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A Day of Bargains, Miscommunication, and Delhi Sightseeing

 

Navigating Delhi in an Auto-Rickshaw
Navigating Delhi in an Auto-Rickshaw

After completing my biometric submission at the Sweden Embassy, I stepped outside into the cool Delhi morning. An auto driver greeted me, and I asked if he could drop me at the nearest metro station. I had forgotten the station’s name, but after a bit of back-and-forth (and a lot of guessing), we understood each other.

The Great Auto Bargain

As we rode, I casually asked him about nearby places to visit. That’s when our simple metro ride turned into a full-fledged negotiation.

Me: "How many places can I see by 3 PM, and how much will you charge?"
Him: "1300 rupees, sir."
Me: "600."
Him: "Sir, parking, waiting time..." (A long explanation in Hindi that I only half understood.)
Me: "800?"
Him: "1000 final."
Me: "900 final."
Him: "Done."

I had no clue if it was a fair deal, but hey, bargaining in an unknown city, with an unknown person, in an unknown language? Achievement unlocked!

Exploring Delhi’s Landmarks

Our first stop was India Gate, again. Since I had already visited the previous day, I just admired it from the auto. Check out my Delhi Day 1 experience.

From the auto itself, I got glimpses of the New Parliament, President’s House, PM’s House, and Army Headquarters, all grand and imposing.

A Walk Through History

At Pradhan Mantri Sangrahalaya, the auto driver guided me to buy an entry ticket (₹50). The museum was impressive, capturing the legacy of India’s Prime Ministers. It took about an hour to explore before I returned to the auto, where my driver was patiently waiting.

Next stop: Indira Gandhi Memorial, where she lived and was assassinated. While I wasn’t deeply connected to her legacy, visiting such a historic place felt significant.

Skipping Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, we headed to the Railway Museum (₹50 entry). It was fascinating to see India’s railway history, but the real excitement was still ahead, Qutub Minar.

Qutub Minar: A Timeless Marvel

The journey to Qutub Minar took longer, giving me time to appreciate Delhi’s streets. The entry was ₹40 (₹35 if paid by card, modern India!). A quick lunch at a nearby canteen, and I was all set to explore.

The towering minaret had stunning architecture, and I noticed some intricate designs resembling Hindu temple carvings. Was this history speaking, or just my imagination?

The Sweet Finale

By 1:30 PM, the auto driver warned that any more sightseeing might make me miss my flight. I agreed, but not before one last request, Delhi sweets! My teammates had asked for something with a shelf life of three days, so we stopped at a Haldiram’s outlet. Communicating my exact needs without proper Hindi? Let’s just say it was an adventure of its own!

Airport Hustle

By 3 PM, the auto driver dropped me near the airport’s shuttle bus stop (since autos aren’t allowed inside). He even stopped a bus for me, hospitality at its finest!

Check-in, security, and waiting at the boarding gate, routine stuff. The Air India flight took off with an interesting diagonal climb, different from my usual experiences. Somewhere mid-air, I woke up to a breathtaking sunset, deep reds and oranges spreading across the horizon. No window seat? No problem. I got permission from my seatmate to take some amazing shots.

Landing in Bengaluru by 7:40 PM, I booked a Namma Yatri cab (because Uber prices were crazy!) and reached home by 9:45 PM.

Tired? Yes. But sleep wasn’t an option, I had another adventure lined up: a 5 AM road trip to Ooty with my office friends!

#DelhiDiaries #SoloTravel #TravelTales #QutubMinar #IndiaGate #AirportChronicles #UnexpectedJourneys #satyaharishchandraa
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