Cycling Routes in Delhi

We all have some preconceived notion regarding Delhi and when it comes to cycling in India and Delhi in particular it’s “Not A Country For Cyclists”. Because it is polluted, overcrowded, not safe and complete absence of dedicated cycling lane. The extreme climatic conditions, summer with severe heat wave, monsoon heavy rainfall & water lodging and winter with cold wave makes it more challenging for the riders, after all it’s not Pune, Bangaluru or some other hill stations of Himalaya or Nilgir. A British adventurer Sir Ranulph Twisleton once said “There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” The quote always motivates me to get out of my comfort zone and to explore.

But despite all odds, on the brighter side we Delhites are blessed with everything one can ever dream of, a rich list of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Our history starts with the Indraprastha of Pandavas, travels through the Mighty Mughals to the British Era. Over time we have evolved as a true cosmopolitan, we are open to embrace new ideas, culture, festival, food habit and life style which not a single city inside and outside India can claim.

The need of hour is to Revisit, Celebrate, Preserve and Reclaim Our Culture… Here is my Top 24 Cultural Cycling Routes in Delhi which i have done with JNU Cycling Club. I would like to thank Alok and Niraj sir for the wonderful clicks, Nipun, a true cycling enthusiast, Aqsa and Ambreen for the wonderful idea and Aditi for motivating me to share it on Tripoto.

Please note that some of pics and contents are copied from wikipedia and other websites with the sole intention of gathering information, Thank you all.

January

1. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary

Sultanpur is located at 40 kms distance from Dhaula Kuan in Delhi and 15 km from Gurgaon on the Gurgaon - Farukh Nagar Road. This Bird Sanctuary , ideal for birding and bird watchers, is best visited in winters when a large number of migratory birds come here.

2. Mehrauli Archaeological Park

Mehrauli Archaeological Park is an archaeological area spread over 200 acre in Mehrauli, Delhi, adjacent to Qutub Minar World Heritage site and the Qutb complex. It consists of over 100 historically significant monuments. It is the only area in Delhi known for 1,000 years of continuous years of occupation, and includes the ruins of Lal Kot built by Tomar Rajputs in 1060 CE, making it the oldest extant fort of Delhi, and architectural relics of subsequent period, rule of Khalji dynasty, Tughlaq dynasty, Lodhi dynasty of Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, and the British Raj.

A splash of colors, rhythm of drum beats and joy De-vivre merge at Surajkund in Faridabad, Haryana during the first fortnight of each February. The curtains go up on the acclaimed annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela from 1st February onward, a celebration of Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage.

Humayun's Tomb built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum, a symbol of a woman's love for her husband.

Bhooli Bhatiyari (or Bhuli Bhatiyari ka Mahal) is a Hunting Lodge built by Feroz Shah Tughlaq in 14th century. This structure is claimed to be the most haunted place in Delhi.

"Ishq-E-Dilli" or Love of Delhi, India's first architectural projection sound and light show at Purana Quila (Old Fort). An appropriate expression indeed, of what Delhi is all about. A saga of destructions and creations, of a new city built every time to be subsumed by a newer one.

Note: Do confirm the timings beforehand, because they vary with season.

2. The Coronation Park

The Coronation Park in north of the city is the remnant of that empire. The park is sometimes referred to as the Coronation Memorial; it was the venue of the Delhi Durbar of 1877 when Queen Victoria was proclaimed the Empress of India.

Thursday Nights at Delhi’s Nizamuddin Dargah is all about the Magic of Qawwali.... Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi is the shrine of one of the world’s most famous Sufi saints, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. After Qawwali dinner at Hussaini Hotel is a must.

2. The Iftar Food Walk (Night Ride)

The walk from Chawri Bazaar to the Jama Masjid. During iftar, the streets of Old Delhi become a paradise for food lovers. From keema samosas to paneer jalebis, Biryani they have it all. To experience the beauty of Ramzan.

There are some amazing natural rocks near Dhauj village in Haryana. Dhauj is located 25 kms from Gurgaon. The rocks and lake in monsoon offers a great outdoor experience and scenic beauty.

Tughlaqabad Fort is a ruined fort in Delhi, stretching over 6 km, built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of Tughlaq dynasty, of the Delhi Sultanate of India in 1321, as he established the third historic city of Delhi, which was later abandoned in 1327.

August

1. Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary lies at the far southern edge of the city of Delhi, at Asola near Tughlaqabad in the Delhi NCR. This protected area contains one of the last surviving remnants of Delhi Ridge.

Bhardwaj Lake: Lakes were created due to extensive mining in the area after mining was banned by SC. one can also try swimming in the lakes but he/she must be advance level swimmer as the lake is very deep.

Suggestion : Recommended for group visits..Groups of ten or more.

It was built by Sultan Feroz Shah Tughlaq in the fourteenth century and now nestles between a cricket stadium and Delhi's Ring Road. Jami Masjid is one of the most ancient and largest surviving mosque and monument, The Ashokan Pillar that lies within Feroz Shah Kotla is perfectly placed towards the north of Jama Masjid. The circular Baoli, which means 'step well', lies towards the north western side of the Ashokan Pillar, Every Thursday there is a huge crowd at the fort. It is popularly believed that Jinn(s) descend down at the Fort from the Heavens and accept requests and wishes from people. A lot of wishes, penned down on paper, can be seen on the walls within the premises.

September

1. Phoolo Walon ki Sair (Night Ride)

Phool Walon Ki Sair meaning "procession of the florists" is an annual celebration by the flowers sellers of Delhi. It is a week long festival and a unique phenomena when Hindus and Muslims together offer the floral chaadar and pankha at the Dargah of Khwaja Bakhtiar 'Kaaki' in Mehrauli and floral pankha and chhatra (canopy) is offered at the ancient temple of Devi Yogmaya, also, in Mehrauli. The pankha has become a symbol of communal harmony and national integration. The Festival is being being celebrated since the Mughal period (1812).

2. Agresen ki Baoli

Agrasen's Baoli (Agrasen ki Baoli) is among a few of its kind in Delhi, consisting of 103 steps made of red stone. The Baoli was originally built by Maharaja Agrasen, in the Mahabharat era, It is located on Hailey Road near Cannought Place in Delhi. Breakfast at Bengali market near mandi house is a must.

October

1. Durga Puja at CR Park

Bengal in delhi , it is the dream destination for everybody in and around Delhi, Founded in 1973, Kali Mandir Chittaranjan Park has by now established itself as one of the prominent religious and cultural centers of Delhi.

2. The Delhi Dance Festival at Purana Qila (Night Ride)

The festival organised by the Sahitya Kala Parishad and Dept of Art, Culture & Languages, Govt of Delhi. “The idea behind the Old Delhi Dance Festival to juxtapose cultural heritage with structural heritage was a wonderful concept. The Purana Qila presents a poignant background to the performance of India’s most notable classical dance forms, some of whom originated centuries back in ancient and medieval times,” said Bharatnatyam exponent Leela Samson.

Entry : Free (Seating on First-Come First-Served Basis)

November

1. GURGAON-FARIDABAD Highway

Aa Dekhen Zara kisme kitna hai dam…The highway is perfect stretch for racing.

2. Akshardham

Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham complex is a Hindu mandir, and a spiritual-cultural campus in New Delhi. Designed in accordance with the standards of Maharishi Vastu Architecture, it features a blend of architectural styles across India. It is entirely constructed from Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble. Based on traditional Hindu architectural guidelines (Shilpa shastras) on maximum temple life span, it makes no use of ferrous metal. Thus, it has no support from steel or concrete.

December

1. OKHLA BIRD SANCTURY

Okhla Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary at the Okhla barrage over Yamuna River. It is situated in Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar district, on Delhi-Uttar Pradesh state border and known as a haven for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds.

2. Red Fort, Gurudwara Sis ganj, Gauri-Shankar Mandi and Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir.

Chandni Chowk has the roots of India’s culture and the essence of what is known today as the Ganga-Jamuna tehzeeb. The area is an excellent example of religious harmony. It is one of the most popular places in Delhi for food lovers.