A Saturday In Connaught Place : Agrasen ki Baoli, Rajdhani Thali Restaurant, and Janpath

I have been living in National Capital Region of New Delhi, in and out, for about 10 years now and have been to many places in Delhi, from old to new to archaic. Undoubtedly Connaught Place, a.k.a CP, has been one of my favorite hang out places in Delhi because of its vicissitudinousness. One can go to United Coffee House for ‎Price range: Rs. 2,100 for two people (approx.) and also it has Indian Coffee House for Price range: Rs. 200 for two people (approx.). Apart from that there are differences in shopping places. There are showrooms where there is no bargaining; i.e. the inner CP circle; where as there are flea markets in Janpath where bargaining is very rampant and customary. This place encompasses everyone and has something or the other to offer to anyone with any pocket size and taste. I have been a frequent visitor of this place since I was a student and now when I am a working class citizen.

Picture By @meera.in.me on Instagram

This Saturday, a day before Valentine's Day, three travel bugs were set out for a get together in Connaught Place (CP). The three of us congregated at Rajiv Cowk Metro station's gate number 6 from there we all went to Agrasen ki Baoli. This was my umpteenth visit to this place but the first one for @chidiyyaaa and @meera.in.me. In my previous post on Agrasen ki Baoli I had clearly warned against coming here on weekends because of the crowd. As we entered into Agrasen ki Baoli we saw people; some taking selfies while pouting, smiling, scorning and laughing, while some getting their pictures clicked by others making poses with arms half bent, protruded on the sides, like Shahrukh Khan of DDLJ, while some making more casual and routine poses. There was a rush of crowd at the pit of the Baoli, with noise and dust around, so it was avoided by us. I was not astonished at this site, as it was expected with the backdrop of it being a weekend day. My friends on the other hand looked a little baffled and amused at the sight of it, but I could tell from their eyes that they liked the place. I was too pleased in company of two fine friends to be bothered about the chaos around. After hanging around at this place for some 90 minutes chatting, joking, laughing our hearts out, clicking pictures, and monkeying around a little we started walking towards our next destination, which was food.

Before I start with my description of this next destination let us go through the basic characteristics of 'Gemini' sun sign:

'Gemini' gets fascinated by almost everything in the world and they have a feeling as if there is not enough time to experience everything they want to see. Gemini is versatile, inquisitive, fun loving and wants to experience everything out there, so their company is never boring.'

On some similar lines were the characteristics of this place called Rajdhani Thali Restaurant. Dishes, chapatis, chutneys, sweets, buttered milk drinks etc etc were floating around you like asteroids in space. People were coming at our table incessantly with some dish or the other. At one point I was so lost that I was eating rice and found myself holding a chapati in my hand from nowhere. Then a voice "Sir Ghee?" came to my ears breaking the spell and disclosing the mystery of the chapati in my hand. This situation for me can be best described by words like 'baffling', 'flabbergasting', 'stupefying'. Food was a little overpriced but the overall experience was good.

After this we went for a Janpath Shopping Marathon where I was a mute spectator, witnessing the art of shopping and bargaining which was being displayed conspicuously by @chidiyyaaa and @meera.in.me. It was fun being around with these two shopping enthusiasts. We went into many shops from 1469 (full of bad vibes) to Nice on Girls to Kalaniketan to flea markets. After exhausting ourselves out physically we finally went to Handloom House Cafe for coffee and spent the last part of our day giggling, laughing, jesting, coffee-ing and watching the sun setting down.        

Agrasen Ki Baoli: The Archaic Vs The Modern

Agrasen Ki Baoli placed in the heart of Cannaught Place. In the midst of multistory modern buildings this archaic structure transforms you into a different world and time. The place has a powerful vibe and energy because of its structure and age. The long series of stairs accompanied by large walls with arched niches on both sides gives this place a sense of closeness when you move downwards and a sense of openness when you move upwards on the stairs.

This is definitely one of the places which demands you spending at least a day there with a book on a nice sunny day to imbibe the real feel of this place. I will advise that you come here on a weekday, because weekends are mostly crowded with tourists, families, cuddly couples displaying the act of their amorous feelings, painters, intellectuals and other people like us. So all in all it becomes crowded on weekends, and if you are someone like me who is not so gregarious then you should follow my advice and spend a weekday here.

This is one of the many places in Delhi where I like spending my quite time alone. Be receptive/silent when here and this place has a lot to offer. Some also label it as a haunted place, but this place always had a soothing and calming effect on my being. Places like these always gets some legend/myth associated with it along the line. So I will completely rubbish this claim of it being a haunted place.

       "Agrasen Ki Baoli" Pic             @BeeLikeMakkhi Instagram

Btwin Rockrider 300: Riding in The City

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler."

-Henry David Thoreau

I have read this quote from Thoreau long ago during my college days. 'Live the life you've imagined' part of it had stayed there in my subconscious since then. I have always imagined myself living a life of an adventurer, sports enthusiast, and a healthy human being. But had been able to achieve very little in this life endeavour. Living a life in a city with a corporate job sometimes can create impediments in this pursuit. So what can be that one solution which can act as a catalyst for you in achieving this threefold goal of being an adventurer, sports enthusiast, and a healthy human being. The answer is a bicycle. There cannot be a better and simpler human invention than a cycle. 

So with this I went to Decathlon store located in Noida Sector 18 with the purpose of buying the simplest Cycle available. I am a person who likes to keep things simple and believe in doing things one thing at a time. Decathlon had the following 3 bikes of my choice and budget:

Btwin My Bike (No Gear) Rs. 4000 - In Budget

Btwin 7S (7 Gears) Rs. 7999 - In Budget

Btwin Rockrider 300 (21 Gears) Rs. 9999 - A Little Out Of Budget

Fortunately, they did not have the first two bikes in large size. When buying a bicycle, it is important to choose the right size according to your height. 

M 54         5'6" - 5'9"

L 57          5'9" - 6'1" 

XL 60       6'1" - 6'4" 

XXL 63    6'4" - 6'7"

"My Btwin Rockrider 300"

So I had to go for the third option i.e. Btwin Rockrider 300 with 21 gears thinking what I will do with 21 gears. Then I thought what the heck, I will learn how and where to use them. Instead of this being a little out of my budget I went ahead with the purchase. I came to learn that in Rs. 9999 they are providing only the cycle in its crude form, without some essential accessories. The essential accessory items according to me are as follows:

Back Mud Guard (Front Mud Guard can be omitted) Rs. 400

Back Pouch to Keep the key for the bike lock and other small items (As I have a bad habit of losing keys and small items) Rs. 300

Back Light and Front Light (So that when riding at night, you can be spotted easily and from distance) Rs 349

Seat Cover (Which I did not buy initially, but had to buy it eventually as the bike had literally started being a 'pain in the ass') Rs. 349

Helmet (Which is obvious) Rs, 1599

Biking gloves (Which are optional. I bought it because I needed some cushion for my wrists. I don't have very strong wrists) Rs. 349

Bike Lock and Key (Theft precautionary measure) Rs. 120

Total: Rs. 3466

This is a small video of the bike that I purchased: Btwin Rockrider 300

I was now all set to ride my Btwin Rockrider 300 from my home to office and back covering a total of 27 Kilometers every day. It had only been a week for me following this routine, but I have learnt a few things about Riding In The City and Btwin Rockrider 300. 

"Day One: Btwin Rockrider 300 Riding in The City" (Sports Tracker App From Google Play Store)

Lesson Number 1: It is very important to use back light and front light when you are riding in city and that too at night. 

Lesson Number 2: No matter how much gaudy and show off it seems, but always wear helmet/head guard while riding (In India especially where the culture of wearing helmet had always been scarce, obsolete and discouraged) 

Lesson Number 3: You need to adjust the gear orientation of your Btwin Rockrider 300 according to your comfort. This you will know after riding your bike. You can make adjustments to it with the help of this tutorial video (Not specifically for Rockrider 300, but every gear system is almost the same in almost every bikes)

Overall Rating of  Btwin Rockrider 300 after Riding it for a week in City:

Comfort: 2.5/5. The seat of this bike is uncomfortable. You need to buy a Gelatinous seat cover for extra cushion. Keep in mind to refer to size chart before buying a bike if you don't want to get a hunch back because the handle bars are low and cannot be raised.

Gear Shift: 4/5 after a few initial adjustments in the gear system, the gear shift of this bike has been smooth and accurate. 

Weight: 3/5 A little heavier than other mountain bikes, but in Rs. 9999 it is okay.

Tires: 4/5 Broad and sturdy tires which has really good grip. I have tried this bike on paths with no roads, with bumps and sand, and it holds good.

Balance: 4/5 I happy with the balance of this bike. In cases where the speed goes to a minimal I don't have to keep my feet down.

Overall: 4/5 overall it is good bike, with a price worth paying. It is suitable for all kinds of terrain and purposes except racing because of its weight and tire dimensions.  

For any suggestions/feedback/interaction feel free to make use of the comments section below.

Rishikesh - Eat, Walk, Bhajan, Eat Repeat!

Preparations:

The marking of year 2016 started with a trip planning activity to visit Rishikesh and attend Krishna Das' concert (For those who don't know Rishikesh and KD: Rishikesh is a holy city in India where Ganges flows and KD is a chanting rock star a.k.a BhajanWallah!). The responsibility of booking tickets was entrusted upon me by my two fellow travel companions. Let’s call them Titli and Chidiya (I am so going to get killed for this). When it comes to travelling towards hills and states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand in India; with my previous travel experiences; I have my complete faith and trust in State managed road Transportation. With the same trust and faith on 27th December 2015 I went to Uttrakhand Road Transportation's website and booked 3 tickets for 15th January 2016 and a set of return tickets along with. Rs. 724 ($10.71) per head for one side; 232 km or 144 Mile; journey in a Volvo Bus! Booking done; online.

Now came the part where arrangements were to be made for accommodations and KD's (Krishna Das) concert tickets. Concert tickets was not my responsibility so I was not worried much about it. Initially I was making arrangements for accommodations keeping in mind my two female companions. So both aspects i.e. safety and budget had to be kept in mind. I made two calls to enquire at two places: Red Chilli Adventures and Shivansh Inn. Former was the camping types and latter was the hotel types. Camping types cost was Rs. 1500 ($22.10) per head for accommodation, food and fire. Hotel types was 1100 ($16.21) per day for a room; minus the food and fire; where we all three could have crashed as I had my brand new Quechua sleeping bag and was not required a bed (sorry for boasting, as it cannot be helped). But later Titli made arrangements at an Ashram called Parmarth Ashram. The cost of the accommodation was Rs. 900 ($13.26) for the three of us with three separate beds. Sadly I missed the chance to show off the power of my Quechua sleeping bag. But happily it was just Rs. 300 ($4.42) per head per day for the accommodation.

KD's concert tickets were booked over the phone with Alan, which was easy. It was Rs. 700 ($10.31) per ticket which went in for Cancer patients to Ganga Prem Hospice 

The Beginning:

With this we were all set and ready for a Bhajan Centric trip towards Rishikesh with food as our primary focus. We started from Kashmere Gate ISBT at 2315 hrs and by 0600 hours we were thrown at Rishikesh bus stand. Ram Jhula is 3.0 km (1.86 miles) from the bus stand and our accommodation was 200-300 m (0.2 miles) more. So after a few discussions and deliberations we decided to walk till Parmarth Ashram instead of hiring a social three wheeler automobile which was charging us Rs 60 ($0.88)  for all. It was a cold morning, but walk was pleasant. Our bags were a bit heavy but the mood was light. After 30 minutes of walk we reached Ram Jhula. As we reached there the dawn broke in and we could see the far away clouds through the mist that was rising from the Ganges flowing beneath. It felt like transcending from abnormality towards normality, inhumane surroundings towards a humane surrounding. Crossing Ram Jhula felt like a symbolism to that transcendence. Half way on Ram Jhulua a feeling of neti neti rushed through my being and I felt grateful for no reason. Finally we were at the other end, into the realm of Bhakti; spirituality if you wish to call it.

Through the narrow streets of Rishikesh with some closed shops in the process of being opened on either sides we walked our way towards the remaining 200 - 300 m (0.2 mile) stretch for our Ashram. We reached there just to be informed that we need to come back at 0800 hrs when the office will open. So we had more than an hour with us to happily idle away. And what best way could be to understand the theory of relativity associated with Time other than sitting over tea with a few gay (happy disposition) friends. I instinctively got into a cafe whose ambience and vibe I liked instantaneously. Here I learnt that there are a few small shops near Ram Jhula which serve sumptuous healthy breakfast meals. I saw people ordering porridge, muesli, bowls full of different fruits, and milk on their tables around us; in juxtapose to our table with 3 large cups of tea, and packets of biscuits. For a moment It felt out of place but when you have two Gemini friends as company, the duration of your focus remaining on one feeling gets scarce. Tea was horrible, no second questions about it, but the ambience was soothing and the company was that of the adjective carefree. So the tea tasting horrible didn't matter at all. I even ended up drinking Titli's left over tea (which has now officially become my hobby when I am in company of these two). After our one hour unapologetically, incessant, frivolous and senseless talking session ended happily the clock read 0800 hrs.

We finally booked our room in the Ashram. It was not a room but set of 2 rooms with a verandah and a balcony, inhibiting 3 beds with quilts and an attached bathroom with hot water, as cherry on top. Rs. 900 ($13.26) per day; accounting to Rs. 300 ($4.42) per person for a day! Not bad, eh?

"Parmarth Ashram" Pic By @Chidiyyaaa Instagram

Start Of Day One:

With basic foundation of our trip being construed we were all set for the day. I have never imagined that the feeling of having the complete day at my disposal could be so exhilarating. This feeling was not only limited in me but was percolating in the entire gang. Inspite of all the deprivation in our sleep due to previous night's bus journey, we were radiant with energy and were looking forward towards the day.

Our trip map had the following touch points:

Point A: Bus Stand

Point B: Parmarth Ashram (Base Camp)

Point C: Devraj German Cafe (Camp 1)

Point D: Little Buddha Cafe (Camp 2)

Point E: Chotiwala (Emergency Ration Camp)

Point F: Swatantranand Ashram (Camp III, KD Zone)

"MAP ONE"

"MAP TWO"

"MAP THREE"

So we took our first stroll from Point B towards Point C which was a 3 km leisure walk amongst splendid surroundings. It was so much reminiscent of my childhood, walking on a narrow lane with spacious bungalows on both sides, filled with trees and vines. My childhood was spent in a Railway Colony in a small city called Gorakhpur where this was a common site. After a 30-40 minute walk; where my attention was drawn towards cow dungs along the way countless times by Titli and Chidiya right before I was about to step on them; we camped at Point C which was camp 1. The effect of covering 7 odd kilometers (4.34 miles) in total on foot was quite evident from the gleam of hunger with which we were staring at food in Devraj Cafe. We broke our first meal together, and it felt so fulfilling and amazing that it cannot be explained in words. The simple acts of idly sitting, eating, drinking and chatting becomes extraordinary when you have appetite, time, people; around whom you feel comfortable and at ease; and a sense of buoyancy. Following are the items consumed at camp 1:

Cheese Sandwiches Masala Chai

Some sweet confectionary

Chocolate Shake

I don't remember what Titli ordered for a drink :p

Shared meal of Potato Brownies (Must Eat Item)

"Devraj German Bakery" Pic By @meera.in.me Instagram

"Wanderings On The Banks Of Ganges" Pic By @Chidiyyaaa Instagram

"Laxman Jhula" Pic By @Chidiyyaaa Instagram

"Graffiti Near Laxman Jhula" Pic By @meera.in.me Instagram 

Then we started wandering aimlessly near Laxman Jhula. We then took a jagged looking archaic stairs towards Ganges beach. We then took some selfies, played rock skipping of which on Chidiya's recommendation Titili shot an amazing slow motion video from her Iphone 6s.  After being wander struck for some time we came back to Camp 1. There is a book store next to camp 1. We went in and browsed through many books, from Ayn Rand to J. M. Coetzee to Lonely Planet Books to Books on Hindu god and goddesses to books on Tantric Sex, but bought none. Then there was a Eureka moment at Devraj Cafe where Chidiya and Titli discovered cold coffee as the best beverage of that cafe. Now was our turn to move out of Camp 1, and so we did.

"Rock Skipping Slow Motion Video" 

Vid By @meera.in.me Instagram. Idea By @Chidiyyaaa Instagram

"Cold Coffee at Devraj Cafe" Pic By @meera.in.me Instagram

We crossed Laxman Jhula and made our way towards shops located on this other side. We browsed through infinite number of things but bought just a few things. After this we went to Camp 2 i.e. Little Buddha Cafe, as the time was 1200 hrs and we were feeling hungry and excited to explore Camp 2. Little Buddha is a relatively larger Cafe located right next to Ganges on the Second or first floor. This was one of those light deficient places which are labelled as psychedelic by people who indulge themselves in substances. But we were here just for food to satisfy our hunger along with our taste buds. We ordered Salad, Thukpa, and Cottage Cheese Spinach Momos. It 100% satisfied both our hunger and taste buds. I am sure our taste buds definitely were doing Gangnam Style in our mouths. The quality and quantity of food at Camp 2 (Little Buddha Cafe) was both gratifying and delightful on a very affordable price with a little less than Rs 200 ($2.95) per meal per head.

"Salad, Thukpa, and Cottage Cheese Spinach Momos" Pic By @meera.in.me Instagram

After a delightful lunch and enjoyable time spent at Camp 2 we started walking towards base camp. By the time we reached Base Camp, the time on the clock was 1530 hrs. Titli and Chidiya wanted to attend Parmarth Ashram's famous Aarti. After catching one hour of sleep we did attend the Aarti. The singers who were singing the Aarti were really good. They had an entire Aarti playing band with Tabla, Cymbals, Indian Flute, Harmonium, One lead singer, one backup singer and a few chorus singers. The effect of live music with Ganges flowing in such close proximity had a really moving experience upon me. I can write pages upon pages about it but that is something personal I don't wish to discuss in public. So after the Aarti was over it was time for us to wander, stray, or move around aimlessly again. We went to little Buddha Cafe again, and eureka, PASTA!! It was the best Pasta imaginable. So we had a Pasta carnival for dinner. Pasta in Red Sauce, Pasta in Green Sauce, and Pasta in White Sauce. Our dinner literally looked like Italian National Flag.

"Parmarth Ashram; Ganga Aarti" Pic By @Chidiyyaaa Instagram

" Red, Green, White Sauce Pasta at Little Buddha Cafe" 

Pic By @meera.in.me Instagram

The day ended eventually. Titli had some fancy gadget which was tied to her wrist and used to synchronize with her Iphone to give her number of steps she had walked translating it into number of kilometers covered. It read 17.32 kms. Being exhausted to the bone we all fell asleep placidly in our Bungalow cum room.

The Ending:

Next day we left our room early morning 0800 hours to attended the most awaited event for which we came to Rishikesh in the first place; Krishna Das' concert. We walked from Parmarth Ashram to the concert venue: Swatantranand Ashram along the Ganges beach. It was a pleasant walk with Ganges flowing in close proximity giving a feeling of permanence and impermanence both at the same time. After walking 4 kms we reached the venue 1 hour 30 minutes before the concert was scheduled to start. We had Baba Ramdev's Maggi at a local cafe. At 1:30 PM the concert started. The hall was jam packed with people and energy. KD started meditating (singing) and we were witnessing. 3 hours flew past, taking us along through varied sensations and experiences. It was like riding a big spiritual giant wheel. After the concert was over, we were hungry again. So with all the pasta-hangover from yesterday we rushed towards Laxman Jhula in an auto; where my suggestion to walk again was met with total disdain and scorn by Titli and Chidiya; to celebrate the end of our trip. We took a stop for a quick Chai and coffee, then headed for our last meal together.

"Krishna Das In Action" Pic By @Chidiyyaaa Instagram

"Our Last Sumptuous Meal In Rishikesh: Pasta in Green, White Sauce and Pizza"

Pic By @meera.in.me Instagram 

The breaking of bread together ceremony for the last time in Rishikesh marked the ending of our amazing trip. Prior to coming to this trip I was reading this book 'Way of the peaceful warrior'. In this book there is a character called Socrates who tries to tell and explain: “The journey is what brings us happiness not the destination” to the author. It took him some time to realize the significance of the aforesaid statement, but he eventually realizes it. I too realized it! ☺☺☺

First Post On Rishikesh Underway

First Post On Rishikesh Underway!