The Timeless Charm of Old Delhi

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [thik hoon. aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना चाहूँ
  [krupaya menu dekhna chahoon]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [main maans nahi khata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chahoon]

• Help!मदद!
  [madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [main kho gaya hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँ
  [main ... khareedna chahoon]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [main bas dekh raha hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap kimat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)(10) के बादसवा बजे
  [(das) ke baadsava baje]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पांच
  [paanch]
• 6छह
  [chhah]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

In 1638, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of Shahjahanabad, which would later be known as Old Delhi. This move symbolized the power and grandeur of the Mughal Empire, as the city became a significant political and cultural hub. The famous Red Fort and Jama Masjid were built during this period, showcasing the architectural brilliance of Mughal design.

Old Delhi played a pivotal role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the First War of Independence. The city saw fierce battles as Indian soldiers and civilians rose against British rule. The aftermath led to significant changes in governance, with the British Crown taking direct control of India, marking the end of the Mughal Empire.

The partition of India in 1947 had a profound impact on Old Delhi. The city became a refuge for millions of displaced people from both India and Pakistan. The sudden influx of refugees transformed the demographic and cultural landscape of Old Delhi, leading to the establishment of new communities and a blending of cultures.

Old Delhi has long been a cultural melting pot, where various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, coexisted. This diversity is reflected in the area's architecture, cuisine, and festivals. Notable landmarks like Chandni Chowk serve as hubs of commerce and social interaction, embodying the rich tapestry of life that characterizes Old Delhi.

In recent decades, Old Delhi has faced challenges such as urbanization and pollution. However, there have been concerted efforts to preserve its historical sites and cultural heritage. Initiatives by the government and local organizations aim to maintain the integrity of Old Delhi while promoting sustainable tourism, ensuring that its rich history continues to thrive amidst modern changes.

Old Delhi is well-connected to other parts of the city. The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line, which is about 2 kilometers from the Red Fort. You can catch a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from various parts of Delhi. From the Indira Gandhi International Airport, you can take the Airport Express Metro Line to New Delhi Station, then transfer to the Yellow Line to reach Chandni Chowk. Alternatively, local buses and app-based cab services are readily available.

Old Delhi is best explored on foot, as many of its attractions are closely packed together. However, you can also use cycle rickshaws for short distances. The Delhi Metro is an efficient option for accessing nearby areas, with the Chandni Chowk metro station serving as a key hub. Local buses and auto-rickshaws are also available, but traffic can be congested, so plan accordingly.

Old Delhi is generally safe for tourists, but caution is advised. Areas around Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid can become crowded, making it essential to be aware of your belongings. While violent crime is rare, petty theft and scams targeting tourists can occur. It is advisable to avoid deserted alleys and stay vigilant, especially at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services. Local hospitals and clinics are available, but it is advisable to have travel insurance. For minor health issues, pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications. Always keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a polite nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try street food but ensure it is fresh. Don't refuse food offerings, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Old Delhi like a local, explore the bustling markets early in the morning. Visit the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk for authentic street food and shop for traditional items. Engage with shopkeepers, who often have fascinating stories to share. Consider visiting during festivals like Diwali or Eid for a vibrant atmosphere, and always keep your camera ready for the bustling street scenes.