My next destination is India. The country that's also well known as Bharat, with all its uniqueness and vibrant culture and heritage, and of course, the exceptional (street) food. This is the first country in South Asia I visited. Trying to define India in the best words and phrases is quite hard because of its uniqueness, but let me tell you in my own version story, with hope it would bring you into the imagination journey of the Bharat. I have no clue why I desired to come over here. Maybe I was looking for another exception in my experience, or just wanted to see Taj Mahal for the first time in ever. I don’t know. This was something unusual and let me tell you that I made this trip in very short time and suddenly, I bought all tickets and accommodations a day before, so it made this trip more challenging and adventurous for me, with no well preparation at all. I just decided and made it very quickly. I didn’t do any research or observation about this country well enough before, just shortly found out about the destination and places that would be my itinerary. It was just spontaneously when I was there. And yes, how definitely insane I was! Fortunately, I still made it with affordable cost, it didn’t push me to spend my bucks a lot. India can be an option for you to put into your bucket-list for a leisure. Even for taking a solo trip either. But in my personal opinion, you might have an experience in solo trip If you decide to visit India because you have to be well-prepared. It takes some efforts anyway. Just avoid you getting shocked and unpleasant. Well, I think it should be everyone’s preference. However, before starting the trip, I will kindly remind you to make sure you prepare all kind of things you should have (tickets, accommodations, places, local transportations or everything you need), so your trip would be enjoyable. In this part, I'll talk about transportation and the ways to get there mostly, maybe some of my personal stories added.
I planned to stay in India within 3 days 2 nights. My final destination based on my ticket was New Delhi, but I had a long layover in Mumbai, so I had enough time and chance to sightsee around this city. I arrived at night in Mumbai and stay for night. Just keep in mind that maybe citizens of certain countries need visa to enter India, so make sure whether you need a visa or not, you can do it by checking on their immigration or any official website. In my case, I need e-visa to enter India. So, I applied online with no fee. For currency, India has Rupee (INR) for its transactions, you can convert or exchange it from your currencies in your home countries or when arrived in India. Which one makes you feel better.
Once landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport in Mumbai, next things to do is to pass the immigration gate definitely, then to prepare arrival card (filled out the form at the airport) and printed visa (remember that you need to print out your ETA visa before arriving in India). Show them to the officers. Once my passport got stamped, I checked in for the hotel and continued to sightsee around the city for the next day. My agenda in Mumbai was mainly to see Gateway of India and Hotel Taj Mahal Palace. Those places are near to the city center and I think those are the worth it to see while in Mumbai and then. Those places also become the main spots to visit for the locals itself. There are a lot of options to reach out the city center from airport. You can grab a taxi (to make your trip more practical and convenience but it’s cost an arm and a leg definitely), take a bus or a train and metro.
If it's based on my experience, I decided to take metro and local train, since it was really close to my hotel where I stayed, and affordable enough. Since I planned to see and visit Gateway of India and Hotel Taj Mahal Palace, so I was directed to take metro to the Gopatkhar Station. Once got off at this station, I changed for local train and got off at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. For buying a ticket for both metro and local train, you can get the ticket counter, and tell the officer where the station you want to get off, even if you plan to have the same route as me. I spent about 10 rupee for metro and local train respectively. I'm telling you, when taking the local train, it is just like a commuter, like the local passengers always use it for commuting, working, etc. You would definitely be blended with them. When the peak hours come, it would be very crowded and hectic either at the station or inside the train. More information, each coach of local train is seperated into some segments, which divided space for women and men. So, make sure I don't get on the wrong area.
" The hectic life of Mumbai "
" Inside the train "
The trip duration would take about more than an hour. Once arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, I took a bus number 111 and got off at Dr, Shyama Prasad Bus Stop. While waiting for the bus, I got some pictures around Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
" The Stunning Architecture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus"
" The Art of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Head Office is really eye-catching "
I spent about 10 rupee for the ride, It's able to pay cash for it on the bus. Since arrived at the bus stop, I went for a 10-minute walk and just followed the sign mentioning “Gateway of India”. Once being there, take your best shot around as many as you want and feel the vibes!
" The Hotel Taj Mahal Palace and Birds "
" India Gateway : The Pride of Mumbai "
Best shots of them were just on my hand, now it was time to explore Mumbai for more. The time was enough to enjoy it for a moment. I made this sightseeing with intending to get back to the airport to catch up me next flight to Delhi as well. I took bus number 121 to stop at the Churchgate Station. Once arrived, just went for a walk and saw whatever there.
" Rajabai Clock Tower : The BigBen of Mumbai "
Let's give it a try!
I didn’t miss a moment to taste any Indian traditional street food I found! It’s called Sambhar..
" The exceptional street food of southern India : Shambar "
I have no clue how to describe the taste to detail. I know everyone has personal preference. I can say it generally, that it tasted a lil’ bit flavorless for the Shambar itself, the curry-sauce or gravy like has a full and rich combination of any Indian spices maybe and a bit tasteless, but still good. I could say that this is the real and authentic taste of India. This is one of the south india street foods. You only find this kind of street food in Mumbai or Southern India.
Time to get back to the airport, I didn’t wanna miss my flight. I did the same way, I took the local train and stop at the nearest station to the airport. It was based on maps and the station belonged to Ville Parle station.
I still needed to take other transportation to get the airport from here. I decided to take Tuk Tuk or the locals usually say it “Auto”. I was amazed!
" Get a ride of Tuk Tuk "
My impression of Mumbai
It is all about its stunning and mesmerzing architecture style. It blends Gothic, Victorian and Art Deco styles as many buildings, sturctures and monuments remain from the colonial era since they came to be present through the British in 18th and 19th centuries. For example, something I know about Gateway of India is that monument was designed and built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai in 1911. It's inspiring visiting Mumbai!
Let's flight!
The next section would tell you about mu trip in Delhi, the capital of India.
A lot of things you can do while in Delhi. Food, attraction and sightseeing you can get easily. One of the metropolist city in India. Once arrived at Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi, I decided to visit around India Gate, just to see anything there at night. Well, I needed to go to the city center of course. There are so many options, and I decided to take a train, then bought smart card.
" Smart Card that can take you all around Delhi : Pay as You Go "
We can get this at the ticket counter, and it pays as you go and can be refilled either at counter or vending machines. It costs 50 Rupee to get that card and is able to take metro and airport express. The close station to India Gate is Central Secretariat Station, you just need to walk for 5 minutes from here. This station services Violet and Yellow Line.
" Map of Central Secretariat Station : the easiest way to India Gate "
I think most people come here at night, because it was quite crowded. India Gate showed its vibrant at night.. so colorful and mesmerizing!
" The Vibrant and Beautiful Shining of India Gate at Night "
I didn’t take much time, then I went to look for some foods at Lajpat Nagar Market by taking Tuk Tuk immediately. This place can be considered as the paradise for shopaholics and food (street) hunters. We can find a lot of well-branded stores and amazing street foods. However, before taking me to the market, the driver just offered me to drive round the capital and to show me places such as the residence of the president of India, parliament budlding and the offices of president and prime minister of India. Well yes.. I accepted it. He explained to me about that enthusiastically, just like I have a private local tour-guide haha, even though it costed me about 500 rupee. It didn’t matter, this moment just happened once I thought.
" Well-Known Market in Delhi : Lajpat Nagar "
The taste of India
Once arrived at Lajpat Nagar.. I started hunting India street foods cause I was highly curious. Just see here are some street foods I tasted..
" The Legend Street Food of India : Panipuri "
Panipuri is a kind of deep-fried breaded sphere filled with onion and potato, then served with spicy liquid contained with coriander, mint, green chili, ginger and any spices and seasoning. Overall, it tasted spicy from chili and warm from ginger.
" Crusted Samosa served with spicy and flavorful gravy "
This is a kind of snack that has a crisp and flaky outer layer made of all-purpose flour (locally called maida), then filled with mashed potato, peas and any kind of vegetables.
" The Sweetness of India : Gulab Jamun "
I tasted the sweet dish of India, it's well-known as Gulab Jammun, made of sweet dough that softened with milk solid, then deep fried and served with sugar liquid. It tasted a bit too sweet, but still nice at all.
" Boiled Egg Masala was being prepared very well "
I think this food is the most acceptable for me haha, it is just a simple boiled egg, then served with masala, onion, coriander. Maybe because the taste was very common and familiar for me, so I still enjoyed it. But again, all India street foods are exceptional. The moment think I didn't miss from this food is how the way this food served by the vendor, as the photo captured and shown above.
If you think you’re going to this spot by taking a metro, the nearest and most accessible station to this point is Lajpat Nagar station, there are Violet and Pink Lines services.
" Map of Lajpat Nagar Station : the easiest way to Lajpat Nagar Market "
I got to the hotel for checking in. Well, something unpleasant happened to me. I didn’t know, maybe I missed it to read that policy., but this policy sounded wierd for me at that moment. I got declined to check in just because the properties’ policy only allows locals for staying in. I paid it online, but then it was not refund immediately and still took a time. They still didn't accept me with any reason. So, I tried to find another hotel near around and finally got it, even though I need to walk for the extra miles. The condition of the hotel for me was not comfortable and good enough, but I thought I only stayed at least for a night since the early morning I started checking out. From this, it's a bit important for us to check it out every single policy whether stated or written from your accommodations before either choosing or making a payment. Every country has its own policy. Don’t make you journey become terrible because of this.
Next day came..
Checked out and I started again my journey. On this day, I intended to head out to Agra, where Taj Mahal located, so I could see it immediately. I needed to get a train departs as early as possible from New Delhi station because I took this trip back and forth since I would be leave from India at the same day. I thought it was possible since I had a midnight flight.
" One of Big Station in Delhi : the start point to Agra "
Once I checked out the timetable, I had train departed at 11.30 am, that train named Jhelum Express with train number 11078 towards Pune. This train is a daily train on the Indian Railways and one of the oldest train in India, connecting Pune to Jammu Tawi and of course, this train stop at Agra Station.
It costed me about 90 rupee for secondary class. This train actually has several classes, such as secondary class, AC class, and sleeper class. If you want to choose other classes, sleeper class for instance, make sure you tell the counter officer while making a reservation at the station (ticket counter) and pay it for more. It may be possible to make a reservation online, but I think it’s a bit simpler when doing it at the counter immediately.
" Queuing for the ticket "
The ticket was on my hands. (It’s hard to differentiate the class since there’s no description about it)
" The ticket of Jhelum Express to Agra "
Since my train schedule was at 11.30 am, I still had a spare time to explore around. Then I decided to go back to India Gate, just wanted to feel the vibe in the daylight.. I thought that was not crowded enough in the morning.. and guess what?
Yes.. it was picturesque and pleasing as you see the photo..
" Shining Daylight at India Gate "
The sunrise was just shinning bright the gate and its pure warm ignition made a daylight flawless. The vibe was just really calm, warm, idyllic and tranquil. I had a peaceful and restful morning. I couldn’t even stop taking the shot. It was too bad to miss this moment early.
When it was almost an hour before train departed, I rushed to the station. The station was too crowded, I thought it’s the busiest station in Delhi, since people came to and went from all around the city in India. This is important for us to know when choosing or taking an intercity train like this. Make sure we know the train number, it’s possible to ask the officer at the information counter where’s the platform the train will be. And again, make sure to keep an eye on the information board, to see the train schedule based on the train number, because sometimes it can change suddenly either about the platform information or time departure. So, in this case you have to listen and pay attention carefully. It’s just to avoid you take either wrong train or wrong destination. It would be exhausting, and wasting time and energy definitely.
And yes, it happened to me, when my train just had a platform change after I checked the information board. But, i didn't miss it.
" The train is comiiing!! Jhelum Express "
The train came and departed on time. It took about 3 hours to Agra. Well, I had an embarrassing moment as I mentioned before about the ticket that has no description about the train class, or I didn’t know how to read that, it made me get in the wrong coach. The conductor just told me that, but I still didn’t get it what it meant at the moment. I didn't know yet perhaps, but the point I thought that he still allowed me to have a seat until getting off at Agra. When the other passengers belonged to the seats I sat down, came and ask me to move over perhaps, but I think the other passengers in front of me helped me explain to them that I would get off at Agra cause I can't speak hindi haha, I was still allowed to have a seat along with them until arriving in Agra. It would be very soon.
" On my Way to Agra "
Arrving in Agra
Once arrived at Agra Station, I reserved and bought the return ticket immediately to Delhi, just wanted to secure my schedule so I wouldn’t miss the ticket and my flight back. When getting out from the station, there were so many people (I thought Tuk Tuk driver or tour agent) offered you a lot of Agra tour, especially Taj Mahal tour. Well, I intended to take a public transportation such as bus to take me to Taj Mahal. However, I realized I had no much time in Agra, so I decided to make it quick. Only visited and saw Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Then, there was an old man (a Tuk Tuk driver) whom offered me to have a sightseeing Agra with his Tuk Tuk, visiting Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. I made a deal for that, to make my trip completely efficient and effective while I enjoyed it, even it costed me for 500 rupee but I thought it was kind of worth it because he took me to drive around Agra for a moment.
For me, Agra is generally a small town, if I compare to cities I visited, like New Delhi or Mumbai. There aren't so many things to do, except visiting Taj Mahal or maybe Agra Fort. Shopping traditional souvenirs and stuff would be alternative options. However, it showed me about the original and traditional of India I think.
One thing you should keep in mind that The Taj Mahal Complex is always closed on Fridays, it's because people will attend the Taj Mahal Mosque for prays. It doesn't mean we can't see Taj Mahal at all. We can still see Taj Mahal from the other side. However, if you intend to visit the complex, you can come over except on Fridays. Unfprtunately, it was bad for me when i came over there when Friday. But then, as the alternative ways, the old man took me to the Mehtab Bagh or Taj View Point ADA, this is the point of view of Taj Mahal from the back side. I think the point was not bad, I could see the monument clearly, even though it has a different vibe while taking it from the complex. You have to spend 100-200 rupee for entry fee (either Mehtab Bagh or Taj View Point ADA) as foreign tourists. Even though it was a bit costly, it didn't matter, as long as I could see Taj Mahal and took my best shot of it.
" The Stunning Taj Mahal "
" Clumsy Camel :D "
After having a nice sightseeing of Taj Mahal, I decided to next my trip to Agra Fort. I didn't explore more, just saw it form the outside before heading out to the station.
" The Strong Fort of Agra "
It's Time for getting back!
Arriving at Agra Station, then checked the train schedule out on the information board. So far that was on time. I took the same train, Jhelum Express with train number 11077 towards Jamu Tawi. Well, the train just got delayed about an hour. It departed from Agra at 6.15 PM, while the actual schedule was supposed to be at 4.00 PM before.
" Getting Back to Delhi "
I knew actually where coach I supposed to be, since I thought it was quite far as the secondary coach was in the front of the train, then I decided to get on the sleeper coach, but sat down just like the area between the coaches, close to the train door and lavatory. I don't know what it's called in a simple way haha. Well, I know it sounds ridiculous, but at least I would have unforgettable memory in a lifetime..
However, from that ridiculous thing became the nice moment. I think it would be an amazing moment I will never forget. I just made a new friend. This great moment started when I met with a nice and kind guy, his name is Samad. Of course, he is a native indian, he went this trip with his family from Agra to Delhi, similar with me. They live in Delhi. He introduced me his siblings and family, and then he told me all about India enthusiastically. They just gathered me and I joined him and his family. We had a nice interaction during the journey. We talked about my self, my journey and anything. I felt they just gave me warm welcome and just like I found new family in India. It just seems like something I've never had while traveling till I feel so difficult to describe it well. This is one of moments I'll cerish most while traveling. 3-hour trip just spent like a second. They got off at Hazrat Nizamuddin Station, it meant we have to say goodbye. It's always become the saddest part in every moment when we have to seperate. We just enjoyed our precious moment.. It was sorrowful when he said "Don't forget us". I don't know when we will meet again. One thing for sure, I will happen. Please keep in touch. Thanks Samad, for being very kind and welcome, as well as giving me a favor. See you!
Once arrived and got off at New Delhi Station, I rushed to the airport. It's accessible from New Delhi Station to the airport, by taking Airport Express Line. I just followed the sign directing me to the station or platform where the train stop by. The fare is 60 rupee for that and you can use that Smart Card as well, just tap it on the gates. It takes about 30 minutes to get the terminal. It's a short time actually, but in my case it was a bit late. It was because I had delayed Jhelum Express schedule from Agra, so I had no enough time to check-in since I just arrived 30 minutes prior to boarding time. And as I guessed, I missed my flight then. It made me think, and looked for another schedule that makes me possible to have a flight at that same night. Fortunately, I could still have it, 2-hour coming flight, even I had to pay for more definitely.
In this part maybe I would like to tell you about the system how to get inside the airport in India, I don't know if it's all airport in India or maybe some that implement this. It's a must to show your a kind of boarding pass (barcode) since before you come and get inside. Even before checking in, you have to show it along with your passport to the officers, then they scan that barcode. How about if we don't have it? or the barcode doesn't work? of course they will not allow you to get in, maybe you will be directed to the ticket office to ask for new barcodes. The problem I had about this was started when I could get inside, it was considered as enough time for boarding and with hope I still had enough spare time and chance to do that. Unfortunately, it was too bad. It was boarding time and check-in counter already closed. Since I coudn't catch up the flight and got to the new schedule. It made me move and had to go to the different terminal where the airline was. And that it is. Is it easy to go out or even move to the other terminals once got in? the answer is absolutely NO. I couldn't go outside from the terminal easily. I think at least you should have a specific and rational reason why you should do that. In my case, I was directed to coordinate with the officer of my previous airline at the counter, and explained what happened to my flight schedule and told I need to move to the another terminal. They verified it, then told the security officer to let me out. I could still catch my new flight, got check-in and onboard completed, and then left from India.
There were so many things and moments happened during my trip to India, and hit me more haha. Well, It didn't get me down. From this, I learnt so many lessons, had a lot of life experiences and keep all cherished moments. I don't know when I come back again, but I will do it if time and chance let me. Hope I can see all of my friends in India and take me to the other amazing places that fascinate me. Thank you for the story India, and see you!