“The next station is Central Secretariat. Change here for the yellow line. Doors will open to the left. Please mind the gap between the door and the platform.”
Sprawling across almost 391 kilometers and connecting 286 stations, the Delhi Metro Railway Corporation is the heart of Delhi; and the dulcet voice of the metro announcer making variations of the above announcement might just become the only constant of your life in a city that practically never sleeps!
If you too are one of the thousand other new students whose footfalls will be gracing the halls of Delhi University this coming October- congratulations, you’ve made it! And you’ve made it big! Delhi University certainly has its claim to fame for providing quality education and a holistic environment that lead to a multitude of opportunities for interested folks. However, the real spirit of college life and experiences that are going to turn you into a ‘Delhiite’ lie beyond your college gates. Here are 10 must have experiences and places to visit during your first year in Delhi:
1.Have plenty of street food: In a world where inflation has caused food prices to skyrocket, Delhi street food remains a safe haven for all college students. Be it momos, or kathi rolls, or even chole kulche, Delhi has it all. Perhaps one of the best things about Delhi is the availability and affordability of its street food-truly, it’s a foodie’s paradise. Dolma Aunty Momos in Lajpat Nagar, Moolchand Paratha in Moolchand and Aslam Chicken Corner in Jama Masjid are some of the places that should definitely be on your to do list. So grab a fork and get ready for a season of feasting!
2.Visit Mehrauli Gardens: Bored of the typical crowded touristy spots? Worry not, because we’ve got you covered. Located at a walking distance from the Qutub Minar, Mehrauli Gardens or Mehrauli Archeological park is a hidden gem of a place. While the verdant and lush gardens and the scenic beauty act as a perfect backdrop to your selfies, the place also is filled with ruins and tombs for you to explore at your own leisure. The Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Mosque of Quli Khan and Rajon ki Baoli constitute some of the main attractions here. The best part of it all? You’re likely to never find a big crowd there, so if you are looking for a serene afternoon to spend with yourself or your loved ones, this is your destination to be at.
3.Go shopping at Sarojini Nagar Market: Most days, when you enter college, you’ll feel like you have entered a Versace Fashion Event, because if there’s one thing Delhi University students know to do flawlessly- it’s their fashion. And what better place than Sarojini Nagar Market to jazz up your wardrobe according to the season’s latest trends and that too at the most affordable prices ever! Right from kurtis to crop tops to jootis to chunky earrings- Sarojini Market has you covered. And even if you aren’t a shopaholic, the delicious street food there is sure to make your afternoon there a rather fulfilling one.
4.Travel on Delhi Metro: While for most the Delhi Metro is an indispensable part of everyday life and commute, if you’re not one of them, you need to make travelling in Delhi Metro a must on your ‘to-do list’. Where else are you going to get the opportunity to people watch in peace while sitting( or struggling to find a place to stand) in the ac?
5.Visit Hauz Khas: The hub of South Delhi, Hauz Khas Village is a visual and experimental delight that is bound to leave you with a trunk full of memories and good times. The amazing clubs, cafes and restaurants are a popular night time haunt among students while the Hauz Khas Fort, Deer Park and Lake provide a scenic retreat to the senses. With the streets full of funky artwork, you’re promised to stumble upon something new at every turn in Hauz Khas. Keep exploring!
6.Feast at Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat: While street food has already been mentioned on this list, Chandni Chowk and Dilli Haat deserve their own individual mention. While Chandni Chowk offers you the best of mouth watering North Indian cuisine like chole bhature, dahi bhalle and rabri faluda to name a few (seriously, who hasn’t heard of Parathe wali Gali?), Dilli Haat bring to you the flavours from around the country with their authentic dishes that will make every calorie worth the intake. With student friendly pricing, both the places even offer some amazing places to shop at and up your style game.
7.Visit Humayun’s Tomb: One simply cannot miss out on Humayun’s Tomb while exploring Delhi. The epitome of greatness of the Mughal Dynasty in general and the Mughal architecture in general, Humayun’s Tomb makes a great location for a fun group activity. The ancient domes, the sacred crypts and the fine craftsmanship are quite a treat and are guaranteed to leave you breathless. This tourist site is one you simply cannot miss.
8.Explore Hudson Lane: One of the biggest student hubs located in North Campus, Hudson Lane brings with it an abundance of cozy and chic cafes and restaurants to just chill and decompress from everyday college life and stress. The Big Yellow Door, The Hudson Cafe and Cafeteria &Co. are the top picks if you are looking for an evening to just vibe and let your hair down.
9.Visit Majnu ka Tila: Located in New Aruna Nagar, this Tibetan Colony lies close to the North Campus and is often found milling with college students. Full of exotic budget friendly shops to fulfil your fashion needs, right from shoes to shorts, it is also well known for its momos and the various cafes. Rigo, Ama Café and Tee Dee Restaurant are our top picks.
10.Spend a relaxing afternoon at Lodhi Gardens: Probably the best place in Delhi for a picnic, The Lodhi Gardens on Lodhi Road is a slice of heaven. The open skies, lush gardens and old monuments there tick off all the items for a fun filled afternoon. You will often find college students either jamming or giving performances of some play or the other here. Take a long walk along the duck house, roam in the ayurvedic garden or simply sit on the sills of one of the windows of the Lodhi tomb and watch the world go by-the place has it all and the choice is yours, so be sure to not miss out on this one.
All said and done, what’s the most important is to have fun and learn to let your hair down every now and then. College can be stressful and while laying on your bed and scrolling reels after college may seem like the perfect way to relax, try grabbing your bag, putting on your shoes, taking your metro card and just setting off to explore Delhi and who knows? You might just stumble upon your next favorite place!