One of the decisions we made when we
planned to visit Delhi this time was to stay in the northwest part of the city
and be acquainted with it. We had heard of the Salam Bombay Trust and the
wonderful work it was doing. That the NGO had got children off the streets and
had trained some of them to be tourist guides in this part of the city, whetted
our appetite to know more. We had also heard from some international friends of
how they enjoyed this part of the city especially its eclectic cuisine.
Paharganj has always been peopled
from ancient times. The place is home to dargahs, mosques, temples and even a
chabad centre. This part of Delhi is also famous for its share of budget hotels
and hostels.
We decided to stay at the Le RoiHotel, less than a kilometer from the New Delhi Railway Station. We knew that
the tourist hot spots were all within walking distance. It also made sense to
take in a city scape on foot. Many parts of Paharganj were spruced up for the
recently held commonwealth games. To walk the streets was to walk in the
footsteps of people who had lived here centuries ago. The thread of life
continues with the inhabitants of today. Delhi somehow takes one to a time when
history was replete with happenings of all kinds. From all that ordered chaos to
step into the ultra cool ambience of the Le Roi Hotel was a dream by itself! Having
read some traveler comments, we expected and got good value for money and great
service. The hotel with its sound proof windows helped shut off the noise of
the outside and made our stay peaceful. Our decision to partake of the Le Roi
hospitality was a good one. For one the offers and discounts made us save money
so we could shop to our hearts content. This part of the country is a shopper’s
delight. You name it and it is available. The other big advantage was the
accessibility to the different spots we were keen to visit. The railway station
being so close by was a big help.
Part of Paharganj has been carved
into Lutyen’s Delhi. The grand architecture of the government and embassy
buildings by itself was breathtaking. Paharganj also houses the official abode
of the President of India.
Our New Delhi stay was simply
wonderful. Having understood that the Le Roi Hotel also has a unit at the CorbettNational Park, we are planning the next trip there after visiting Delhi and
staying here one more time.