Timeless London

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 19 January, 2025

Have you ever visited a place for the first time and instantly felt at home? Everything is new, yet there’s a comforting sense of familiarity in the air. This blend of novelty and vague familiarity heightens the joy of discovering the destination, almost as if it’s a place you’ve dreamt of all your life. For me, that place was London.

I first went to London in 1999 to study—an experience that now feels like it belonged to a completely different lifetime. India was a very different place back then; technology and telecom services were not as advanced, and traveling abroad required meticulous preparation. Adding to this was the fact that I was going away for a whole year. Yet, the moment I landed in London, I felt at home.

London had an immediate charm that captivated me. Within my first month, I realized that even a year wouldn’t be enough to uncover all the treasures this city held. In many ways, London truly felt like the center of the world. Its stunning architecture, the seamless underground and overground train systems, and iconic monuments I had only read about left me in awe.

The colonial architecture of London—the arches, columns, and grand stone buildings—reminded me of places back home, like Mumbai’s Fort area, Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial, or even Shimla’s heritage sites. These resemblances, combined with the widespread use of English, gave London an unexpected sense of familiarity for an Indian traveler like me.

Since that first trip, I’ve returned to London almost every year, and even now, the city continues to surprise me. With every visit, I discover hidden gems I had previously missed, proving that London is a place where exploration never truly ends. Imagine my shock when my dearest childhood friend casually announced that she wasn’t too impressed with London on her last visit. Horrified, I immediately took it upon myself to change her mind and show her the London I love so deeply. I was determined to shatter her misconceptions and make her see the magic I see every time I step foot in this incredible city.

London is divided into 32 boroughs and the City of London, which is a separate, historic entity.These boroughs are grouped into Inner London (central, historically older areas) and Outer London (suburban districts).The City of London, often called "The Square Mile," is a small, historic area at the heart of Greater London. It is distinct from "London" as a whole and serves as the financial and commercial hub of the United Kingdom.The City of London is the original settlement founded by the Romans in 43 CE, known as Londinium. It became the center of trade and governance during Roman times.

The history of London spans over 2,000 years, beginning with its founding by the Romans around 43 CE as Londinium. Positioned on the River Thames, it quickly became a significant port and trading hub. After the Roman withdrawal, the city declined but was revived by the Saxons and later fortified by the Normans, who built the Tower of London in the 11th century.

Growing up, I often sang nursery rhymes filled with references to London and England, from the curious pussycat who went to London to look at the Queen to the ever-memorable "London Bridge is Falling Down." These rhymes have rich histories behind them—such as the theory of Vikings attacking and damaging the bridge or the fact that several different structures have borne the name "London Bridge" over the centuries. However, the iconic image we all picture is actually Tower Bridge, a stunning feat of Victorian engineering that still opens today to let ships pass along the River Thames.

Close by is the historic Tower of London, home to the world-famous Crown Jewels, including the magnificent Kohinoor, one of the largest diamonds in the world. Standing guard here are the Beefeaters, or Yeoman Warders, with intriguing stories about the ravens they protect—legend has it that if the ravens ever leave, the kingdom will fall. A little further down the river, you’ll find the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel with glass capsules offering breathtaking views of London and the Thames winding through the city. On a clear day, you can see as far as Windsor, the official residence of the Queen.

Closer to the city, you’ll pass by Buckingham Palace and its surrounding gardens. Every day, the Changing of the Guard takes place—a magnificent sight steeped in tradition. But what I really love are the huge parks that surround the palace: Green Park and St. James’s Park. Not too far away is Hyde Park, home to the famous Speakers' Corner where people gather to share their views, a tradition of open dialogue that dates back centuries.

Whenever someone asks me what my favorite thing to do in London is, my answer is always the same: walk. Walking in London is an experience like no other, especially when you have Hyde Park right in the middle of the city. The city’s charm unfolds in layers when you explore it on foot—hidden alleys, quaint cafés, vibrant street art, and unexpected corners of history waiting to be discovered.

To truly understand London, you have to immerse yourself in it step by step, and I couldn’t wait to share this experience with my friend.

Since both my friend and I had ticked off the most important sights of London earlier, we decided to look for places off the beaten track. Both of us had grown up reading the books of P. G. Wodehouse. The joy of reading the antics of Jeeves and Bertie Wooster would liven up our lives, and we had imagined the streets, gentleman’s clubs, hat shops, and train stations. So, it was only apt to start our tour in Mayfair.

Mayfair, one of London’s most prestigious districts, is synonymous with elegance and luxury. Known for its Georgian architecture, high-end boutiques, five-star hotels, and world-class dining, it offers a glimpse into the city’s refined lifestyle. Whenever you walk in London, look out for the blue plaques on the buildings. You often come across places where famous people lived, and it feels wonderful to connect with a part of history that lives on today. At Russell Square near the British Library, I came across a building where Charles Dickens lived. In Mayfair, we discovered a plaque marking where the Bee Gees once resided. Finally, we made our way to Dunraven Street, where P. G. Wodehouse himself lived—a fitting tribute to our literary journey.

Our next stop was Notting Hill and the vintage market at Portobello Road. Immortalized in the romantic comedy Notting Hill, this vibrant market has always attracted visitors with its colorful houses, unique antiques, and lively atmosphere. Continuing the theme of timeless elegance, we ended our evening at The Ritz, a hotel renowned for serving the finest afternoon tea in London—a quintessential British experience.

The next day took us to Covent Garden, a bustling district filled with street performers, boutique shops, and vibrant food stalls. Covent Garden has a magical charm, combining historic architecture with a lively modern vibe. Not far away is Camden Market, another foodie haven, where street food from around the world tempts visitors at every corner. For a taste of modern Indian cuisine, we dined at Dishoom, a restaurant that masterfully blends the flavors of Bombay with London’s cosmopolitan flair.

We finally ended our visit with a celebratory dinner at a restaurant in The Shard. Sitting by the window, we raised a toast to this magnificent city while enjoying panoramic views. Below us, Tower Bridge glittered in the evening lights, a perfect symbol of London’s ability to balance its storied past with a dazzling present. As we reflected on our journey, it was clear that London isn’t just a city; it’s an endless story waiting to be explored. When are you starting yours?