KAROL BAGH TO CONNAUGHT PLACE
Did your eyebrows make that furrow? Did you just say 'huh'? Did you just stare blankly into nothingness? Or, did you google the topic perfectly placed above? Well, an applause to your curiosity. So, out of all my insane travel stories here's a recent one with a deep analogy associated with it. The fact that two places in the same city have differences higher than an expected level made me ponder and think in a harder way. I've tried my best to jot down my perspective and present it to you as a fun travelogue.
Karol Bagh, a bustling marketplace that resembles the rush and vastness of the capital. This famous market of Delhi is a complete package that opens up every day to thousands of customers looking for a cheap deal on their purchase. Down the stairs of the metro station, there comes a path paved with fine bricks leading to a long alley full of shops that seem small yet have lots to offer. The atmosphere blends in with the aromatic smell of the street food along with the chaotic noise created by the shopkeepers.
With a sip of fresh juice from a nearby juice centre, I walk around exploring the market. Shopkeepers try to indulge me with jaw dropping offers and discounts. Local vendors occupy the vehicle restricted area and scream the prices of their goods at the top of their lungs. Walking amidst the crowd with hands full of shopping bags was truly an adventure on its own. I could see people dwelling around and just having fun. Some were using their bargaining skills, some were just amazed by the variety the market possess, some were blessing their taste buds with mouth-watering food, some were buying every other thing offered by the vendor at seemingly cheap price. And someone like me was observing the entire scenario and was astonished by the soulful and lively market. As the sun sets down, the entire market gets dazzled with sparkling lights adding a beauty to the entire vibe.
A fifteen minutes auto ride from Karol Bagh took us to Connaught Place. As I stepped down from the ride, I got mesmerized by the view that was in front of me. A pure white Bungalow like architecture built in Georgian style full of world famous brand shops was the main attraction there. I took a quick glance all around and read the billboards, “OH! It's Nike, Adidas Originals, Starbucks, H&M, Forever 21, Bentley etc." With no wonders, Connaught Place is tagged as the ninth most expensive markets in the entire world. With a sip of Nutty Mocha Frappuccino from the Starbucks, I eagerly started my exploration. This time around I could sense a completely different vibe. Some were busy parking their Audi or Mercedes, some were casually walking into the branded shops, some were dining in the fancy restaurants and almost everyone was just minding their own business. I stepped back and closely observed every activity that was going on. And just then something struck my mind.
Though Connaught Place appeared to be more aesthetic and pleasing at first sight, it really wasn't as exuberant as Karol Bagh. The heights of differences between the two places was beyond measures. I couldn't help myself from analyzing the overall experience and put down my perspective. From the price tags to the general lifestyle, everything seemed to be contradicted from the earlier place. You could shop for your entire family in Karol Bagh for the price of a single hoodie in Connaught Place. You could eat a full plate dinner in Karol Bagh for the price of a cup of coffee in Connaught Place.
The former place didn't have fascinating architecture neither had vintage stores or branded franchise. But, it had smiley faces, excited and joyous souls, it had people that dwelled in the simplicity. The latter place was rich in materialistic form but surprisingly, the people there weren't content and satisfied despite having an economically blessed life. We're well known about how people get brutally classified on the basis of the money they own, the clothes they wear, and the vehicle they ride or simply the way they live their life. But here's the thing, the level of ecstasy can never be determined by your bank balance. The idea of happiness is not about the higher price tag but it's about being content and satisfied with even the simplest thing that you're given with.
As a passionate traveller, there are times when certain things about certain destinations left a huge impact on me. Karol Bagh and Connaught Place not only made me experience the variant lifestyle but also made me think in a deeper way. Travelling is not just about the pictures that you clicked but it is also about the memories that you made and the new experiences that crossed your path.
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