Page 160 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SPRING 2023 SPECIAL CRUISE EDTION
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The hotel is near Humayun's Tomb, Sunder and water channels. The fountain is a favorite
Nursery, and Nizamuddin. We visited the spot for photos and selfies. Our guide also led
Tomb, a huge expanse of monuments, tombs, us to Qutub Minar, a minaret victory tower and
galleries and giant palms in what was the first complex from the 12th Century in Qutub com-
garden mausoleum on this continent. As with plex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tempera-
the major tombs in India, it has symmetry and tures and humidity were in the mid-80s, so
divided into sections, separated by walkways more comfortable as we explored.
On our last full day, our coach parked in Old
Delhi, near a jammed intersection and with the
cacophony of the area turned up to 11. After
pushing through crowds in front of some of the
popular shops and food stands, we turned onto
a serene side street to experience lunch at
Haveli Dharampura, which dates to 1887. It
was restored recently to earn UNESCO Her-
itage status and has classic balconies, arched
gateways, carved sandstone facades, and
wooden doorways, with all modern features
and amenities of a fine boutique hotel with
restaurant. Haveli refers to a traditional town-
house, mansion, manor house, in the Indian
subcontinent, usually one with historical and
architectural significance. Tours are available
of Havelis throughout Old Delhi, from aban-
doned to fully restored.
Ending in Delhi, the largest region in India
with some 30 million people, reinforced our
impressions. The post-monsoon skies were
mostly clear each day. We skirted some slum
areas on our tours, experienced the crush of
people in Old Delhi and avoided most traffic is-
sues by traveling outside rush hours. So many
positive experiences eclipsed the potential
negatives on our trip that we’d recommend
adding India to most bucket lists for those will-
ing to leave their comfort zones for new ad-
ventures. With careful planning and smart,
experienced guides, almost anyone in reason-
able health, a semi-active lifestyle and decent
mobility can enjoy the magic of India and re-
turn with a deep appreciation for its history,
the diversity of this huge country and its dif-
ferent cultures, religions, traditions and the
spirit of its people.
160 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE SPRING 2023
