New Delhi

 

New Delhi (Hindi: नई दिल्ली, Urdu: نئی دہلی, Punjabi: ਨਵੀਂ ਦਿੱਲੀ) is India’s capital city and the home of executive, legislative, and judiciary branches of the Government of India. Delhi is a large metropolis with strengths in arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism and transport all contributing to its prominence.

Districts

• East Delhi — Gandhi Nagar, Preet Vihar, and Vivek Vihar.
• North Delhi — Sadar Bazar, University Enclave (Kamla Nagar), Kotwali, and Civil Lines.
• West Delhi — Patel Nagar, Rajouri Garden, East Sagarpur and Punjabi Bagh.
• Central Delhi — Connaught Place, Khan Market, Chanakyapuri, Karol Bagh and Paharganj.
• Old Delhi – Daryaganj, Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazaar, Lal Quila and Jama Masjid.

Understand

History

Delhi is said to be one of the oldest existing cities in the world, along with Jerusalem and Varanasi. Legend estimates it to be over 5,000 years old. Over the millennia, Delhi is said to have been built and destroyed 11 times. The oldest alleged incarnation of the city shows up in the Indian mythological epic Mahabharata as Indraprastha.

• Qila Rai Pithora – This dates back to the 10th century A.D. as per available historical records. Also known as Rai Pithora, this city was the capital during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan, the local hero famous for his first defeating, before finally losing to, the marauding invaders from central Asia (Muhammad Ghori in particular). Chauhan’s ancestors are said to have captured the city from the Tomar Rajputs who were credited with founding Delhi. Anangpal, a Tomar ruler possibly created the first known regular fort here called ‘Lal Kot’, which was taken over by Prithviraj and the city extended. Some of the ruins of the fort ramparts are still visible around Qutab Minar and Mehrauli.

• Mehrauli – Muhammad Ghori managed to defeat Prithviraj Chauhan in battle in 1192. Ghori left his slave Qutub-ud-din Aibak as his viceroy, who in turn captured Delhi the subsequent year. After Ghori’s death in 1206, Aibak proclaimed himself the ruler of Delhi and founded the slave dynasty. Qutb-ud-din contributed significantly in terms of architecture by getting Mehrauli built. His most prominent contribution is the starting of Qutab Minar. This 72.5 m tall tower was built across three generations and finally completed in 1220AD. A visitor to the Qutab Minar could also see the mausoleum of Kaki, Shamsi Talao and some other mosques. The Slave dynasty ruled until 1290, among them was Razia Sultan who ruled for just three years, but became a historic figure for being the first empress in India.

• The Tombs – Out of the many scattered around the city, one of the best ones to visit is Humayun’s Tomb. This is where the great Mughal Emperor Humayun rests and the 16th-century tomb with its architecture, both Mughal and Persian influences is an ode to the great king. The red sandstone is beautiful and the magnificence of the structure is breathtaking.

• Siri – Qutubuddin Aibaq’s ‘Slave Dynasty’ was followed by the line of Khilji (or Khalji) rulers. The most prominent among the six rulers was Allauddin who extended the kingdom to the south of Narmada and also established the city of ‘Siri’. Among some of the remaining ruins, is part of the Siri Fort in the greater Hauz Khas area. The madrasa at Hauz Khas was constructed during Allauddin’s reign and bears the stamp of West Asian architecture. Hauz Khas is more often visited today for the chic botiques and restaurants.

• Tughlakabad – Exactly as it happens during the fall of a lineage of kings, after the Khilji’s there was administrative chaos for sometime as the last Khilji ruler was slain by Nasruddin Mohammed. Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq (a Turk governor) invaded Delhi in the 1320s, started the Tughlaq dynasty, and founded the city of Tughlakabad, the ruins of which still remain. His descendant Muhammad Bin Tughlaq raised the fort walls, created another city called Jahapanah (which enclosed the area between Siri and Qila Rai Pithora). Tughlakabad continued, however, to be the main capital city. Muhammad Bin Tughlaq is also known as the mad king for wanting to move the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad (now near Aurangabad in Maharashtra) and making the entire population travel, only to return in a few years because of water shortage in the new town.

• Firozabad – Muhammad Bin Tughlaq’s son, Firoze created the next city which was called Firozabad or Firoze Shah Kotla. There still are some ruins which are visible around the cricket stadium by the same name. The city was a enclosed a large area, and contained many palaces, mosques, pillared halls, and multi-floored water tank. Firoze Shah also planted a 1500 year old Ashokan Pillar on top of the palace. This pillar was originally planted in Meerut by Samrat Ashok.Feroze Shah, also repaired many of the older construction in Delhi including Ghori’s tomb, Qutub Minar,Suraj Kund and Hauz Khas. He, himself, was buried inside a lofty tomb in Hauz Khas. Quite like earlier, after Feroze Shah’s death, the sultnate became unstable and weak, and was invaded by Taimur the Lame (from Samarkhand) who created havoc in the city by looting, killing, raping and plundering. The Sayyids and Lodhis who ruled Delhi after the Tughlaq’s paid more attention to re-establishing miltiary and political stability to the kingdom. The only relevant architecture visible from this period are the tombs at Lodhi Gardens. The last of the Lodhi’s was defeated by Babur in the first battle of Panipat. Babur then proceeded to establish the Mughal dynasty.

• Shergarh – Babur’s son Humayun ruled the kingdom for a few years
  

  Purana Qila – ruins of Shergarh

  only to be defeated by Sher Shah Suri (1540), who established the new city Shergarh (on the ruins of Dinpanah, built by Humayun) towards the north and near the river. Shergarh is what you see at Purana Qila today, near the Delhi zoo. After Humayun came back to power, he completed the construction and proceeded to rule from Shergarh.

• Shahjahanabad – the next of the Mughal emperors chose to move away from Delhi and established Agra as the capital of their kingdom. Shahjahan (Humayun’s great-grandson) returned to Delhi and established Shahjahanabad. This included the Jama Masjid, the Red Fort and all that in enclosed within the walls of Old Delhi. This wall is still around in many parts and three of the six gates (Delhi gate, Lahori Gate, Turkman Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Kashmiri Gate, Mori Gate)to Delhi still exist. Kashmiri Gate was reconstructed and widened by the British after the 1857 revolt.

• Lutyen’s New Delhi – The final city as you see today expanded from what Sir Edwin Lutyens.

The population of Delhi is a heterogeneous mix of people originally belonging to different parts of North India and beyond. Among the prominent North Indian communities are the Punjabis. Delhi also has a prominent South Indian Community, primarily in areas like RK Puram, Mayur Vihar and Munirka. A Bengali Settlement, the Chittaranjan Park in south Delhi is the Mini Calcutta of Delhi. Quality education also draws students from different states, making up one of the most diverse student populations in the country.

Orientation

Like the rest of the Gangetic Plains, Delhi is as flat as a pancake. The only geographical features of any significance are the river Yamuna, which flows down the eastern side of the city, and the Aravalli Hills which form a wide but low arc across the west. On the west bank is the crowded and congested Old (Central) Delhi and, to the southwest, the broad, tree-lined avenues of New Delhi, built by the British to rule their empire. The rest is an endless low-rise sprawl of suburbia and slums, with southwestern Delhi (nearer to New Delhi) generally somewhat wealthier.

New Delhi

The capital of India built by the British. It also houses few of the most famous hotels you can find in India like: The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi The Grand jüSTa Hotels & Resorts

New Delhi is also famous for its luxurious wedding and celebration in places like: The Jehan

South Delhi

South Delhi is a more affluent area and is the location of many upscale hotels and shopping malls, quaint guesthouses. It also includes the Qutab Minar, a major tourist attraction. The area is easy to get around via taxi/car and is served by 3 metro lines.

Old Delhi

The capital during the Mughal period.

North Delhi

This area includes many buildings developed during British rule. Majnu Ka Tilla is a Tibetan settlement in the area.

Climate

The shoulder seasons (Feb-Mar and Oct-Nov) are the best times to visit, with temperatures in the 20-30°C range (68-86°F). From April to June, temperatures are scorchingly hot (over 40°C is common) and, with every air-conditioner running at full blast, the city’s creaking power and water infrastructure is strained to the breaking point and beyond. Monsoon rains deluge the city from July to September, flooding roads on a regular basis and bringing traffic to a standstill. In winter, especially December and January, temperatures can dip to near-zero which can feel a lot colder because central heating is largely unknown and homes are usually designed with a view to keep cool in the summers rather than warm in the winters. In addition the city is blanketed in thick fog, causing numerous flight cancellations and train delays.

Suggested reading

• “Delhi – India Charming Chaos” by Johnny Fincioen. This book concentrates on today’s power center of New Delhi and its historic context. The text and the 117 original pictures offer the reader a holistic view of the way of life in the capital of India.

• “Delirious Delhi”, Dave Prager; a recent portrait of Delhi by an expat resident. (ISBN 1611458323)

• Kultar’s mime : stories of Sikh children who survived the 1984 Delhi massacre, Sarbpreet Singh’s book on the 1984 genocide against Sikhs by anti-Sikh mobs. (ISBN 9781523834136)

• When a tree shook Delhi : the 1984 carnage and its aftermath, Manoj Mitta; a book on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. (ISBN 9788174366191)

• Lahore to Delhi : rising from the ashes : autobiography of a refugee from Pakistan, by P. Seth. An autobiographical book about the experience of a Hindu refugee who fled from Pakistan to Delhi. (ISBN 9788189534110)

• Tibetans in Delhi, by S. Khurana, about refugees from Tibet living in Delhi. (ISBN 9781542954198)

Beware

Probably the worst way to get introduced to India for the first time visitor would be to fly into Delhi on one of those packed red-eye flights arriving at 1am, and take a random taxi from airport into a hotel in a backpacking district, and follow the taxi driver hotel suggestions once you have heard that your hotel has been closed/burned a few days ago. This city is difficult to handle even for seasoned travellers, and it is hard to shake off the feeling that it is one big dirty noisy dump where everyone tries to rip you off.

Generally, for a first-time visitor, you will get a better experience of India if you initially fly to Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore or Kolkata (then you can continue to Delhi). However, if you must fly to Delhi:

• Book a flight arriving during the daytime, preferably afternoon (morning and evening traffic is very bad). A huge number of flights, mostly from the Middle East, are arriving in the late night, and the airport is crowded.

• For the first-night book a hotel in advance in the same price range you’d book a hotel in your own country. Yes, good hotels in India could be very cheap, but it is hit and miss. Next day you can walk around and move to a different hotel, or negotiate a price in your hotel down (this is why you only need to book one night).

• Ask the hotel to pick you up from the airport. You will pay 2x-4x more than the normal taxi fare would be, but you will save yourself lots of hassle as the driver will wait for you in arrival area (and yes, they will still wait even if your flight is 4hr late) – and, being the first time in India, it is unlikely you’d get a normal taxi fare anyway. Trying to get Uber at Indian airport also is not a good idea, as finding your driver is always a major hassle which requires several calls – too many cars, and too many people.

Note that those items mostly apply to Delhi only. Other Indian airports receive significantly less international traffic and are less crowded, and Delhi seems to be the only major city in India which still doesn’t have a proper concept of taxi regulations, and has such a huge abundance of hotels which shouldn’t even be allowed to open doors.

 

Get in

By plane

Indira Gandhi International Airport, located in the south-west of the city, is the arrival point for many visitors into Delhi. Once notoriously bad, the airport has been transformed into a thoroughly modern facility and is one the best airports in the world. There are several security checkpoints in the airport and you may have to show your boarding pass and passport a dozen times before boarding the plane. When leaving Delhi from the International terminal, you should show up 3 hours before your flight is scheduled. For domestic flights, 2 hours should be enough, depending on whether or not you must wait in the queues to check luggage. While sometimes time-consuming, the process is smooth, and the new terminal’s shops and restaurants are sensibly located at the gate area, not before security. However, if you wish to change Rupees back into foreign currency, you must do this before clearing security.

During the winter, Delhi often experiences dense fog and visibility is reduced considerably, making it difficult for flights to land and take off. Both international and domestic flights are often diverted, cancelled, or delayed.

Delhi Airport has three operational terminals:

• Terminal 1C/1D, also known as “Palam Airport” or “Domestic”, is used only by low-cost carriers IndiGo, GoAir and SpiceJet. Flights arrive at Terminal 1C but depart from terminal 1D.

• Terminal 3, the enormous main terminal, is used by all international flights and all full-service domestic carriers which include Jet Airways, Air India, AirAsia India and Vistara.

• Terminal 2 is only in use during the Haj pilgrimage for flights to Mecca and Medina.

A free shuttle bus operates between the terminals every 20 minutes; however, the shuttle is only free for arriving passengers with onward connecting tickets in the other terminal. Alternatively, public city bus #4 (₹25) operates the same route and does not require a flight ticket. While the terminals share the same runways, connecting between the two requires a massive detour via a nearby highway, so allow up to 20 minutes to make the transfer.

To travel between the airport and the city:

• Delhi Airport Metro Express is a train line that operates between New Delhi Metro Station and Dwarka Sector 21, with a stop at the airport Terminal 3. See the website for the schedule. The journey to New Delhi Metro Station is fast and comfortable and takes 20 minutes and costs ₹60. From the railway station, you can transfer to the Metro (crossing the city street to reach the station).

• Delhi Transport Corporation and EATS (Ex Serviceman’s Airlink Transport Service) operate buses between the airport and the city 24 hours per day. Travel time is approximately 50 minutes and the cost is ₹50 per adult, ₹25 per child below 12 years, ₹25 for heavy luggage. Buses run to ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal) near Kashmiri Gate, Connaught Place, Delhi Train Station and many hotels in the city centre, departing from both airport terminals every 60 minutes from 10AM-11:10PM. Tickets can be bought and a fixed seat can be booked at a desk in the Arrivals Hall.

• For booking Taxis from the airport, you have a variety of options including the yellow prepaid taxi booths operated by the Delhi Police. There is one located directly outside of the airport and one located near the rental car counters to the right of the exit doors. You may be approached by touts offering pre-paid taxis; just ignore them as there have been safety incidents reported. There are 5-6 radio taxi companies operating taxis in Delhi and they are cleaner and more reliable than the prepaid taxis. They are safer as they are GPS-monitored at all times. You can find the booths of various radio taxi companies as you exit the terminal. A prepaid taxi to the city center will cost you more than a radio taxi. Ignore any requests by the driver for additional payment. There is no practice of tipping taxi drivers anywhere in India. When you reach your destination, take your baggage first, then give the driver the receipt/pay the driver(in the case of radio taxis) and walk away without further discussion. Note that taxis routinely get stuck in traffic during rush-hour, but the journey to the city center is much quicker at night or early morning.

• Prearranged pick-ups are also available from most hotels. The cost may be double the charge from the prepaid taxi booths, but you will have someone waiting for you at the airport with your name on a sign and you won’t have to wait in the taxi queue.

• State run and private operators bus normally used by people working in and around airport for daily commute. Its the cheapest way to travel from airport to anywhere in the city. When you exit airport, head straight to pillar no. 18 on left side, from where you can catch DTC express buses. If you walk 5 more minutes in same direction (or just ask anyone), you can catch a bus for INR 5 to Mahipalpur and then bus to anywhere in Delhi and Gurgaon.

By Car

Many online cab hire services are now extensively serving major cities in India like North India Car Renta, Vayu Travels, Travelocar Car Rental, Owic Car Rental, JKS Travels, Amy CAB, Uber, Japji travel, Delhi Oneway Cab, My Tempo Traveller, UberX are in fact more reliable, cheaper, and more pleasant than dealing with (and haggling with) unscrupulous/overeager/bothersome taxi drivers or autorickshaw drivers. You can get in by cabs and this is the safest way to get in if you want to avoid bus services in Delhi.

By bus

Buses arrive from Kathmandu and Chitwan in Nepal (36 hr+) and virtually every city in India. Although not as comfortable as the trains, buses are the only choice for some destinations, mainly those in the mountains.

Delhi has a confusing slew of inter-state bus termini (ISBT), which all have two names. The Delhi Transport Corporation is the major operator, but every state also runs its own buses and there are some private operators.

• Kashmere Gate ISBT (aka Maharana Pratap), Metro Kashmere Gate, Line 1/2. This is “the” ISBT and the largest of the lot. Buses to points north, including Nepal.

• Sarai Kale Khan ISBT (aka Vir Hakikat Rai), next to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. Buses to points south including RJST Ordinary buses.

• Anand Vihar ISBT (aka Swami Vivekanand), on the east bank of Yamuna. Buses to points east.

• Bikaner House, at Pandara Road, India Gate (Central Delhi) provides hourly air-conditioned Volvo buses to cities of Rajasthan (State famous for royal fortified desert-towns) – Jaipur (State-Capital), Udaipur (Lake City), Jodhpur etc. Bus Stop is uncrowded, well-maintained and ideal for luxurious travelling.

• Mandi House, at Barakhamba Road, near India Gate (Central Delhi) provides hourly air-conditioned Volvo buses to hill-stations of Himachal Pradesh (State famous for Himalayan panoramas) – Shimla (State-Capital), Manali (North-India’s honeymoon destination), Dharamsala (Capital-in-exile of Tibetans) etc. Bus Stop is uncrowded, well-maintained and ideal for luxurious travelling.

• Majnu ka Tilla Tibetan colony, a short rickshaw ride from Metro Vidhan Sabha. Buses to Dharamsala.

By train

Trains arrive at one of four main stations: Delhi Junction, also called Old Delhi or Purani Dilli; the second at New Delhi which lies in Central Delhi; Hazrat Nizamuddin a few kilometers to the south; and the upcoming Anand Vihar station to the east (very few trains use Delhi Sarai Rohilla or Delhi Cantt stations). Delhi Junction and New Delhi Railway Station are now conveniently connected by Metro Line 2, just minutes apart, while Anand Vihar is served by Line 3. It will take about 40 min-1 hr to travel from the New Delhi Railway Station to the airport by car, depending on traffic.

A ticket office open to all is on the road to Connaught Place with longer hours. It often has waiting times not much longer than at the tourist booking office. You will need to know the number or name of the train you want to take. Easiest of all, though, is to book online through the Indian Railways booking website. (Note, however, that you are required to have both an e-mail address AND a mobile phone number that is registered within India in order to access the booking area of the site.)

Once you have purchased a ticket either at the ticket office or online prior to the trip, all you need to do is go to the rail car labeled with your class of service purchased. You can either get on and sit in the first available seat or often times for higher classes of service, they will post a passenger list on the car when it stops. Look for your name and go to the assigned car, cabin and seat. There is never a need to get a boarding pass so if anyone comes out of the crowd to tell you that, don’t listen to them; it is a scam. If you’re brave, you can simply purchase a general 2nd class ticket and then get on any car where there is availability. The conductor will come by and check your tickets after the train starts moving. If you are in a higher fare class than you are ticketed for, all you have to do is simply pay the difference in fare to the conductor. The only risk here is that the train could be full and you could be stuck in the lowest fare class which can be very crowded with little room to sit.

New Delhi Railway Station

The main entrance to New Delhi Railway Station (code NDLS) is located just outside of Paharganj, also known as the backpacker ghetto. The Delhi Metro now connects directly here, but the metro exits are at the Ajmeri Gate (second entrance) side near platform 16. You can also take prepaid rickshaws and taxis from the plaza outside the main entrance.

The station is large, crowded, confusing and packed with touts. Allow one hour to find your train the first time you visit. Don’t trust the electronic display boards, which often show incorrect information. Instead listen to the announcements and ask multiple people in uniform (policemen) until you find your train. However, anyone who approaches you spontaneously should be completely ignored, including people who claim they work for the railway. Use one of the porters (in orange red uniforms with metallic arms badges) to find your train and carry your luggage, in exchange for a tip.

A tourist ticket office called the International Tourist Bureau is open 24 hours upstairs of, but still within, the main New Delhi railway station on Platform No.1 (on the side away from the metro). Note that it is only for foreign tourists, so you musthave a tourist visa (i.e. student and working visas are not acceptable). Non-resident Indians can also book their tickets through this office. Bring your passport and cash or traveller’s cheques in U.S. dollars, British Pounds or Euros. If you wish to pay in Indian Rupees you theoretically must show an official exchange certificate (from India, not valid if you changed in another country) or an ATM receipt. All ticket bookings require exact change, as like everywhere in India the office has little to no change. If you don’t have exact change, it’s possible after booking to go down to the food stores, buy food to get change, then return and pick up your ticket. To get a ticket, first get a form from the centre of the room and fill it out. Then go to the information desk near the entrance. There, have the clerk check the availability of the train(s) you desire, and fill out your form accordingly. Then line up at one of the two u-shaped lines of chairs for the reservation desks. If you need a bathroom during this lengthy process, there is a relatively clean male and female toilet just outside on the verandah through the side door (the door you didn’t enter through). Even once inside, there are still touts around looking to make a quick buck on those who are unfamiliar with the process. Do not leave the International Tourist Bureau with a stranger.

Do not trust strangers who appear out of the crowd to help you; ignore them. Always ask for assistance at the enquiry counter or policemen (in uniform). If crossing over to other platforms from the Paharganj side, beware of people asking for your train ticket whilst going through security to cross the bridge. You do not need to show your ticket to cross the bridge despite what they may say. If a man with a pen appears as you approach, ignore him.

If you have a long wait for your train and need somewhere safe and peaceful, the IRCTC has an executive lounge, which can be found between the main entrance (Ajmeri Gate side) and the stairway up to platform 16, just after security. It is clean, safe and air-conditioned; the staff are helpful. The cost is INR150 for two hours. Meals are extra.

New Delhi Railway Station also has a pre-paid taxi booth run by Delhi Police. If you are arriving at the station, and want to take a taxi, head to the Delhi Police pre-paid taxi booth. Unfortunately, this booth is at the extreme far north end (about 50 meters from the station main exit) of the taxi parking and you will encounter touts claiming to provide prepaid taxi; just ignore them and find the pre-paid taxi booth run by the Delhi Police which are safe and least expensive. Taxi fare from New Delhi Railway Staion to the Airport should cost you about 400 Rupees.

A common scam is for a tout to approach you and tell you your train is canceled but you may book the next train at the official tourist office (typically in Connaught Square). Of course, this isn’t an official office, just a travel agency that will tell you the next train is booked and try to rent you a taxi at a very expensive price.

Delhi Railway Station

Formally Delhi Junction (code DLI), but best referred to as “Old” Delhi Station for clarity. Like New Delhi RS, this station is huge and confusing. The platforms are not in linear order, with some hidden in the west and east wings of the stations. The railway station is served by Metro Line 2 Chandni Chowk station, with an entrance just outside at the east end of the station and also just over the main road outside (last metro at about 23:30). If taking an Auto Rickshaw from here, the prepaid desk will often try and charge you as much as three times the actual price quoted on the official price guide displayed clearly in their window – bargaining is sadly often cheaper.

Hazrat Nizamuddin

Hazrat Nizamuddin (code NZM) is the departure point of many trains heading south. Practically speaking, the only way to get here is by taxi or car. The budget alternative is to take a bus to the Sarai Kale Khan Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) on the ring road and then walk over to the station (400 m). It’s the least chaotic of the Big Three, but still pretty big and poorly signposted; listen to the announcements to figure out your train. The station has a pretty good food court that sells inexpensive, hygienic takeaway snacks including sandwiches and samosas.

If you have some time to kill, pay a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, which is so close to the station that you can hear the announcements from inside — although it’s a long, circuitous walk from the station to the entrance.

Anand Vihar

Anand Vihar Terminal (code ANVT) is Delhi’s newest station, located well to the east of the city near Ghaziabad – Delhi Border. Repeatedly delayed, the station finally opened in December 2009 and will gradually take over all east-bound services. The station can be reached by Delhi Metro Line 3. Anand Vihar Terminal is just opposite to Anand Vihar Interstate Bus Terminal (ISBT).

Get around

Getting around Delhi is always an adventure. Traffic is, by and large, horribly congested and many drivers will think nothing of quoting ten times the going price to a tourist. Use the prices below as broad guidelines, agree on prices before setting off. Best way to travel is via metro, where there are separate cabins for women (that prove to be very useful during rush hour). Metro is clean, efficient, and typically ridden by relatively affluent middle-class students or commuters en route to/from work; there is almost nowhere in the city that you cannot get to by metro.

Please note that in each station, you will undergo a security check with a metal detector and a scanning machine.

By metro

The fast-growing Delhi Metro network provides a cheap, quick, hassle-free and air-conditioned way of zipping around the city. The following lines are open:

• Red Line: Dilshad Garden – Rithala
  

  The modern Delhi Metro, a sign of India’s economic development

• Yellow Line: Jahangirpuri – HUDA City Centre, Gurgaon
• Blue Line: Dwarka Sector 21 – Vaishali/ – Noida City Centre
• Green Line: Inderlok – Mundka
• Violet Line: ITO – Badarpur Border
• Airport Express: New Delhi Railway Station – Airport – Dwarka

Fares range from ₹10-60 (₹100 for the airport express), depending on distance. To use the system, either buy a smart card (₹200, includes ₹150 of credit) and load it with credit or buy a token each time you want to ride the metro. There can be long queues of as much as 30 minutes to buy tokens, so the smart card is usually the better bet, even if it winds up costing a bit more. Tokens can be used only from the station they are bought, so you can’t buy two and use the second to return home. The tokens or the smart card are needed to both enter and exit the system. There is also a “Tourist Card” allowing unlimited use for ₹200 (1 day) or ₹500 (3 days), but it’s highly unlikely that you’ll travel enough to make this pay off.

Yellow line, in particular, is useful for getting to the Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid) and New Delhi railway stations, the ISBT bus terminal, the backpacker ghetto of Paharganj, Hauz Khas and Qutub Minar. Line 3 is also handy for visiting Akshardham and accessing the western parts of Paharganj through RK Ashram Marg station.

Metro stations all use the new, official, Indianized names, so Connaught Place is “Rajiv Chowk”, Old Delhi Railway Station is “Chandni Chowk” and ISBT is “Kashmere Gate”.

The first car of all trains is reserved to women, so, is totally safe and comfortable to travel with the metro lines also for a woman by herself.

Please be advised that it’s strictly prohibited to carry alcohol items (even being bought in duty-free in the country of origin) to the Delhi Metro, except airport express line. You can be denied entering the station on security check. Also lighters and matches are confiscated by security staff.

By local train

There are limited commuter services on Delhi’s railways, but the facilities are a far cry from the user-friendly Metro and stations. For the most part, train stations are inconveniently located. There is no passenger service on the Delhi Ring Railroad outside rush hour.

Please note that the Indian Railways website does not accept most foreign credit cards, however American Express cards are accepted. Indian railways tickets can be bought from an agency called Cleartrip using other credit cards.

By bus

• Government run DTC buses (red and green coloured with big windows)
• Privately run cluster buses (orange coloured)

If you have a choice, please go for a DTC bus. They will stop less frequently and will generally be less crowded too. Note that many buses, DTC ones too, will stop pretty much anywhere if there are enough people getting on or off.

Board buses at the back and pay the ticket seller sitting right next to the door. Be sure to hang onto your tickets, as ticket checks are fairly frequent. Some seats on the left side of the bus may be reserved for women and the handicapped. When it’s time to disembark, move to the front of the bus. As you might expect, all these guidelines are regularly ignored when buses are very crowded.

Hop on Hop off

Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus service is operated by Delhi Tourism. (Helpline) ☎ +91 11 4094 0000. A fleet of air conditioned low floored buses follow a pre-defined set of stops around the city and passengers can hop off the bus, see the place at one’s own convenience and hop on the next bus. Each bus is staffed with a knowledgeable English speaking guide. The service does not operate on Mondays. Best to go on Saturdays and Sundays when there is little traffic.

By taxi

Delhi is well-serviced by smartphone-app based cab-service providers. Popular services are Ola, Uber and Meru. There are other cab service providers as well. The advantage of using the app based services is that you do not have to negotiate with the driver in advance, and your cab ride is tracked, and the receipt emailed to you. All the new cab service companies accept payments from digital wallets, so haggling over the right change is also not a problem. The cabs you will see near tourist spots will be old.

Most Delhi taxis are old but reliable CNG-run Ambassadors or Omnis in distinctive black-and-yellow livery and a green stripe. The hired family car of choice is usually a Toyota Innova or Chevrolet Tavera. While all are equipped with meters and should cost ₹15 for the first km ₹8.50 per km, the meters are often rigged and it’s better to agree on the price in advance. Most trips around the city should be ₹200-500, while a trip to the airport would be higher, depending on starting location. An eight-hour charter should cost around ₹1,500, and a tip is expected if the driver is helpful. The prices would also depends upon the vehicle size too. Note that black and yellow taxis are not air-conditioned. Even if they do have air conditioning, you will be charged extra (and the rates are up to the driver, so bargain hard).

The death knell of the Ambassador was rung in December 2006, when modern radio taxi services were launched. At ₹20/km, they’re more the list price of the competition, but they use modern vehicles with air-conditioning and GPS and can be dialed 24 hr/day. The flag fare is ₹20, and the fare increases by ₹5 for every 250m after the first km. If you need an SUV, you need to inform the company in advance, but the fare remains the same. Night charges (25% extra) apply between 11pm to 5am. Book up to a few hours in advance. Many corporates rely on these cabs for their daily commute and they may be booked during office hours. Tipping is not expected. After booking, you will receive an SMS with the car license plate number, and the driver’s name and mobile number. Usually the driver will call you and inform you that he’s arrived. Most drivers speak English, but at a very basic level, so use short phrases.

You shouldn’t take non-official taxis, sometimes they take you to a wrong hotel, or to a “tourist information centre”, and try to sell you overpriced things.

• Xpress Move (Taxi service), D-1002, Eisha Zenith, Indira School Road, Tathwade, Delhi, ☎ +91-7607580149 ([email protected]). Inquiry: 6AM to 12PM. They have devoted team of specialized specialist packing and moving team to offer you world class local movers and packers in Delhi with vast consciousness and wide information. 
• Meru.in (car rental Delhi), ☎ 02244224422 ([email protected]). They provide car rental Delhi with driver at lowest fares. Taxi services in Delhi are always on time with no hidden charges in taxi fare.

By auto rickshaws

If you have any trouble with drivers, go to any of the numerous tourist police stations in the city center and they will give you a complaint slip which will result in a ₹500 fine for the auto driver. There should also be a telephone number written on the vehicle to call in case of any complaint.

There are a number of “Pre-paid” auto stands run by the Police. Tell them where you want to go and pay them upfront. The charge will include ₹5 for the service. You then take the coupon and stand outside where a policeman will direct you to the next available Auto. When your journey is completed you hand the coupon to the auto driver and that’s it. Nothing more to pay (despite what they may say).

By cycle rickshaws

Cycle rickshaws are best to use in Old Delhi to visit the intricate galis (walkways) and to enjoy the smells and sounds of the city.

On foot

• Walk from Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s house) to India Gate on the Rajpath (a walk of close to 3-4 km).

• Walk from Jama Masjid to Red Fort in the Chandni Chowk area.

• Far South Delhi go walk about in the forest. Try starting from south of Indian Institute of Technology through Sanjay Van to Qutub Minar. Note however that Sanjay Van is not always safe, and it is advisable to go there in a group, preferably during daylight hours.

• South Delhi-Green Park-Hauz Khas Village, then to the Hauz Khas ruined madrasa, offers a newer shopping area, an up-market arts village, old ruins, and some quality gardens.

By car

Hiring a car is not a good option for most foreigners as most Delhiites have no sense of road rules. It is much easier to hire a car and a driver to get around. Yet if you are adventuruosus you may hire a car and drive yourself. One rule to be careful about is the odd even rule. Due to high levels of pollution the Delhi Government has decided to impose a car rationing policy in which only even cars are allowed to ply on even days and vice versa for odd. This rule is introduced for a stretch of 15 days. A hefty fine of ₹2000 is enforced on violators. Read local newspaper and pay attention to the numerous hoardings around the city publicising the rule. It is well publicised and you are sure to hear of it when it is being enforced.

Red Fort

• Chatta Chowk, (Covered Bazaar). True to the name, this is a covered bazaar between the gate and the fort itself, now filled with souvenir hawkers.

• Diwan-i-Am, (Hall of Public Audience). This building separates the outer court from the inner court, and has a marble platform for the emperor’s throne.

• Hayat Baksh Bagh, (Life-Bestowing Gardens). Once a grand garden of full of fountains and streams, now sadly all dry — only dry channels and acres of green grass remain.

• Diwan-i-Khas, (Hall of Private Audience). Built completely of marble, this is where the emperor received special visitors.

• Khas Mahal, (Private Palace), The Emperor’s main residence. The octagonal Mussaman Burj tower looks out toward the Yamuna River, and is where the Emperor used to appear before the public for each morning.

• Rang Mahal, (Colour Palace). The residence of the Sultan’s main wife.

• Mumtaz Mahal, (Jewel Palace). Contained six apartments for the Sultan’s harem. Now used as a museum of court textiles, carpets, weapons, etc (free).

• Daawat Khana, A minor palace at the northmost end of the Fort, this was originally the residence of a prince, but it was converted into a tea house by the British, a function it continues today. Basic meals go for around 60 rupees, drinks 10-20 rupees, and it also has the cleanest toilets around.

• Swatantra Sangrama Sangrahalaya, (Museum of the Independence Movement). To the left after the Chatta Chowk, this is a reasonably well-presented museum on the history of independence activism in India, starting from the Mutiny of 1857 all the way to Gandhi.

The only open entrance is Lahore Gate, on the west side. Security in and around the Fort is very heavy, as it was the scene of a terrorist attack in 2000 that killed three people. Bags are allowed, but they’ll be X-rayed and you’ll be patted down. Tickets cost Rs 10/250 rupees for Indians/foreigners, photography free, video cameras Rs 25 extra. Open sunrise to sunset daily except Monday. Allow for 3-4 hr in your schedule in case of long weekends and national holidays as lot of tourists flock around then. The most scenic way of reaching the fort is to take the Metro to Chawri Bazaar and then a cycle-rickshaw through the incredibly packed bazaar to the Fort (price negotiable, aim for Rs 20).

The fort has a light and sound show (Rs 50) in the evenings from 7:30PM-9PM, depending on the season.

Be careful buying tickets at the booth, as the ticket sellers will attempt to shortchange you. Try to have a small bill. Due to enhanced security the parking can be a bit tricky as the walk from the now distanced away parking at nearby alternative slots is quite a bit. The congested traffic makes crossing the road even trickier.

Humayun’s tomb

The tomb is in large, immaculately maintained gardens in the Persian Char Bagh (four corners) style that were thoroughly renovated in 2003 with the Aga Khan’s help and are consequently probably the best in Delhi. As you enter the complex, the first major structure on your right is the bulbous, octagonal tomb of Iza Khan, a court noble who built it in his own lifetime, some 20 years before Humayun’s tomb. As you pass through the first gate, you will glimpse the dome of the tomb and enter a floral path leading to the second (West) gate, which now acts as the entrance to the giant central garden.

The centerpiece is the eponymous tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. Built starting in 1562, it was the first major Mughal structure in the city and has been described as a predecessor or prototype of Agra’s Taj Mahal. The structures are, indeed, stylistically similar, although Humayun’s Tomb is built from red sandstone, not white marble, and was built by a wife grieving for her husband, not the other way around. You can climb up to the second level (the stairs on the west side are very steep, those on the south side less so), and on the south side you will find the entrance into the main crypt where Humayun is buried.

Before you leave, be sure to visit the South Gate, the original royal entrance, from where you can get picture-postcard views without too many tourists in the way. In the southeast corner is the Barber’s Tomb, also built in the same style. Historians do not know who is buried in this picturesque tomb made of red and grey sandstone.

Qutub complex

This complex in Mehrauli, houses structures dating from the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are kept in excellent shape, making this a popular relaxation and picnic spot. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, entry is 15/500 rupees Indians/foreigners. Light-and-sound show held most nights after sunset. Now easily accessible via Qutub Minar station on the Metro Yellow Line, followed by a short auto ride.

• Qutub Minar, The most famous structure on grounds, this 72.5 m minaret was the tallest “skyscraper” in the world when built (1193-1368) – it was constructed on the orders of Qutb-ud-din Aybak. Delicately carved, it has been astonishingly well-preserved and is still an awe-inspiring sight today. It’s often visible from air when flying into IGI airport! (Sticklers for archaeological truth will, however, note that the top of the tower has twice been rebuilt after an earthquake, and the base has been restored more recently.) While entry into the tower itself is no longer permitted, for Rs 10 per 5 min you can view the scenery via a little webcam on top.

• Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Delhi’s first and grandest mosque, now mostly in ruins, but many parts of the complex are still standing and the sandstone decorations are still impressive. Check out the extraordinarily ornate carvings near the tomb of Iltutmish on the west side of the complex.

• Iron Pillar, iIn the centre of the mosque. True to its name, this is a 7 m iron pillar erected in 400 AD by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, also known as “he, by the breezes of whose prowess the southern ocean is even still perfumed” according to the inscription carved on the base. Alas, Chandragupta II’s perfume has long since faded, but to the amazement of metallurgists everywhere, his pillar is still going strong, after 1,600 years.

• Ala-i-Minar, Ala-ud-din-Khilji set out to build a tower twice as high as the Qutub Minar, but died after a mere 24.5 m was complete. The first story stands to this day.

• Ala-i-Darwaza, This square, domed building once acted as the entrance to the mosque, but is now tucked away behind the minar. Inlaid marble decorations and latticed stone screens.

• Tomb of Imam Zamin, Outside the main complex, next to the Ala-i-Darzawa, this octagonal tomb commemorates a Turkestani iman who was based in the mosque during the reign of Sikandar Lodi.

Museums

• Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, 145 DLF South Court Mall, Saket, ☎ +91 11 4916 0000. Established at the initiative of avid art collector Kiran Nadar, KNMA opened in January 2010, as the first private museum of Art, exhibiting Modern and Contemporary works from India and the subcontinent. The core corpus of KNMA highlights the most extraordinary works from F.N. Souza, M.F. Hussain, S.H. Raza, V.S. Gaitonde, Tyeb Mehta, Akbar Padamsee, Ram Kumar, A. Ramachandran, Rameshwar Broota and several others. Located in the popular tourist destination of Saket, the museum is open Tues-Sun’, 10:30AM-6:30PM. Entry is free. The nearest Metro Station is Malviya Nagar.
• Gandhi Smriti, ☎ +91 11 2301 2843. 10AM-5PM (closed Monday). This estate is the site of Mahatma Gandhi’s martyrdom. Includes a museum celebrating his life and the room he lived in during his final days. 

• India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Rd, ☎ +91 11 2468 2001. This center though not a museum in the strictest sense of the word, is most noted for its ever-changing art exhibits, plays and films, as well as an international selection of food items in its food court.Only members can avail of the dining facilities at its following two restaurants-Dilli-O-Dilli & the Oriental octopus wheras he eatopia and the American Diner are accessible to all.

• International Doll’s Museum, Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. ☎ +91 11 2331 6970 (thru 6974). T-S 10AM-6PM. A museum of dolls from all over the country. You get to see the costumes and art from all over India, as well as some nice crafts. Rs 10.

• National Museum, Janpath. The layout here is a labyrinthine and the presentation won’t win any awards, but the collection is unparalleled and contains some true masterpieces. The section on the Indus Valley Culture and the one on Buddhist Heritage is most informative. The museum also showcases the arts and handicrafts from different regions of India. Keep an eye out for the 4,600 year old Harappan temple dancer, the Gandhara-era standing Buddha with Greek hair and a Roman toga, the stunning miniature painting gallery, and the giant temple chariot parked outside. An informative place for all interested in knowing more about Indian culture and history. Entry Rs 300 for foreigners (includes useful audioguide), Rs 10 Indians (optional audioguide Rs 150 extra), 1 rupees for Indian Students, plus Rs 300 if you want to use a camera. Decent restaurant on the second floor (lunch buffet Rs 200). A cloak room is free for customers. Open Tu-Su 10AM-5PM.

• National Science Centre, Gate No. 1, Pragati Maidan. Although the name is too grand, the museum is definitely a must see for science enthusiasts, especially those who are young. A good place to refresh your basics, particularly in Physics. Has a recently built section on DNA Science and also a section on Dinosaurs. A section on ancient Indian Science and Technology, including Vedic Mathematics & Ayurveda. The “Energy Ball” display near the entrance is interesting and perhaps the most captivating of all. A section on Electronic Technologies sponsored by Samsung is also a must see.

• National Railway Museum, Chanakyapuri. ☎ +91 11 2688 1816 houses a collection of Indian trains from the past to the present – a worthwhile look into India’s proud railway heritage. The collection includes carriages belonging to Indian potentates and British viceroys. Children can ride the small train that circumnavigates the museum. There is a small cafe on the premises. Open 9:30AM-7:30PM (Apr-Sept) and 9:30AM-5:30PM (Oct-Mar). Closed Mondays and national holidays.

• Nehru Memorial Museum (Teen Murti Bhavan), ☎ +91 11 2301 7587. 9AM-5PM (Closed Monday). Former residence of India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, now a museum of his life. Was used by the Commander-in-chief of the Indian Army before Indian Independence. Includes a Planetarium.Its entry fee is Rs.50 For adults an 25 for childrens.Here they show a small movie on Astro and Universe.

• Tibet House, 1 Institutional Area, Lodhi Rd, ☎ +91 11 2461 1515 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2462 5536). 10AM-5:30PM. Established by HH Dalai Lama with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of Tibet. There is a museum, exhibition space and library. Rs 10. 

• National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum, Pragati Maidan, Gate #5, Bhairon Road, New Delhi-110001, ☎ +91 11 2337 1887 / 2337 1641 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2337 1515). 10AM-5PM. Also sells handicrafts. Foreign Visitors: Rs. 150, Indian Visitors: Rs. 10. 

Monuments

• Rajpath, This is a main parade route that leads from Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s residence) to India Gate, with many grassy lawns along the way. Especially nice in the evenings and at night when the buildings are lit and the vendors come out to supply the many picnicking families.
• India Gate, This monument has been built as a memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. There is also a fire (“eternal flame”) burning for all fallen Indian soldiers.

• Jantar Mantar. 9AM-6PM. One of five astronomical observatories commissioned by Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur during the 18th century. The odd structures inside are actually enormous scientific instruments for measuring the movement of celestial bodies  
• Raj Ghat. 9:30AM-5:30PM. Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi at the site of his cremation. Check for closure dates/security checks around national holidays/gandhiji’s death anniversary 

• Purana Qila (Old Fort), (next to the Delhi Zoo), ☎ +91 11 2435 5387. 10AM-5PM. Ruins of the 16th century city of Shergarh, this complex sits on top of what is believed to be the site of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata epic. 

• Tughlaqabad Fort, ☎ 2604 5671. Massive fortress built by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq in the 14th century and was the third city of Delhi. The monstrous ruins of this complex are now overrun by hordes of Langur monkeys.

• Azaad Hind Gram, (Tikri Kalan on NH-10), ☎ +91 11 2835 3102. 10AM-6PM. A tourist complex dedicated to Netaji (respected leader) Subhash Chandra Bose, a leader in the Indian independence movement. 

Parks and gardens

• Delhi, the national capital of India, has very popular gardens located in it. Few of the name are Mughal Garden , Garden of Five Senses, Kalindi Kunj and many more. The Mughal Garden, that reside in President House is very popular. It only opens 30 days in a year (from February to March).

• Lodhi Garden is a peaceful park in the heart of New Delhi. Lodhi garden is ideal for morning walks in the hot season and for afternoon strolls and picnics during the cooler months
• Nehru Park is a large park in the new Delhi neighborhood of Chankayapuri, lying in the southwest.
• Waste to Wonder Park is a park near nizamuddin railway station. It has replica of some great structures around the world.

Religious buildings

• Bahá’í Lotus Temple Kalkaji, South Delhi. Shaped like a lotus bud with 27 petals, this stunning temple suspended above milky-blue ponds is surely one of the most magnificent monuments ever made from concrete, however there is very little to see inside. The lush park around is well landscaped but mostly off-limits. Expect very long queues on weekends on on holidays. Free entry. Open Tue-Sun, 1st April to 30th September 9AM-7PM, Last Entry 6:30 PM, 1 Oct-31 Mar 9:30AM-5:30PM, Last Entry 5:00 PM.
• Chattarpur Mandir . Huge & beautiful temple complex with a big surrounding campus – located near Mehrauli area of South Delhi.

• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, just off Baba Kharak Singh Marg near Connaught Place, is the main gurudwara for the many Sikhs of Delhi. You will need to cover your head (scarves provided for free) and stash your shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers (also free).

• Gurudwara Sis Ganj , Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi). An important Sikh place of worship. Built on the spot where their ninth guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded on the orders of the mughal emperor Aurangzeb, it is an oasis of calm in the chaos of Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk. You will need to cover your head (scarves provided for free) and stash your shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers (also free).

• Sacred Heart Cathedral , 1 Ashok Place, off Baba Kharak singh Marg and Bhai Veer Singh Marg near Connaught Place near to Gurdwara Bangla Sahib. It is the biggest church in terms of structure and also the headquarters of the Delhi Catholic Archdiocese. A must visit to enjoy the beutiful architecture and pristine beuty.

• Cathedral Church of Redemption Address: Church Lane, Near Rashtrapati Bhawan. It is the headquarters of the Church of North India, Delhi Diocese. Built by Henry Medd between 1927-1935 it is a fine example of Colonial architecture.

• St. Peter’s Cathedral Bhai Veer Singh Marg, near St Columbas’ school the headquarters of the Jacobite Syrian Orthodox church in Delhi. It is known as the Antioch of the East and is a fine example of Oriental architecture blended with modernity.

• ISKCON (Hare Krishna) temple, at East of Kailash – Centre for Krishna Consciousness, it has robotic shows and multimedia presentations, apart from the traditional temple complex. Lively atmosphere and excellent tasting sweets – and the delicious Govinda’s restaurant is on site.

• Jama Masjid , opposite the Red fort, next to Chandni Chowk in
  

  Jama Masjid

  Old Delhi (Metro: Chawri Bazaar) – The largest mosque in India and a must-see while in Delhi. Entry is free, although you’ll be charged Rs 300 if you have a camera with you (this is only sold as a combined ticket and includes the Rs 100 minar climb). If you don’t have a camera with you, be prepared to politely insist that you don’t have to pay (you may be asked to show your pockets), as they will assume that all tourists have one. Beware of the tenacious guides who will try and convince you that a tour guide is mandatory and is included in the Rs 200 camera fee; they will give you an extremely hurried ‘tour’ of the mosque and then demand a further payment of Rs 200-300 for the tour. You can climb to the top of the minaret for Rs 100 (locals maybe Rs 20). The climb is steep, dark and somewhat claustrophobic, but you’ll get great views over the complex and the city. You’ll need to cover up your shoulders and legs (scarves and lungis available for rental – about 10 rupees), and take off your shoes (expect to tip the shoe minder, 5 rupees is plenty, or carry your shoes with you in your own bag). Open from 7AM-sunset, but note that tourists are not allowed in from 12:15PM-1:45PM or in the half-hour before sunset. Pictures should not be taken during prayer hours. If you’re going to sit down don’t look too comfortable. Certainly don’t eat or become too engrossed in any reading material you may be carrying, the rule is that non-Muslims must make their visits brief and guards will usher along visitors who linger.

• Lakshmi Narayan Temple or popularly known as Birla Mandir , this temple is located next to Connaught Place. It is a big impressive Hindu temple complex. Closest Metro – Rajiv Chowk (Yellow Line). It will take you 45 min to visit, and you will not be able to take pictures from inside the Temple. With a great park behind it, it is an oasis of calm from Delhi. Its multiple shrines and paintings (often) have English explanations. Take your shoes off at the entrance.

• Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple off National Highway 24 (Metro Akshardham), East Delhi. Completed in 2005 by the socio-spiritual organization BAPS, no expense has been spared in decorating this large and elaborate temple carved of red sandstone. The central monument, built without any steel, houses an 11-ft golden statue of the founder of the Swaminarayan faith, Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The Premvati food court on the grounds serve up fast, cheap, huge but mediocre portions of vegetarian food, Rs 180 for a thali. There is a strict ban on all electronic items, cameras, tobacco and pretty much everything except the clothes on your back, your wallet, and your passport. You can leave your worldly belongings in the cloakroom outside, and for that you have to wait in long queues. Visiting during daytime will be hectic, try visiting during evenings. Free entry, guide booklet is 5 rupees, access to multimedia exhibitions Rs 170. Allow at least three-four hours to explore it all. Open Tu-Su 9AM-7PM.

• Sai Baba Temple , 17,Institutional Area, Lodhi Rd. Although there are many Shirdi Sai Baba Temples in and around Delhi, the one located at Lodhi Road is the oldest. Temple Opens at 5AM. Kakad Aarti 5.15AM. Mangal SNAN 6AM. Noon Aarti at 12 noon. Doop Aarti evening prayer 6.30PM. Shej Aarti at 9.30PM.

Other

• Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Campus, Not usually considered a “place of interest” for tourists, this one of a kind campus of the premier National University of India remains a hidden gem of the city. The campus is hilly and rocky and some areas look more like a jungle with peacocks. The hostels represent the geographical vastness of India as they are named after Indian Rivers. For instance Godavari and Ganga. Specific areas of the campus are named after a particular geographical region in India. For instance Uttarakhand and Dakshinapuram. Some of the non-scholarly attractions of India’s best University include 24×7, an eating joint which is open, as its name suggests, is open round the clock. For a visit to the JNU campus, board bus # 615 from Connaught Place. The famous Qutab Minar is very close to the JNU campus.

• Majnu ka Tilla Tibetan Colony,This is one of the more accessible Tibetan resettlement areas in India, and certainly a nice piece of variety for Delhi. To get there head north along Ring Road just past Majnu ka Tilla Gurudwara, or take the Metro to Vidhan Sabha station, and a cycle-rickshaw is Rs 15 from there.

• Lodhi Estate

• Parliament House (Sansad Bhawan). 

Do

• Take a walk at Connaught Place (CP), the heart of New Delhi. It is now called Rajiv Chowk. The British-designed colonial equivalent of a shopping mall, it’s laid out in two concentric rings divided into blocks, all bursting with shops and lots of pampered pigeons waddling about. Long neglected, the area received a major shot in the arm after the opening of the major Metro junction of Rajiv Chowk under it, and it’s going more upmarket by the day.

Be careful, there are plenty of well-organized hustlers trying to trick you to take a riksha ride to places where you can supposedly do “cheaper and better shopping”. At the centre is a small but pleasant park, while on one edge is the notorious Palika Bazaar, an underground den of cheap wares, many pirated or smuggled from overseas. The area is surrounded by tall office buildings on nearly all sides. Train fans will want to check out the Metro Museum inside the (Patel Chowk) station, open 10AM-4PM, Tue-Sun (free with valid Metro ticket). Quite simply the best place to hang out!

• National Zoological Park (NZP), Mathura Road, ☎ +91 11 2435 8500. 9:30AM-4PM (Closed Friday). The Delhi Zoo is a very large and sprawling park dedicated to preserving the rich biodiversity of the country. This park may be the only chance of seeing a tiger or elephant for some travellers. Be prepared to do a lot of walking. Foreigner: Rs 100, Indian: Rs 40. 

• Delhi Photo Tour. Take this tour to explore the different aspects, sights and people of the city which most visitors miss. These photography tours help you experience the city like a local as well as take some excellent photographs. You can use almost any camera you have or rent one if you feel like it.

• For a half-day itinerary in Old Delhi, visit Footloose in Old Delhi.
• Food Tour In Delhi. A must do for foodies, these food tours are an excellent way of tasting the local cuisine which most tourists can’t due to lack of knowledge and time. These food tours can be customized to include different places and food items of your choice. A typical food tour covers food as well as sightseeing in various parts of New Delhi and Old Delhi. 

Learn

Delhi is a key centre of learning in India. The most famous universities in Delhi are JNU, DU, JMI, IGNOU, IIT and NLU, Delhi. The official website of the Delhi Government’s Directorate of Education is a good starting point for learning more about study opportunities in Delhi.

Apart from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses, there are many training and diploma-level institutes and polytechnics that cater to the growing demand for skill-based and vocational education. Besides conventional educational institutes, more and more foreigners also make the effort to learn Hindustani language (Hindi-Urdu) and Delhi is these languages.

Work

Delhi’s economy is expanding rapidly. In analogy many interesting work opportunities emerge. Monster and other online job platforms are a good starting point to see what kind of jobs are on offer. Traditionally foreigners often work in the social sector or in teaching. Increasingly, however, expats work for multinational companies and even local Indian companies.

There is a great variety of employment opportunities in Delhi for foreigners, whether they would like to work in business, NGOs, educational institutes, or even government. Still, there is one caveat: the labour market in Delhi is highly competitive and so at many prestigious organisations, the number of applicants far exceeds the number of positions available, which allows employers to receive highly talented applicants for rather meagre salaries (especially when compared to other international destinations).

Buy

If you’re not afraid to haggle and bump elbows in bazaars, Delhi is a great place to shop. Also, Western-style malls are plentiful in the suburbs of Gurgaon and Noida. Many shopping districts are overly crowded on Saturdays and closed on Sundays.

• Maya Flowers (Maya Flowers), A-272 Defense Colony. (Drop down at Lajpat nagar metro station and go straight to defense colony), ☎ 81-9999-3344. MF 8AM-11PM, Sa 10AM-7PM. Indian Florist from 2012, which was once owned by the legendary Delhi Arena’s shop owner (who famously was the champion for the fashion week in 2012), this family owned business has over 237 flower varieties, the largest in Delhi and perhaps the nation, and is the only store in the India that still does turn-of-the-century style Indian flower arrangements. Going to the Maya Flowers store, you can pickup small bouquets inexpensive bouquets and watch free live demonstrations on old European flower arrangement techniques. INR. 

Malls

• DLF Emporio, 4 Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj (Near J. Nehru University, not far from the airport. Take Bus #604 from the New Delhi Railway Station). Perhaps India’s most luxuriant mall. You’ll find 3 floors of international designer brands such as Armani, Hugo Boss, Paul Smith, Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, as well as a number of Indian designers such as Tarun Tahliani, Manish Arora, Rohit Bal and Satya Paul. Emporio also houses one of New Delhi’s most popular new restaurants, Set’z (formerly Zest), a chic dining experience with over seven different cuisines to choose from.  

• DLF Promenade, 3 Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj (Near J. Nehru University, not far from the airport. Take Bus #604 from the New Delhi Railway Station). Features the only 7-screen multiplex in Delhi. 

• Ambience Mall, (Near J. Nehru University, not far from the airport. Take Bus #604 from the New Delhi Railway Station).

• Select CityWalk, MGF Metropolitan, & DLF Place Malls, A-3m District Centre Saket (Near the Malviya Nagar metro station). 3 adjacent malls that includes stores from several top name designers.  

• Pacific (Mall), Najafgarh Road, Tagore Garden, New Delhi, Delhi 110018, ☎ 011 4090 3000. 

Bazaars

• Connaught Place aka Rajiv Chowk, (At the intersection of the Yellow and Blue Lines of the Delhi Metro). A unique cross between a European shopping arcade, an Indian bazaar, and an upmarket shopping mall. With all shops laid out in 2 circles, it’s easy to get around and explore.  

• Paharganj, (opposite New Delhi Railway Station). Oriented toward backpackers, this strip of shops sells items such as Indian perfumes, shawls, tablas, rugs, jewelry, etc. 

• Kamla Nagar, (next to Delhi University’s North campus). Popular with college students and known for its spicy street food. 

• Rajouri Garden Market – Excellent place to shop for wedding as well as everyday clothing.

• Central Market, Lajpat Nagar – Middle-class Indians do their shopping here. Great deals for apparel, whether ethnic Indian or otherwise.

• Sarojini Nagar market is great for export surplus garments, and green grocery.

• Khan Market is good for groceries (great choice of vegetables), clothes (upper class Indian style, not expensive, Fabindia and Anohki for women’s clothing), housewares (Good Earth), jewelry/accessories ( Silver Centrre By Sangeeta Boochra ), and books (many bookshops).

• Janpath is a bargain-hunter’s dream and just a two minute walk from Connaught place. Think of it as a vast flea market, where you can get all kinds of knick-knacks and clothes. Janpath is not a place for those unwilling or unable to bargain ruthlessly. Also, as in any flea market, quality will vary greatly. There are also some bookshops.

• Karol Bagh, West Delhi Market known for traditional Indian Wear, sarees and shawls. Huge area and big brand showrooms.

• Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place – This is a large underground market in the center of Connaught Place. The air here is bad and the quality of products low. One can hunt for DVDs, VCDs and Audio CDs of Hindi, English and a few regional and foreign language films and PC-based games.

• Chandni Chowk, Metro Yellow Line. The heart of Old Delhi, this is the place to go for the full-on Indian experience of crowded, twisting alleys and tiny shops. The Fountain serves as a useful orientation point, and there are great Delhi-style snacks to be found in the vicinity too.

• Khari Baoli walking away from the Red Fort through Chandni Chowk will lead you here, which is the main spice market in Old Dehli where most restaurants shop from. Great place to buy individual spices (especially cardamom in bulk), masala chai mix, and various masala mixes for vegetables, meat, fish, meat, chicken, and rice. Afghan Store (lot# 6553, ☎ +91 98 73736846, +98 71232629.

Jewellery

• Silver Centrre by Sangeeta Boochra, located at 16 khan market , New Delhi , is a govt approved Jeweller for generations – designer Sangeeta Boochra is the leading jewellery designer of the country. Oldest Jewellery brand in Silver Jewellery. Here you will find exquisite jewellery for all age groups , they do tribal , traditional and contemporary jewellery which has the essence of India . The brand continuously work towards the upliftment of the Indian Artisans and Kaarigars who work in the villages and do not have a platform to showcase their work. They have tribal Jewellery from Rajasthan , Madhya Pradesh , Gujrat , Tamil Nadu , Kashmir etc . The designer gives her own design signature to all the pieces. A must recommended place to buy jewellery when in India. The prices are affordable and an air-conditioned shop with english speaking staff. The quality of items is quite good. You can pay with credit cards. The brand is from Johari Bazar Jaipur and is more then 119 years old.

 

 

Handicrafts

• Cottage Emporium, located near Connaught Place, is the main
  

  The calm of Dilli Haat

  government-run location for selling handicrafts from all over the country. The prices are a little more than what you’d find if you went bargain hunting, but you can shop in air-conditioned comfort and all of the sales people speak English. The quality of items is quite good. You can pay with credit cards. Nirula Bazar is one such place that is located in Gole Market, a 15min walk West of Connaught Place. Be sure to try a number of the shops in this area as all are selling similar goods. They will try to sell you a hand-made Kashmiri rug.

• The state emporium is the state’s equivalent of a Cottage. They are all located on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, one of the radial streets coming off of Connaught Place, and each state specializes in certain kinds of crafts. Some are better priced than others, and you can bargain a little. Many of them will take credit cards.

• Dilli Haat, South Delhi (INA Market stn, Metro Yellow Line). Crafts fairs happen here every week. It is a wonderful place to get crafts from all over the country. What is distinctive here is that the artists themselves come to sell their goods, so your money goes directly to them, rather than to middlemen. Some bargaining may be necessary if you want the best price. Prices are higher than elsewhere, but the modest entry fee keeps out beggars, ripoff artists, and most touts. Many visitors find the mellow atmosphere worth the extra cost of shopping here. It also has a section called Foods of India. This has a huge number of restaurants, each showcasing the food of a particular state of India. (Most of them give a mix of Chinese and Indian food, but state delicacies are also included). This section is a must-go for the foodie-cum-tourist. Please beware about fake Delhi haats usually taxi drivers will take for commission . Prices will be very high & goods not worth. There are only few authentic.

• Handicrafts and Natural Products Emporium or R. Expo House, now relocated in Noida from Paharganj is one of the largest and oldest emporiums of handicrafts and herbal products in Delhi. It was founded in 1932 and provides it’s visitors with a large variety of gift items from different parts of India. Textiles, handmade crafts and furniture made by artists and craftsman are sold at affordable prices. Ayurvedic and plant remedies, herbal soap, shampoos, oils and natural fragrances are also manufactured. This complex of 2 four-storeyed buildings is welcoming and a popular place for foreign visitors to Delhi.

• Sarojini Nagar, One of the biggest and famous market in South Delhi adjacent to Central Government employees flats

• The Crafts Museum also sells some handicrafts.
• MESH-A Fair Trade Shop ‘Maximizing Employment to Serve the Handicapped an Indian NGO, practicing Fair Trade with artisans affected by leprosy and people with disabilities. Selling their product from Two Fair Trade Shops in Delhi and Hyderabad. One can find Fair Trade products on reasonable prices at MESH shop. Located in Uday Park Shopping centre MESH has Textile, toys, fashion accessories etc. MESH can be reached at 011-26965039, 26568048 for directions.

• Pashmina By Atsar Address: A 20 Green Park, Phone: 9810603310. A one stop shop for all your handicrafts & souvenir needs. Located at sight seeing route for Qutub Minar, lots of tourist like to stop over for quality pashmina shawls, ethnic indian silver jewelery, paper mache, paintings, silk and woolen carpets, and much more at reasonable rates.

• Book My Rose, 173, Sukhdev vihar, New Delhi, ☎ 9219106148. 10am to 5pm. Book My Rose is a one stop shop destination for all your flowers and gifts needs. Special discounts has been provided on almost all the products. Range starts just at Rs. 399. 399. 

• Gifts By Meeta, 10 MG Road, New Manglapuri, New Delhi -110030, ☎ 9555695556. 10am to 6pm. Gifts By Meeta is online Gifting Company also has a physical store for Gifts and Flowers in Delhi. Deliver Gifts in all over India and World wide. 399.  

Clothing Stores

• 

  Fab India

  Fabindia, (in Connaught Place and Khan Market). A popular store for high quality traditional clothing that caters to foreigners with a Western style store that is inside, with fixed prices, and no haggling. 

• Anokhi, Women’s clothing, childen’s wear, men’s wear, and some home goods. In Khan Market and Santushti Shopping Complex with discount store in Nizamuddin East Market (enter gate #9).

• Runway Fashion (Women Custom Tailored Clothing), ☎ +91 981105447. Women Custom Tailored Clothing Studio offering tailored made dresses, bridal wear, evening and western gowns. Catering to Locals as well as foreign clients. 

• Ansal Plaza, Mall and a favorite shopping haunt for the local middle/upper class and it is in South Delhi. This is a great place to get bargains on international brand clothing and jeans (as these tend to be 30-50% cheaper than in the West depending on the brand and time of year). The mall also houses many Indian and Western eateries (including McDonald’s). International brands like Guess, Marks & Spencer, United Colors of Benetton, Lacoste and Apple have retail outlets here.

• Rajouri Garden, Famous shopping area in New Delhi. Located in the western suburbs on the metro line, Rajouri Garden houses the largest Malls complex in the city of New Delhi. It offers a variety of clothing brands both national and international such as United Colors of Benetton, Levi Strauss, Marks & Spencer, Bossini, etc.

• South Extension, Shopping mecca in South Delhi but it is not a single mall. It is spread out over a large area and many international brands have stores here. International brands include the likes of Mango, Nautica, United Colors of Benetton, Levis, etc.

• Karol Bagh, Reputed to be the largest shopping area in Asia with 20,000 shops and traders. There are many tailors experienced in western styles (suits etc). There is also a growing number of hotels here.

• Sarojini Nagar Market, Reputed to be the largest outdoor, pedestrianized shopping area in Delhi. Huge bargains on all sorts of western and Indian wear. It is known by expatriate teens as THE shopping area for affordable current hip fashion trends. If you are lucky you can also get many reputed western brands here (export surplus) Also a great market for fresh fruits, vegetables and household goods.

Computers

• 

  The Nehru Place IT market complex is an interesting combination of modern technology products and old world marketplace sales techniques.

  Nehru Place, A computer hardware market and a perfect place for finding gadgets at very cheap rates. It is also a huge marketplace for both pirated and original software. Any computer-related accessory can be found here, but parking is a monumental problem. Beware of congestion and pickpockets. Open Mon-Sat.

• Wazirpur Commercial Complex – Located in Wazirpur Industrial Area – The prices are competitive and around that prevailing in Nehru Place.

• District Centre, Janak Puri (Janak Puri West Metro Station), Also known as mini Nehru Place. You will get computer goods quite close to the prices available in Nehru Place. Parking is not big a problem. Generally, open seven days a week.

Books

The Indian book industry is huge, producing annually about 15,000 books in English, and obviously far more in Hindi and other native languages. Delhi is hub of this industry, so small, specialist bookstores abound. Locally produced books can be very inexpensive and many popular Western titles are published and available here for a fraction of their original cost.

• Khan Market, This is a shopping area for local diplomats. There are many book shops here that have a wide selection at reasonable prices.

• Mid Land Bookshop, South Extension and Aurbindo Place. Very similar to bookshops in Khan Market, but at better prices.

• Galgotia and Sons, Cannaught Place. A more disorganized bookstore, but with an excellent variety of books available at excellent prices.

• Jacksons Books, in Paharganj. Ask to see their collection of classics and works by Indian writers – and a lot more – in their shop that is behind the front stall (about 600m down Main Bazaar Street from New Delhi station, on the left hand side).

• The Bookworm, Connaught Place. If you are more adventurous and want a ‘localized’ experience with the best books published in India you can go to:

• Nai Sarak (near Chawari Bazaar), (use Chawari Bazaar or Chandani Chowk metro stations on yellow line). Narrow alleys where most publishers are based. This is very popular with students, particularly college students as course books are available here. They carry books in nearly all major languages spoken in India. Don’t expect bargaining to work here as shopkeepers are too busy to argue. The shopkeepers do more business than any proper branded shop, selling at least 5,000 books daily. There are also many whole sellers. Very few books will be on display and you need to ask for a particular type of book as the variety of books sold is huge. Most books are original and the shopkeepers get very irritated if you question the book’s genuineness. You can either take a rickshaw or walk. One of Delhi’s oldest shopping complexes, you can find any book there after a day of searching. Also good areas for sightseeing.

• Daryaganj and Asaf Ali Road. A little better organised, but otherwise very similar to Nai Sarak. Hindi Book Centre on Asaf Ali Rd is very famous and one can find practically every Hindi book there,they also have a good website.

• Kamla Nagar, Bookshops in F-Block opposite to Birla Mills compound and on the road leading to Roop Nagar roundabout provides a range books and stationaries.

Tea

• Kho-Cha Tea Boutique (Part of Golden Tips Tea Group) – -Shop No. 11, Kaka Nagar Market (Opposite Delhi Golf Club)(5 Minutes drive from Khan Market), Over 500 Varieties of the finest teas from India | Darjeeling & Assam Teas, CHAI, Green Teas, Flavored Green Teas,Tea Accessories etc., ☎ +91 11 4160 9835 | www.goldentipstea.com |

Sample your teas before making a selection – Ample Car Parking – Free Hotel Delivery India’s Oldest Tea Brand, Since 1933

• Aap ki Pasand Tea Shop, Sterling House, 15 Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj (Opposite the post office, walking distance from Red Fort), ☎ +91 11 23260373. A great place to sample Indian chai and the exotic Darjeeling and Assam teas and buy tea in handcrafted fabric bags. Located in an old colonial era building, its teas have been savored by Bill Clinton, Gorbachov, Koizumi and are taken as official state gifts of India.

Eat

Delhiites complain about many things in their city, but the food will satisfy even the most demanding gourmet. Not only can you find some of the best Indian food on the subcontinent, there is also an increasing number of excellent (if often pricey) international restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. When ordering, do remember that Delhi is about 1,000 km from the nearest ocean, so vegetarian, chicken and mutton dishes are the way to go.

Delhi has arguably the best street food in India. However, do not eat unhygenic or open food. There are plenty of restaurants offering street food in a potentially more hygenic environment (but still the best taste is found in the streets). Enjoy the street foods but keep some tropical medicines for GIT problems (Norfloxacin Tinidazole composition works very well)

You can join local groups of foodies who go out regularly to sample and savor what new and old dishes the city has to offer. One of the most active groups is Food Enthusiasts of Delhi. They organize regular food walks, better known as Raids to various parts and joints in the city. Its a non-commercial group, brought together by passion and love for food. If you are looking for professionally run setups, Delhi Food Adventure runs commercial food walks exclusively for tourists. If walking around looking for good food is not your thing, have a look at some of the Delhi-centric food and eating out blogs, such as Dilli Daawat.

Budget

The best place to go for chaat is the Bengali Market (near Mandi House Metro Stn) near Connaught Place in the center of town. The restaurants are high quality and the food is great. There are ATMs as well. One of the best known restaurants there is Nathu’s. But for the really good chaat you have to make your way to Old Delhi, and particularly to Ashok’s near Chawri Bazaar. While connoisseurs insist that the best chaat is prepared on the street, most travellers try to find a comfortable middle ground between hygiene and authenticity.

• Andhra Pradesh Bhavan Canteen, Ashok Road (near Man Singh Road). Open for lunch and dinner this is a favorite of local Delhi foodies who are looking for an authentic Andhra meal. They serve all you can eat veg/non-veg thalis for Rs 80-150. For carnivores, you have a variety of non-veg options (chicken/fish/mutton) but the mutton fry is recommended. The service is quick and efficient (slipshod and aggressive), and the joint crowded and noisy. Another favorite is the Karnataka Bhavan canteen beside Ansal Plaza near Mool Chand offering all possible South India food.

• Haldiram’s, 1454/2 Chandni Chowk (just west of the fountain) and other outlets around town. This is a famous manufacturer of Indian snacks and sweets that has now gone global. This always-packed, two-story outlet in the heart of Chandni Chowk was its first in Delhi and dates back to 1924. The ground floor houses a vast array of sweet and sticky Indian confections, while the first floor has a popular vegetarian restaurant. This is a great place to try authentic and hygienic Delhi chaat and other Indian snack foods. Try the Raj Kachori, a mixture of different types of stuffing with sweetened yogurt and chutneys in an oversized hollow dough shell. All chaat is under Rs 50, or you can get a full daily thali for Rs 90. Choley Bhature, and the various Dosas are great options to try as well from their Southern Indian selection. Be sure to save room for dessert, as Haldiram’s offers some of the best rasmalai, rasgullah, gulab jamun, and other tasty delights in India.

• Tadka, 4986, Ram Dwara Rd, Nehru Bazar, Paharganj, (side road off of Main Bazaar). A notably clean restaurant by Paharganj standards. Serves only vegetarian food. Their tea is really good and their most popular dish is paneer masala. They have raised prices due to recommendations in travelguides! Full Thali is now around Rs. 150.

• Nangarg, Rajgur Marg Road (side road off of Main Bazaar), Paharganj. A really good hole-in-the-wall restaurant that serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian food for about Rs 60. The workers there are genuinely good people, which can be hard to find in this area. You’ll have more luck finding a sign that says “Veg-Nonveg” than their actual restaurant sign.

• Bitto Tikki Wala, (also known as BTW), Netaji Subhash Place, Pitampura. The best aloo tikki (potato and vegetable burger) available in town. It has a branch in Sarita Vihar, Near Apollo Hospital and Badarpur border. It has branches all over the city now, in shopping areas.

• Amritsari Kulcha Wala, Paschim Vihar Red Light, (near Jwala Heri Market). If you are into amritsari kulcha, you probably can’t miss this. People on dieting beware: the amount of butter that the vendor puts in is huge. However, without it you will not enjoy the Amritsari Kulcha so much. It is kind of a road side dhaba or shack. Rs 60 for two kulchas is what he charges. It is actually on Outer Ring Road, Adjoining to a park wall. You can ask anybody about the Kulcha wala and they will be able to tell you the direction in Paschim Vihar/Meera Vihar Outer Ring Rd.

• Egg parantha Wala, Lajpat Nagar, (opposite to Surya hotel). This guy owns a shack and has been running the parantha business for ages.

• Kake Di Hatti, Chandni Chowk near Old Delhi Railway Station. The most extensive varieties of naans(Indian bread) you will find in Delhi. They make the biggest and best tasting naans for your money.

Mid-range

You will find McDonalds, KFC, Subway and Pizza Hut in malls and throughout the city. The Indian menu without beef and with lots of veggie options can be interesting even if you would otherwise steer clear.

• Club India Cafe, 4797, 2nd floor, 6 Tooti Chowk, Paharganj (next to vegetable market). Don’t be put off by the cramped stairway up. This is a clean and bright little haven of peace with birds-eye views of the chaos below. The menu spans the gamut but the thing to try is the Japanese food, prepared under the watchful eye of the Japanese owner. ₹100-200. 

• Gulati Restaurant. Voted as the best North Indian Restaurant. ₹639 for buffet.

• Karim’s, Jama Masjid, Gali Kababian, ☎ +91 11 2326 9880. As you’d expect from a restaurant on Kebab Lane, the name of the game here is Mughal-style meat (mutton and chicken), served up since 1913 and still going strong. Get here down a little alley just South of the Jama Masjid southern entrance (past the auto supplies market). Favorites include badam pasanda (boneless mutton cooked with yogurt, almonds and spices) and chicken noor jahan, but if you’re really hungry, try Tandoori Bakra; an entire stuffed goat for ₹4,500, 24 hr notice and down payment is required. And a style tip, some of the dishes have huge puddles of oil on top, which you’re supposed to drain off before eating. Under ₹200 at the original; more at the branches.

• Khan Chacha, 50 Khan Market. A roomali rolls and kababs restaurant serving chicken, mutton, paneer, and rolls. Very popular with locals. Mains: ₹180-320.

• Kitchen Cafe Roof Top @ Hotel Shelton, 5043 Main Bazaar, pahar ganj. Great view and ambiance.

• Moti Mahal Deluxe, Several locations. Famous for their tandoori chicken and North Indian food. Their family-sized naan is delicious and the size of a 4 year old child. Home of where the original Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken, and many of the other dishes now highly popular in the UK were first created. 

• Nirula’s, L-Block, Connaught Place, ☎ +91 11 2332 2419. India’s answer to McDonald’s, this serves both Indian and Western fare. Has many other branches throughout the country. 

• Sagar Ratna, Several locations. Considered by many to be the best place for authentic South Indian food, Sagar does justice to the reputation. The menu features dosas, idlis, vadas, uttapams, rasam and thalis. A/C. There’s likely to be a queue for seats during peak hours and definitely on Tues nights. The upmarket version at Sagar Ratna, Ashok Hotel, 50-B Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 2611 0101, is quieter, better laid out and more expensive. Both also have many other branches.

• Saravana Bhavan, 46 Janpath, ☎ +91 11 2331 7755, +91 11 2331 6060. A good South Indian joint located in Janpath very close to Connaught Place. They are a Chennai chain operating in Delhi. If you go at lunch time, prepare to wait a while. The various dosas are recommended, as well as the thalis (meals) and the sweet dishes. 

Splurge

• Bukhara, Maurya Sheraton, Regularly tops the charts as India’s best restaurant (and certainly among the priciest), the roast lamb and the Bukhara Dal here are legendary. Always make reservations or be ready to stand in a queue, similar to queues at an airport for about 2 hr. Rs 2,000+.

• Chor Bizarre, Hotel Broadway, 4/15A Asaf Ali Rd. Now franchised worldwide, the original restaurant serves Kashmiri food in an eclectic surrounding like a chor bazaar (thieves market). The buffet is laid out inside an old car. Rs 300-400 for each dish. A bit on the pricey side (relatively for India), but worth 1 splurge meal. If going by foot, look out for the Delhi Stock Exchange on same strip 0.5km from here..

• Naivedyam, East Patel Nagar, (opposite Jaypee Siddharth Hotel), Offers quality South Indian meals and service at great prices.

• Punjabi by Nature, Vasant Vihar Priya Complex Tele 011-46117000;41516666, Rajouri Garden, MGF City Square Mall (Lifestyle). One of Delhi’s best-known Punjabi restaurants. Rs 800 or so, more if you order seafood.

• Delhi Food Adventure, Old Delhi,. 3-4 hr tour of many of the best dishes in Old Delhi, reservations required, one of Delhi’s top rated tours. Rs 1500 per person.

Italian

• T.L.R. Cafe & Kitchen, 31 Hauz Khas Village, (near Green Park and Aurobindo Place in South Delhi’). Popular among tourists, expats and locals. Continental menu featuring a variety of pastas and panini’s. Kitchen open 11AM-11PM daily. Also Spanish, Moroccan and American styles, plus desserts and drinks.

• The Big Chill, Khan Market and East of Kailash, is popular with a young crowd for great smoothies, ice creams, cheesecakes and Italian food. Expect a waiting line during lunch at Saturdays.

• Slice of Italy,(near M2k Pitampura (North Delhi) and various other locations in Delhi) Italian style food.

• Flavours of Italy, (near the Moolchand flyover).

• Little Italy, Defence Colony Market.

• Amici Cafe, Middle Lane, Khan Market , Delhi

• The West View, Maurya Sheraton. Italian style food.

• Olive, near the Qutub Minar. Italian style food.

• Diva, Greater Kailash Pt.2. Italian style food.

• San Gimignano, Imperial Hotel, Italian style food.

• La Piazza, Hyatt Regency. Italian style restaurant.

• Satoria, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, South Delhi. Italian style food, great pizzas, carpaccio, pasta and wines. Mains are about Rs 500.

Barbeque/grills

• Barbeque Nation, B-1 623, Opp. District Center, Janakpuri. Offers an option where customers can make their food on their personal grills, which are embedded in each table. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian BBQ starters, a main course buffet, soups, salads, desserts and a variety of liquors.

• Pirates of Grills, C-12, Vishal Enclave, Rajouri Garden, (‘Rajouri Garden metro’). Same concept as Barbeque Nation, Janakpuri

Japanese

• Mamagoto*, Khan Market One of Delhi’s most popular Japanese restaurants, the fun manga style interiors and great food are a great experience.

• Enoki, The Grand, Nelson Mandela Rd, Vasant Kunj-II. Pseudo-rustic yakitori (Japanese chicken kebab) restaurant offering fairly authentic food, including a limited range of sushi and sake. Rs 1,000+.

• Sakura, Hotel Metropolitan, Bangla Sahib Marg. Japanese style restaurant, carries the tag of being one of the most expensive restaurants in India.

• Side Wok, Khan Market. Japanese, Chinese and other Asian food. Some choice of sushi. Beautiful decor. No alcohol. Mains about Rs 400.

Middle Eastern

• Felafel Man, Main Bazaar, Paharganj. (About a 10 min walk down Main Bazaar from New Delhi train station). Small shop selling falafel rolls and sabeekh. Multilingual cook,, the rolls come with hummus, tahini and mineral water washed veggies. Don’t forget to wash it down with the seasonal fruit lassi, so thick it takes some effort to suck it up the straws.

Thai

Delhiites have eagerly adopted Thai food into their culinary pantheon, although the recipes and ingredients are often rather Indianised.

• EGO Thai, Friends Colony Market.

• Culinaire, Greater Kailash 2

• Chilli Seasons, Lodhi Colony market

• Thai High, Mehrauli, ☎ +91 11 26644289. Should go at night for a view of the lit up Qutab Minar.

• The Kitchen, Khan Market ☎ +91 11 4175 7960, +91 11 4175 7961

• Turquoise Cottage, 81/3 Adhchini, Sri Aurobindo Marg, South Delhi, ☎ +91 11 2685 3896. True to the name, the decor is turquoise and stylishly rustic, but the food is Thai-Chinese and, while somewhat adapted to Indian tastes, quite tasty. Also check out the popular The Other Side bar downstairs. Reservations recommended. Rs 500.

Tibetan Food, (near Shivaji Stadium-which actually is a bus stand, Connaught Place). Tibetan food, run by Tibetan refugees.

Chinese

After Indian Cuisine, Chinese is Delhi’s second most popular cuisine. For a long time, only Indianised Chinese was available, but high-quality options are available today.

• Mainland China, Vishal Enclave, Rajouri Garden metro station. Oriental/Chinese cuisine. Other branches at Greater Kailash 2 and Saket

• The Yum Yum Tree, ☎ +91 11 4260 2020. As much as a fantasy-land as an eatery, it’s easily one of the largest Chinese restaurants in the city. The influence here is from Singapore, and the Dim Sum Menu is good. The cuisine here is extremely high quality. Sectioned into separate areas. The Grill for a quick lunch, or the more formal dining area for dinner. Includes a funky bar called New Friends Colony.

• Rice Bowl 18/31 East Patel Nagar Market, New Delhi – Chinese/Oriental food.

• Nan King, Delhi phone number011 26138939, 011 26138938. Chinese food in a nice location at Vasant Kunj with a private lounge. Good for groups or a special occasion.

Korean

• Gung The Palace, Ground floor. D-1B, Green Park, South Delhi. A very up-market place with good food. 1st floor features a live karaoke, but the ground floor is the place to be. Book in advance for the ground floor.

Japanese

Sushiya, yummy japanese food , DLF mall, Saket

Afghani

• Afghan Restaurant, H-7, Krishna Market, (near Gurdwara, Lajpat Nagar I). Owned and run by members of the Afghani community that settled in the area. Very tasty biryani.

Iraqi

• Iraqi Food – E-178, Lajpat Nagar-I.

Drink

Delhi’s nightlife scene has undergone a total transformation in the last decade. There are plenty of modern, cosmopolitan joints out to separate you from your rupees. In a desperate attempt to keep the sex ratio vaguely equitable, many lounges and clubs have couples only policies (that is, no single men or men-only groups), enforced with varying degrees of strictness. While everything is theoretically to shut down by 1AM things can keep going much longer. The BYOB scene is rising in popularity. Most places are right next to a store that sells beer, wine etc.

• Delhi Bar Crawl. Delhi Bar Crawl provides a great way to explore the nightlife of New Delhi via bar crawls/pub hopping. Each bar crawl covers 5 to 6 top bars and pubs of the city. The places visited in each bar crawl keep on changing to make the best of events, activities and special offers. Includes pickup and drop in air-conditioned vehicles, free and highly discounted drinks and free entry to all places. 

Coffee / tea

• The coffee culture in Delhi consists mostly of large, heavily standardised chains. The two most common, Barista  and Cafe Coffee Day, can be found in multiple locations across the city, most notably around Connaught Place. The partly UK-based Costa Coffee also has presence in the city with several outlets spread across the city. US based Starbucks Coffee has also made a recent foray into the market with a few outlets in South and central Delhi but adding more and more outlets day by day.

• Independent coffee shops are harder to find in Delhi, but they do exist, and are well worth seeking out.

• Chill&Chai @ Khoj, S17 Khirki Extension (opposite Saket Select Citywalk). A great tiny place for good coffee, tea and international food inside one of Delhi’s best known cultural center KHOJ. Mediterranean style with cool terrace.

• Aap ki Pasand Tea Shop, Sterling House, 15 Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj (opposite the post office, walking distance from Red Fort), ☎ +91 11 2326 0373. A great place to sample Indian chai and the exotic Darjeeling and Assam teas and purchase the same. Located in an old colonial era building, its teas have been savored by Bill Clinton, Gorbachov, Koizumi and are taken as official state gifts of India.

Hookah/sheesha

Indian bar food, hookah and an amazing lounge experience. The crowd that frequents these two places is young, hip and trendy.

• Hookah, Basant Lok (in Priya Cinema complex), Vasant Vihar, ☎ +91 11 4166 3522. 3 level bar-restaurant offering surprisingly good (but pricy) Middle Eastern food. They offer a wide range of drinks and an even wider range of flavored water pipes. There is no outdoor seating, nor do they offer hot drinks.

• Toast by Lazeez Affaire, Rajouri Garden, West Gate Mall (level III). Great collection of flavored tobacco sheesha, and drinks, international food, greek, french, pan European and Indian cuisines

• Mocha, Defense Colony.

• Ziya- The Morockin Cafe, ☎ +91 92 1263 1306/1/2. This is a chain of neuvo Middle Eastern cafes that offers a wide range of drinks and food (not to mention the flavored tobacco). Budget prices

Bars/nightclubs

• Xes Cafe, Saket, DLF South Court Mall. Xes Café brings the quintessential Coffee Shop experience out of the 5 Stars! Honest to goodness wholesome food with an eclectic Bar Menu. It is casual but yet elegant. And Rocking Music.

• Aqua, (at the Park Hotel (close to Connaught Place)). Poolside bar. has a lounge atmosphere and an extensive drinks list.

• Toast, (Rajouri Garden, West Gate Mall (Level III)). Bar & Grill by Lazeez Affaire. Flavored tobacco sheesha, drinks, international food, Greek, French, pan-European and Indian cuisines.

• Aura, (at the Claridges Hotel).

• Decibel, Chanakyapuri (at the Samrath Hotel). ₹500 cover charge.

• IndoChine’s Forbidden City, ”Lado Sarai, South Delhi (adjacent to Qutab Golf Course). Singapore chain that opened in Delhi in 2007. Madame Butterfly restaurant upstairs serves very good Chinese food. The BarSaVanh loungebar is downstairs, very cool ambience outside. ₹3,000 for a meal for 2. 

• T.L.R., 31 Hauz Khas Village. Delhi’s cozy, arty refuge for tourists, expats and locals comes alive in the evenings. Live bands, DJ nights and pub quiz.

• Orange, (at the Ashoka Hotel). Nightclub.

• Elevate Nightclub, Sector 18, Noida.

• F Bar & Lounge, Chanakyapuri (in the Hotel Ashok).. By Fashion TV. Trendy bar and night club. Claimed to be the largest bar in Delhi in 2008). Cover charge (redeemable against drinks): Fri, Sat is ₹3,000, free on Wed before 10PM. 

• The Other Side, 47, 2nd floor ,Basant lok Market, Priya Cinema Complex ,above McDonalds, Basant Lok, Shiv Nagar, ☎ +91 98186 79774. Smoky brick-walled basement covered with Western memorabilia. Eclectic music with an emphasis on rock, expect anything from Beatles to AC/DC. It is a good crowd, particularly on Wednesday’s media nights. ₹500 minimum for drinks and food. Couples only.

• Shalom, N-block market, GK-1. Cool Mediterranean-themed lounge bar/restaurant with chill-out music.

• Urban Pind, Greater Kailash I (GK-1), block N, number 4. Bar/lounge on 3 floors. Regular events like Salsa, open bar for ₹720, electro night, great expat nights. 

• Manre, Saket Market, City Mall. Open bar on Thursday for ₹800.

Sleep

Prices quoted may not include taxes of up to 22.5%, calculated based on the published rack rates – not necessarily the price that you actually pay, which could be discounted. Smoking is not allowed in Delhi hotels.

• Lemon Tree Hotel, in Kaushambi, Plot No.1, Kaushambi, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (East Delhi Mall,), ☎ +91 120 4423232. Lemon Tree Hotel, East Delhi Mall, Kaushambi welcomes you with cheery greetings, a friendly smile and a whiff of signature lemon fragrance. 

Budget

Delhi has plenty of budget accommodation options, priced from ₹400-2,500.

Paharganj

Paharganj is a neighborhood directly west of the New Delhi Railway Station, bordered by Panchkuian Road in the south, Igdah Road in the north, and Deshraj Bhatia Marg/Chitragupta Road in the west. The neighborhood is noisy, filthy, and full of touts, but it’s also centrally-located and has many cheap hotels and thus very popular with budget travelers.

 

 

• 

  Everything a backpacker needs and then some, Main Bazaar

  Backpacker Panda Delhi (Imagine exploring heart of the country by living in heart of its capital and that too in a dignified atmosphere, friendly service and homely comfort all decorated by the amazing graffiti work all around the walls. A home away from home- Backpacker Panda, is one of the finest hostels to enjoy and experience the cultural heritage of Delhi.), 22/1, Main bazar Road, Pahar Ganj, New Delhi, India (It is in the heart of Delhi within walking distance of 20min or 1.5km to City Centre (Connaught Place), Rajiv Chowk Metro Station is just 1.4 km and the Jantar Mantar is just 2km away. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom and the hostel has Free Wi-Fi. Rashtrapati Bhavan (4km), Feroz Shah Kotla Cricket Stadium (4km) and Delhi International Airport (17km) are all in close proximity of this charming dwelling.), ☎ +91-72313994 ([email protected]). checkin: 02:00 PM; checkout: 12:00 Noon. The accommodation is in the form of shared dormitories as well as private rooms.For details.

• Anjana Hotel, Main Bazaar, Paharganj, ☎ +91 11 23620925, +91 11 23620926, +91 11 23620927 ([email protected]). Decent restaurant and nice atmosphere on rooftop bar, although rooftop seems like a construction site. The staff are often rude and may try to offer overpriced tour package bookings as often as they can. The rooms are small and many do not have windows. Bath/shower facilities are archaic. The hotel does not offer a luggage storage service store luggage for its patrons. US$24.  

• Ajay Guest House, 5084-A, Main Bazaar, Paharganj (Opposite Khanna Cinema), ([email protected]). Has a good restaurant and German Brown Bread Bakery. Single: ₹700-900; Double: ₹800-1,200; Triple: ₹1,200-1,800.

• Ashiana, 50 Ara Kashan Rd, Ram Nagar (500m from the New Delhi Railway Station and within minutes of Connaught Place), ☎ +91 11 2362 7617 ([email protected]). Single: ₹1,290-3,190; Double: ₹1,490-3,490.

• Bloomrooms @ New Delhi Railway Station, 8591 Arakashan Road (2 blocks north of the exit of the New Delhi Railway Station), ☎ +91 (0) 11 412 25666 ([email protected]). checkin: 2PM; checkout: 11AM. Extremely modern and comfortable rooms. Rooms are noisy due to the location near the station. Single: ₹1,700; Double: ₹2,000-2,600; Breakfast: ₹250.

• Chanchal Deluxe, 8524 Arakashan Road (Behind Sheela Cinema), ☎ +91 99106 09222 ([email protected]).54 rooms. US$24. 

• City Inn DX, 5415-16, Ladoo Ghati, Nehru Bazaar, Paharganj (about a 10 min walk from the railway station), ☎ +91 11 2358 7706 ([email protected], fax: 91 11 2358 7343). Rooms with double bed, flat screen TV (with HBO, VH1, CNN, lots of Hindi channels), clean bathroom with Western toilets. Each bathroom has its own hot water heater. Room service, computers in the lobby for ₹30/hr, no webcam or microphone. Very friendly staff. Located just around the corner from Hotel Relax and the vegetable market. Single: ₹400-900; Double: ₹600-2,000. 

• Delhi Hotel, C23 Greater Kailash 2. Boutique hotel with affordable, neat, clean & hygienic rooms.

• Durga International, 8715, D.B. Gupta Rd (500m from New Delhi Railway Station), ☎ +91 98 9942 3411. Basic hotel. Single: From ₹1,900; Double: From ₹2,100; Family Suite:₹4,500; Honeymoon Suite: ₹6,500. 

• Ginger Delhi (Rail Yatri Nivas), IRCTC- Rail Yatri Niwas, New Delhi Railway Station, Bhav Bhutti Marg (opposite New Delhi Railway Station or take Rail Yatri Nivas exit from New Delhi Metro station). Run by Tata group, known for clean and cost effective no-frills budget hotels ₹1,500-1,800.

• Hare Rama Guest House, 298 Main Bazaar (Down the side road near the Khanna Cinema), ☎ +91 11 2743 3017. Popular hotel and place to book sleeper buses if you’re heading to Dharamsala or Pushkar. They’re very laid back staff which makes a nice change. 24 hour hot water and check in, and 24 hours stay from when you arrived. ₹400 single, ₹500 double for an ok Non-air-con room. Add 50% for air-con. 

• Metropolis Tourist Home, 1634 Bazaar Hand, ☎ +91 11 2351 8074. More expensive than the average Paharaganj hotel. It also has a good restaurant. Double: ₹2,500-3,500. 

• Hotel Namaskar, 917 Chandiwalan, Main Bazaar, Paharganj (located down a side alley), ☎ +91 11 2358 3456, +91 11 6526 3010 , +91 11 2358 2233 ([email protected]). Only 5 min from the train station. Be prepared for a somewhat gloomy hotel, with possibly cock roaches in the rooms. No sheets or towels. Primary school right next to the hotel makes sleeping past 8AM nearly impossible. Double Room: ₹400-650. Breakfast not included.

• Navrang, (a bit hidden on a side street (called Temple Road by locals) off main bazaar,, at the intersection with the vegetable market), ☎ +91 11 2356-1922. Cheap and cheerful. Popular among Japanese, Japanese food in the small restaurant in front. Single: ₹300; Double: ₹400.

• Sai Palace, 22, Main Market Road, Pahar Ganj (Middle lane opposite railway station, Paharganj). Double: ₹550-1,350.

• Sham Nath Villa, 12, Sham Nath Marg, Civil Lines (Opposite Oberoi Maidens), ☎ +91 11 2397 6660, +91 11 2392 3925 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2392 3925). Double rooms with air-con US$90. Breakfast is included.. 

• Smyle Inn, 916, Chandiwalan,Main Bazaar, Paharganj (Take right street before Masjid coming from New Delhi station in Main Bazar), ☎ +91 11 23584076, +91 11 2358 9107 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 28542651). Breakfast and internet is included in price. Single: ₹940-1,090; Double: ₹980-1,180; Triple: ₹1,200-1,380. 

• Vivek, 1534-50 Main Bazaar, Paharganj (about a ten minute walk from the railway station), ☎ +91 11 2351-2900. This has a pleasant rooftop restaurant, but rather bland food . Economy Room (Single: ₹650, Double: ₹750); Standard Room (Single: ₹750, Double: ₹800); Luxury Room (₹1,100-1,200); Club Room (₹1,500-1,600). 

Karol Bagh

This area, west of Paharganj, is quieter, but not as centrally located. It is served by the Karol Bagh metro station.

• Anand Hotel, 8/41, WEA, Abdul Aziz Rd (Near Jessa Ram Hospital, Karol Bagh), ☎ +91 11 2875 3181 ([email protected]). Basic hotel. From ₹1,990.

• Gulnar, 7A / 45 W.E.A. Channa Market, Karol Bagh, ☎ +91-11-47243737. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. Clean and pleasant design/style. Free breakfast when you book directly from the hotel website; otherwise there is a ₹200 charge. Double: ₹2,400; Triple: ₹3,000. 

• Ivory Palace (Hostel Ivory), 14A/27 WEA, Channa Market, Karol Bagh, ☎ +91 93107 84498 ([email protected]). From ₹1,200.

• Royal Palace, 11A/27, W.E.A, Channa Market,, ☎ +91 11 2358-6176 (fax: +91 11 2753 7103). Clean and pleasant design/style.

• TJS Grand, 16/16, Arya Samaj Road, Karol Bagh, ☎ +91 96501 07888. 32 rooms. ₹2,000. 

Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is located in Old Delhi and is close to historical sights such as the Red Fort and Jameh Mosque. It is served by the Chandi Chowk metro station.

• Tara Palace, 419 Old Cycle Market, Chandni Chowk (opposite Delhi Parade Ground, near the Red Fort), ☎ +91 11 2327 6465 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2327 3555). checkin: 1PM; checkout: 12PM. Friendly budget hotel, free breakfast and free airport pickup. From $27. 

Connaught Place / Rajiv Chowk

The centrally-located business district.

• Asian Guest House, 14 Scindia House, Second Floor, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Connaught Place (Off Connaught Place), ☎ +91 11 2331 3393 ([email protected]). checkin: noon; checkout: noon. Not recommended for families. Corridors and cheaper rooms are dirty and in need of renovation. Monkeys living outside the building and roaches inside are a special treat. From ₹675. 

Chankyapuri

Chanakyapuri is an affluent neighborhood where many embassies and the Prime Minister’s residence are located. Chanakyapuri was developed as official residences for both politicians and civil servants to the Union Government. As such, it has numerous parks and open spaces, and suffers few utility disruptions. It is served by the Chankyapuri metro station.

• Maya’s Nest, C2 Flat 2038 Vasant Kunj (next to J. Nehru University campus), ☎ +91 9811604892 / 91 9811601053 ([email protected]). Bed & breakfast located in a safe, green, quite, residential area. Very safe specially for single lady travelers. Dorm bed: ₹1,500; Double: ₹3,500. 

Mahipalpur/Airport Area

Mahipalpur is a neighborhood located close to Terminal 1 and within walking distance from the Aero City metro station. There are dozens of hotels in this area at several price points.

• Hotel Delhi Aerocity, 104/2/2, M. R. Complex, Rangpuri, Delhi (Close to IGI Airport, Terminal 3), ☎ +919910998498. checkin: 12:00; checkout: 12:00. 3-star hotel with room service. From ₹1,800. 

• At Vasant Kunj, C2 Flat 2038 Vasant Kunj (next to The Malls Ambience, Dlf Promanede, DLF Emporio of Vasant Kunj), ☎ +91 9811604892 / 91 9811601053 ([email protected]). Bed & breakfast Hostel located close to the Delhi airport in a safe, green, quite, residential area. Very good for transit or long stay. Dorm bed: ₹1,500; Double: ₹3,500. 

Majnu ka Tilla

Majnu ka Tilla is a compact Tibetan settlement and the place of departure and arrival for buses to/from Dharamsala, the home of the Tibetan Government in Exile and the Dalai Lama. Stay here if you have an interest in Tibetan culture, politics and religion, or if you need something quieter (and just slightly more expensive) than Paharganj. An auto-rickshaw from New Delhi train station should cost around ₹50 (use the prepaid stand). The Vidhan Sabha metro station is also nearby and popular. From there cycle-rickshaws charge ₹15 and take about five minutes.

• Ama Rabsel House, House No 47, New Aruna Nagar (Behind Dolma House restaurant), ([email protected]). A surprisingly large and modern hotel, hidden down a dark alleyway next to Dolma House restaurant. Friendly staff appear to be constantly cleaning. The attached restaurant, on the other hand, is of low quality. ₹500-1,000. 

Greater Kailash

Greater Kailash is an affluent residential area in South Delhi. Most of the accommodation here is a bit of a hike to the metro, but the quality of the houses and calmness makes this area an attractive place to stay.

• Bed & Chaï Guesthouse, R-55, 2nd floor, Greater Kailash 1, ☎ + 91 11 46 06 60 54 ([email protected]). Run by 2 French women. A cozy and modern accommodation, safe for women. Clean and well decorated. Wifi and breakfast included. Fully-equipped kitchen. Dorm bed: ₹850; Single: ₹2,000-3,300; Double: ₹2,200-3,500.  

• Elina Bed & Breakfast, A57, Block K Chittranjan Park Rd, Chittaranjan Park (Near DT Cinema GK2; 2km from the Kalkaji Mandir and Nehru Place metro stations), ☎ 9999470502 ([email protected]). checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. Safe for women, all modern facilities. WiFi & breakfast complimentary. Single: ₹2,200; Double: ₹2,500. 

• Moustache Hostel, S-25, Greater Kailash Part 1 (near M-block market, 1.5km from the Greater Kailash metro station), ☎ +91 11 40793437 ([email protected]). checkin: 2:30PM; checkout: 12PM. The most recommended hostel in Delhi. Dorms have a/c with showers and lockers (bring your own lock). There is a kitchen, washing machine, common room, water filter, wi-fi, pcs, books and guides. Dorm bed: ₹600. 

• Upvan Bed & Breakfast Guesthouse (Upvan Guest House), D-52, 2nd floor, Greater Kailash-II, ☎ +91-9810130635 ([email protected]). Ministry of Tourism Approved Bed & Breakfast Guest House having three rooms and a lobby for marriage meetings. It is located in green and peaceful surroundings. Single: ₹2500; Double: ₹3000.

East of New Delhi Railway Station

• Hotel Broadway (Hotel Broadway), 4/15A, Asaf Ali Road (across from Maulana Azad Medical College & Hospital, just 5 minutes away from Connaught Place), ☎ +91 11 4366 3600 ([email protected]). India’s first hotel to get ISO 9002 certification. ₹1,800.

Mid-range

Delhi’s chronic lack of quality hotels has led to a mushrooming of guest houses of widely varying quality and price. The new official ‘Delhi Bed and Breakfast scheme’ has also contributed a range of private rooms available for bed & breakfast accommodation. These rooms range from cheap dumps to classy rooms in the best neighborhoods of Delhi. These areas are a welcome respite from the dirt and touts of the main tourist areas, and thanks to Delhi’s metro system, these are still within an easy reach.

• Aman Palace, A-40 Vishal Enclave (Opposite TDI Mall, Rajori Garden), ☎ +91 011-25921555, 25113555, 25468555. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. Basic hotel – next to KFC. ₹2,200-3,500. 

• Amar Inn, K 102, Lajpat Nagar – II, ☎ +91 98 1841 0099 ([email protected]). Reasonable rooms, free internet, but bathrooms badly in need of a refurbishment. All rooms include air freshening dispenser. Single: ₹2,295; Double: ₹3,045-4,495.

• The Beaufort Inn, 14 Jangpura Main Mathura Rd (near Nizammudin Railway Stn, in heart of South Delhi), ☎ +91 11 2437 7475 ([email protected]). checkin: noon; checkout: noon. ₹2,500-4,000.

• BnB New Delhi Bed and Breakfast, I – 9 Maharani Bagh, Adjoining friends colony, ☎ +91 98 9909 9042 ([email protected]). House run by Ajay and Purnima Bansal. Cosy family atmosphere. Free wifi, tea & coffee making tray in room, DVD plaver with bollywood and hollywood movies, games, children movies. LCD satellite TV, refrigerator. All rooms have private bathroom and western toilet with shower. Breakfast is served in dining room. Library includes books on culture, city guide books and India guide books in lounge area. Single/Double: ₹2,950; Triple: ₹3,250. 

• Cabana, R23 Greater Kailash 1, ☎ +91 11 4074 7474 (fax: +91 11 4074 7475), checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12PM. Boutique hotel. Neat, clean, and hygienic rooms. From ₹2,547, breakfast included.  

• Caravan Homestay, 1/13 Tilak Nagar, ☎ +91 99 7184 3131 ([email protected]). A small and cozy homestay in Delhi that houses a friendly Indian family with well maintained, clean and affordable rooms. ₹4,500. 

• Fortune Park DJ Avenue, 417 M.G. Road, Ghitorni (4 blocks from the Ghitorni metro station), ☎ +91-11-39884422 ([email protected]). Beautiful façade and open spaces. Single: ₹4,950; Double: ₹5,850. 

• Hotel GTC, E – 514, Greater Kailash, Part II, New Delhi – 110 048, ☎ +919311136990. 24 rooms (executive, deluxe, and suites), all with A/C, cableTV, telephone, and safe. High-speed Internet available, currency exchange, laundry, wake-up call and much more. From Rs 2,200. 

• Home@F37, F 37 East of Kailash, South Delhi (200m from Kailash Colony metro station), ☎ +91 11 4669 0200 ([email protected]). Renovated rooms. Single: ₹2,700; Double: ₹3,000, breakfast included. 

• India Luxury Homes, S 504 Greater Kailash I, ☎ +91 99 9988 8666 ([email protected]). B&B in the centre of South Delhi. Jacuzzi, mini bar and all amenities of a 4 star hotel. Rs 3,500. 

• Inn at Delhi, C-34, Anand Niketan, ☎ +91 98 6810 4893. Bed and breakfast homestay in Delhi ₹4,900.

• jüSTa Greater Kailash, R-53 Greater Kailash I, (“), ☎ +91 9590 777 000. Full service hotel. From ₹3,157, depending on the month. 

• jüSTa Gurgaon Hotel, NR-40, MG Road, DLF Phase-3, Opp. Neelkanth Hospital (“), ☎ +91 9590 777 000. Full service hotel. From ₹3,000, depending on the month.

• jüSTa Panchsheel Park, S-362 Panchsheel Park (“), ☎ +91 9590 777 000. Full service hotel. From ₹3,157, depending on the month.  

• Lemon tree Hotels, Asset No. 6, Aerocity Hospitality District, IGI Airport New Delhi, 110037, India, ☎ +91 11 4165 0101.

• Mehar Castle. Large rooms with A/C, TV, hot shower, room service. US$28.

• Narula Inn, 1/90, (P-Block) Daulat Ram House (Connaught Place). Bed and breakfast. Double: ₹4,990.

• Maulsari Bed & Breakfast, 142 Sunder Nagar, South Delhi (Near Humayun Tomb, India Gate), ☎ +91 9810808281 ([email protected]). Maulsari is a BNB in the posh colony of Sunder Nagar. Conveniently located near heritage monuments, Delhi High Court, Supreme Court. Rs 4,500 upwards including full breakfast.

• New Haven Hotel, E – 512, Greater Kailash Part-2, Main Rd, ☎ +91 99 1002 4700 ([email protected]). checkin: 2PM; checkout: Noon. Boutique hotel in South Delhi. New deluxe rooms, high speed wifi, nice surroundings. Close to Lotus temple, Opposite JMD shopping mall and Mainland China restaurant From Rs 2,800. 

• Prem Sagar Guest House, P block, 1F, Connaught Pl, Outer Circle (Near Shivaji Stadium, next block to the landmark Regal Cinema and a few doors away from McDonald’s Outer Circle), ☎ +91 11 2334 5263 ([email protected]). Clean quiet rooms, centrally located, terrace garden. All rooms have A/C, cable TV. ₹3,000-5,000. 

• Pulse Impulse Guesthouse, 2 – Ring Road, Kilokri (Opp. Maharani Bagh; located in south delhi near lajpat nagar), ☎ +91 11 4355 2148, +91 11 2634 5024 ([email protected]). Guesthouse. 

• Saar Inn, (Karol Bagh). Clean and comfortable with breakfast included, a very friendly professional staff. ₹3,200-4,000. 

• Shantigriha Bed and Breakfast, 12 A, Lane W-16, Sainik Farms, ☎ 91 98 1814 9019 ([email protected]). Calm peaceful, near Asola wildlife sanctuary and Qutab Minar. Free wifi, private toilet.

• Hotel SPB 87, 17A/2, W.E.A. Karol Bagh, ☎ +91 11 4500 0400. 20 min from the Indira Gandhi International Airport and 10 min from New Delhi Railway Station. Satellite TV, wifi, and a private toilet and bath. They also have a conference hall for business meetings and guests. ₹2,590.

• Star Grand Villa, E – 8, East of Kailash (6 km from Nizamuddin Railway Station and 14 km from the airport. The property is also within proximate distance to business, commercial, and entertainment hubs.), ☎ +91 11 45751111. All rooms equipped with LCD TV with satellite channels, Telephone, Mini-bar, coffee/tea maker and Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. ₹5,500. 

• Sunstar Grand, 7A/17, W.E.A. Channa Market, Karol Bagh, ☎ +91-11-42502117 ([email protected]). Room service and a restaurant available for breakfast and dinner. Lockers available. Double: ₹2,400. 

• Thikana, A-7 Gulmohar Pk, ☎ +91 11 4604 1569 ([email protected]). Family-operated boutique hotel in south Delhi. Very friendly and hospitable service. Nice new rooms. Free internet. Close to GK-1, defense colony with many restaurants and bars. Single: ₹5,000-5,500; Double: ₹5,400-6,600. 

• Urban Ashram, D-12 Huaz Khas, South Delhi, ☎ +91 11 4615 1818 ([email protected]). checkin: 12PM; checkout: 11AM. Warm, intimate and cosy family-operated boutique bed and breakfast. Friendly and hospitable service. Nice new rooms. Free wifi. Close to GK-1, defense colony, saket with many restaurants and bars. ₹3,500-4,500. 

Splurge

• The Ashok, 50-B Chanakayapuri, ☎ +91 11 2611 0101 ([email protected]). Situated on 25 acres in the diplomatic enclave. From ₹10,000. Discounts of 25%+ given for stays of 3+ nights.

• The Claridges New Delhi, 12 Aurangzeb Rd, ☎ +91 11 4133 5133 ([email protected]). Built in 1952 and renovated. From ₹13,000.  

• Dusit Devarana, Samalkha, NH-8 (Just south of the airport), ☎ +91 11 3355 2211 ([email protected]). Sprawling resort hotel. From ₹10,000.

• The Grand (Formerly the Grand Hyatt), Vasant kunj – Phase II, Nelson Mandela Rd, South Delhi, ☎ +91 11 2677 1234 ([email protected]). 390-room business hotel – generally not for tourists. Opulent lobby, modern rooms, pool and spa. From ₹9,000.

• Hyatt Regency Delhi, Bhikaiji Cama Place, Ring Rd (2km from several metro stations), ☎ +91 11 2679 1234. Huge and slightly aged, but still 5 stars, outdoor pool, small gym and spa, 3 restaurants, and all the usual amenities. Halfway between the airport and Connaught Place. From ₹8,000 during low season and ₹11,500 during high season, discounts given for advance payment. 

• The Imperial, Janpath, ☎ +91 11 2334 1234 ([email protected]). Built in 1931. Has the only Chanel store in India as well as a priceless art collection, ‘British Art on India.’ It also has the largest collection of land war gallantry awards from India and neighbouring countries. Very classy, best value for least money in first class range. Good food and excellent service in restaurants. From ₹8,750 during low season and ₹14,000 during high season.

• ITC Maurya, Starwood Hotels, Sardar Patel Marg, ☎ +91 11 2611 2233. One of the best hotels in the city. Great restaurants, including the Bukhara. From ₹8,100 during low season and ₹12,000 during high season. 

• ITC Sheraton New Delhi, District Centre, Saket, ☎ +91 11 4266 1122 ([email protected]). From ₹6,400 during low season and ₹8,000 during high season. 

• JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity, Asset Area 4 – Hospitality District, Delhi Aerocity (Near the Aero City metro station, adjacent to the airport), ☎ +91-11-4521 2121. Opened in 2014. Great buffet. Great for families. From ₹9,500.

• The Lalit New Delhi (previously known as Intercontinental), Barakhamba Ave, Connaught Place, ☎ +91 11 4444 7777 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 4444 1234). Recently refurbished. Famous for excellent breakfasts. 

• The Lodhi, Lodhi Road (Across from the New Delhi Golf Course). A boutique hotel opened in 2009. From ₹21,000. 

• Leela Palace, ChanakyaPuri, ☎ +91 11 2302 6162. By far the most opulent and luxurious hotel in Delhi. Jaunt for the state heads and celebrities

• Le Meridien, Windsor Place (A few blocks from the Central Secretariat metro station), ☎ +91 11 2371 0101. Landmark refurbished 5 star hotel. From ₹6,300 during low season and ₹7,600 during high season.

• Oberoi Delhi, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, ☎ +91 11 2436 3030 ([email protected]). Mostly a business hotel. 5 stars. Includes a luxury retail complex. Views of Humayun’s Tomb and the New Delhi Golf Course. From ₹9,500 during low season and ₹12,000 during high season. 

• Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi, National Hwy-8 (Near Delhi Aero City metro station, adjacent to the airport), ☎ +91 11 2677 9191 ([email protected]). Great kebabs at the restaurant. From ₹6,000.  

• Hotel Samrat, Kautilya Marg, ☎ +91 11 2611 0606. Just touches the 5 star luxury hotel levels, is a twin of The Ashoka Hotel. From ₹5,000.

• Shangri-La Eros Hotel, 19 Ashoka Rd (A 15-minute walk from Connaught Place), ☎ +91 11 4119 1919. Part of the renowned Shangri La chain. Seafood buffets, an extensive breakfast buffet, and a good Asian restaurant on 1st floor with a Thai, Chinese and Japanese menu. 5 star service and good security. From ₹6,375 during low season and ₹9,500 during high season.

• Taj Mahal, 1 Mansingh Rd (A few blocks from Khan Market metro station), ☎ +91 11 2302 6162. 294 rooms. From ₹13,200.  

• Taj Palace, Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave (In the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave), ☎ +91 11 2611 0202. 403 rooms on 6 acres. Discounted rates from ₹19,200. 

Stay safe

If you are arriving into Delhi at night it may be advisable to either stay in the airport lounge or well lit areas until daybreak if you haven’t booked a hotel and if this is your first trip to Delhi. Women should avoid walking around alone in the night in lanes without many people and be cautious when hiring cabs at night. Radio taxis are a safer option. Dress conservatively. Please don’t let go of your commonsense. Don’t be afraid to raise your voice or shout, if harassed.

Carry your cash, passport, and cards in a secure money belt, with only enough cash for a few hours at a time in your wallet or other accessible place. Some travelers recommend carrying an expendable wallet with a few ten rupee notes in it in an obvious place such as your hip pocket as a decoy to Delhi’s ubiquitous pickpockets.

All but one tourist agency is a scam, Government ‘approved’ or not. Very hefty extra charges hidden as commissions and processing fees are the least that will happen. Two notorious agencies are ‘India tourism voyages’ and ‘shukla enterprises’. Head to the ONLY official government ran agency on Janpath and Connaught Lane. There are many fake ones around here too so make sure you have the right one. The best way to secure train tickets is to queue on the second story of New Delhi train station where there is a desk for tourists. You can also navigate through the Indian Railways Website. Also, you should book you flight tickets online as all the airlines have online booking system. Otherwise, prepare to spend a good hour sorting through the charges that the tourist agency will charge.

Delhi Police

The Delhi Police is a 70,000 strong force serving the capital region. Unfortunately, the quality of police officers varies dramatically throughout the force; some officers will be helpful, others are corrupt cops. For police assistance during an emergency dial 100.

Police vehicles (called PCR vans) are parked on almost every major intersection.

For non-emergencies, or to report a crime, go to the police station.

Stay healthy

Delhi is a hot, dusty city and the combination of the two may reduce visibility in the summer. In April through June, temperatures regularly top 40°C, meaning that proper hydration is of the utmost importance. In winter there can be seasonal fog; on particularly foggy days, it can be difficult to see across the street. This is partly because of Delhi’s severe air pollution problem; it is advised that travelers keep informed about the daily air quality in Delhi. If you happen to be travelling in or out of Delhi during the winters, be aware of fog-related flight delays.

Drink only bottled water so you may avoid any water-related illness. Keep yourself covered in summers to avoid a heat stroke. Drink a lot of water, 3 liters a day, particularly in the summer. Sticking to freshly, well-cooked vegetarian food will lessen your chances on acquiring the “Delhi belly.”

Contact

Cell phone coverage in the city is excellent. There are many service providers offering a wide variety of plans. Among them are Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance, and Tata Indicom. It might be a good idea to buy a cell phone and use one of those prepaid plans to get yourself connected while you are in the city.

Landline phone numbers in Delhi begin with 11, typically followed by eight digits. To call Delhi from outside India you will need to dial the international prefix for your country, followed by India’s country code 91.

Delhi emergency numbers

Here are the Delhi emergency contact numbers

• Police, ☎ 100

• Fire Department, ☎ 101

• Ambulance: ☎ 102, or dial the nearest local hospital

Cope

Power outages and water shortages are common in Delhi, often occurring multiple times a day with summers being particularly bad. Better accommodations have water tanks and generators to alleviate the inconvenience, but keep a flashlight handy at night and do your part by not wasting too much water.

• Laundry service is offered in most hotels, even in budget accommodations. If you would rather save the money and do it yourself, buckets are found in almost all bathrooms – but perhaps wash it out well first.

• Exercising outdoors is not recommended due to the level of pollution and swimming in rivers is also not recommended. Instead, look for a hotel with a gym or a pool since many offer day passes. You can always try a morning or evening walk in the parks.

Language

The native language of the Delhi area is Hindi, which also happens to be the main official language of the Union Government. However, for official purposes, English is more widely used than Hindi. Almost everybody you meet will be able to speak Hindi, quite often with the Bihari and Punjabi accents. However, most educated people will also be fluent in English, and many shopkeepers and taxi drivers will have a functional command of English. Punjabi and Urdu are also official languages, but they are spoken much less widely. The Hindi spoken in Delhi is quite Persianized, similar to the Hindi spoken in Western UP and much less Sanskritized than the Hindi spoken in MP. Signage is usually bilingual in Hindi and English, but some road signs (especially in South and Central Delhi) are in Hindi, English, Punjabi and Urdu. Announcements on the metro are in Hindi (male voice) and English (female voice).

Embassies & High Commissions

•  Afghanistan, 5/50 F Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 2688 3601, +91 11 2688 3602 ([email protected], [email protected]). 

•  Algeria, E-6/5, Vasant Vihar, ☎ +91 11 614 6706, +91 11 614 7036 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 614 7033). 

•  Angola, 5 / 50 F, Nyaya Marg Chanakya Puri, ☎ +91 11 2688 2680, +91 11 2611 0701 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 26113512).

•  Australia, 1/50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 688 5637 ([email protected]). 8:30AM- 5PM (1PM-2PM lunch) Mon-Fri. 

•  Canada, 7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 4178 2000 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 4178 2020). M-Th 8:30AM-5:30PM, F 8:30AM-1PM. 

•  China, 50 D Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 688 9028.

•  Czech Republic, 50-M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 2415 5200 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2415 5270).

•  Egypt, 1-50 M, Niti Marg Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 2611 4096 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2688 5355). 9:00 AM – 16:00 PM. 

•  Finland, E-3, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 4149 7500 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 4149 7555).

•  France, 2/50-E Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 4319-6100 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 4319-6119).

•  Germany, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 4419 9199 (fax: +91 11 2687 3117).

•  Greece, EP-32, Dr S. Radhakrishnan Marg, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 26880700-4, Emergencies: +91 96 5461 6196 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2688 8010).

•  Grenada, 6A, Himalaya Building, 15 Barakhamba Road, ☎ +91 11 2331 3370 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2332 8307). 

•  Italy, 50E, Chandra Gupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 2611 4355 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2687 3889). M-Th 9AM-1PM, 2PM-6PM, F 9AM-1PM.

•  Japan, 4 & 5, 50-G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11-2687-6581 ([email protected]; [email protected], fax: +91 11-2688-5587). M-F 9AM-1PM, 2PM-5:30PM. 

•  Lithuania, C-93 Anand Niketan, New Delhi 110021, INDIA, ☎ +91 11 4313 2200 ([email protected]; [email protected], fax: +91 11 4313 2222).

•  Macedonia, Hauz Khaz Enclave K 80 A, ☎ +91 11 4614 2603 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 4614 2604).

•  Mongolia, 34, Archbishop Macarios Marg, ☎ +91 11 2463 1728 ([email protected], fax: +91 11-2463 3240).

•  Malaysia, 50-M, Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, 110021 New Delhi, ☎ +91-11-2415 9300 ([email protected], fax: +91-11-2688 1538). Monday – Friday 8.30 a.m – 4.30 p.m. 

•  Nepal, Bara Khamba Rd, ☎ +91 11 332 9969. 

•  Pakistan, 2/50 G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 467 6004. 

•  Poland, 50-M Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 414 96 900 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 268 71 914).

•  Russia, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 2611 0640 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2687 6823).

•  Rwanda, 41, Paschimi Marg Vasant Vihar, ☎ +91 11 2866 1604 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2866 1605).

•  United Kingdom, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 2419 2100.

•  United States, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, ☎ +91 11 2419 8000 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 2419 0017).

•  Venezuela, E-106, Malcha Marg, ☎ +91 11 4168 0218 ([email protected], fax: +91 11 4175 0743).

Get out

Delhi is a major international transit hub for trains, planes and buses as well as a great connection point for domestic destinations within India. It’s also a great base for exploration of the famous Hill Stations.

• Kurukshetra place of holy war “Mahabharata” and birth place of Srimad Bhagwat Gita. 150km from New Delhi, 3 hrs drive or train ride each way.

• Agra and the Taj Mahal are a 3-6 hr drive or train ride each way. Now there is a new state of art 6-lane express highway connecting Delhi and Agra named “YAMUNA EXPRESSWAY” which shortens the trip to about 2 hours, Book tickets in the train cars with seats far in advance, and look for the seats put aside especially for tourists. You can also rent a car and driver for the day and shouldn’t pay more than ~Rs 6,000 roundtrip (if not less) for small vehicles like dzire or etios, Innova rents starts from 7000 onwards.. The Taj Mahal is closed on Friday.

• Bandhavgarh National Park and the Bandhavgarh Fort, are the “Tiger Reserve” at M.P. This is a Tiger preservation project and has the highest density of Tigers in India.

• Dharamsala, the seat of the Dalai Lama’s government in exile, is 10-12 hr to the north. Tickets can be purchased from Main Bazaar Tourist offices, Majnu ka Tilla Tibetan Settlement or the I.S.B.T.

• Shimla, the summer capital of British India and the queen of all hill stations in India. It has many scenic and historic locations and is about an 8 hr drive or 10 hr in a bus. A direct flight from Delhi takes just 1 hr to reach Shimla.

• Jaipur and Rajasthan, are reachable by plane or overnight train.

• Kathmandu, in neighbouring Nepal is a roughly 36+ hr by coach, or longer (but more comfortably) on a combination of train and coach.

• The holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas, are a 5-6 hr bus or train ride away.

• Mussoorie, one of the original British hill stations in India; also known as The Queen of the Hills.

• Jim Corbett National Park– 280 km from Delhi, has beautiful terrain, and heaves with wildlife including tiger, elephant and leopards and hornbills, eagles & owls.The place makes you feel lively,the whole feel of the jungle,surrounded by thick dense forest.The Jeep and Elephant safari,including those adventure activities.Perfect place for a adventurous travel.

• Nainital – another beautiful hill station in the Kumaon hills with the magnificent Naini Lake.

• Char Dham– Delhi is the starting point of the famous piligrimage centres Badrinath, the abode of Vishnu, Kedarnath, the abode of Shiva , Gangothri and Yamunothri, the origin of sacres rivers, Ganges and Yamuna respectively

• Ride the Maharajas’ Express, a luxury train running between Delhi and Mumbai.

• Visit Pushkar located about 415 Km from Delhi.Pushkar is famous for Jagatpita Brahma Temple.Another tourist attraction at Pushkar is its Camel and livestock fair that takes each year in the month of Novamber.