilian heroes. This statue replaced one of King George V.
The area around India Gate is always buzzing with activity. Families, tourists, and locals gather here to relax, take photos, and enjoy the lush green lawns. Street vendors selling ice creams, snacks, and souvenirs add to the lively vibe.
After the India Gate, we stopped for lunch for some delicious local cuisine. Our journey then took us to Gandhi Smriti, which is a poignant and historically significant destination for anyone interested in the life, philosophy, and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the Indian nation. This memorial is housed in the very place where Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was tragically assassinated on January 30, 1948. A visit to Gandhi Smriti offers a deeply moving experience, blending history, spirituality, and reflection. Walking through the memorial was a poignant reminder of his legacy and the principles of nonviolence he championed. I stopped into the gift shop and bought a book to further research this amazing man.
We continued our tour with a drive past the old and new Parliament buildings, marvelling at the blend of colonial and modern architecture.
Our next spiritual stop was the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, a Sikh temple known for its golden dome and peaceful atmosphere. Here, we removed our shoes and socks (again!) and covered our heads before entering. Inside, we saw the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib, resting on a silk-covered bed. Devotees continuously chanted verses from the book, creating a meditative ambiance. At sunset, we learned, the holy book is ceremoniously carried to an air-conditioned room for the night—a beautiful ritual of reverence.
One of the most inspiring parts of the Gurudwara visit was the community kitchen, or langar, where volunteers prepare free meals for anyone who walks in, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social status. Everyone sits together and eats as equals. The kitchen runs entirely on donations—food items like rice, flour, wheat, and spices, as well as monetary contributions. It was heartwarming to witness such generosity and inclusivity in action.
After the Gurudwara, we returned to the “shoe room” to retrieve our belongings and made our way to the bus. But disaster struck—I realized I’d left my phone behind! Panicking, Glenn and I rushed back, only to find it missing - were we expecting it to be there - no. A kind man offered to help, and after a few tense moments returned with my phone, He was a bit confused as I had put our tour guides card at the back of the phone. One of the temple’s helpers found it. Grateful, I gave her a small donation—all the cash I had on me—as a token of my appreciation.
By the time we returned to the hotel, it was already past 5:00 PM. With some free time on our hands, Glenn flipped through the TV channels until he found a cricket match. He joked that he didn’t need to understand the commentary to enjoy the game.
At 7:00 PM, we headed down to the hotel’s bar and restaurant, where half of our group had already gathered for drinks. We ordered soft drinks and some fries, but the kitchen seemed to be struggling—our fries arrived nearly an hour later, just as everyone was leaving! Despite the delay, it was a relaxing way to unwind after a long day.
We called it an early night, knowing we had another early start the next day—our bus was leaving at 7:30 AM sharp. As I drifted off to sleep, I reflected on the day’s adventures: the history, the spirituality, the kindness of strangers, and the vibrant energy of Delhi. What a day it had been!
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