Travel enthusiast and YouTuber Preeti Rai shares why she loves Delhi and why it is a must-visit for travellers around the world. You can follow Preeti’s adventures and learn about travel experiences on Instagram @aaomilonchalein or check out her videos on YouTube here.
With a population of around 19 million people, Delhi – the national capital of India, is a vibrant city. With neighbourhoods dating back to as early as the 16th century, Delhi has a rich heritage and offers vivid cultural experiences. From the iconic Red Fort to the intricately carved Jama Masjid and the national symbol India Gate to the gram-worthy Humayun’s Tomb – Delhi is home to a number of historical buildings. The city also has many sprawling gardens, museums, parks and pristine temples. For city lovers, Delhi is home to large malls, entertainment centres and pubs.
How long have you lived here?
15 years
Describe your city in 3 words.
Dilwalon Ki Dilli (Full Of Life)
What is the one thing everyone must-see when they get here and why?
India Gate and Rajpath! Running from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk and India Gate, National War Memorial to National Stadium, Rajpath is a ceremonial boulevard that is a spectacular must-visit if you are in Delhi. Lined on both sides by lush green well-maintained lawns, canals and rows of trees, this avenue is an excellent backdrop for great pictures as well. The India Gate is one of India’s largest war memorials and has been called “creative reworking of the Arc de Triomphe”. Standing at a height of 42-metre (138-foot) with a span of 30 feet, India Gate is a vision during sunset and sunrise.
I covered the 2020 Republic Day parade on Rajpath for my channel this year, feel free to check it out!
What is the most overrated thing about your city and why?
I feel like one of the most overrated things about Delhi is the chaos. Media tends to show the “real Delhi” by depicting crowds and chaos everywhere but that is not the case in most parts of the city except for some areas in Old Delhi.
What is your favourite local dish – describe it to us?
Well, it has to be the famous parathe from Parathe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. The flavoursome choice of types of stuffings in parathas is a must-try. To add a refreshing twist to your meal, add their classic lassi to your order. It is out-of-this-world delicious!
Describe your perfect day if you were a tourist?
Morning: Start the day off with a nice breakfast in Chandni Chowk and then head to Red Fort. Explore the fort, watch shows and visit the museums inside.
Afternoon: Head towards Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib– one of the nine historical Gurdwaras in Delhi. It was first constructed in 1783 by Baghel Singh Dhaliwal and is an architectural marvel. Enjoy a pure vegetarian traditional langar for lunch.
Head to India Gate and enjoy the sunset as you explore the Rajpath area. Enjoy local delicacies and ice cream before you head off to your hotel to rest.
This article has been edited for clarity and grammar
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