Two faced Delhi!

For generations, people have watched Dilli evolve into Delhi. No matter where we come from, this city welcomes us all—and somehow, we each find a home here. There’s an invisible line between the grandeur of New Delhi, designed during the colonial era and now sprawling chaotically with megastructures, highways, skyscrapers—and the enchanting, lanes of Old Delhi, steeped in cultural heritage and history. Though there are no official borders, every time you cross from one to the other, the stark contrast makes you pause and wonder: Am I still in the same city or has google maps taken me to a different era?

I stumbled into Delhi by accident—via the Spanish route of Instituto Cervantes. I had only wanted to study Spanish, and the school happened to be located in Delhi. And so, at 22, my relationship with this city began.

New Delhi is stunning—sensational, even. There’s always something happening: concerts, food festivals, protests for social causes—all forming part of the city’s daily rhythm. If Delhi were a person, it would definitely need a steady diet of vitamins, minerals, and energy bars just to keep up. Like Dora the Explorer, I began my own journey here.

Luxury brands that once only lived in Paris or Milan now adorned the shelves at Emporio Mall, turning it into the ultimate destination for retail therapy. But the window shopping wasn’t limited to malls—Vasant Vihar had transformed overnight into the epicenter of upscale grocery stores, with entire aisles dedicated to Cheddar, Bocconcini, and Mascarpone. And India Gate—oh, what a nightly ritual it became. Driving under lush canopies of green, down the wide avenues lined with well-manicured gardens, the Indian flag billowing in the wind, ice cream in hand—what more could a girl ask for?

From vibrant nights to sunny brunches, Mehrauli's mesmerizing architecture made it the ideal place for catching up with friends and family. With the majestic Qutub Minar in the background, the area had become a hub for posh cafes and bistros serving amuse-bouche alongside white asparagus and chayote squash—dishes I had previously only heard of on MasterChef. And just when you thought it couldn’t get fancier, the fashion couture houses of Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi popped up, elevating the already “oh-so-glamorous” Delhi.

But in all its majestic glory, the Delhi I knew was only one side of the coin. The other side—Old Delhi—remained untouched and unexplored. That is, until the news of my engagement spread to my extended family. What better way to mark my status as a bride-to-be than a shopping trip into the heart of mystical Old Delhi?

Where New Delhi boasts wide, tree-lined boulevards, Old Delhi is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and ancient alleys. Wandering its chaotic charm, I felt more like an archaeologist than a bride-to-be—digging through layers of history, culture, and tradition. Cinderella had to trade in her shiny cab for a cycle rickshaw, the only thing that could truly navigate through the streets of  Chandni Chowk. 

Chandni Chowk is a world of its own. Crumbling houses, jumbled shops stacked like a toddler’s Lego tower, and the smell of spices and sweets dancing in the air. The food is legendary—people come from across the globe just to try the paranthas, lassis, and the dizzying array of Indian sweets.

The Red Fort and Safdarjung Tomb, wrapped in blooming bougainvilleas, were a feast for my eyes—and a quiet history lesson for my soul. Far from New Delhi’s neon lights, Old Delhi is a haven for anyone wanting to lose themselves in the city’s timeless art and architecture. The grand old havelis offer a peek into lives once lived in regal luxury. Sure, the crowded streets, the overzealous shopkeepers, and my mother’s panicked reminders to “hold onto your bag!” were overwhelming at first—but once I settled in, Old Delhi felt like exactly where I was meant to be.

Today, I’m a true Delhiite. New Delhi is like your stylish, energetic best friend—full of life, drama, and sparkle. Old Delhi is your grandmother’s warm hug—comforting, nostalgic, and irreplaceable. Together, they form a kaleidoscope of colors and cultures, rich in contrast and beauty.

Delhi isn’t black and white—it’s every shade in between. And the day I checked in, I chose to commit fully to this incredible city, in all its chaos and charm.