INDIA: Tackling the Mayhem of Old Delhi

Delhi is located in northern India and is the country's capital.

As of 2025 Delhi's metropolitan area population is estimated to be approximately 34.67 million. 

It is "estimated" because censuses are taken every 10 years, and in 2021, the census year, it was not taken because of COVID.

The population density is about 11,900 individuals per square kilometer, making it one of the most densely populated regions in the world.

Delhi has a rich history, dating back over 2,500 years.

It has been the seat of many empires, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire.

I have to admit, I felt intimidated.

Jumping into culture shock, we walked around Old Delhi sticking closely to our guide. 

 

 

In the heart of Old Delhi is Chandni Chowk, an iconic area known for its narrow lanes, street food, spices, and probably pretty much anything else you need.

 

Old Delhi was founded by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638 as "Shahjahanabad". It was once the Mughal capital. It remains a bustling, heritage-rich part of Delhi.

 

 

Electricity lines have been added. Perhaps not the same as back in North American, but, there is electricity.

It is full of small shops and colourful merchandise.

This is a wedding planning store.

There is a section for jewelry.

Food and spices can be purchased.

It looks like they may have Amazon deliveries. Or maybe not. Or maybe yes. 

I am not sure where the water filling these water bottles came from or where the bottles are going, but a scene from "Slum Dog Millionaire" came to mind. 

Walking around Old Delhi was a bit overwhelming with all the traffic, horns blaring and tons of people. 

 

So we took a tuk tuk around Old Delhi. I felt safer in a tuk tuk than I did on foot.  

 

 

We blindly trusted the skills of our tuk tuk driver.

 

And survived.