Delhi Vs. Mumbai

Its been four years since I am staying in 'the capital' of my country. When I came to Delhi for a job, everyone was curious and amazed; "how come Mumbai guy landed up in Delhi and that too also for work!?". They were quite sure about my stay to be a temporary one and that I will dislike Delhi. "How do you find Delhi so far? Is Delhi better than Mumbai?...".  Questions are still unanswered.
 

It is nice to look at the differences between two important cities in India. Obviously they fall in different geographical structure, one is linear and other is circular. Having different cultural and historical roots, one was always under the shadows of battles and other was often treated as a valuable asset. From my perspective, who spent silver jubilee years in one city and recently settled in the other one. Many times I created comparison columns about these cities. Sometime I asked myself, what would be the situation if I was in Mumbai or vice-versa. Its nothing against a particular city and I don't intend to offend any Mumbaikar or Delhite. So, I penned down some characteristics which I noticed after various encounters. I might be biased towards Mumbai as its my birthplace; she gave and taught me lots. I grew up with her.

Lets start with the first impression of any city–Roads. Delhi is blessed with huge and wide roads. Space–wise, geographically Delhi is a wonderland. Wide roads are there in Mumbai too, but in some plush areas and mostly occupied by other roadside activities. Greenery is awesomely thick and everywhere in Delhi. In Mumbai, there is greenery but in residential compounds, on terraces and in balconies.

Delhi has really wonderful heritage sites in every corner of the roads, some of them have maintained very beautifully. I guess Mumbai is losing its inherit charm, only Colaba and some southern parts till Bandra have those marks.

Transport, the finest I have ever seen in Mumbai—Local train, auto rickshaws or BEST buses; everything is public friendly, trustworthy, always at your service. It is the exact opposite in Delhi. It seems you are doing a favor for them. Snobbish, moody, I–will–charge–whatever–I–want attitude of auto drivers make you feel infuriating. The meter system doesn't work for short distance routes, during nights and recently, I experienced, on Sundays. Now they have increased the rates and made Autoguys happy. But still they are not fully utilising it. Bus transport is better than autos, at least they charge whatever they are supposed to. But the condition of buses makes you never step on a bus again. You must be aware of the current toll of 'killer' buses. One great thing Delhi has 'Metro Rail'. Its functional in some parts and is doing well. It awesome way to commute, I am saying with my personal experience. This is a good relief for non–vehicle–owners and frequent travelers like us.

Mumbai has beaches! North India misses the beach and fun related to it—dreamy sounding sequences like sipping tea along with rising sun and romantic dinner with setting sun, a great walk on the sand with background of rhythmic waves are common instances in a Mumbaikars' life. Mumbai has gorgeous monsoon—Have hardly seen monsoon in Delhi. I can't even consider Delhi has monsoon. Its just showering. Delhi misses that fun which monsoon creates. Official half day leaves, road blocks, no transport, helpful citizens, monsoon picnics, chilling with hot vada–pav, kanda bhaji (onion tikki). Delhi has other season to celebrate. Winter! Its pleasant in the beginning but later it becomes intriguing. I still don't understand the joy of coldness. May be I will get used to it in near future.  

Hindi spoken by Delhi people is pure and authentic. In Mumbai its like bhlepuri. Mix n match!. Here it makes you feel respectful person. In Mumbai, no respect but definitely has openness and warmth.

I was amused with funny and witty names of areas in Delhi like Lado sarai, Patpatganj, Dhaula Kuan, Adhchini. My Delhi friends also have good laugh on Mumbai's meaningless Borivali, Kandivali, Bhandup, Mulund, Diva, Andheri etc etc.
Food and night life making the lines blurred between the twos! Both serve amazing food. Variety in cuisines, ambiance, everything is splendid. Definitely I miss Mumbai's vada–pav, pavbhaji, ganne ka juice, coconut water, bhel, sev batata puri but doesn't matter! It is compensated by kathi kabab, chhole kulche, papri chaat and several sweet dishes. Delhi should definitely have some middle range restaurants and more roadside thelas. Someone told me this is not culture here! Everytime you can't afford to go to fancy restaurant.
 

There are many more observations, some of them are too personal and can't discuss them publicaly. Initially I wanted to point out the safety issue of Mumbai, in positive sense. But not very sure about how valid it is. Heard and read that the situation is becoming worse day by day. After meeting some people and interaction with colleagues, I found Delhi education is far better than Mumbai. It is a very personal opinion. May be I was not exposed to such quality education but anyways I still feel Mumbaikars are 'street smart' than others.
If you can stay in Mumbai for atleast 6 months you can survive in any part of the world. The lifestyle of adjusting in the smallest possible space, patience, commuting struggle, unpredictable rain, sustaining on cutting chai and vada pav as meal make you tough and teaches the great lessons of life.

I still couldn't find the answer of 'which city is better?' and don't think I will get it. Whenever I go home, Mumbai always welcomes me as its your world. But after some days Delhi start making me feel homesick.

Sangeet Akademi, an inspiring journey!

When I was in 5th standard, my favorite school teacher received the prestigious Presidency National Award and he shared this experience with us through some photographs. We even managed to catch the video clip on Doordarshan news. We were very young and were amazed by the extravagant event and general aura around it. I later understood that the government awards people who have achieved commendable reputation in their specialization field, once every two years with the Padma awards. I once told my parents that I too want a National Award. Instead of laughing it off; they confidently said "Yes, why not? You will definitely get it one day, BUT...". I couldn't understand the latter part of the conversation and was not ready to listen either. I was enamored by the idea of honor and grandeur of that event.
Recently, I got the chance to attend a official ceremony. The occasion was the investiture of the Sangeet Akademi fellowship and awards. My maternal uncle (Mama) Pandit Vidyadhar Vyas was one of its recipients. I was naturally excited to attend this event. The prospect of seeing the honorable president in person and meeting my mama after a very long time was an exciting one. The event being a well planned and managed one, followed the schedule strictly.
A total of 34 nominees were invited and they flown in from various parts of India. After reading the synopsis, one could comprehend the depth of their contribution towards their own field. Naturally, most of them had crossed their fifties and some of them needed an aid to walk. Some were unable to shake their hands and greet, while some couldn't even receive their own trophy themselves. The struggle through their past decades was reflecting in their wrinkles. But their proud expressions told a happier story. They spent their lives serving the love of music, dance, theatre and performing arts. Their efforts worked towards helping India preserve its precious culture and tradition. Most of them took to teaching and spread their own learning to the younger generations. They focused their entire life on one purpose and are still passionately driving the endeavor.
Cribbers like us, who have all kinds of luxury and get paid well for our work; still have a lack of any sign of satisfaction. Every day, we wake up with a new menu to grill and run after checking our materialistic wish list. Unfortunately, we feel happy about it and celebrate the day's achievement only to get ready for the same chores the next day.
I guess this was the part after that "BUT,..", which my parents tried to teach me and I ignored it completely.
To find out more details about Sangeet Natak visit–http://www.sangeetnatak.org/

I know; this post is bit off-track from what the blog’s objective, but still this post and experience and my ‘visit’ to the event teaches great lesson of life.

Mukteshwar•Uttaranchal•India

Recently one of my blogger friend asked for itinerary kinda stuff on Mukteshwar, I thought of why not posting that reply here. Anyways Mukteshwar post was pending for a while.

Its doable in 2 nights kinda stay as well as one entire day is also sufficient.
Bit about Mukteshwar: Mukteshwar is very very tiny spot, its 90% covered by IVRI institute so there are NO hotels/resorts in Mukteshwar, all the hotels are located before/on the way to Mukteshwar (say 5/6 km before the actual place). No Mall road. No Souvenir Shops. No Fancy Coffee shops. Nothing. Just NATURE and NATURE. Go for a walk and roam around and Relax :)

Well, you are going there in month which is the beginning of the season period for all hoteliers, camp, resort guys, so most probably the rates will be much higher. (The season starts after 15April onwards)
The place where we stayed is Mountain trail which is not bad in terms of room space, hygiene, view, service, people etc. Rest of the hotels also has similar price range. http://www.mountaintrail.com/ its in Sargakhet.

There is famous Shiv Mandir and Cliff in Mukteshwar gives very scenic view and its doable in half day. We actually walked up to Mukteshwar from our resort (around 6/7 km walk one way, in hilly areas it becomes 9 to 10, but not tiring at all. While coming back we hired a Indica.)
There is another enchanting place called Sitla, very quiet nice place near Mukteshwar, Sitla is actually in Almora, but there is short cut to Sitla from Mukteshwar and the route is quite cool. Again its very very tiny spot, just one hotel and restaurant. But don't miss the Kumaon Grameen Udyog shop which sells handicrafts, herbals, very nice stuff under the brand KILMORA (our studio CODESIGN is designed the identity and some packaging :) That might interests you.

We hired a Indica in Sargakhet for commute in and around Mukteshar, Sitla, Nainital etc. It was nice experience as the local driver was very enthu and young so had a good time. I recommend DON'T hire vehicle from Hotel. Look for travel guys around, speak to local shop for rented cars. (Hotel guys also arrange the same guys only they charge their commission)

Drink Buransh, local juice. Also try to eat Kumaoni Food, its awesome.
 

While returning back from hills to Kathgodam railway station, we visited Nainitaal, Naukuchiya Taal and Bhiimtaal. But bit disappointed with its losing beauty and crowds.

Here are some glimpses of enchanting destinations!

 Curvy & Cobbled Paths

Madhuban Cafe, the great place for Herbal Tea

 

Sun setting open air view of Madhuban cafe,

you can spend hrs and hrs here chatting with owner

The cottage where we stayed, Moutain Trail

Outside Hotel, ideal place to chill and relax.

 

Pahadi Sweets

British Influenced Mukteshwar

Nature's sculpture, famous cliffs near Shiva temple.

PWD Bungalow, where Mr. Corbett used to stay.

This one is also usedin bollywood films like Masoom, Koi Mil Gaya and Baaz.

Awesome uphill roads but bit scary ;)

  

Strokes of Pines

Back Two Pack

One of the many things that me and Nikheel (my husband) share is traveling. Traveling be as simple as going from home to office for all you know. The definition for travel could be exactly like what it says in the dictionary to go from one place to another.
As long as the travel has a story, its exciting...So here we share our experiences from our travels some visual and some verbal. Some individual some collective...