FALLING IN LOVE WITH INDIA

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There are so many things to fall in love with in India. The people are so loving and kind, the food is so fresh and rich in flavor and every mosque and temple will transport you into ancient times. 
I will provide you with my favorite spots in India and if one day you visit this magical place I hope you follow my recommendations. 

The first thing I did when landing was going for breakfast at the Leela Hotel (near the Delhi airport). It was the most spectacular breakfast my eyes have seen. You could basically eat until you passed out. They had all types of breakfasts, Indian, Chinese and American. 
Following my huge breakfast, it was time to check in the hotel and rest. I stayed at the Leela Hotel in the diplomatic enclave in New Delhi. Out of all the hotels I've visited in the world, the Leela outshines them with their service, decor, cleanliness and sophistication. 

Where to grab a cocktail?

1)The Library Bar at The Leela Palace 
2)NOI Bar at The Chanakya Mall (the most luxurious mall in New Delhi)
3)Cirrus9 at the Oberoi Hotel 

Where to eat?
1)Indian Accent (exquisite)
2)Kainoosh at the Promenade Mall (best Indian flavors)
3)MKT at The Chanakya Mall (so many choices)
4)Blue Room at the Taj 
5)Bukhara at the Maurya Hotel 
6) Uncultured (great ambience!)
7) Threesixty at the Oberoi Hotel

Where to fiesta?
1) PCO (hands down the best spot. Great drinks, music and people).
2)Kitty Su
3)Privee

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Incredible Places to Visit

1.The Lotus Temple (Bahá’í House of Worship)
Among the numerous recognizable landmarks which are scattered all around Delhi is the remarkable Lotus Temple. Designed in the shape of a sacred lotus flower, there are 27 flower petals which are constructed of marble and make up the structure.

2. Jama Masjid
​It was the during the Islamic Mughal empire when many of Delhi’s famous ancient sites were constructed. In the heart of Old Delhi, located right at Chawri Bazar and very close to Chandni Chowk is the largest Islamic mosque in the city, Jama Masjid. It’s a huge structure, built in the 17th century, and includes multiple entrances that all lead to the main worship deck. The mosque has two towering minarets and a few onion shaped domes. The giant expanse on the upper floor has a capacity to hold 25,000 people. 

3. Akshardham Temple
​This modern Hindu temple complex, which was built in 2005, is one of the things to do in Delhi that you don’t want to leave out seeing. Akshardham, with its elaborate architecture, construction, and its ridiculous amount of detail and decoration will blow your mind.

4.  Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (Sikh Temple)
Unlike the uneasy feeling of visiting Jama Masjid (where someone always seems to be asking for money and your shoes are likely to get stolen if you leave them somewhere), the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib Sikh Temple is about the friendliest, most inviting, and comfortable temple you’ll ever visit. You just leave you shoes safely in the deposit room and walk around the temple. Women must cover their hair...the wind blew mine away and I was about to get lynched. 

5.   India Gate
The well respected India Gate is a 42 meter tall monument that was built in 1931 to honor Indian soldiers as a war memorial. Under the gate you can see a flame that’s continually lit and honors soldiers that have given their lives for their country.

6. Qutub Minar
​Among all the historical things to do in Delhi, the Qutub Minar is what I enjoyed most. Along with a bunch of crumblings structures is the incredible 72.5 meter minaret that sort of looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The minaret is the tallest in all of India, and it was originally built nearly 1,000 years ago.

7. Humayun’s Tomb
Persian designed, the tomb was built in the mid 1500’s to house the Islamic Mughal emperor known as Humayun. Along with Humayun, there are quite a few other Mughal rulers whose graves are also within the building.

8. Red Fort
​The Red Fort in Delhi, known as Lal Qila, is a red sandstone Mughal fortress of walls that surrounds an entire ancient city. Once you get inside the gate, you’ll be able to freely walk around and view some of the main structures, halls, and mosques. Along with being a place to learn and see the history of Delhi, it’s also just a quiet place to get away from the crowds and noise outside the walls. However, if you visit Agra, please go to the Agra Fort, I thought it was more impressive than the Red Fort in Delhi.

9. And of course...The Taj Mahal
An ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It should be on everyone's bucket list. 

TIPS:
I did not get sick in my visit to India. But make sure to always drink bottled water, wear sunscreen, take your malaria drugs and spray yourself with repellent.  Also, always walk with someone...I had tons of people taking pictures of me. I hope those pictures don't end up in a XXX website. 

NAMASTE!