new delhi - history at every turn

8/12/2019 New Delhi - History at Every Turn

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Shashwat Nagpal

New Delhi -History at every turn

New Delhi, 3 Days

Table of contents:

Guide Description 2

Itinerary Overview 3

Daily Itineraries 5

New Delhi Snapshot 19
http://www.nileguide.com/destination/new-delhi/trips/new-delhi-history-at-every-turn/6788546http://www.nileguide.com/destination/new-delhi/trips/new-delhi-history-at-every-turn/6788546


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Guide Description

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AUTHOR NOTE: Mesmerizing. Modern. Ancient. Diverse..Delhi overwhelms at first sight. Stand resolute and the city lifts itsvaried veils to reveal gems of history at every turn...Delhi has been almost continuously inhabited since sixth centuryB.C...With the rise of the Delhi Sultanate in 1200 A.D, Delhi becamethe most important city in India. The Qutub Minar, completed in1386, is the landmark structure of this period. At 72.5 meters it is

the tallest brick minaret in the world...The Mughal emperor Shahjahan decided to shift his capitalfrom Agra to Delhi in 1639. The result was a walled city calledSahjahanabad. It exists today as 'old delhi' with the Red Fort,Chandani Chowk and Jama Masjid as its architectural linchpins...When the British decided to shift their capital to Delhi, theysettled on the relatively open area to the south of the walled city.Designed to project British Imperial ambitions, this part of Delhi isknown for its imposing colonial architecture and wide, tree-linedboulevards...Visit it for its buildings, its eclectic mix of cultures from all across

India, the bustle of its bazaars, the smile of its people. Delhi, inthe end, lets you find exactly what you came looking for. You justhave to stay long enough.....(Photo Credit: mpnchar/flickr)


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Itinerary Overviewthings to do

restaurants

hotels

nightlife

3

Day 1 - New Delhi

DAY NOTE: Delhi before the Mughals. Experience thearchitecture of the period leading up to Mughal Rule. Locations:CBD, South-west Delhi, South Delhi...Transport Tip: Book a full-day taxi, Radio taxis are available,they are clean, air-conditioned, and generally charge Rs. 15($ 0.34 approx) per kilometer. Ask your Hotel Travel Desk tohelp, or go online to any of these sites: www.merucabs.com,www.carzonrent.com, www.quickcabs.in, www.smartcabs.com

Park (The)Art in the halls

Jantar Mantar

Big sun dials

Ugrasen Ki BaoliAn ancient step well

Alai DarwazaA perfect gateway

Qutub MinarHighest stone tower

Alai Minar

Remnants of Mughal architecture

Iron PillarMysterious structure

Tomb of IltutmishLacework in stone

Jamali KamaliSlave dynasty's architecture

Bijai Mandal

A royal palace

Lal GumbadPre-Mughal Architecture

BukharaFood from the frontier

Day 2 - New Delhi

DAY NOTE: Mughal Delhi: Spend a day revisiting the pomp andgrandeur of Mughal times. Mostly in and around the walled city.Also, spice up the day with a visit to Khari Baoli.

Purana Qila (Old Fort)Reminiscent of Mughal Grandeur

Khari BaoliSpice Market

Fatehpuri MasjidOldest Piece of Mughal Architecture

Jama MasjidA mosque in sandstone and marble

Chandni ChowkShops, restaurants and tombs

Lahore Gate (The)Symbolic gate into India

Red FortLal Quila

Sound and Light ShowHistory becomes fun

Karim'sMoghlai Treats


Day 3 - New Delhi

DAY NOTE: Colonial Delhi with a Mughal intermission: SeeIndia's center of power, imperial architecture at its glorious best,two Mughal memorial tombs that still mesmerize. End the the day


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Itinerary Overviewthings to do

restaurants

hotels

nightlife

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in serene wonder with a visit to a mammoth white lotus floating onwater.

India GateLutyen's vision

Sansad BhavanIndian parliament

Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House)Great view

Secretariat (The)Ministerial offices

Safdarjung TombMughal art

Humayun's TombBest of Mughal architecture

Bahai TempleThe Lotus Temple

Chor BizzareOne of a kind



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Day 1 - New DelhiQUICK NOTE

DAY NOTE: Delhi before the Mughals. Experience the architecture of the period leading up to Mughal Rule. Locations: CBD, South-wes

Delhi, South Delhi...Transport Tip: Book a full-day taxi, Radio taxis are available, they are clean, air-conditioned, and generally charge Rs. 15 ($ 0.34

approx) per kilometer. Ask your Hotel Travel Desk to help, or go online to any of these sites: www.merucabs.com, www.carzonrent.com,

www.quickcabs.in, www.smartcabs.com

contact:tel: +91 11 2374 3000fax: +91 11 2734 4000http://www.theparkhotels.com/park/del%20home.html

location:15 Parliament StreetNew Delhi DL 110001

1 Park (The)

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Stay here if you are looking for great comfort andready accessibility to all parts of Delhi. Plus, they dohave very nicely done restaurants and a decent bar- Agni.

DESCRIPTION: The Park located in Central Delhi, is a memberof the elite group of Design Hotels. It has re-invented itself over

the past few years, and is now an art connoiseur of sorts.hasre-invented itself over the past few years, and is now an artconnoisseur of sorts. There are valuable handpicked piecesof Indian art gracing its walls and the decor is cutting edgecontemporary. The Park, a part of a group of boutique hotels inIndia, makes sure that it's a walking and talking advertisementfor serious high standards in hospitality. There is LUXURYwritten all over its fancy facilities and ultra modern amenities.

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Day 1 - continued...

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The hotel is located in the heart of the city and overlooks thehistoric 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory. wcities.com

contact:tel: +91 11 2332 0005

location:Connaught PlaceNew Delhi DL 110001

2 Jantar Mantar

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:A fascinating place to visit. To understand how theyused to tell time back then. This is a short walk fromthe Patel Chowk Metro station on the Blue Line.

DESCRIPTION: On first glance, Jantar Mantar seems likea collection of weird buildings contorted beyond belief. Oncloser look, the genius of the construction is apparent. Builtby Maharaja Jai Singh in 1725, it is a brilliant attempt to revisethe calendar and the astronomical tables. A mammoth sundial stands in the centre of the observatory. There are manyother constructions made to track the sun beams and mooncycles. Once a precise mechanism for telling time and eclipses,

now Jantar Mantar is made defunct due to the overshadowingby tall skyscapers all around. This place derives its morecontemporary charm from the hordes of protests (dharnas)and hunger strikes that are organised on a frequent basis. wcities.com

MY NOTE: Just walk across from your hotel after breakfast.

Photo courtesy of Richard Moross

contact:tel: +91 11 2464 7005 (TouristInformation)

location:Near Kasturba Gandhi Marg,New Delhi DL 110001

hours:Call for details

3 Ugrasen Ki Baoli

DESCRIPTION: This baoli (step well) is a small structure builtof rubble and dressed stone. Shaded by a massive neem tree,

it has no roof. Step wells of this kind were once the lifelineof settlements. They not only provided water but also servedas points and centers of community activity; places wherepeople gathered to cool off and socialize. The well has fivelevels where each level has an arched area, which was usedas a resting place. The center of the well has water and thewater is linked to a well dug in a covered platform. Today, itstands quietly and ignored amidst the corporate buildings ofConnaught Place. If you look over the highest wall of the baoli,you will see a surrounding ring of imposing high rises. It's quitea view. wcities.com

Photo courtesy of INDIAFOCUS

contact:

tel: +91 11 2464 7005 (TouristInformation)

location:Qutub Minar ComplexNew Delhi DL 110016

hours:Daily dawn to dusk

4 Alai Darwaza

DESCRIPTION: Situated in midst of the beautiful Indo-Islamicstructures of the Qutub Minar complex, stands the elegantAlai Darwaza (gate). By the time it was finished in 1311,Indian workmen had mastered the art of constructing a dome.Through the system of a series of arched brackets, the squarechamber was converted into a octagon and then a circle, andthe dome was mounted on it. This celebrated gate is built of red

Photo courtesy of Ze Eduardo...


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sandstone with arched openings on all sides. It is full of scriptscarved with ancient inscriptions and has many other decorativedetails in white marble. wcities.com

contact:tel: +91 11 2332 0005

location:MehrauliNew Delhi DL 110030

5 Qutub Minar

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Avoid the shops selling handicrafts around the complex. Youare better off buying at the Cottage Emporium, Janpath.

DESCRIPTION: Nobody quite knows why this structure was built.Some believe it was erected as a symbol of victory of the Muslim rulein India. What is undisputable is that it is one of the finest monumentsin the country and one of the most recognised, second only to the TajMahal in Agra. Its construction was started Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the firstMuslim ruler of Delhiin 1200, but managed to finish only the base. Hissuccessor, Iltutmush added three more storeys, and later, Firoz ShahTughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey. The first three storeysare made of red sandstone. The fourth and fifth floors are made of marbleand sandstone. Admission: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 250 for foreigners. wcities.com

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hours:

Daily dawn to dusk

6 Alai Minar

DESCRIPTION: The gigantic rubble structure to the north ofQutub Minar is known as Alai Minar (tower). Set amidst otherbeautiful ruins of the Qutub complex, it is a testimony of theMughal stubbornness to create architectural art. This is anunfinished base of the mammoth tower begun by Alauddin Khiljisometime in the 1200s. It was intended to rival the size of the

Qutub Minar tower. wcities.com

Photo courtesy of Swami Stream

contact:tel: +91 11 2332 0005


hours:10a-6p

7 Iron Pillar

DESCRIPTION: The Iron Pillar is inscribed with a Sanskritinscription that says that it was built as a pole for a temple inthe 4th century. But that's just about all that is known about thisstructure. The most fascinating thing about this pillar is that ithas remained rust-free for over 2000 years. Another insolvablemystery is that the kind of iron used to make this pillar can onlybe produced in small quantities through electrolysis - today.How it was made so many centuries ago defies explanation.

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Photo courtesy of 3D King


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hours:Daily dawn to dusk

8 Tomb of Iltutmish

DESCRIPTION: This is the tomb of Iltutmish who died in1236. He was the son-in-law and successor of emperorQutubuddin Aibak. It has an exquisite sculptural character andhas inscriptions from the Holy book of Quran on its walls, whichhave been delicately carved out like fine lace work in stone. wcities.com

MY NOTE: Right now is the time to grab a quick bite. You couldgo to the coffee shop of Sheraton Hotel - a 15 min. drive fromQutub, or ask your driver to take you to the nearest Cafe CoffeeDay outlet.

Photo courtesy of Christopher Chan


location:

Near Qutub Minar ComplexNew Delhi DL 110030

9 Jamali Kamali

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:

There is less bustle here than at the Qutub. Use thisas a short pit stop to unwind before setting off onyour itinerary again.

DESCRIPTION: The Jamali Kamali masjid (mosque) and tombis situated near the Qutub Minar complex and is set withina beautiful park. The mosque's simple lines give it an air ofsimple elegance and quiet contemplation. Through the dooron the right lies a small chamber in which Jamali and Kamaliare buried. Jamali was a saint and a poet who was a favoriteof the ruling king. The identity of Kamali is unknown. The tombchamber is closed to the public but the outside premises areworth a view. wcities.com

Photo courtesy of Shashwat_Nagpa

contact:tel: +91 11 2462 9365

location:Sarvapriya ViharNew Delhi DL 110017


A Bijai Mandal

DESCRIPTION: The Arab traveler, Ibn Batuta, minister at the king's court, described the series ofgates within the Bijai Mandal at great length. Standing on top of the ruins of this palace, one canalmost sense its ruined splendor. One of the best things to do is to stand at the highest point andget a kaleidoscopic view of many parts of the capital. You will be able to see the Begumpuri Masjid,the historic and magnificent Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, and Humayun's Tomb. wcities.com

contact:tel: +91 11 2464 7005(Tourist

Information)fax: +91 11 2469 7352(Tourist Information)

location:Panchshila ParkNew Delhi 110017

B Lal Gumbad

DESCRIPTION: The Lal Gumbad is one of the many grand pieces of ancient architecture thatbeautifully adorn the city of Delhi. Lal Gumbad or the Red Mausoleum is the tomb of Shaikh Kabir-Ud-Din Auliya, who was buried here in 1397, during the pre-Mughal era. The square-shaped tombis erected of red sandstone, with a conic-shaped plastered dome on the roof. The serene lawnsof Panchshila Park, where the tomb is located, exudes a wonderful ambiance. Don't miss thisgorgeous monument, when in Delhi! wcities.com


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contact:tel: +91 11 2611 2233fax: +91 11 2611 3333http://www.welcomgroup.com/

location:

Maurya SheratonNew Delhi DL 110021

hours:12:3-p-2:45p; 7:30-11:45p

C Bukhara

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Reserve in advance, especially if you are planning

on dinner.

DESCRIPTION:A stalwart in its field, Bukhara remainsunchallenged as far as cooking dry meats go. The kebabsare to die for and its dal (an Indian dish), which is cooked for24 hours over a slow fire, is legendary. Sitting on one of thedesigner wooden stumps, which match the loghouse decorof the place, you can enjoy the fascinating scenes of thekitchen. It is separated through a glass partition and the chefcan be seen throwing dough in the air and ending up with aperfect circular roomali roti (Indian bread). This restaurant isconsidered the ultimate place for Frontier food. It is expensive,but worth every penny. wcities.com

MY NOTE: End the day on a perfect note with a repast fit forkings at this celebrated restaurant.

Photo courtesy of jennthechen82


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DAY NOTE: Mughal Delhi: Spend a day revisiting the pomp and grandeur of Mughal times. Mostly in and around the walled city. Also,

spice up the day with a visit to Khari Baoli.


fax: +91 11 2469 7352(Tourist Information)

location:Off Mathura RoadNew Delhi 110034

1 Purana Qila (Old Fort)

DESCRIPTION: Purana Qila or Old Fort, on the banks of the river Yamuna, is one of the mostgorgeous exponents of Mughal architecture. This imposing structure was built by EmperorHumayun in 1533 on the site of Indraprastha (capital of the Pandavas in Mahabharata) and wasnamed "Dina-panah". The structure was later renovated by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri andrenamed "Shergarh" in 1545. The fort, built of red sandstone has two towering gates, "TalaqiDarwaza" on the northern side and "Humayun Darwaza" on the southern side that are intricatelycarved. The Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid and the Sher Mandal are important monuments inside the fort. OldFort truly adds to the vintage charm of Delhi! wcities.com

contact:tel: +91 11 2332 0005

location:

Near Turkman GateNew Delhi DL 110006

hours:5a-9p

2 Khari Baoli

DESCRIPTION: Khari Baoli is the city's wholesale market thatsells exotic spices and dry agricultural products. It is a verypopular place with the tourists as the sights and smells thatawait them are unique and something they have probably neverexperienced before. This place has been in existence for overcenturies - Khari Baoli still is reminiscent of a t ime long gone by. wcities.com

Photo courtesy of Carol Mitchell


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contact:tel: +91 11 2332 0005

location:Red FortNew Delhi DL 110006

6 Lahore Gate (The)

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Don't miss the Light and Show at Red Fort of whichthis gate is a part.

DESCRIPTION: Lahore Gate is one of the main entrance intothe historical Red Fort. It is named so because it faces Lahore,now a city in Pakistan. As you cross the gate, you step intoan arcade called the Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar). Thismarketplace once used to cater to royal needs - for silver,textiles, gold, silks etc. But today you'll find the usual items fortourists. It also had a popular mini-market called the Meenabazaar, where ladies of the court shopped on Thursdays. Andit was forbidden for any male to enter the area that day. wcities.com

Photo courtesy of Pablo H

contact:

tel: +91 (0)11 2464 7005fax: +91 (0)11 2469 7352 /+91 (0)11 2461 0500 (TouristInformation)http://www.indiasite.com/delhi/places/delhiredfort.html

location:Off Mahatma Gandhi MargNew Delhi 110006

7 Red Fort

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:While you are visiting the Deewaan-e-khas (innercourt), look out of the window. In place of the busyroad you see was the river Yamuna. The emperorused to sit at his balcony and watch the ebb andflow of the water almost every evening.

DESCRIPTION: This was emperor Shah Jahan's residence, afort of unimaginable magnitude. Built in 1648 along the banks ofthe Yamuna river, it is constructed in the reddest of sandstones,and extends upto two kilometres horizontally. Before 1857,

the fort was a small city in itself and was home to over 3000people. Today, it daily welcomes thousands of tourists. Onlya part of the full area is accessible to public, the rest is theterritory of the Indian army. The daily sound and light show inthe evenings is very popular with the visitors and is a must-see.Admmission: Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners. wcities.com

Photo courtesy of Shashlwat Nagpal

contact:tel: +91 (0)11 2328 1802 /+91 (0)11 2327 4580 (IndiaTourism)

location:Red FortNew Delhi DL 110006

hours:Hindi: daily Sep-Oct 7p-8p,Nov-Jan 6p-7p, Feb-Apr7p-8p, May-Aug 7.30p-8.30p.English: daily Sep-Oct

8 Sound and Light Show

DESCRIPTION:An extraordinary sound and light show is organised every evening at Red Fort.Inaugurated on October 2nd, 1996, it is perhaps the biggest of its kind in India. It recreates theevents of Indian history particularly related to the fort. Red Fort is believed to be the site of the firstcity of Delhi. The high rise walls and imposing entrances to the Quila (fort) are credited to emperorShershah Suri. Massive halogen lights reflected from the mammoth, red sandstone walls andsound effects from hidden speakers evoke such an effect that the show has been a hit with thelocal crowds as well as the tourist for years. It takes place in Hindi and English for an hour each.Tickets Rs 50 (children Rs. 20). wcities.com


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8.30p-9.30p, Nov-Jan7.30p-8.30p, Feb-Apr8.30p-9.30p, May-Aug 9p-10p

contact:tel: +91 11 2326 9880

http://www.karimhoteldelhi.com/

location:16 Gali KababianNew Delhi 110006

9 Karim's

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Recommended: mutton burra, mutton stew, tandoorichicken, badam pasanda, khamiri roti (bread), allthe biryanis, phirni(sweet dish).

DESCRIPTION:A well known name in the capital, Karim's hasbeen serving traditional Indian preparations since a long timenow. Considered one of the best, many a celebrity has beenspotted dining here. Located opposite the Jamma Masjid, thefamous place offers mouth watering kebabs and tasty muttondishes. The specials include Mutton Burra, Chicken Tikka,Chicken Noor Jehan, Chicken Jahangiri and of course, Chicken

Tandoori. The menu also features spicy appetizers like kebabs. wcities.com

MY NOTE: Do try the 'Khamiri Roti', their famous fresh bread.Also, the mutton stew is great. All gravy dishes come swimmingin fat. You are supposed to drain the excess fat in an emptyquarter plate kept on the table before you start.

Photo courtesy of Anirban Brahma



A Park (The)

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:

Stay here if you are looking for great comfort andready accessibility to all parts of Delhi. Plus, they dohave very nicely done restaurants and a decent bar- Agni.

DESCRIPTION: The Park located in Central Delhi, is a memberof the elite group of Design Hotels. It has re-invented itself overthe past few years, and is now an art connoiseur of sorts.hasre-invented itself over the past few years, and is now an artconnoisseur of sorts. There are valuable handpicked piecesof Indian art gracing its walls and the decor is cutting edgecontemporary. The Park, a part of a group of boutique hotels inIndia, makes sure that it's a walking and talking advertisementfor serious high standards in hospitality. There is LUXURY

written all over its fancy facilities and ultra modern amenities.The hotel is located in the heart of the city and overlooks thehistoric 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory. wcities.com

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DAY NOTE: Colonial Delhi with a Mughal intermission: See India's center of power, imperial architecture at its glorious best, two Mughal

memorial tombs that still mesmerize. End the the day in serene wonder with a visit to a mammoth white lotus floating on water.

contact:tel: +91 (0)11 2464 7005fax: +91 (0)11 2469 7352 /

+91 (0)11 2461 0500 (TouristInformation)http://www.tourism-of-india.com/india-gate-newdelhi.html

location:RajpathNew Delhi DL 110001

1 India Gate

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Right behind the India Gate is an empty canopy thatonce housed the statue of King George. The roadbetween India Gate and the President's House iscall Rajpath. The ceremonial Republic Day paradeis held here. The lawns are abuzz with locals everyevening out for a stroll.

DESCRIPTION: India Gate is usually the first stop in atraveler's itinerary. It is a majestic structure, which standshigh at the end of Rajpath amidst plush, green manicuredlawns and water fountains carved in sandstone. Designedand built by Lutyens, it was originally called the All India WarMemorial. This structure was built in honor and memory of thescores of Indian soldiers who died in World War I, the North-West Frontier operations, and the Afghan war in early 1900s.India Gate is truly unique as each martyred soldier's name isinscribed in its walls. Under it burns the eternal flame of 'AmarJyoti'; burning since 1971. The area is especially breathtakingin the evenings when India Gate and the sparawling lawns aredramaticly lit with floodlights. Just behind the main structure ofIndia Gate is a canopy made in sandstone. In front of it is the

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magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the Presidentof India. This is one of the most beautiful localities in the cityand is favourite spot for picnics and outings all year round. wcities.com

contact:

http://www.parliamentofindia.nic.in/

location:Sansad MargNew Delhi DL 110001

2 Sansad Bhavan

DESCRIPTION: Sansad Bhavan (Parliament House) is acircular, sandstone building with mammoth pillars. It is a placewhere the ministers of the country convene everyday to discussand approve policies. Sansad Bhavan is divided into threecomplexes - the Lok Sabha (House of States), the Rajya Sabha(House of Lords), and the library. The design of this structurewas inspired by Mughal architecture - evident in the motifs onthe wall slabs. Entry is allowed into the Library only, passes areavailable at the Visitor's Reception. To obtain a visitors' pass,foreign nationals should apply though their embassies or highcommissions. wcities.com

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contact:tel: +91 11 332 0005http://presidentofindia.nic.in/

location:RajpathNew Delhi DL 110001

hours:Tu-Su 10a-5p

3 Rashtrapati Bhavan (President

House)

DESCRIPTION: This is the official residence of the Presidentof India. The Rashtrapati Bhavan is an awe-inspiring complex,which was designed by Lutyens in the early 1900s. The palace-like building is a blend of Western and Mughal architecturalstyles; the most obvious Indian feature being the huge copperdome. It is believed to be inspired by the Buddhist stupa atSanchi. There is a huge courtyard in the front and a lushgarden towards the back. The garden is spread over a 130 acrearea and is very popular with the tourists. It is open to the publiconly in February. wcities.com

Photo courtesy of anappaiah

contact:tel: +91 11 2332 0005

location:RajpathNew Delhi 110001

4 Secretariat (The)

DESCRIPTION: The buildings that form The Secretariat surround theRashtrapati Bhavan. The North Block are the offices of the Home andFinance Ministeries and the South Block is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.This is a series of beautiful buildings in red sandstone with Baroquedomes covered with lotus motifs and elephants - another example of thearchitect's, Lutyen's genius. Unfortunately, entry into the premises is notallowed. wcities.com

Photo courtesy ofkersy83


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contact:tel: +91 11 2332 0005

location:Lodhi RoadNew Delhi DL 110003

5 Safdarjung Tomb

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Another great example of the charbagh (four-garden) layout, this is one of the last of Mughal

monuments to be erected in Delhi.

DESCRIPTION: Safdarjung Tomb was built as a mausoleumfor the Viceroy of Awadh, Safdarjung, in 1754. The mainstructure, built in red sandstone, is surrounded by many othersmaller pavillions like Jangli Mahal (Wild Palace), Moti Mahal(Palace of Pearls), and Badshah Pasand (King's Favourite).It is a beautiful piece of Mughal architecture, and the endlesslush green gardens and manicured lawns are sure to takeyour breath away. Admission: Rs. 5 for Indians, Rs. 100 forforeigners. wcities.com

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contact:

tel: +91 11 2332 0005

location:NizamuddinNew Delhi DL 110013

6 Humayun's Tomb

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Don't fail to notice the charbagh (four-garden) layoutthat is a Persian influence. This is the first instanceof its use in India. It went on to become a trademarkof Mughal architecture.

DESCRIPTION: Built as a memorial for emperor Humayun byhis wife in the 16th century, this structure, resplendent in redsandstone is considered to be the next best thing after the TajMahal in Agra. The tomb is awe-inspiring, nestled by lush greenlawns on three sides and a river on the fourth. There are other

tombs within the premises as well - of Humanyun Babar's andIsa Khan's. This place is not frequented just by the tourists butalso has its loyal admirers who throng here in hordes. The entryin the complex is free on Fridays. wcities.com

Photo courtesy of RobRyb

contact:tel: +91 11 2332 0005http://www.bahaindia.org/temple/index.html

location:Nehru PlaceNew Delhi DL 110017

7 Bahai Temple

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Visit early morning or in the evening,especially if it ishot. You are supposed to take off your shoes beforeyou enter the building. There is a lot of barefootwalking involved. Remember, the central hall is formeditation. No talking!

DESCRIPTION: India is a known as a country of hundreds ofreligions and communities, and the Bahai Temple is a symbolof such tolerance and respect. Built in 1997, in the shape ofa white lotus, it is surrounded by nine cyrstal blue pools ofwater and lush green lawns. The idea is to create an illusionof a white lotus f loating in water. This building welcomes

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worshippers, believers and non-believers from all over thecountry and the world - it strives to create a space of calm andpositive energy. If not for the religious aspect of it, thousandstourists come everyday to view and enjoy the mammoth lotusstructure built out of marble with the red sandstone pathways.Admission is Free. wcities.com

MY NOTE: The inside of the Temple is supposed to be a placeof meditation. Act accordingly.

contact:tel: +91 (0)11 2327 3821 / +91(0)11 2327 3825fax: +91 (0)11 2327 9966http://www.chorbizarrerestaurant.com/newsite/index_india.html

location:4/15A, Hotel Broadway

New Delhi 110002


8 Chor Bizzare

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Go for the Kashmiri cuisine here.

DESCRIPTION: Chor Bizzare is an extraordinary restaurant.Its name means The Market of Thieves, and the wholeconcept of the restaurant is based on that. You enter through aheavily carved wooden door and walk into the most strangely

decorated restaurant. The tables are the weirdest some aresilver-plated, glass or marbled, and some are converted fromfour-poster beds and sewing machines. There are variousfascinating curios in the three rooms of the dining area, suchas an old broken gramophone, posters of Coca Cola fromthe 1950s, a metal staircase in the middle of the restaurantleading up to nowhere, and finally, the piece de resistance, a1920s Fiat, which acts as a salad bar. Nothing makes senseand that is the uniqueness of this place. Chor Bizzare is anaward-winning restaurant and serves delicious food. You mayforget the food, but will always remember the restaurant'strademark...the bizzareness. wcities.com

MY NOTE:A perfect way to end the trip to the city where

nothing makes sense, yet everything comes together.

Photo courtesy of proxyindian



9 Park (The)

OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:Stay here if you are looking for great comfort andready accessibility to all parts of Delhi. Plus, they dohave very nicely done restaurants and a decent bar- Agni.

DESCRIPTION: The Park located in Central Delhi, is a member

of the elite group of Design Hotels. It has re-invented itself overthe past few years, and is now an art connoiseur of sorts.hasre-invented itself over the past few years, and is now an artconnoisseur of sorts. There are valuable handpicked piecesof Indian art gracing its walls and the decor is cutting edgecontemporary. The Park, a part of a group of boutique hotels inIndia, makes sure that it's a walking and talking advertisementfor serious high standards in hospitality. There is LUXURYwritten all over its fancy facilities and ultra modern amenities.

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The hotel is located in the heart of the city and overlooks thehistoric 18th century Jantar Mantar Observatory. wcities.com


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New Delhi Snapshot

19

Local Info

Historically significant, politically dominant

and culturally vibrant, Delhi is not an easy

city to bracket. As Indias capital it enjoys

the privileges of power. Its continuous

thread of rich history is a mother lode thatthrows up riches wherever you go. Delhi

can be thought of as a layer of successive

cites that followed one-another in the wake

of time. A simpler way to look at modern

Delhi is to follow the nine-district division of

1997. These districts are: Central, North,

South, East, West, North-East, South-East,

North-West, and South-West District.

Central/New Delhi:When the British

decided to shift the capital from Kolkottato Delhi in 1912 they envisioned a

capital city that would be a true reflection

of British imperial power. Thus were

conceived buildings to project imposing

grandeur. Today, in this part of Delhi you

can view the results of this vision. The

Presidents House, the India Gate, the

Parliament House, Connaught Place are

a few examples. This area of Delhi is

characterized by wide-open boulevards and

a generally low skyline.

North Delhi:The moment you head north

of Connaught Place, the city seems to

close upon itself. The streets become

narrower, the roads winding, the traffic

chaotic. This is the part of the city whre you

will find Shahjahahnabad or the Old City.

With the Chandani Chowk, Jama Masjid

and the Red Fort as your focal points

you can launch into walks that take you

through narrow winding lanes and throw up

surprises at almost every turn. Paharganj-

the backpacker paradise and the University

further north are the other significant areas.

South Delhi/South-East Delhi:Full of

high-end stores, happening nightspots,

plush residences, specialty restaurants and

a bevy of 5-Star hotels this is the hip part

of town. The roads are generally wide, you

get a sense of green almost everywhere

you go. This part of town also boasts of the

Qutub Minar, Tughlaqabad Fort, the Lotus

Temple, the Hauz Khas ruins and the Lodhi

Gardens.

West Delhi/North-West Delhi: Primarily

residential, this area does have a few pointsof interest. There is a new Delhi Haat at

Pritampura thats next to theNetaji Subhash

Place Metro station. This area has also

recently seen a number of swank new malls

come up, especially in the Rajouri Garden

area. Even the Hilton has opened recently

in Janakpuri.

East Delhi/North-East:Primarily

residential till recently, this area has seen a

spurt of building activity recently. With the

Akshardham Temple built on the banks ofthe Yamuna and the Commonwealth games

Village next door, East Delhi is certainly on

the tourist map.

NileGuide

History

Delhi has not always been the capital of

India but has played an important role

in Indian history. One of the fascinating

aspects of the city has been the'visibility'

of its historic past. If not for the demands

of urbanization, large portions of the citycould well be earmarked as archaeological

sites. This is because the rulers of the

dynasties from the 13th and 17th centuries

established eight cities in different parts

of Delhi. The first four were towards the

south where the Qutub Minar stands. The

city's history dates much further back than

the 13th century. Excavations have proved

that the Old Fort site was inhabited 3,000

years ago. And fine pottery dating back to

1,000 BC, from the time of the Hindu epic

of Mahabharata, called the Painted Grey

Ware, has been found. The excavations

also cut through houses and the streets of

the Sultanate of Rajput, Post-Gupta, Gupta,

Saka-Kushan and Sunga periods reaching

down to the Mauraya dynasty(300 BC).

The association of Emperor Ashoka(273-36

BC) has come to light after the discovery

of the Minor Rock Edict in one of the city's

districts. However, the core of the first city

was created by Anangpal Tomar in the 12th

century. He built Lal Kot, the first ever fort

in Delhi. Prithviraj Chauhan, the successive

king, added massive ramparts and gates,

and constructed the Quila Rai Pithora.

Today, only the ramparts are visible nearQutub Minar.

The second city, called Siri, was built by

Alauddin Khilji in 1303. Nothing remains

but the embattlements. He also dug a vast

reservoir, Hauz Khas, to supply water to

his people. Many historians consider the

Delhi of yore as a"rival to Cairo, and even

equal to Constantinople!" The Khiljis were

replaced by the Tughlaq dynasty in 1321.

Of its eleven rulers, only the first three

were interested in architecture and each

of them established a new city. Tughlaqarchitecture is more austere in comparison

to the ornate structures built by the Khiljis.

Ghitasuddin Tughlaq built the fortified town

of Tughlaqabad, which lies eight kilometers

east of the Qutub Minar Complex. Though

partially in ruins, it is still worth a visit.

Ghiyasuddin's successor, Muhammad-

bin-Tughlaq built Delhi's fourth city,

Jahanpanah. It largely comprises a walled

enclosure between Quila Rai Pithora and

Siri. Nothing from this time survives, and

the Sultan is best remembered for his

eccentric schemes, the strangest one to

shift the capital from Delhi to Dulatabad in

the Deccan region and back again to Delhi

Firoz Shah Tughlaq, a man interested in

history, hunting, architecture and irrigation

created the fifth city, Firozabad, situated

in the current Firoz Shah Kotla. Its ruins

include the Ashoka Pillar and a mosque.

Delhi's growth remained stagnant under the

reign of the Sayyids and the Lodhis. The

only notable architectural pieces by them

were tombs, the best of which can be seen

at Lodhi Gardens.

The last king of the Lodhis was defeated

by Babur, the founder of the Mughal

Dynasty. He shifted the capital from

Delhi to Agra. The first six Mughal rulers

were extraordinary men, and their rule

witnessed a powerful resurgence in Islamic


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New Delhi Snapshot continued

20

Architecture and culture. Babur's son,

Humayun, built the sixth city of Delhi called

the Purana Quila or Old Fort, which is off

Mathura Road.

In 1638, the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah

Jahan shifted the capital back to Delhi while

he was building the Taj Mahal in Agra. The

foundations were laid for the seventh city,

Shah Jahanabad, on the banks of Yamuna

river. It took nine years to complete. Many

monuments remain intact today Red Fort,

Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk.

Finally, the eighth city, New Delhi, was

constructed by the British. The site chosen

was a wilderness of Raisina, while the

city was designed by the architect Edwin

Lutyens and Herbert Baker. It took 20 years

to build and cost 15 million pounds. All

of central Delhi- Connaught Place, India

Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, is a testimonialof their creativity. In 1947, it became the

capital of partitioned India, and Hindu and

Sikh refugees poured in from Pakistan.

Many have invaded Delhi through the ages.

Tameerlaine attacked it in the 14th century,

Babur occupied it in the 16th century

and the Persian emperor, Nadir Shah,

sacked the city and took the Kohinoor

Diamond(now a part of the British royal

family's crown jewels) and the famous

Peacock Throne off to Iran. The British

captured Delhi in 1803, but during the

uprising of 1857, it became the center of

resistance against the British.

Hotel Insights

From the most expensive 5-star to thebasic room-only accommodation, NewDelhi offers it all. Whatever be the natureof your trip, it is advisable to stay either inand around the central business district Connaught Place(CP) or in South Delhi.Connaught Place is well connected to every

part of the city, the main metro station(RajivChowk) is bang in the center, the railwaystation is nearby, and with the metro airportline nearing completion, even the airport willbe just a 20-minute ride away.

From colonial grandeur to boutique chic.From upscale modern to wallet-friendly.CP has a range of options when it comesto hotels. You are sure to find what you

are looking for. The Imperial,The Park,LeMeridian,The Metropoliton Nikko,The Lalitare the more upscale properties.Hotel HansPlaza,Hotel Janpath and are comfortableand affordable.Hotel Alka andMarina arelocated right in the middle of the shoppingdistrict.Marina still exudes an old-worldcharm whileAlka could be a hotel from

anywhere. Choose them only if you do notwant to spend much on the room and wantto be a few steps away from the shopping.If you are on a tight budget, travel a fewminutes by rickshaw or by foot from CP tobackpacker nirvana Paharganj. The metrostation for Paharganj is: RamakrishnaAshram.

Paharganj

Tightly packed and bustling with young

tourists, the Paharganj area is the place to

go to if you are not finicky about the size of

the room, the quality of linen, or the view.

Rooms start at around$10 for the most

basic. If you decide to walk-in and book,

make sure you see a couple of properties.

Always insist on seeing the room they are

offering before paying up. Avoid friendly

people on the street who offer to help

you find a hotel. Always be extra careful

of your belongings. Some of the hotels

you can consider in and around Paharganj

are:Pallavi Palace,Metropolis Tourist Home

andChand Palace. On the road connecting

CP toJama Masjid isHotel Broadway. It has

a famous restaurantChor Bizzare and some

rooms with a view of the old city andJama

Masjid.

B&B, Guest Houses

Mostly found in posh, South-Delhi colonies,

these offer a convenient location, mostly

for business visitors. You can check out the

list of top B&B and Guest houses in New

Delhihere.

5 Star Hotels

Apart from CP, New Delhi has 5-star

properties almost everywhere. Here is

a rough area-wise listing of the top 5-

star hotels.North Delhi:Oberoi Maidens.

Central Delhi:Taj Mahal,Claridges,The

Ashok.South Delhi:ITC Welcomgroup,Taj

Palace,Hyatt,Jaypee Vasant

Continental,Radisson,Sheraton.

Gurgaon:The Trident.

Most hotels offer online bookings. It makes

sense to book early, especially during peak

tourist season. If you are planning to visit

during the off-season, hunt for offers and

discounts on the web. Almost all hotel

chains have one offer or another going.

Better still, use ouradvanced hotel search to

find exactly what you are looking for.

NileGuide

Restaurants Insights

Delhiites love to flaunt their heritage of

Maharajas and dynasties. And hence it is

one of the prominent cities when it comes

to the art of dining out. The city is full of

restaurants, and almost all the upscale

ones have a grand and regal air about

them. The most favored cuisine is Indian,

i.e. Mughlai and Tandoori. Still, internationacuisines are thriving in Delhi like never

before. Although a step behind Mumbai's

nightlife, Delhi is fast catching up and finally

breaking the five-star monopoly. With the

choices spilled all over the extensive city,

here are a few pointers.

South Delhi/Greater Kailash/South

Extension

This is the fashionable district and people

aspire for an address in this area. It has

shopping centers, designer boutiques,

coffee shops, malls, and some pretty goodrestaurants and clubs. Most of the city's

nightclubs and bars are situated here.

There are many designer resto-bars too,

such as Shalom, Olive Bar and Kitchen,

Buzz, Diva, Suede, and Punjabi By Nature.

Be it a restaurant in the middle of the sceni

deer park(Park Baluchi), a bar amidst

a rural village(The Rooftop Bistro), or a

nightclub next to McDonald's and a cinema

hall, the dining and drinking culture is very

successful in adapting itself to Delhi's

diverse mini-habitats.

Central Delhi/Connaught Place

Most of the bars and restaurants in the

high-rises offer a spectacular panoramic

view of Delhi. Be sure to dress up and bring

plastic money when dining at The Imperial

or enjoying spirits at Patiala Peg. Head

towards Nirula's for its 21 varieties of ice


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creams or to the Yellow Brick Road, an all-

night coffeehouse with the best pastries in

town. For an after dinner drink, go to Agni

at The Park or any of the five-stars' elegant

lounge bars with live music.

North Delhi/Chandni Chowk

Get a real flavor of Indian hospitality at thestreet-side cafes of the historic Chandni

Chowk where some restaurants are more

than a hundred years old. Or visit the

oddest, most eccentric Chor Bazaar, a

restaurant named the"Market of Thieves,"

serving Indian cuisine at Hotel Oberoi

Maidens.

Dilli Haat

This complex houses many small shops

displaying extraordinary traditional Indian

crafts. But in addition, it is a powerhouse

of regional cuisines. Kiosks run by different

Indian states offer their authentic food. You

can find Assamese, Tamil, Gujarati as well

as Goan cuisine here. While you may savor

Punjabi food at Punjabi By Nature, you'll

see that everyday is a carnival at Dilli Haat.

Nightlife Insights

The cultural capital of the country, Delhi

has many key centers and foundations that

keep the art pulse of the city high. Music

recitals, dance programs, theater, bookreadings and art exhibitions are just a small

part of all that's on offer.

Art Exhibitions

Step into India Habitat Centre, India

International Centre, Art Today, Lalit Kala

Academy, or Dhoomimal Art Gallery to

find the latest and the oldest in Indian

contemporary art. Photography exhibitions,

art installations, mixed media, or ceramic

works, Delhi is truly a vibrant center for all

art activity. If it is a bit bourgeois for your

taste, visit the thriving artisan bazaar of DilliHaat or live in studios of artists and painters

at Garhi Studio, where you can witness live

art processes.

Music/Dance/Theater

Numerous concerts, performances and

plays are organized almost everyday.

Mostly concentrated in central Delhi, the

centers, such as India Habitat Center and

Triveni Kala Sangam have become patrons

for the Indian performing arts. Classical

Indian music is so popular here that famous

Indian musicians perform Morning Ragas,

live in Nehru Park, under a sprawling tree in

the early hours of Sunday mornings.

Museums

There are countless fascinating museums

dedicated to preserving the history of

India in New Delhi. The National Gallery of

Modern Art has one of the best collections

of contemporary Indian art, while The

National Museum has ancient as well as

contemporary works in painting, sculpture,

ceramics and metals. The Crafts Museum

has one of the most interesting collections

of folk tribal art, textiles and crafts. Then

there is the Rail Museum, which hasengines dating back two hundred years.

Tibet House, Natural History Museum, Red

Fort Archeological Museum, Field Museum,

and Gandhi Smriti are also definitely worth

the visit.

Film/Misc

The PVR multiplexes in Vasant Vihar, Saket

and Naraina have introduced a new culture

of entertainment to the city. The nightlife is

incomplete without a film on the evening

itinerary. Regular film festivals are also

organized here.

Nightclubs

Clubbing has taken off in a big way and

the demand has spurred a number of

nightclubs. Smaller, more creative and

less expensive places have become the

hangouts of the city's young. Try out Steel,

Djinns, Turquoise Cottage and Capitol.

Shopping

A shopper's delight, Delhi is considered

one big market. Shopping is the new

pastime and department stores, shopping

arcades(Ansal Plaza) and markets(Khan

Market, South Extension, Karol Bagh)

all compete to attract customers. For

traditional textiles and fabric, visit Dilli Haat,

Central Cottage Emporium, or The State

Emporia. For antiques, Sundernagar is

an ideal place to shop. The Hauz Khas

Village has over 100 shops dealing in

designer clothes, carpets, artifacts, old

silver antiques and furniture. You can

find Indian traditional textiles at Khadi

Gramodyog Bhavan. The underground

market of Palika Bazaar in the heart of

Connaught Place sell an incredible range

of electronics, photo equipment, music andDVDs.

Spiritual

De-stress, detox, or achieve nirvana with

the help of the abundant spiritual and

meditation centers. Attend daily yoga

sessions at Sivananda Yoga Vedanta

Nataraja Centre or Osho Rajyoga

Meditation Center, dabble in astrology at

Future Point, or practice Reiki and Pranic

healing at Center of Light.

Things to Do Insights

Delhi is a big city. Many spend weeks here,

and yet only manage to scrape the tip of

the iceberg. Numerous travel agencies and

tour operators organize day trips to the

various monuments and attractions of the

Delhi. The Delhi Tourism board also offers

a wide spectrum of services to tourists.

Assistance centers and tour offices are

set up in various corners of the city. The

Government of India Tourist Office+91 11

332 0005 New Delhi Railway Station,+91 1336 4004,+91 11 373 2714 Indira Gandhi

International Airport,+91 11 565 2011,+91

11 565 2021 Or visit the official New Delhi

Tourist website. www.delhitourism.com

The city is so vast that it doesn't allow

for simply walking during the sightseeing

tours. However, the small feat can

be accomplished by bunching tourist

attractions close to each other.

Connaught Place

Connaught Place is not only the

commercial hub of the city but a cherished

symbol of Lutyens grand architecture. It

is a mammoth circular building, and has

inner and outer circles where numerous

shops, restaurants, clubs and showrooms

are located. In the middle of this circular

giant lies the lush central park. On its side


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is the underground shopping market of

Palika Bazaar. On emerging from the air-

conditioned underground, walk towards

Art Today in the inner circle. It is a gallery,

which showcases valuable contemporary

works of Indian artists. Nearby is Jantar

Mantar, the ancient observatory built in

1725 to determine time and positions of theplanets.

India Gate

Take an auto-rickshaw or a cab from

Connaught Place and head towards India

Gate. This structure is a tall gate made in

sandstone to commemorate the soldiers

of the Indian army. It is surrounded by vast

manicured lawns with marble fountains,

which lead to the Rashtrapati Bhavan(the

President's Residence) on one end and the

National Gallery of Modern Art on the other.

The whole area is surrounded by Lutyen'sbuildings like The Secretariat, The National

Museum and Shankar's Dolls Museum. The

museums have massive collections and

deserve at least a few hours each if not

more.

Lodhi Garden

The Lodhi Garden is located in south

Delhi. It is almost a botanical garden with

hundred-year-old trees and rare plants,

and beautiful Lodhi tombs and bridges from

the 1500s. It is spread over many acres

complete with manicured grass lawns,wooden benches, red mud pathways and

jogging tracks. There are many tombs

here and visiting all of them takes many

hours. On the left of these gardens is the

impressive Safdarjung Tomb. Located in

the midst of a sprawling complex, it is one

of the most beautiful pieces of architecture

from the Mughal era. On the right of the

Lodhi Gardens is India Habitat Centre and

India International Centre. They are the

two foremost cultural hubs of the city. Daily

music, dance and literary performances,

plays, book readings and art exhibitions areorganized here.

Nizamuddin

The Nizamuddin area is full of ancient

dargahs(Muslim shrines), which are

not just popular tourist destinations

but also revered pilgrimage sites. The

most spectacular is Nizamuddin Auliya's

dargah, which lies amidst a maze of small

village-like lanes. On Thursdays, live Sufi

music(Nizamuddin's qawwali) is performed

in front of the shrine. The awe-inspiring

Humayun's Tomb is also nearby.

Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar complex lies in the

southern-most part of the city. And a few

kilometers away lies the border to the

neighboring Haryana state. It is a sprawling

complex with some of Delhi's most famous

monuments, such as the Qutub Minar

tower, the Iron Pillar, Tomb of Iltutmish,

Alai Darwaza, and Alai Minar. A little away

from the complex is Mehrauli. Ancient

monuments like Bhulbhulaiyan, Gandak

ki Baoli, Hathi Gate and Jamali Kamali

are scattered all over this village-like area.

Finding them all may be a bit difficult,therefore, it is advisable to carry a very

good map or a guide.

Tughlaqabad Fort

On the southern edge of Delhi lie the eerie

ruins of the Tughlaqabad Fort. It stretches

for over seven kilometers and is a popular

place for picnics or day treks as the climb

up to the various parts of the fort can be

quite adventurous. Nearby is the Asola

Wildlife Sanctuary and the 11th century

water tank of Surajkund.

Lotus Temple

If you prefer the sanity of civilization but

don't want to miss the historical and tourist

sites, visit the Lotus Temple. Here you'll find

the bustling designer Hauz Khas Village,

the allegedly haunted Chor Minar, and a

charming sports complex of Siri Fort. The

Lotus Temple announces its presence

from miles away. An intimidating white

structure in the shape of a lotus, it has

been designed as a temple symbolizing

the unity of all religious faiths. People from

all religions are invited to meditate silentlyunder the massive flower.

Old Delhi

On the other extreme of the city is

Shah Jahanabad or Old Delhi. Rich in

monuments of ancient dynasties, spend a

day at the historic Red Fort(Lal Quila) or

try delicious Indian fare at Chandni Chowk.

Jama Masjid, the pinnacle of Mughal

mosque architecture, lies close by and

there are many interesting ancient Baolis

strewn across the busy lanes.

Travel Tips

Getting There:

By Air:

Indira Gandhi International Airport(+91 11

565 2011) is located in the Southwestern

region of the city. The airport has a bureaux

de change, tourist information counters,

snack bars, duty-free stores, a restaurant,

24-hour taxi counters and car rental booths

It is safer to book a taxi at the prepaid

counter at the airport, as most taxi drivers

in Delhi do not adhere to the standardmeter. The approximate flying time from

Delhi to Toronto is 18 hours, to New York

is 16 hours, and to Sydney, 17 hours. The

following airlines have counters at the

airport:

Air Canada(+91 11 565 2850/ http://

www.aircanada.ca)

Air France(+91 11 565 2294/ http://

www.airfrance.com)

Air Mauritius(+91 11 565 2050/ http://

www.airmauritius.com)Delta Airlines(+91 11 565 2093/ http://

www.delta.com)

Gulf Air(+91 11 565 2065/ http://

www.gulfairco.com)

KLM(+91 11 565 2922/ http://www.klm.com

Korean Air(+91 11 565 3304/ http://

www.koreanair.com)

Kuwait Airways(+91 11 565 2295/ http://

www.kuwait-airways.com)

Lufthansa(+91 11 548 2283/ http://www.lufthansa.com)

Malaysian Airlines(+91 11 565 2395/ http://

www.malaysiaairlines.com)

Swiss Air(+91 11 565 2531/ http://

www.swiss.com)


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The Domestic Airport(+91 11 329 5126) at

Palam, is about 5 kilometers away from the

International terminal. This is an important

hub for International travelers who wish to

travel within the country. The main domestic

airlines that operate through this airport are

Indian Airlines(http://indian-airlines.nic.in),

Jet Airways(http://www.jetairways.com),

Sahara Airlines(http://www.airsahara.net),

Kingfisher Airlines(www.flykingfisher.com)

and Go Air Airlines(http://www.goair.in).

They offer flights to more than 40 cities

across India. The airport has a prepaid

taxi counter, tourist information counter,

business center and car rental booths.

By Train:

New Delhi is the main hub for Indian

Railways(+91 11 334 8787). Unlike

Mumbai, Delhi does not have its own local

train system, but its extensive national

network connects it to all the major and

small towns across the country. It has

two major stations, one in Old Delhi,

located about 7 kilometres from Connaught

Place, and another in New Delhi, East

of Pahar Ganj. The stations have ample

waiting areas and food stalls. However,

travelers should be careful with their

luggage as chances of theft are high. Ticket

reservations can be made at the IRCA

building on Chelmsford Road, Pahar Ganj.

There is a separate counter for touristsat the International Tourist Bureau(+91

11 334 6804), New Delhi station. You can

also make online bookings, or get further

information from the official website of the

Idian Railways, www.indianrailways.com.

By Road:

Five National Highways pass through New

Delhi. The Grand Trunk Road(National

Highway 1) is used most frequently as it

leads to the North of the country, towards

Amritsar and Agra; National Highway 2

goes towards Calcutta in the East, andNational Highway 8 passes through Jaipur

in the West. Driving licenses require a

minimum age of 18 years, and foreigners

with international licenses can drive in the

city without additional documents. Most

cities and towns are located close to Delhi,

and are well connected by road. The driving

time from Delhi to Agra and Jaipur is under

three hours, to Amritsar is under five hours,

and the to the hill stations of Himachal

Pradesh is under eight hours.

Bus Services:

Local buses are very congested, and

are often not the preferred mode oftransportation for the middle-class. Taxis

and rickshaws are usually favored.

However, the inter-state bus services

are quite comfortable. They offer air

conditioned, deluxe and ordinary buses

to all major destinations around Delhi.

The Interstate Bus Terminus(ISBT) is

located at Kashmir Gate, North of Old

Delhi Railway Station. The following

state operators provide bus services

in and around the city: Delhi Transport

Corporation(+91 11 386 8836), Haryana

Roadways(+91 11 296 1262), HimachalPradesh Roadways(+91 11 251 6725),

Punjab Roadways(+91 11 296 7842),

Rajasthan Roadways(+91 11 252 2246)

and Uttar Pradesh Roadways(+91 11 251

8709).

Getting Around:

Public Transport

New Delhi now boasts of its first metro

network. The metro will be partly

underground and partly elevated; and will

extend up to 62 kilometers and more in thefuture.

By Bus:

The public buses in Delhi are

uncomfortable and over-crowded. The Delhi

Transport Corporation(+91 11 331 7445)

has a centralized network of buses that

have 300 routes across the city. A general

All-Route Pass can be availed from any of

the terminals at Red Fort, Delhi Gate and

Shahdara Terminal.

By Taxi:

The most convenient way to move around

is by taxi. Following a Government anti-

pollution policy, all taxis now operate on

CNG(Compressed Natural Gas) engines.

Some taxis have electronic meters, but

most taxis operate on a prior bargained

rate. It is best to negotiate a price before

stepping into one.

By Rickshaw:

Rickshaws too, form an integral part of the

city's transportation. Widely-used, they also

follow the same principle as the taxis. It is

better to negotiate a rate before boardingthis transport though. Four- and six-seater

motorcycle rickshaws run on fixed routes at

fixed prices, mostly between the Red Fort

and Palika Bazaar at Connaught Place.

Car Hire:

Driving on Delhi roads can be quite a

challenging task, as motorists often do not

heed to traffic laws. The best option is to

hire a car with a local driver to take you

around town.

Some of the major car hire services are:

Europcar Inter-Rent(+91 11 688 3498)

Hertz(+91 11 687 7188), Eco Rent A

Car(+91 11 462 3261)

Jai Jawala Tourist(+91 11 26252924).

Fun Facts

Green Facts:

1. Delhi is one of the'greenest' cities in the

world with a green cover of almost 20%.

2. The entire public transport of the cityruns on environment friendly Compressed

Natural Gas.

Interesting Facts:

3. Qutub Minar in Delhi is the world's tallest

brick minaret.

4. The walled city of Delhi originally had

fourteen gates. Five are still standing.

Here's the provenance behind their names.

Ajmeri Gate: Facing Ajmer in Rajasthan;

Lahori Gate: Facing Lahore in Pakistan.

Kashmiri Gate: Pointing North to Kashmir.

Delhi Gate: Road to earlier cities of DelhiTurkman Gate: Named after pious saint

Hazrat Shah Turkam.

5. In between the rubble of the fifth city

of delhi Freoze shah Kotlastands the 3

century B.C. Ashokan Pillar. Emperor Feroz

Shah Tughlaq brought this 27 tonne pillar


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to Delhi from Topar in Ambala, where the

great Emperor Ashoka erected it.

Weird Fact:

6. Delhi has an International Toilet museum.

Spicy Fact:

7. Khari Baoli is the Asia's largest

wholesale spice market. A must visit forthe once-in-a-lifetime overdose of a spice

cocktail high.

Random Facts:

8. Traffic in Delhi is like traffic in London.

Drivers sit on the right side of the car.

9. Three-wheeled contraptions called Autos

are a great way to see the city over short

distances. And test your faith in God.

10. Delhi has not always been the capitalof India. Under the British, Kolkotta had

the honor for a long time till Delhi was

reinstated in 1912.

11. Delhi has a rail museum with steam-

age behemoths.

Fun fact:

12. Every Delhite is ever ready to help you

out with directions. They will direct you

even when they do not know what you are

talking about. So check, crosscheck. Andcheck again.

NileGuide

new delhi - history at every turn

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