keshav gharti magar
It was a hectic and busy day as I was managing various tasks and late in the evening, I received news that we would be heading to New Delhi the next day. The trip was not pre- planned; rather circumstances made it possible. Moreover, I wasn’t travelling alone—my parents and grandparents were accompanying me on this trip. It proved to be a bit challenging for me, as I had to take on all the responsibilities of organizing and managing the trip for everyone. Finally, the day came – it was 7th November and we set off towards New Delhi by road. We passed through Krishnanagar-Badhani border where we faced a slight matter as my grandmother had forgotten her identity card. However, we managed to resolve the situation digitally. After approximately 20 hours of travel, we finally reached our destination Lajpat- Nagar, New Delhi.
Upon reaching New Delhi, I was surprised & surrounded by the heavy traffic where people seemed accustomed to jams and congestion. Everyone was rushing through the streets on their vehicles. I observed a lack of regulation in traffic management and it became evident that many two-wheelers were missing side mirrors, riding without helmets and frequently carrying three passengers on a single bike. After freshening up, I communicated to my parents regarding the traffic situation and they shared similar concerns as well. Tired from the long journey, we decided to spend the rest of the day in the hotel room.
The next day, we had the opportunity to visit the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which I found to be quite large compared to our Tribhuvan International Airport. Then, we returned to the hotel for a short rest. In the evening, we explored the local markets which were bustling with crowds and noise. Local vendors were adopting various tactics to sell their goods for their families. The following day was filled with excitement and joy as we set out in the early hours to visit the Taj Mahal located in Agra, UP. I was overwhelmed by its breathtaking beauty. It lived up to all the stories I had heard, and I marvelled at the depth of love that led to the creation of such a magnificent monument.
The Taj Mahal stands, as a matter of facts, as an iconic symbol of love and is one of the most remarkable architectural masterpieces in the world. Security at the site was strict/tight, and I appreciated the measures/steps taken to preserve this historical treasure.
After spending about 3-4 hours there, we proceeded to visit Fatehpur Sikri known also as a ghost town, a site of great historical importance. As a child, my father would often tell me stories of Akbar and Birbal and I was fortunate to have a chance to witness the palace of Emperor Akbar, built during 1571 and 1585 in Uttar Pradesh. The city’s architecture, a blend of Persian, Indian, and Islamic styles, is stunning. Key highlights include Jama Masjid, Diwan-e-Khas, Buland Darwaza, & tomb of Salim Chishti. The rich history and well- preserved monuments of Fatehpur Sikri attract tourists from all over the world. That day our journey ended there.
At around 5 am the next morning, we left for Mathura and Vrindavan the birthplace and childhood spent place of Lord Krishna respectively. Personally, I was thrilled to visit this sacred place as I have heard many stories about Lord Krishna, especially related to politics and diplomacy, from my father since my childhood. We first visited the Banke Bihari Temple, which was crowded with thousands of people, both locals and pilgrims. The overcrowding led to pushing and shoving in the queues, which was quite unsettling. There was a risk of losing personal belongings, and vulnerable individuals, including children and the elderly, could easily get lost in the chaos. After visiting Banke Bihari, we toured other sites such as Nidhiban, Prem Mandir, Keshi Ghat, and Shahji Temple. There were more sites to explore, but due to time constraints, we could not visit all of them. I also had a rather unpleasant experience when a monkey snatched my sunglasses and damaged them. I would advise future visitors to avoid wearing sunglasses in such areas. Overall, Vrindavan, for me, proved to be an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus, with its peaceful ambiance and rich cultural heritage.
After that, we returned to New Delhi and then proceeded to Haridwar. While it wasn’t originally on our itinerary, {our plan was to visit Mumbai and Goa, but we didn’t even get (First AC)}, our driver recommended it and it was conveniently nearby. We reached Haridwar at night. This sacred city, located on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttarakhand, is one of the seven most sacred places in Hinduism, renowned for its religious significance and vibrant spiritual atmosphere. The next morning, we visited Har Ki Pauri, where pilgrims bathe in the Ganges River and perform rituals. We also participated in ritual bathing, and my grandparent offered prayers in memory of their parents. Although the evening Ganga Aarti is a famous and beautiful experience, unfortunately we missed seeing it. Afterwards, we went back to New Delhi and visited some important sites including the President’s Residence as well as India Gate, which are popular tourist spots in the city.
On our final day, we visited the Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. The fort is constructed entirely of red sandstone and is a remarkable example of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles. History enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into India’s past at this site. The five museums inside the fort instils a sense of patriotism and energy. After exploring the Red Fort, we visited Akshardham Temple, a magnificent modern Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The intricate carvings and the central idol of Swaminarayan are breathtaking, and the temple complex also houses Yagnapurush Kund, the world’s largest stepwell. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside, however photography service is available for a predetermined price. Since the weather was not ideal, we did not get a chance to take pictures.
As our trip drew to a close, we headed to the Lotus Temple and had a few moments there. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful trip with my family. I feel incredibly fortunate and blessed to have my grandparents with me, as many of my friends no longer have theirs. Traveling with them to so many beautiful places has been a gift. Eventually, we crossed the Rupadiya border, where the security checks were as thorough and orderly as an airport. On the Nepalese side, however, the border security was less strict, which was embarrassing to
witness. The lack of administrative presence and inadequate infrastructure in Nepal was in stark contrasts to the professionalism and systems of the Indian side. It reflects the challenges our country Nepal is facing in terms of development, system and professionalism. Overall, the trip was an unforgettable experience. The time I spent with my family was precious and will remain a cherished memory in my life. If all goes well, I look forward to more such trips in the future.
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