Delhi

Delhi - The Capital City

Delhi is known to have been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Through most of its history, Delhi has served as a capital of various kingdoms and empires. It has   been captured, sacked and rebuilt several times, particularly during the medieval period, and therefore the modern conurbation of Delhi is a cluster of a number of cities spread across the metropolitan region. New Delhi stands on the Yamuna River in northern India. It is the second most populous metropolis in India after Mumbai and the largest city in terms of area. Delhi is the largest commercial center in northern India. Delhi has hosted many major international sporting events, including the first and the ninth Asian Games. The 2010 Commonwealth Games, was one of the largest sports events held in India.

Language/ Culture/ Religion:

Delhi's culture has been influenced by its lengthy history and historic association as the capital of India. The city offers a cosmopolitan and diverse lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment and night life. Delhi’s diverse culture and people consists of its various cuisine, art, craft, dance, and music. The culture and people of Delhi is very rich and diverse. Deep rooted in Indian culture with western influence makes the city very fascinating. Although people from all over including South Indians and Bengalis. Delhi reflects the religious unity of India. Cultural diversity makes the city rich in culture and a constant part of history. . Delhi, being the capital of India, is the land of festivals and celebrations. The most important festivals included in the Cultural Heritage of Delhi are the Diwali, Dussera, Lohri, Holi, Kite Flying Festival, Basant Panchami, Maha Shivaratri, Baisakhi, Mahavir Jayanti and a lot more.

There are a large number of religions that are practiced in New Delhi, the capital of India. In fact, one can say that there is hardly any religion of India that does not find a presence in the capital city about 85% of Delhites are Hindus but the city does not force any official religion on its people. Majority of the Muslims of Delhi reside in the Old Delhi area like Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, etc. The city also boasts of one of the most revered mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. Apart from that, there are a large number of mosques and dargahs scattered through the city. The main religions followed by people are Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Islam.

Delhi does not have any regional language of its own. Just like its culture, even its languages are adapted from the rest of the country. The official language of Delhi is Hindi. English has become a widely used medium of communication in the capital city. The major languages spoken in Delhi include Punjabi. Urdu is a common language of Delhi. It is mainly prevalent in the Old Delhi area where there is a heavy concentration of Muslims.

Best Time to Visit:

(February to March and September to November)

Delhi experiences hot and humid climate in summers and Chilly conditions in winters. So, that leaves us with the spring season as one of the best time to visit Delhi. (February to March and September to November) You will truly enjoy this capital city if you plan your trip during these months.

Another added advantage of these months is that most of the festivals in New Delhi fall in the months of September to March. For example, Dussehra falls in the month of October, Diwali in October/November, Christmas in December Lohri in January and Holi in March. During this time, you will be able to have much more as well as truly experience the culture of the capital city of India.

Visa/Currency-

India Visa Validity:

Indian visas are usually issued for multiple entries for a period of 6 months or 5 years. 10 year visas may be requested. Visa validity is granted at the discretion of the Indian Consulate.

Country	Passport Required	Return Ticket Required	Visa Required
Australia	Yes	No	Yes
Canadian	Yes	No	Yes
Other  EU	Yes	No	Yes
British	Yes	No	Yes
USA	Yes	No	Yes

Important: Travelers must leave India on or before the expiration of their visa. Travelers who remain in India beyond the validity of their visa could face detention and significant penalties.

Indian Visa Processing Time:

Visa processing time varies in different locations, depending on the state of residence of the applicants processing location(s) processing time (indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa)

Currency: 

The Indian rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India.

Credit Cards/ Banking & Money Changing:

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Banks throughout Delhi generally open at 9.30am and close at 3.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 9.30am to 12.30am on Saturdays for transactions of travelers’ cheques and other financial matters. For convenience, Automated teller machines (ATM) are open round-the-clock, offering the MAESTRO or CIRRUS network system. Apart from the convenience of exchanging money at all banks and hotels, money can also be exchanged wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers.

Luggage Allowance:

Most of the international carriers allow about 25-30Kgs per person, whereas domestic carriers allow 20Kgs per person.

Electric Current:

Standard voltage is 220-240 volts AC 50 cycles per second. Most hotels are equipped with transformers for 110-120 volts AC, 60 cycles per second appliances. This is different from America and England, so to use your tape recorder, etc., you need a converter and an adapter for your plug, which you can get at certain Indian appliance stores in your own country. Socket sizes in India vary, so it is a good idea to get a universal adapter which is available at airports and at special travel stores. Sockets have three round pins, which is similar to the ones used in Europe. European plugs will go into the sockets, but the Indian pins are a little thicker and the plug will be a little loose, so the connection may not be so good.

How To Reach:

If you are travelling from abroad Delhi has an international airport, it is connected to most of the African, European, American and Asian countries. Indira Gandhi International Airport (http://www.newdelhiairport.in)   is the primary international airport of the National Capital Region of Delhi, India, situated in South West Delhi, 16 kilometers (9.9 mi) south west of New Delhi city centre. Terminal 1 – Domestic:  are split into two areas, Terminal 1D for departures and Terminal 1C for arrivals. Terminal- 3 -Domestic and International. The most popular way to get to your hotel from Delhi airport is by taking a prepaid taxi. You'll find a counter in both the Domestic and international terminals as you exit the airport. The prepaid taxi fare is around 250 rupees to Paharganj, and less than 200 rupees to Connaught Place. Try to have the right change.

Buses, operated by EATS (Ex-servicemen Air-link Transport Service), run from the airport to Connaught Place via New Delhi Railway Station. The frequency is usually every 30 minutes during peak times and once an hour at other times. The cost is 50 rupees. DTC (Delhi Transport Corporation) also operate buses to the city center for the same price.

A Delhi Metro Airport Express train line operates from Terminal 3 to New Delhi Metro station.

Alternatively, many hotels will pick you up from the airport. They usually charge 400-700 rupees for the service.

Delhi is a major junction in the Indian railway network and is the headquarters of the Northern Railway. The five main railway stations are New Delhi railway station, Old Delhi, Nizamuddin Railway Station, Anand Vihar Railway Terminal and Sarai Rohilla. The Delhi Metro, a mass rapid transit system built and operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), serves many parts of Delhi and the neighboring cities Gurgaon, Noida and Ghaziabad.

New Delhi Railway Station:   Location: 2 Kms from Connaught Place and East of

Paharganj. New Delhi Railway Station is one of the major railheads Of Northern Railways. New Delhi Railway Station connects Delhi with other parts of the country through super fast and express trains. The railway station is 19 Kms from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh and 31kms from Gurgaon, Haryana.

Nizamuddin Railway Station:  Nizamuddin railway station is conveniently located near South Delhi localities. Being one of the major rail head, Nizamuddin railway station tends to connect all the major cities.

Old Delhi Railway Station:   Old Delhi Railway Station is also known as Delhi Railway Station and was the first railway station to be built in Delhi. Located near Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi railway station lies about seven km from Cannaught place.

Northern Railways provide service to Old Delhi Railway Station. The major trains that start from this region are Missouri express Samjhauta express and Pink City Express.

Accommodation:

Hotel Ajanta – Central Delhi ($35-40)

Hotel Balaji Deluxe– Central Delhi ($35-45)

Hotel Le Roi– Central Delhi ($35-45)

Bloom rooms – New Delhi ($60-75)

Hotel Delhi Pride – Karol Bagh ($40-55)

Hotel Airport City – Indira Gandhi International Airport ($35-45)

Hotel Intercity - New Delhi ($55-75)

Euro Star International - Indira Gandhi International Airport ($20-35)

Hotel City Star - Central Delhi ($55-60)

Hotel Tara Palace – North Delhi ($35-45)

Radisson Blu Hotel – Paschim Vihar, New Delhi ($85-100)

The Grand New Delhi - Central Delhi ($180-230)

Jaypee Vasant Continental - South Delhi ($120-180)

The Lalit – New Delhi ($160-200)

The Taj Mahal Hotel - Central Delhi ($240-350)

Shangri –La Hotel - New Delhi ($220-300)

Taj Palace Hotel - Central Delhi ($225-300)

The Claridges - Central Delhi ($180-230)

The Leela Palace - Central Delhi ($340-450)

The Imperial - New Delhi ($260-300)

Transportation within the city:

Delhi has significant reliance on its transport infrastructure. The city has developed a highly efficient public transport system with the introduction of the Delhi Metro. Public transport in the metropolis includes the Delhi Metro, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus system, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and taxis. With the introduction of Delhi Metro, a rail-based mass rapid transit system, rail-based transit systems have gained ground. Other means of transit include suburban railways, inter-state bus services and private taxis which can be rented for various purposes. However, buses continue to be the most popular means of transportation for intra-city travel. Private chauffeur-driven cars can be rented from the travel agencies,. Cars are rented on a half day full day basis and then pro-rata for extra hours / extra kilometers. Auto rickshaws are more convenient, though most overcharge foreigners. The bus transportation system has a wide network and connects parts of the city and this is of course the cheapest mode of transportation.

Places to Visit:

Red Fort:

The Red Fort (usually transcribed into English as Lal Qil'ah or Lal Qila) is a 17th century fort complex constructed by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan in the walled city of Old Delhi (in present day Delhi, India) that served as the residence of the Mughal Emperors. The fort lies along the Yamuna River. The construction of the Red Fort began in 1638 and was completed by 1648. The Red Fort has had many developments added on after its construction by Emperor Shah Jahan. The main gate, Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation and attracts a major crowd on each Independence Day. The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (Lal Qila) rise 33-m above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors.

Location: Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.

Entry Cost: $5 or 250 rupees. Free for children less than 15 years.

Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset.

Closed on Mondays.

Sound & Light Show: 7.30 p.m. from November to January, 8.30 p.m. from January to April and September to October, 9 p.m. from May to August.

Chandini Chowk:

Chandni Chowk originally meaning moonlit square or market is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi, now in central north Delhi, India. Built in 17th century by the great Muslim Emperor of India, Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahan Ara, the market was once divided by canals to reflect moonlight.  Google India helps Delhi's iconic Chandni Chowk markets go online. They approached each of 2500 stores and even have opened common website for all the shops. Chandni Chowk runs through the middle of the walled city, from the Lahori Darwaza (Lahore Gate) of the Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid. Originally, a canal ran through the middle of the street as a part of the water supply scheme. It is said that moonlight reflecting on its canal, earned it its name, Chandni (Moonlit) Even though today Chandni Chowk appears choked with congestion, it retains its historical character. Today, it is one of the city’s most crowded, chaotic, captivating areas, with a bamboozling orchestra of sights, smells, and sounds.

Location: Old Delhi, near the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

Jamma Masjid:

The internationally acclaimed, magnificent, Jama Masjid Delhi originally named Masjid Jahan Numa, was built by Shahjahan. Top experts in the field of construction, best chiselers, sculptors, engineers, best calligraphers and eminent artisans of the world assisted by six thousand laborers took part in the construction of the magnificent Jama Masjid. They dedicatedly worked for six continuous years. The Jama Masjid got ready in the year 1656 AD (1066 AH).  The simplicity in the structure was the chief aim in the construction of the mosque. In fact, its beauty lies in its simplicity. The simplicity, which thousands of colorful and gorgeous significance cannot withstand. The courtyard of the mosque can be reached from the east, north and south by three flights of steps, all built of red sandstone. The northern gate of the mosque has 389 steps.  The courtyard of the mosque can hold up to twenty-five thousand worshippers. The mosque also houses several relics in a closet in the north gate, including an antique copy of the Qur'an written on deer skin.

Location:  Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, near the Red Fort.

Entry Cost: Free, but a camera fee applies.

Opening Hours: Daily, except when prayers are being held from 12.15 p.m. to 1.45 p.m. It closes just before sunset.

Humayun’s Tomb:

Humayun's tomb: (Humayun ka Maqbara) is the  tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. The first Mughal emperor was succeeded by his son Humayun. Humayun died in 1556.  The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Bega Begum (Hajji Begum) in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath, a Persian architect. It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, and is located close to Purana Qila (Old Fort) it was also the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale. The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. The tomb proper stands in the centre of a square garden, divided into four main parterres by causeways (charbagh), in the centre of which ran shallow water-channels. The complex encompasses the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun, which houses the graves of his wife, Hamida Begum, and also Dara Shikoh, son of the later Emperor Shah Jahan, as well as numerous other subsequent Mughals, including Emperor Jahandar Shah, Farrukhsiyar, Rafi Ul-Darjat, and Rafi Ud-Daulatand Alamgir II. If you think Humayun's Tomb looks a bit like the Taj Mahal in Agra, that's because it was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal's creation.

Location: Nizamuddin East, New Delhi. Near the Nizamuddin train station, off Mathura Road.

Entry Cost: $5 or 250 rupees. Free for children less than 15 years.

Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset, daily. It's best viewed in the golden light of the late afternoon.

Lodi Gardens:

Lodi Gardens: is a park in Delhi. Spread over 90 acres (360,000 m2) it contains, Mohammed Shah's Tomb, Sikander Lodi's Tomb, Sheesh Gumbad and Bara Gumbad. The gardens are situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb on Lodi Road. It is beautiful and serene, and is a hotspot for morning walks for the Delhiites.  An oasis in an otherwise crowded, dusty city, Lodi Gardens is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon admiring nature.

Location: Lodi Road, not far from Humayun's Tomb.

Entry Cost: Free.

Opening Hours: Daily, but Sundays are particularly busy.

Qutab Minar:

Qutub Minar, also Qutb Minar and Qutab Minar, is the tallest minaret in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Delhi, the Qutub Minar is made of red sandstone and marble. The tower has five distinct storey’s, each marked by a projecting balcony  The Qutub Minar has 379 stairs, is an incredible example of early Indo–Islamic architecture. It was built in 1206, but the reason remains a mystery. Some believe that it was made to signify victory and the beginning of Muslim rule in India. It is 72.5 meters’ (237.8ft) high and has a base diameter of 14.3 meters’, which narrows to 2.7 meters’ at the last storey. Construction began in 1192 by Qutub-ud-din Aibak and was completed by Iltutmish. The Qutub Minar is made of fluted red sandstone covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an. Numerous inscriptions in Parso-Arabic and Nagari characters in different sections of the Qutub Minar reveal the history of Qutb.

Location: Mehrauli, south New Delhi.

Entry Cost: $5 or 250 rupees. Free for children less than 15 years.

Opening Hours: Sunrise until sunset,daily.

Old Fort:

Purana Qila is not only the oldest fort among all forts in Delhi, but the oldest known structure of any type in Delhi.  Located at the site of legendary city of Indraprastha, the fort was founded by Pandavas on the banks of perennial river Yamuna, which is revered by Hindus since ages. Fort is more than 5000 years old, and was constructed before the 'Mahabharata' took place. Consequently the fort is considered to be 'the first city of Delhi' Researchers now confirm that up till 1913, a village called Indrapat existed with in the fort walls. The walls of the Fort rise to a height of 18 meters’, traverse about 1.5 km, and have three arched gateways: the Bara Darwaza (Big Gate) facing west, which is still in use today; the south gate, also popularly known as the 'Humayun Gate. When Edwin Lutyen’s designed the new capital of British India, New Delhi in 1920s, he aligned the central vista, now Rajpath, with Purana Qila. A good example of medieval Military architecture, built by Humayun, with later-day modifications by Sher Shah Suri, the Purana Qila is a monument of bold design, which is strong, straightforward, and every inch a fortress.  During the Partition of India, in August 1947 the Purana Qila along with the neighboring Humayun's Tomb became the site for refugee camps for Muslims migrating to newly founded Pakistan. This included over 12,000 government employees who had opted for service in Pakistan, and between 150,000–200,000 Muslim refugees, who swarmed inside Purana Qila by September 1947, when Indian government took over the management of the two camps. The Purana Qila camp remained functional till early 1948, as the trains to Pakistan waited till October 1947 to start.

Timings for Boating: 1st April to 30th September: 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
1st October to 31st March: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Open: All days

Entry Fee: Rs:5 (Indians), Rs: 100 (foreigners)

Photography Charges: Free (still camera); Rs: 25 (video camera)

Location: Near Delhi Zoo, Mathura Road

Nearest Metro Station: Pragati Maidan

India Gate:

The India Gate is the national monument of India. Situated in the heart of New Delhi, it was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921  The monument is inspired by Arc de Triomphe located in Paris, which in turn is inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. It was built in 1931. Originally known as the All India War Memorial, it is a prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. It is composed of red and pale sandstone and granite.  The lawns around Rajpath throng with people during the evening, when the monument is lit up. At night it glows warmly under floodlight.

Location: Rajpath, near Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Entry Cost: Free.

Opening Hours: Always open.

Rashtrapathi Bhawan:

Rashtrapathi Bhawan (President House) is the official home of the President of India. It may refer to only the mansion (the 340-room main building) that has the President's official residence, halls, guest rooms and offices; it may also refer to the entire 130 hectare (320 acre) President Estate that additionally includes huge presidential gardens (Mughal Gardens), large open spaces, residences of bodyguards and staff, stables, other offices and utilities within its perimeter walls. The British architect Edwin Landseer Lutyens, a major member of the city-planning process, was given the primary architectural responsibility. The completed Governor-General's palace turned out very similar to the original sketches which Lutyens sent Herbert Baker from Simla on 14 June 1912. Lutyens' design is grandly classical overall, with colors and details inspired by Indian architecture. Built with a mix of Western and Indian styles,

Rashtrapathi Bhawan was originally built for the Governor General of India. Inaugurated in 1931 as the Vice regal Lodge, the name was changed in 1950 after India became a republic.

Instructions for Visit to Rashtrapathi Bhawan

A request for visit to Rashtrapathi Bhawan can be made by-

 On-line booking system through a link on the website 'presidentofindia.nic.in'

By sending email to reception-officer@rb.nic.in or by sending a letter addressed to Reception Officer, President's Secretariat, Rashtrapathi Bhawan, New Delhi-110004. Request for the visit should be made at least 3 days in advance for processing, along with the details of visitor's name, address & contact numbers etc.

Any query related to visit can also be made to Reception Office on telephone numbers - 011-23013287, 23015321 Extn. 4662, Fax Number. 011-23013189

The visiting days of Rashtrapathi Bhawan and Mughal Gardens are Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Rashtrapathi Bhawan is not open for visitors from Monday to Thursday and on Govt. Gazetted holidays.

Timings of visit are from 0900hrs to 1600 hrs.

The entry to Rashtrapati Bhavan for visit is through Gate No.2 (Rajpath) and Gate No.37 (Hukmimai Marg) of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

For visit, Indian Citizens are required to carry valid photo ID cards. In case of foreigners, they should make their request for visit along with photocopies of their passport. On the day of visit, they are required to carry their original passport for identification.

The permission to visit Rashtrapati Bhavan and Mughal Gardens is subject to cancellation, if circumstances render it necessary.

Jantar Mantar:

The jantar mantar is located in the modern city of New Delhi. It consists of 13 architectural astronomy instruments. The site is one of five built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur, from 1724 onwards Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur who built this observatory went on to build other observatories in Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura., The primary purpose of the observatory was to compile astronomical tables, and to predict the times and movements of the sun, moon and planets. Some of these purposes nowadays would be classified as astronomy. There are distinct instruments within the observatory of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi: the Samrat Yantra, the Ram Yantra, the Jayaprakash, and the Mishra yantras.

Location: Parliament Street, Connaught Place

Metro Station: Patel Chowk

Open: All days

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset

Entry Fee: Rs: 5 (Indians), Rs: 100 (foreigners)

Photography Charges: Nil

National Museum:

The National Museum in New Delhi is one of the largest museums in India. Established in 1949, it holds variety of articles ranging from pre-historic era to modern works of art. It also houses the National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology established in 1983. The roots of the National Museum begin with an exhibition of Indian art and artifacts at the Royal Academy in London in the winter of 1947-48. At the end of the London exhibition, the exhibition curators had decided to display the same collection intact in India before returning the artifacts to their individual museums. The Indian exhibition was shown at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in 1949, and was so successful that it led to the decision to form a permanent National Museum. On 15 August 1949, the National Museum was formally inaugurated by the Governor-General of India, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari. The museum has in its possession over 200,000 works of art, of both Indian and foreign origin, covering more than 5,000 years of Indian cultural heritage. Their rich holding of various creative traditions and disciplines which represents a unity amidst diversity, an unmatched blend of the past with the present and strong perspective for the future, brings history to life. The Buddhist art section has a most known for sacred relics of the Buddha (5th-4th century B.C.) unearthed from Piprehwa, Basti district.

Raj Ghat:

Raj Ghat is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.  It is a black marble platform that marks the spot of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation, on 31 January 1948. It is left open to the sky while an eternal flame burns perpetually at one end. It is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in Delhi in India on Ring Road officially known as Mahatma Gandhi Road. A stone footpath flanked by lawns leads to the walled enclosure that houses the memorial. All guests must remove their footwear before entering the Raj Ghat walls. Several other   cremation spots of other famous leaders can be found in the vicinity of Raj Ghat on the banks of the Yamuna.

Timings: 5.00 am - 7.30 pm (April - September) / 5.30 am - 7.00 pm (October - March)

Open on all days.

Lotus Temple:

The Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi is a Baha’i House of Worship completed in1986. Notable for its flowerlike shape, it serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent and has become a prominent attraction in the city. The Lotus Temple has won numerous architectural awards. Like all other Baha’i Houses of Worship, the Lotus Temple is open to all regardless of religion, or any other distinction, as emphasized in Baha’i texts. The Baha’i laws emphasize that the spirit of the House of Worship be that it is a gathering place where people of all religions may worship God without denominational restrictions. Inspired by the lotus flower, the design for the House of Worship in New Delhi is composed of 27 free-standing marble clad "petals" arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides.  The nine doors of the Lotus Temple open onto a central hall slightly more than 40 meters tall that is capable of holding up to 2,500 people. The surface of the House of Worship is made of white marble from Penteli Mountain in Greece; the Baha’i House of Worship in New Delhi, India has drawn to its portals more than 70 million visitors, making it one of the most visited edifices in the world. Cameras, video cameras or mobile phones must not be used inside the Prayer Hall and the Information Centre.

Timings:  Winter: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Summer: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Entry: Tuesday – Sunday

Closed on Monday

Location: Bahapur, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi, 110019

Akshardham:

Akshardham is a Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India. Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Hindu and Indian culture, spirituality, and architecture. The Temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi, was officially opened on 6 November 2005. It sits near the banks of the Yamuna. The temple, at the center of the complex, was built according to the Vastu Shastra and Pancharatra Shastra. In addition to the large central temple crafted entirely of stone, the complex features exhibitions on incidents from the life of Swaminarayan and the history of India

Hours: Friday hours 9:30 am–6:30 pm

Location:  National Highway 24, Near Noida More, New Delhi, Delhi, 110092

Entry: Tuesday – Sunday      Closed: Monday.

Entry Fee – Free

Birla Mandir:

Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, The temple is dedicated to Laxmi and Narayan. It is one of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialist G.D. Birla in 1938, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place. The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple.

Timings: 6am to 10pm (best to visit during morning and evening aarti)

Location: Near Gole Market, Mandir Marg, Connaught Place

Nearest Metro Station: RK Ashram Marg

Days Closed: None

Photography: Not allowed in prayer hall

Entry Fee: Free

ISKON Temple:

Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir or generally called as ISKCON Delhi temple is a famous Vaishnav temple of Lord Krishna and Radharani in the form of Parthasarathi, Radha Opened in 1998, it is located at Hare Krishna Hills, in the East of Kailash area of New Delhi, ISKCON Temple, designed and built by Achyut Kanvinde who in 1993 agreed to accept a pro-bono commission to build this temple complex for the followers of Srila Prabhupada, is one of the largest temple complexes in India.

Delhi Metro (Subway Rail): The nearest metro station is the Nehru Place, located at 5 min walk from ISKCON Delhi.

Public Bus: If you are using the DTC buses, the nearest bus stops are Nehru Place and East of Kailash.

Nizamuddin Railway Station: Nizamuddin railway station is located at a 5 km from the temple. Taxis, Auto and Buses are available here.

New Delhi Railway Station: This station is located at 25 minute drive and 15 Km from the temple. Delhi Metro, Buses, taxis are available to reach the temple.

Entry: All Days

Timings: 4.30AM – 9.00PM

Location: Hare Krishna Hill, Sant Nagar, East of Kailash, New Delhi, DL 110065.

Garden of Five Senses:

The Garden of Five Senses is a park spread over 20 acres.  Designed by Delhi architect, Pradeep Sachdeva, the park was developed by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTDC), Government of Delhi at a cost of Rs 10.5 crore, over a period of three years and opened in February 2003. Partly built over a rocky terrain, the garden has various theme areas, including a section on the lines of Mughal Gardens, plus pools of water lilies, bamboo courts, herb gardens and solar energy park.  The garden is designed to stimulate our five senses with its beauty and attractions and give us a chance to touch, smell, hear and see our natural surroundings. The garden serves as one of the prominent cultural venues of the capital, as programs are organized here round the year. The Garden tourism festival, food festivals, different melas, Dandiya festivals and other cultural programs are held here at different times.

Location: Saiyad ul Ajaib, Sainik Farm, New Delhi, DL 110030

Entry: All Days

Timings: 9.00AM – 6.00PM

Entry Fee: Adult: Rs: 20 Child (up to 12 yrs): Rs: 10/-Sr. Citizen: Rs: 10/-

Mumbai Cuisine:

From the by lanes of the walled city to the swanky hotels and restaurants, Delhi has the taste of all. Delhi gives you the option of choosing from the wide variety of cuisines, which is a mixture of regional and international food Old Delhi is the home to legendary Mughlai restaurants such as Kareem’s (located in Jama Masjid area) and the Moti Mahal (located in Darya Ganj). There are a plenty of other restaurants in Muslim areas of Old Delhi such as Jama Masjid, Balli Maran, and Chitli Qabar that sell mouth-watering, spicy Mughlai delicacies such as Tandoori Chicken, Butter Chicken, Nahari, Korma, Biryani, Seekh Kebabs, etc. Delhi loves its food which is a blend of North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Continental and American lifestyle fast food. All these varieties are readily available in every parts of Delhi. Well, if you are looking for a cheap and best option, you have the options like Gulati Restaurant (Pandara Market), Angeethi (Asiad Village) and Degchi (Regal Building). There are a number of famous road side "dhabas", which are highly sought for by people from all sections of the societies. Some of these are roadside eateries around Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin where kebabs, rotis and biryani are the order of the day. Lassi the modest thirst quencher is no longer confined to the traditional curd base as the new-age lassiwala are presenting the drink with innovative flavours.

Restaurants:

• Berco's and Fa Yian, for Chinese food
• Kareem’s and Nizam's, for Mughlai food
• Nirula's for a mix of Indian and western fast food
• Sagar, in Defense Colony for Udipi food
• English Dairy, a popular dhaba in Connaught Place for inexpensive vegan food.

If you are a food lover and want to spend an evening with your friends and lovers in a rich ambience then these are the places to look for:

Delhi ka Aangan (Hyatt Regency)

Darbar (Asoka Hotel)

Corbett’s (Claridges)

Bukhara (Maurya Sheraton)

Frontier (Asoka Hotel)

Baluchi (The Hilton)

EI Arab (Regal Building)

Dum Pukht or the process of slow cooking developed in Awadh (Maurya Sheraton)

Kashmiri food at Chor Bizarre (Hotel Broadway)

Thai food at Baan Tahi (The Oberoi)

Sukothai ( Hauz Khas village)

Japanese food at Tokyo (Asoka Hotel)

Osaka (Haus Khas village)

Day Trip from Delhi:

Taj Mahal: 

One of the Seven Wonders of the World. . Taj Mahal of India - "the epitome of love", "a monument of immeasurable beauty". The beauty of this magnificent monument is such that it is beyond the scope of words. Taj Mahal is synonymous to love and romance The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen.

Mathura: 

Mathura is the birthplace of the Hindu mythological character Lord Krishna at the centre of Braj or Brij-bhoomi, called Shri Krishna Janma-Bhoomi, literally: 'Lord Krishna's birthplace'. The Keshav Dev Temple was built in ancient times on the site of Krishna's legendary birthplace. Mathura is a city in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located approximately 50 km north of Agra, and 145 km south-east of Delhi; about 11 kilometers from the town of Vrindavan.

Vrindavan: 

Vrindavan also known as Vraj is a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the site of an ancient forest which is the region where according to the Mahabharata, a grand Epic of Sanskrit literature dating back to the 3000 BC, the deity Krishna spent his childhood days. The town is about 10 km away from Mathura, the city of Lord Krishna's birthplace, near the Agra-Delhi highway. The town hosts hundreds of temples dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna and is considered sacred. Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat was built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest temple in Vrindavan. Sri Krishna Balarama Temple - built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in a location known as 'Raman-Reti', is one of the most beautiful temples in Vrindavan today.

Neemrana Fort: 

Neemrana is an ancient historical town in Alwar district of Rajasthan, India, situated at 122 km from Delhi on the Delhi-Jaipur highway in Behror tehsil. Neemrana comes under the Delhi NCR region and it is an industrial hub. This area is also known as Raath region, it is the site of 14th century hill-fort occupied by Chauhans till 1947. The erstwhile ruling family is considered to be the direct lineage of Prithviraj Chauhan. Some distance from Neemrana is another fort, Kesroli in Alwar district, which is one of the oldest heritage sites Neemrana offers a vibrant site for magical weekend getaways, feasts, celebrations, and conferences. This 15th century heritage hotel is ideal to invent your own past at the dream site of history. Seven palace wings built over 12 layers tiered into a hill across 2.5 hectares/ 6 acres of garden-palace; make Neemrana Fort-Palace one of the most unique resorts near Delhi.

Rishikesh:  

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, it is known as The Gateway to the Himalayas. Rishikesh is a city and a municipal board in Dehradun district now in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Ever since the Beatles rocked up at the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the late ’60s, Rishikesh has been a magnet for spiritual seekers. Today it styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’ – with some justification – as there are masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. River rafting Trekking, Camping, Yoga, Wild Life Safari are popular here.

Fatehpur Sikri: 

Built during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor Akbar. The complex of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. The city, which the English traveller Ralph Fitch considered in 1585 as 'considerably larger than London and more populous', comprised a series of palaces, public buildings and mosques, as well as living areas for the court, the army, servants of the king and for an entire population whose history has not been recorded.

Bharatpur: 

The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Sanctuary Bird in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that plays host to thousands of birds especially during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a declared World Heritage Site. The Sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world. It is known for nesting of its resident birds and visiting migratory birds including water birds. The rare Siberian cranes used to winter in this park but this central population of Siberian Cranes is now extinct. According to Sir Peter Scott Keoladeo Sanctuary is the world’s best bird area.

Shopping in the city/ Souvenirs:

Shopper’s Paradise! Shopping in Delhi is all either all about splurging at various high-end markets or striking a good bargain at the famous street markets, so just indulge! The main shopping markets in Delhi are concentrated in and around Connaught Place, Palika Bazaar, the underground air-conditioned market in CP and Janpath. More traditional markets are in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi and in Karol Bagh.  For handlooms and handicrafts from all states of India, visit the state emporia on Baba Kharak Singh Marg and the Central Cottage Industries Emporium off Connaught Place. Antiques and art are sold at the Tibetan Market on Janpath and some shops in Sundar Nagar Market. Today Delhi and the surrounding NCR area is overflowing with glitzy malls where footfalls are increasing by leap folds, with the Select City Walk Mall at Saket leading the pack. For inexpensive cotton clothing, try the Tibetan Market on Janpath and Sarojini Nagar Market. Some exclusive boutiques sell designer outfits in up-markets like Greater Kailash, Vasant Vihar, Hauz Khas village, the Santushti complex and Khan Market.

Fab India:

Popular among the city's elite and middle-class, Fab India is well known for both its quality and Diversity in western and traditional clothing. All fashionable garments like Saris, Suits, Kurtis, Pants, Stoles, Skirts, Shirts, and Jackets etc. are available.

Branches: Gurgaon, Vasant Kunj, Rajouri Garden

Watches & Jewellery:

Aastha Jewellery:

If you are looking for branded diamond studded Jewellery from Nakshatra and Asmi, Aastha Jewellery is the best place. You can choose Necklaces, Bangles Earrings, Rings, Bracelets, Chains, Kurta buttons.

 Monday closed.

Branches: Lajpat Nagar-II, Gurgaon

Amrapali

Glimmer of gold trinkets, sparkle of semi-precious Gem stones, quietude of kundan sets and glint of Handcrafted silver jewellery and silverware entice you and you can choose from Amrapali.

Sunday closed

Mehrasons Jewellers’ Pvt. Ltd.

Located in South Delhi, it is a well-known brand in Jewellery. An exclusive features of this shop is that they do not deduct money on their own gold and

Diamond brands when you decide to return the Jewellery.

 Monday closed.

Branches: Karol Bagh

Chand Begum Ke Jewels

Located in South Delhi, Chand Begum Ke Jewels is the best place for buying all types of jewellery. Colored stones and diamond studded gold Jewellery in ethnic designs is their forte and no two design is similar.

Johnson Watch Company

One of the best showroom in Central Delhi, they provide trendy and stylish watches along with the royal ones. Here you can get the comprehensive variety of all types’ watches.

Branches: South Extension

What to Wear:

What you wear in India depends on the context. You would not wear to church what you'd wear to the beach. If you are going to traditional bazaar areas it is good to dress modestly. If you are visiting museums and monuments, then t-shirts / Capris etc. should be fine. Jain temples do not allow shorts for men and women. Mosques also don't. At Sikh gurudwaras, you are required to cover your head with a scarf. Jain temples also don't allow you to carry leather into the temple (belts, wallets, shoes). If you are coming to India during our summer, please note that the best clothes to wear are loose cottons and linens that cover the skin fully. On the one hand, Delhi is an urban metropolis, and many of the young, hip Dilli-wallas are very aware of and open to western clothing trends.  For example, many of the bars and nightclubs in Delhi have dress codes that do not even allow people in Indian ethnic-wear to enter. It’s always a good idea to carry a scarf.  Whether it’s because you need to cover up a bit more, enter someplace where you need to cover your head, or simply because you’re feeling a bit chilly, carrying a spare scarf around in your bag never hurts. In case you are coming in winters, carry lots of woolen clothing with you. The weather of Delhi in peak winters is quite chilly and if you are thinking of roaming around the city, then, make sure that you are fully covered and warmed.

Safety:

There are countless fake ‘Government Approved’ Tourist Info places, Auto drivers will always take you to these.  There is only 1 Official Government India Tourism office. That office is located at 88 Janpath Rd. Delhi (especially in Old Delhi, around Chandni Chowk) gets very crowded. People jostle for space to walk, and pick-pocketing happens. Carry money in a money belt. Never carry a wallet/Passport in a back pocket. Be aware of your surroundings always. When removing money from wallet or money belt, find a quiet spot, if possible. Most international flights arrive in India late at night or in the very early hours, when it is still dark. Getting to your hotel from the airport late at night can be cause for concern, especially for foreign tourists. It is always preferred to get the hotel where you have reservation, to arrange to pick you up from the airport. In case you have not arranged for the hotel to pick you up, then always take a prepaid taxi. Do not hire private taxis from the airport on your own. Prepaid taxi is the only safe way to go. Never accept a free ride with a stranger who happens to be going in the same direction as you. Regardless of what car he may have or how well he or she may be dressed.

That’s all folk’s hope this was helpful and please writes to me with your feedback and inputs.