Old and New in Delhi

15/01/12

The trip to India last year was definitely one of the highlights in 2011. My first visit to the South Asian country was not timed with the best weather. In fact, I arrived in the midst of Indian summer with soaring daytime temperature of 40-45°C. Thus, the incredibly cheap airfare, Kuala Lumpur-New Delhi by AirAsiaX (MYR266 = GBP55 = SGD100 return per person, booked about 9 months in advance). India is a country of great contrast. Like many other cities in India, Delhi boasts a wealth of spectacular monuments and buildings. On the other extreme, houses in dilapidated condition are evident, especially in the older part of the city. Visitors arrive by air are greeted by the modern Indira Gandhi International Airport connected by the sparkling new Airport Express line to the city. Travel options within the city can be an interesting mix of Delhi Metro, tuk-tuks and cycle rickshaws.

Delhi rickshaw
Cyclo rickshaw in Old Delhi (05/2011)

Delhi tuk-tuk
The iconic yellow and green tuk-tuk in Delhi (05/2011)

Delhi airport
Decorative sculpture in the Indira Gandhi International Airport terminal (05/2011)