Weddings are the ultimate social lubricants. Family members from all around the globe circle in and get together to catch-up with each other and celebrate. A recent wedding invitation from my hometown, Aligarh, led me to step out of my hibernation in Mumbai. Covid-19 has shortened the guest list, which means that the wedding a relatively intimate affair. Nonetheless, I am happy to connect with my cousins after a gap of nearly 3 to 5 years! Recollecting funny childhood stories, bonding over our affinity towards travelling and enjoying sumptuous meals together. Like a refreshing cool drink on a hot summer day.
Aligarh has never been an easy city to live in owing to its extreme weather. Summers are scorching and winters are bitter. And not to mention the poor conditions of the roads. A lure of Aligarh is the infamous, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). Several family members are AMU graduates, specially my dad. He pursued his engineering degree at AMU in early 1970s. I had first visited AMU back in 2009. I remember now how vast the campus is and how beautiful the architecture is. It’s definetly a photogenic campus.
Aligarh is also known for its kachoris (a deep fried spicy snack). I’ve never tried kachoris before in Aligarh, will definetly give them a try this time. I’ve had the home made parathas here, which are to die for. And the various kinds of rotis made from a variety of grains and great as well.
Aligarh is also well connected to nearby hill stations like Nainital (also called the Lake District of India), Shimla and Manali. Agra isn’t too far from here either, which means a day trip to Taj Mahal is manageable. The state of Rajasthan is close to Aligarh as well. And ofcourse the national capital, New Delhi is nearly a 2 hour car ride away.
It’s a small town worth exploring for the university, the kachoris and trying out a small tour around the city on the cycle rickshaws.