9 years of doing work without getting a
time away, I think it is time to go on a prolonged due holiday getaway. India,
being a vacation spot often beckoned me and I mean to go there just to check
out spirituality and study yoga. Loads of preparations will go into finalising
and making a perfect itinerary. Booking Train tickets, booking hotels, sites to
visit, daily budget, monument fee etc are all aspects that need to be worked
well in advance.
I have strong influence of hippy culture
on me as both my parents were hippies and for this reason India always
intrigued me. Exploring spirituality is the thing that inspired me to visit
India this time.
Process of booking hotels, flight tickets
etc was an easy one and done within a short span of time. I hired an Indian
travel agent who helped me book my flight and train tickets for my whole
journey of exploring INDIA. After researching for good hotels in Delhi, I
landed with quite a few options. Out of so many decent hotels in Delhi, I had
to choose the a hotel that was rated well, centrally located and within my
budget. So many hotels in Delhi and yet I chose Smyle Inn because of the
efficient way in communication was handled by them where all my repeated
queries were addressed professionally. Free breakfast and WiFi in rooms for the
cost seemed like a good value for money. I sent an online booking request
through their site www.smyleinn.com and booked one of their Superior rooms
along with the airport pickup. I was surprised to see that my booking was
confirmed within 3 hours. Hotels website is located at the following web
address http://www.smyleinn.com
Flight landed after a delay of 2 hours,
the driver was waiting with a smile and took me to the hotel without any
trouble. About the area, it was really congested with small lanes. the area of
my hotel worried me a little as it was totally deserted post midnight. the
hotel was in a small alley which again made me jittery. But I thought what the
hell and to my surprise when I entered the hotel it was just as any good hotel
anywhere. I quickly checked in and crashed on my bed.
Next morning I went for the breakfast and
then ventured into the city. I was amazed to observe that the area that wore a
haunted look at night, was actually busy with many activities. So many people
on the Paharganj main bazaar along with cows, tuk tuk, cycle rickshaw, hawkers
etc...all running about doing their job, without worrying about anybody else.
Using the map, I found and visited the nearest metro station. I realised that
Smyle Inn was a guest house near metro station which made intra city travel
much easier. While using the metro and exploring the Paharganj area, I would
bump into few fellow Americans and Europeans which used to be good for general
chit chat. I realised that this is one area that has more guest houses offering
budget accommodation than anywhere in the world (16 in the street where my
hotel is).
After this I headed onto visiting India
Gate, Red fort and Jama Masjid. next day, I took a HOHO Bus in Delhi for a
Delhi Darshan tour. You can access HOHO bus site from here HOHO Bus. In religious places, I visited Lotus Temple of the Bahai faith
and Akshardham Temple. Chandni Chalk or whatever it is called and Iskon temple
of the Hare Rama Hare Krishna sect was also visited by me.
Lotus Temple
Akshardham temple
Three days in Delhi was more than enough
for me and I decided to visit Rishikesh. My folks arrived here in the 60s to
explore their spiritual side. I will reside here for a few weeks to learn
meditation, take a dip in holi ganges and also learn some Yoga. People say that
sitting on the banks of Ganges and staying in Rishikesh, has a very healing
impact on soul, body and mind.
Watch out for my next post on Rishikesh
where I will brief you about my experiences. Untill then enjoy.
