Skip to main content

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
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Magic of Her Eyes and the Calm She Brings to My World

  The Smile She Brings Her Magic, My Calm The magic in your eyes lights up my world,  Your words bring warmth and calm. You balance life with grace and adventure,  Making everything seem effortless. When you're with me, nothing else exists,  Just my smile for you, my heartbeat's rhythm,  And the joy you bring to my soul. You are my calm, my melody, my love. - @Satyaharishchandraa There’s a magic in her eyes that’s hard to describe. They’re not just eyes, they hold emotions, stories, and a spark that pulls me in every time she looks at me. The way she talks? It’s effortless, calming, and always just what I need to hear. Whether she’s cracking jokes or discussing something serious, her words carry a warmth that stays with me long after the conversation ends. What amazes me the most is how she balances her world. Family, friends, work, and her adventurous life, she juggles it all so gracefully. She is childish in small moments of celebration, bringing joy and laugh...
Post a Comment
Read more

Life : Where Home Feels Like Nature, and Nature Feels Like Home

Home - Address of Happiness  Home - Address of Happiness Where trees dance and calm winds play,Life blossoms in the simplest way.With a playful dog and a curious cat at bay. No city's rush, no crowded street,Can match the peace where earth and heart meet . - @Satyaharishchandraa When I think about happiness and peace, my mind instantly drifts to our farmhouse. Nestled amidst rows of coconut and areca trees, it’s a place where time seems to slow down, and the beauty of nature takes center stage. Our farmhouse is home to three cows, a buffalo, a playful dog, and a curious cat. These animals aren't just part of the scenery, they are part of our family. Their presence brings warmth and life to the surroundings. Mornings here are magical. The cool breeze rustling through the trees, the soft mooing of cows, and the chirping of birds create a symphony that city life could never replicate. The earthy smell of freshly plowed soil and the sight of sunlight filtering through leaves make e...
Post a Comment
Read more

Life in Bengaluru: Stories from a 6 KM Journey

Life in Bengaluru Bengaluru's Rhythm On my ride through the busy street, Couples, parents, all I meet. Buses full, faces tired, Lovers lost, in love inspired. Old ones selling to survive, Transgender voices, staying alive. Cars honk, engines roar, But flowers bloom beneath the floor, Amidst the dust, they stand and soar. In the rush, life moves on, Every face tells a story, drawn. - @Satyaharishchandraa Every morning, I ride my Xpulse through the bustling streets of Bengaluru. It’s a short distance, just 6 kilometers, but the journey takes nearly 30 minutes due to the infamous city traffic. Yet, in those 30 minutes, I witness countless stories unfolding around me, a reflection of the city’s heartbeat. I see young couples on bikes or in cars, heading to work. They talk, laugh, or simply enjoy each other’s company, ignoring the chaos of the road. Parents hurry to drop their children at school, managing time between family and work. At bus stops, people stand in long lines, waiting fo...
Post a Comment
Read more