Incredible India
I was walking with Buddha in India.
Contributed by Jens Hoffmann
Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The mayor hub for the National Capital of Delhi.The airport is the busiest airport in the country it will handle 100 million passengers in the next years.
Incredible India is special: Prime Minister Modi recently said “our ancestors played with snakes, we play with smartphones,” a note that touches the mind and soul and continues to work for a long time.
Delhi, the capital of India, is a big city and has much to offer; many colours, breathtaking impressions, monuments and mirrors the Indian culture in a precise manner.
Ask Delhiites that what is most beautiful about their city and they will show you first India Gate, National Museum, Lodi Garden and Chandni Chowk.
I explored as well the the old Delhi. The pace of urbanizationis so high that it has led to the conversion of 135 villages to urban villages. As a result, the city has 18 million inhabitants.
I tryed to visit as much as possible, enjoyed places like Khirki Masjid, the National Museum located on Azad Road a perfect place for those who like Indian history and Indian culture.
The artwork display here are about 5,000 years of Indian culture, the museum contains a incredible number of ancient & modern paintings, ancient manuscripts and sculptures.
It is not so easy to find spiritual ashrams because they are often hidden in yoga center like MCKS Yoga Vidya Pranic Healing Trust, a place where you can indulge in twin heart meditation or Chakra cleansing.
Check-in in New Delhi’s “The Ashok” in the embassy area.
New Delhi is a urbane settlement that was designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. The most elegant part of Delhi is the diplomatic enclave. Here you will find the 5 star The Ashok hotel. A fine blend of history with charm and comfort.
A bit of grandeur of kingly style and the Asok impressed me with a very good service and traditional well-furnished guest rooms.
There are nice restaurants which master the art of culinary and serve Indian cuisine.
It is a 5 star hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, free wi-fi internet, a 24 hour front desk, it features a salon, spa & massage centre, fitness centre, a library and a cigar lounge.
Outsdide the hotel you will find all kind of things.
I enjoyed amazing street food and got the taste of all the different flavours and spices of India.
We travelled to other Buddhist sites in Varanasi, Dhammek Stupa, Mulaagandha Kutey Vihara, Dashashwamedh Ghat and Ganga Aarti.
The ministry of tourism has showed us a nice concept with all kind of hospitality. We saw cities like Varanasi, Amritsar, Ajmer, Dwaraka, Gaya, Puri the so called “spiritual development destinations”. For sure great to projecting the Buddhist heritage and pilgrim value of India.
In my opinion the whole trip of “International Buddhist Conclave” was a great experience. Perfect for pilgrim and tourists wishing to explore the essence of Buddhist heritage in India.
I enjoyed it and came enlighted home.
How to get there: Air India
With extra special thanks to India Air.
Places to stay: The Asok Hotel – New Delhi
The press trip was supported by India Tourism Frankfurt.
Photos: Jens Hoffmann & Visit India
