Delhi

Delhi (Hindi: दिल्ली,Urdu: دلّی, Punjabi:ਦਿੱਲੀ) [1] is northern india's largest city. One part of it, known as New Delhi (Hindi: नई दिल्ली Naï Dillî), is officially designated the capital of India, but the names are often used interchangeably

Understand

History

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

• Qila Rai Pithora – This dates back to the 10th century A.D. as per available historical records. Also known as Rai Pithora, this city was the capital during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan, the local hero famous for his resisting, before finally losing to, the marauding invaders from central Asia (Muhammad Ghori in particular). Chauhan's ancestors are said to have captured the city from the Tomar Rajputs who were credited with founding Delhi. Anangpal, a Tomar ruler possibly created the first known regular fort here called 'Lal Kot', which was taken over by Prithviraj and the city extended. Some of the ruins of the fort ramparts are still visible around Qutab Minar and Mehrauli
  
• Mehrauli – Muhammad Ghori managed to defeat Prithviraj Chauhan in battle in 1192. Ghori left his slave Qutub-ud-din Aibak as his viceroy, who in turn captured Delhi the subsequent year. After Ghori's death in 1206, Aibak proclaimed himself the ruler of Delhi and founded the slave dynasty. Qutb-ud-din contributed significantly in terms of architecture by getting Mehrauli built. His most prominent contribution is the starting of Qutab Minar. This 72.5 m tall tower was built across three generations and finally completed in 1220AD. A visitor to the Qutab Minar could also see the mausoleum of Kaki, Shamsi Talao and some other mosques. The Slave dynasty ruled until 1290, among them was Razia Sultan who ruled for just three years, but became a historic figure for being the first empress in India.
• Siri
• Tughlakabad
• Firozabad
• Shergarh
• Shahjehabanad
• 'Lutyen's New Delhi

Inspite of its rich historical heritage represented by the numerous monuments, Delhi's population is hardly aware of it and has little pride or feeling for the city's history. This is due to the simple reason that few Delhi residents actually belong to Delhi. The population of Delhi is a heterogeneous mix of people originally belonging to different parts of North India and beyond. Among the prominent North Indian communities are the Punjabis, who are the descendants of the refugees of the Indian Partition. They are easily the most affluent community. However, their dominance in recent years has been challenged by the increasing affluence of other North Indian communities. Delhi has a prominent South Indian Community, primarily in areas like RK Puram and Munirka. A Bengali Settlement, the Chittaranjan Park in south east Delhi is the Mini Calcutta of Delhi.
And the biggest irony is the fact that the descendants of the builders of Delhi's many Muslim monuments no longer stay in Delhi. Most of them migrated to Pakistan during the Partition, with only a small, ever-diminishing community in Old Delhi keeping old courtly traditions alive.

Orientation

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

Climate

Delhi's climate is, sad to say, infamously bad, combining the scorching aridity of Rajasthan's deserts with the frigid cold of the Himalayas. From April to October, temperatures are scorchingly hot (over 40°C is common), and the monsoon rains deluge the city in July and August. With every air-conditioner running at full blast, the city's creaky infrastructure is often stretched beyond the breaking point, with power and water outages common. In winter, especially December and January, temperatures can dip to near-zero and the city is blanketed in thick fog, causing numerous flight cancellations. The shoulder seasons (Feb-Apr and Sep-Nov) are comparatively pleasant, with temperatures in the 20-30°C range, but short.
Suggested reading

Get in

By plane

Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI, IATA: DEL) [2] is the arrival point for many visitors into Delhi. Once one of the worst airports on the planet, the airport has been taken over by an international consortium, which has completed a first round of refurbishing that has already improved things greatly. Most terminals have basic facilities like money changing and restaurants, and even the toilets are now usable without gasmasks and hazmat suits, but the major problem remains
overcrowding — during the peak hours (middle of the night for international flights and early morning for domestic), it can be hard to find even a place to sit.

The airport is split into three terminals, with the domestic terminals 1A and 1B commonly known as Palam Airport.

• Terminal 1A (Domestic): Air India flights with IC numbers (flights fomerly operated by Indian), Kingfisher and GoAir
• Terminal 1B (Domestic): All other domestic flights (except Indian, Kingfisher and GoAir)
• Terminal 2 (International): All international flights and Air India domestic flights with AI numbers

Terminals 1A and 1B are fairly close (around 0.5 km), but both are a long way from Terminal 2 and you should reserve at least three hours to connect. If you are making connections, it can take between 15 and 30 minutes once you exit one terminal to get to the other one by car (depending on time of day and traffic). There is a free shuttle bus between T1 and T2, but it runs only once per hour. (On the upside, it crosses through the airport and can be much faster than detouring on the congested roads outside like taxis do.)

Security at the airport is tight, so you should show up at least two hours before your flight is scheduled. The process is smoother than it used to be though: X-raying bags before entry is no longer necessary, and shops and restaurants are now located at the gate area, not before security.

The easiest and safest way to get from the airport to the city is to arrange transport ahead of time through your hotel (some hotels provide this service for free). Alternatively, you can pay for a taxi at the prepaid taxi booths in the international terminal (it is advised that you check your change). The number of the taxi assigned to you will be on the receipt. Then, go straight through the airport and turn right immediately outside the front doors and someone will help you find your taxi. There are several options, but the booth operated by the "Delhi Police" is considered the best, with non-A/C taxis to most points in the city Rs.200-300. Keep an eye on your change though and try to avoid paying with large bills.

Do not give the receipt to the driver until you get to the destination as this is what they are paid on. Also, ignore the explanation the driver will invariably offer at the destination as to why he requires additional payment. Take your baggage first, then give the driver the receipt and walk away without further discussion. There is a problem with this as there is a checkpoint manned by the traffic police just as your taxi moves away, you will have to give the receipt to the driver who will hand it over to the police who will record the number. Try getting the receipt back from the driver!
It is also possible to take a city bus during the day or a private one that runs 24 hours a day. As everywhere in India, ignore taxi touts!
During the winter (Dec-Jan), Delhi often experiences dense fog and visibility is reduced considerably, making it difficult for flights to land and take off. Both international and domestic flights are often diverted or cancelled, so plan accordingly and allow for one or two days for possible delays.

By bus

Buses arrive from Kathmandu and Chitwan in Nepal (36+ hours) and virtually every city in India. Although not as comfortable as the trains, buses are the only choice for some destinations, mainly those in the mountains.
Delhi has a confusing slew of inter-state bus termini (ISBT), which all have two names. The Delhi Transport Corporation [3] is the major operator, but every state also runs its own buses and there are some private operators too.

• Kashmere Gate ISBT (aka Maharana Pratap), Metro: Kashmere Gate. This is "the" ISBT and the largest of the lot. Buses to points north, including Nepal.
• Sarai Kale Khan ISBT (aka Vir Hakikat Rai), next to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station. Buses to points south.
• Anand Vihar ISBT (aka Swami Vivekanand), on the east bank of Yamuna. Buses to points east.

By train

Trains arrive at one of three main stations: Delhi Junction, also called Old Delhi or Purani Dilli, the second at New Delhi which lies in Central Delhi, and one at Hazrat Nizamuddin a few kilometers to the south. (Very few trains use Delhi Sarai Rohilla or Delhi Cantt stations.) Delhi Junction and New Delhi Railway Station are now conveniently connected by Metro Line 2, just minutes apart. It will take about 40 minutes to an hour to travel from the New Delhi Railway Station to the airport by car, depending on traffic.
A ticket office open to all is on the road to Connaught Place with longer hours. It often has waiting times not much longer than at the tourist booking office. You will need to know the number or name of the train you want to take. Easiest of all, though, is to book on-line through the Indian Railways booking website.

New Delhi Railway Station
The main entrance to New Delhi Railway Station (code NDLS) is located just outside of Paharganj, also known as the backpacker ghetto. The Delhi Metro now connects directly here, but the metro exits are at the Ajmeri Gate (second entrance) side near platform 12. You can also take prepaid rickshaws and taxis from the plaza outside the main entrance.
The station is large, crowded, confusing and packed with touts, so allow one hour (yes, really) to find your train the first time you visit. Don't trust the electronic display boards, which often show incorrect information. Instead listen to the announcements and ask multiple people in uniform until you find your train. However, anyone, in uniform or not, who approaches you spontaneously should be ignored. Use one of the porters (in orange) who will find your train easily.
A tourist ticket office called the International Tourist Bureau is open during office hours upstairs of the main New Delhi railway station. Ignore touts who will try to convince you that it has moved or is closed. Note that it is only for foreign tourists, so you must have a tourist visa (i.e. student and working visas are not acceptable). Non-resident Indians can also book their tickets through this office. Bring your passport and cash or traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars, British Pounds or Euros. If you wish to pay in Indian rupees you must show an official exchange certificate (from India, not valid if you changed in another country) or an ATM receipt. To get a ticket, first get a form from the centre of the room, and fill it out. Then go to the information desk near the entrance. There, have the clerk check the availability of the train(s) you desire, and fill out your form accordingly. Then line up at one of the two u-shaped lines of chairs for the reservation desks.
There are lots of tricks and scams in operation at NDRS. It is a baffling place, especially if you just arrived in India. Basically do not believe anybody who approaches you to volunteer information. Stuff like 'oh that train goes from another station.' or offers of assistance with bags or help taking you to where you want to go. It's a con. If you need help, YOU choose who you want to help you, don't trust strangers who appear out of the crowd.

Delhi Railway Station
Formally Delhi Junction (code DLI), but best referred to as "Old" Delhi Station for clarity. Like New Delhi RS, this station is huge and confusing. The platforms are not in linear order, with some hidden in the west and east wings of the stations. The railway station is served by Metro Line 2 Chandni Chowk station.

Hazrat Nizamuddin
Hazrat Nizamuddin (code NZM) is the departure point of many trains heading south. Practically speaking, the only way to get here is by taxi or auto. It's the least chaotic of the Big Three, but still pretty big and poorly signposted — listen to the announcements to figure out your train. The station has a pretty good food court that sells inexpensive, hygienic takeaway snacks (sandwiches, samosas, etc).
If you have some time to kill, pay a visit to Humayun's Tomb, which is so close to the station that you can hear the announcements from inside — although it's a long, circuitous walk from the station to the entrance.

Get around

Getting around Delhi is always an adventure. Traffic is, by and large, horribly congested and many drivers will think nothing of quoting ten times the going price to a tourist. Use the prices below as broad guidelines, agree on prices before setting off, and don't get too hot under the collar over a rupee or two — they mean a lot more to the cycle rickshaw-wallah earning Rs. 50 on a good day than they do to you.

By metro

Three lines of the new Delhi Metro [4] are now open and provide a cheap, quick, hassle-free and air-conditioned way of zipping around the city. Unfortunately, the network is still limited and does not cover southern Delhi or neighboring areas like Gurgaon or Noida, but ambitious expansion plans are under way. As of 2008, the following lines are open:

• Line 1 (Red Line): Dilshad Garden-Kashmere Gate-Rithala
• Line 2 (Yellow Line): Vishwa Vidyalaya (Delhi University)-Kashmere Gate-Connaught Place-Central Secretariat
• Line 3 (Blue Line): Indraprastha-Connaught Place-Dwarka Sector 9

Line 2, in particular, is useful for getting to the Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid) and New Delhi railway stations, the ISBT bus terminal and the backpacker ghetto of Paharganj. Fares range from Rs. 6 to 22. Take the token until the final destination and change lines if required. If you're planning on sticking around for a while, you can buy a "Smart Card" for 200 Rupees, which is worth 110 Rupees and includes a 100 rupee deposit. There is also a "Tourist Card" allowing unlimited use for Rupees 70/day , but it's highly unlikely that you'll travel enough to make this pay off.
Line 3 is useful for reaching Karol Bagh, a large shopping area. The Karol Bagh metro station is located in the crossing of Pusa Rd and Ajmal Khan Rd. The RK Ashram Marg station is very useful for reaching the western parts of Paharganj (and the station is located on the same side of the railroad tracks, which is not the case with the New Delhi station on line 2). Unfortunately the line 3 stations are not marked on most tourist maps as the line has only recently been opened.
Note that Metro stations all use the new Indianized names, so Connaught Place is "Rajiv Chowk", Old Delhi Railway Station is "Chandni Chowk" and ISBT is "Kashmere Gate".

By train

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

By bus

All parts of Delhi are well connected by buses and with tickets ranging from 3-10 Rupees they're very cheap, but they're also the least comfortable means of transport and the hardest to use. Delhi's buses are quite crowded, rarely air-conditioned and drivers often drive rashly. Bus routes are often written only in Hindi and bus stops don't have any route lists, so it can be difficult to find your way. Asking other people at the bus stop is often the best way to find out about bus routes to your destination. Buses are pretty frequent, running every 15-20 min or so on most routes. There are two kinds of buses in Delhi:

• Government run DTC [5] buses
• Privately run Blue-Line buses

If you have a choice, go for a DTC bus. They will stop less frequently and will generally be less crowded too. Note that many buses, DTC ones too, will stop pretty much anywhere if there are enough people getting on or off.
Board buses at the back and pay the ticket seller sitting right next to the door. Be sure to hang onto your tickets, as ticket checks are fairly frequent. Some seats on the left side of the bus may be reserved for women and the handicapped. When it's time to disembark, move to the front of the bus and hop out from the door near the driver. As you might expect, all these guidelines are regularly ignored when buses are very crowded.

By taxi

A taxi or hired car (usually with driver) is required to see many of the far-flung sites within and around Delhi. To get a taxi or a hired car, you have to go to a taxi stand. They are not usually flagged from the street. Alternatively, you can call for a cab at 1090.
Most Delhi taxis are old but reliable Ambassadors in distinctive black-and-yellow livery. While all are equipped with meters and should cost 6 Rupees to start plus 7 Ruppees per km, they are often rigged and it's better to agree on the price in advance. Most trips around the city should be 50-100 Rupees, while a trip to the airport would be around 200 Rupees. An eight-hour charter should cost around 500 Rupees, and a tip is expected if the driver is helpful. Note that most Ambassadors are not air-conditioned.
The death knell of the Ambassador was rung in December 2006, when a modern radio taxi service was launched. At 15 Rupees per km, they're twice the list price of the competition, but they use modern vehicles with air-conditioning and can be dialed up 24 hours/day at 123 or 1921 or 432434343 or 1920. The fleet starts off with a rather modest 15 vehicles, but this is expected to increase to 10,000 by 2010.
You shouldn't take non-official taxis, sometimes they take you to a wrong hotel, or to a "tourist information center", and try to sell you overpriced things.

By auto rickshaws

Auto rickshaws (also called three-wheeled scooters or simply autos) are good for shorter trips. Always in a distinctive yellow-and-green livery, auto rickshaws are three-wheeled partially enclosed contraptions (no doors!) that run on CNG and can seat three people in the back. In general, they are much cheaper than taxis and can be hailed from the street. Although by law the rickshaw drivers should charge according to the meter in their vehicle (10 Rupees for the first km, 4.50 rupees per km after), they will almost always try to haggle for price. Even the shortest journey will cost around 20rRupees. Always insist on using the meter. This might be hard to accomplish in the tourist/backpacker areas such as Connaught Place and Paherganj but in the rest of the city most drivers will put the meter on for you. The driver will usually quote a price first but just tell him to use the meter. For short distances, less than 2 km, many drivers will not accept use of meter so paying 15-20 rupees for a short distance is acceptable.

In Paherganj you will often be quoted 50 rupees to be taken to Connaught Place. The normal price by meter is about 10 rupees as it is very close.

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

There are a number of "PRE PAID" Auto stands run by the Police. Tell them where you want to go and pay them upfront. The charge will include 5 rupees for the service. You then take the coupon and stand outside where a policeman will direct you to the next available Auto. When your journey is completed you hand the coupon to the wallah and that's it. Nothing more to pay (despite what they may say).

By cycle rickshaws

Cycle rickshaws are three-wheeled, pedal-powered rickshaws with seats in the back to seat passengers and a driver in the front. They are good for short distances, or places which are too far to walk but too short for taking a bus/taxi/auto rickshaw. Cycle rickshaws don't use meters, so establish a price before getting on. Twenty rupees is reasonable for most journeys of a kilometer or two, although many Delhiites will haggle if the driver dares to suggest 10 rupees.
Cycle rickshaws are best to use in Old Delhi to visit the intricate galis (walkways) and to enjoy the smells and sounds of the city.

On foot

Much of Delhi is quite pedestrian-hostile. Distances are long, road signage is poor, and you'll be constantly accosted by beggars and touts. Crossing roads often involves wading across multiple lanes of heavy traffic. Try your best to move in a predictable straight line, so vehicles can weave around you. (Better yet, latch onto a group of locals and cross in their shadow.) If you really want to walk around, these places would be good:

• Walk from Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's house) to India Gate on the Rajpath (a walk of close to 3-4 kms).
• Walk from Jama Masjid to Red Fort in the Chandni Chowk area.
• Far South Delhi go walk about in the forest. Try starting from south of Indian Institute of Technology through Sanjay Van to Qtub Minar
• South Delhi- Green Park to Hauz Khas Village, then to the Hauz Khas ruined madrasa, offers a newer shopping area, a posh arts village, old ruins, and some quality greener.

See

The staff at the Delhi tourist office is very helpful and the office has a lot of free information: The Government of India Tourist Office 88 Janpath , Connaught Place. Tel:2332 0005, 23320008, 23320109, 23320266. Please note that there are various private 'tourist information' offices around Connaught Place openly claiming to be the official government tourist office. These offices are selling their own travel packages and have nothing to do with The Government of India. The local police can always be reached at 100 (much like the 911 in US) and in case of foreign tourists they do act swiftly!

Red Fort

The Red Fort (Lal Qila) is one of Delhi's top tourist sights. A brilliant red sandstone fort built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (who also built Agra's Taj Mahal) as his ruling palace. Completed in 1648, the years since have not treated the buildings kindly: the rooms have long since been stripped of all objects, the marble inlays are long gone and quite a few buildings are off limits. Still, the scale remains imposing and the gardens are kept lush and green even in midwinter. Major buildings within include:

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

The only open entrance is Lahore Gate, on the west side. Security in and around the Fort is very heavy, as it was the scene of a terrorist attack in 2000 that killed three people. Bags are allowed, but they'll be X-rayed and you'll be patted down. Tickets cost 10/100 rupees for Indians/foreigners, photography free, video cameras 25 rupees extra. Open sunrise to sunset daily except Monday. Allow for three to four hours in your schedule in case of long weekends and national holidays as lot of tourists flock around then. The most scenic way of reaching the fort is to take the Metro to Chawri Bazaar and then a cycle-rickshaw through the incredibly packed bazaar to the Fort (price negotiable, aim for 20 rupees).

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

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

Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb in south Delhi, near Hazrat Nizamuddin station, is one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, entry is 10/250 rupees Indians/foreigners.

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

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

Before you leave, be sure to visit the South Gate, the original royal entrance, from where you can get picture-postcard views without too many tourists in the way. In the southeast corner is the Barber's Tomb, also built in the same style, but regarding which very little is known.

Qutub Complex

This complex in Mehrauli, south Delhi, houses structures dating from the Slave Dynasty (1206-1290) and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are kept in excellent shape, making this a popular relaxation and picnic spot. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, entry is 20/250 rupees Indians/foreigners. Light-and-sound show held most nights after sunset.

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


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


• Iron Pillar is in the center of the mosque. True to its name, this is a seven-meter iron pillar erected c. 400 AD by Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, also known as "he, by the breezes of whose prowess the southern ocean is even still perfumed" according to the inscription carved on the base. Alas, Chandragupta II's perfume has long since faded, but to the amazement of metallurgists everywhere his pillar is still going strong after 1600 years.


• Ala-i-Minar – Ala-ud-din-Khilji set out to build a tower twice as high as the Qutub Minar, but died after a mere 24.5 m was complete. The first story stands to this day.
  Ala-i-Darwaza – This square, domed building once acted as the entrance to the mosque, but is now tucked away behind the minar. Inlaid marble decorations and latticed stone screens.


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

Monuments

• Rajpath – This is a main parade route that leads to the President's residence (Rashtrapati Bhavan). Don't miss the splendid India Gate, and the many grassy lawns. Especially nice in the evenings and at night when the buildings are lit and the vendors come out to supply the many picnicking families.


• Rajghat Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi [6] - check for closure dates/security checks around national holidays/gandhiji's death anniversary (30th Jan).


• Lodhi Estate


• Nehru House 'Teen Murti Bhavan'. This is the house of the first Prime Minister of India. Remarkably well preserved with most of paraphernalia intact. Was used by the Commander-in-chief of the Indian Army before Indian Independence. Free entrance.


• India Gate. This monument has been built as a memorial for the Indian soldiers who died in World War I. There is also a fire ("eternal flame") burning for all fallen Indian soldiers.


• Parliament House

Parks and Gardens

• Lodhi Garden is a peaceful park in the heart of New Delhi. Lodhi garden is ideal for morning walks in the hot season and for afternoon strolls and picnics during the cooler months


• Nehru Park is a large park in the South Delhi neighborhood of Chankayapuri
  

Museums

• India Habitat Center, Lodhi Road, +91 (0) 11 2468 2001 (thru 2009), [7]. This center is most noted for its ever-changing art exhibits, plays and films, as well as an international selection of food items in its food court.


• International Doll's Museum, Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. +91 (0) 11 2331 6970 (thru 6974), [8]. T-S 10AM-6PM. A museum of dolls from all over the country. You get to see the costumes and art from all over India, as well as some nice crafts. 10 rupees.


• National Museum, Janpath, [9]. The here layout is a labyrinthine and the presentation won't win any awards, but the collection is unparalleled and contains some true masterpieces. The section on the Indus Valley Culture and the one on Buddhist Heritage is most informative. The museum also showcases the arts and handicrafts from different regions of India. Keep an eye out for the 4600-year-old Harappan temple dancer, the Gandhara-era standing Buddha with Greek hair and a Roman toga, the stunning miniature painting gallery, and the giant temple chariot parked outside.

An informative place for all interested in knowing more about Indian culture and history.

Entry 300 rupees for foreigners (includes useful audioguide), 10 rupees Indians (optional audioguide Rs.150 extra), 1 rupees for Indian Students, plus 300 rupees if you want to use a camera. Decent restaurant on the second floor (lunch buffet 100 rupee). Open Tu-Su 10AM-5PM.

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

• National Railway Museum, Chanakyapuri, [10] +91 11 2688 1816 houses a collection of Indian trains from the past to the present - a worthwhile look into India's proud railway heritage. The collection includes carriages belonging to Indian potentates and British viceroys. Children can ride the small train that circumnavigates the museum. There is a small cafe on the premises. Open 9:30AM-7:30PM (Apr - Sept) and 9:30AM-5:30PM (Oct-Mar). Closed Mondays and national holidays.


• Teen Murti Bhavan former residence of India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, now a museum of his life. Includes a Planetarium.


• Tibet House, 1 Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, +91 (0) 11 4611 515. thouse@nde.vsnl.net.in. Established by HH Dalai Lama with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of Tibet. There is a museum, exhibition space and library.
  

Religious buildings

• Bahá'í Lotus Temple, Kalkaji, South Delhi, [11]. Shaped like a lotus bud with 27 petals, this stunning temple suspended above milky-blue ponds is surely one of the magnificent monuments ever made from concrete -- but there is very little to see inside. The lush park around is well landscaped but mostly off-limits. Free entry. Open Tue-Sun 9 AM-7 PM summer, 9 AM-5:30 PM winter.


• Chhattarpur Mandir Huge & beautiful temple complex with a big surrounding campus - located near Mehrauli area of South Delhi.


• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib[12], just off Baba Kharak Singh Marg near Connaught Place, is the main gurudwara for the many Sikhs of Delhi. You will need to cover your head (scarves provided for free) and stash your shoes in the shoe storage run by volunteers (also free).


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


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


• Jama Masjid, opposite the Red fort, next to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi (Metro: Chawri Bazaar) – The largest mosque in India and a must-see while in Delhi. Entry is free, although you'll be charged 200 rupees if you have a camera with you. You can climb to the top of the minaret for 20 rupees. The climb is steep, dark and somewhat claustrophobic, but you'll get great views over the complex and the city. You'll need to cover up your shoulders and legs (scarves and lungis available for rental), and take off your shoes (expect to tip the shoe minder, 5 rupees is plenty). Open from 7AM to sunset, but note that tourists are not allowed in from 12:15PM-1:45PM or after 30 minutes before sunset. Pictures should not be taken during prayer hours. If you're going to sit down don't look too comfortable. Certainly don't eat or become too engrossed in any reading material you may be carrying - the rule is that non-Muslims must make their visits brief and guards will usher along visitors who linger.


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


• Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, off National Highway 24, East Delhi, [13]. Completed in 2005 by the socio-spiritual organization BAPS, no expense has been spared in decorating this large and elaborate temple carved of red sandstone. The central monument, built without any steel, houses an 11-ft golden statue of the founder of the Swaminarayan faith, Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The Premvati food court on the grounds serve up fast, cheap, huge (but mediocre) portions of vegetarian food (75 rupees for a thali). Note that there is a strict ban on all electronic items, cameras, tobacco and pretty much everything except the clothes on your back. You can leave your worldly belongings in the cloakroom outside. Free entry, guide booklet is 5 rupees, access to multimedia exhibitions 125 rupees. Allow at least three-four hours to explore it all. Open Tu-Su 9AM-7PM.


• Sai Baba Temple, 17,Institutional Area, Lodhi Road, [14]. Although there are many Shirdi Sai Baba Temples in and around Delhi, the one located at Lodhi Road is the oldest. Temple Opens at 5AM. Kakad Aarti 5.15AM. Mangal SNAN 6AM. Noon Aarti at 12noon. Doop Aarti Evening Prayer 6.30PM. Shej Aarti at Night 9.30PM.

Other

• Jawaharlal Nehru University,(JNU) Campus – Not usually considered a"place of interest"for tourists , this one-of-a-kind campus of the premier National University remains a hidden gem of the city. The campus is hilly and rocky and some areas look more like a jungle with peacocks. The hostels represent the geographical vastness of India as they are named after Indian Rivers. For instance Godavari and Ganga. Specific areas of the campus are named after a particular geographical region in India. For instance Uttarakhand and Dakshinapuram. Some of the non-scholarly attractions of India's best University include 24x7, an eating joint which is open, as its name suggests, is open round the clock. Mamu Ka Dhaba, an eating joint owned and operated by a Phd. alumnus of the University! The uniqueness of this dhaba doesn't end here. It serves traditional food originating from the state of Bihar, including Chokhas, jhalmuri, and Ghugni (practically impossible to find anywhere else).
  For a visit to the campus, board bus # 615 from Connaught Place.


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

Do

• Take the Footloose in Old Delhi half day walking tour around Old Delhi.
  Take a walk at Connaught Place, the heart of New Delhi. Perhaps the most well planned market in India, it is an experience unmatched. The layout of the market is circular, with an inner circus and an outer circus. It is divided into blocks. The pavement is a pleasure to walk on, and the bookshops selling the latest books for good prices are a unique experience. There is a Metro Station "Rajiv Chowk", a Central Park and an underground market selling inexpensive imported and (possibly) smuggled goods "Palika Bazaar". It is surrounded by tall office buildings on nearly all sides. The pigeons, which are fed with grains in the morning, are also a unique sight. Quite simply the best place to hang out!

• Do a heritage walk in Chandni Chowk. Start at the beginning of the road near Red Fort and meander through Lala Lajpat Rai market where there are rows of camera repair shops. Then on to Gurdwara Sisganj, past the fountain and the old movie halls, finally, ending at the Fatehpuri mosque. Take detours into Nai Sarak and Chawri bazaar, or stop by at the Parathewali Gali, the jalebiwallah at Dariba Kalan, Annapurna (on the crossroads), or Ghantewallah. Might be a bit heavy on the senses, but a walk you will not forget.

• Visit the International trade fair exhibition centre at Pragati Maidan.

Buy

Delhi is a shopper's haven, but only if you're not afraid to haggle and bump elbows in bazaars. Western-style malls and shopping emporiums are creeping in on the outskirts (esp. Gurgaon, Noida), but there's little Indian about these sanitized shopping experiences, or the goods in them. Until a few years ago, all shops closed on Sunday. While rules have been relaxed, many districts (eg. Connaught Place) are still mostly shuttered. Saturday is the the main shopping day and hence also the most crowded.

Start your shopping tour of Delhi with a visit to Connaught Place [15], a rather unique cross between a European shopping arcade, an Indian bazaar and an upmarket shopping mall. At the intersection of the Yellow and Blue Lines of the Delhi Metro[16], it's easy to get to. With all shops laid out in two circles, it's easy to get around and explore.

Shopping Malls in Capital region

Delhi and capital region (Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Faridabad) has recently witnessed the opening of lot of shopping Malls, which can be compared to any good malls in the world. Most of these Malls have food court and Multiplexes. You can find Multiplexes at every 5 square meter. Some of these malls include:
TDI Mall, Lajpat Nagar Pacific Mall, Anand Vihar bus terminous with IMAX theatre Shipra Mall, Ghaziabad Centerstage Mall, Noida Great India Place, Noida Galaxy, Ghaziabad Fun Republic, Motinagar V3S Mall, Vikas Marg Carnival Country Mall, Ghaziabad Sahara Mall, Gurgaon City Centre, Gurgaon MGF Metropolitan, Gurgaon Ansal Plaza, Khelgaon Marg Ansal Plaza, Ghaziabad Ansal Plaza, South Extension Part 2 (August Kranti Marg) East Delhi Mall, Ghaziabad East End Mall, Ghaziabad TDI mall, Rajouri Garden City Walk, Saket
Many more malls are under construction and will be completed soon.
Bazaars

• Connaught Place – Many Western-style shops are here that have nice products for Indian prices. Check out "The Bookworm" and "Will's clothing".
• Main Bazaar, Paharganj – Oriented toward backpackers, this strip of shops sells items such as shawls, tablas, rugs, jewelry, etc.
• Lajpath Nagar III – Middle-class Indians do their shopping here. Great deals for nice , shirts, salwar-kameez, Western clothing (cotton underwear, jeans, pijamas, etc.)
• Khan Market is where the foreign diplomats and Tibetan lama's go for lunch and to shop for dog supplies, groceries (great choice of vegetables), clothes (upper class Indian style, not expensive) and books (many bookshops).
• Janpath is a bargain-hunter's dream and just a two minute walk from Connaught place. Think of it as a vast flea market, where you can get all kinds of knick-knacks and clothes. Janpath is not a place for those unwilling or unable to bargain ruthlessly. Also, as in any flea market, quality will vary greatly. There are also some bookshops.
• Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place – This is a large underground market in the center of Connaught Place. The air here is bad and the quality of products low. One can hunt for DVDs, VCDs and Audio CDs of Hindi, English and a few regional and foreign language films and PC-based games.
• Chandni Chowk, Metro Yellow Line. The heart of Old Delhi, this is the place to go for the full-on Indian experience of crowded, twisting alleys and tiny shops. The Fountain serves as a useful orientation point, and there are great Delhi-style snacks to be found in the vicinity too (see Eat).

Handicrafts

• Cottage Emporium, located near Connaught Place, is the main government-run location for selling handicrafts from all over the country. The prices are a little more than what you'd find if you went bargain hunting, but you can shop in air-conditioned comfort and all of the sales people speak English. The quality of items is quite good. You can pay with credit cards.
• The state emporium is the state's equivalent of a Cottage. They are all located on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, one of the radial streets coming off of Connaught Place, and each state specializes in certain kinds of crafts. Some are better priced than others, and you can bargain a little. Many of them will take credit cards.
• Dilli Haat, located in South Delhi near the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), is a place where crafts fairs happen every few weeks. It is a wonderful place to get crafts from all over the country. What is distinctive here is that the artists themselves come to sell their goods, so your money goes directly to them, rather than to middlemen. Some bargaining may be necessary if you want the best price. Prices are higher than elsewhere, but the modest entry fee keeps out beggars. Ripoff artists, and most touts, and many visitors find the mellow atmosphere worth the extra cost of shopping here. It also has a section called Foods of India. This has a huge number of restaurants, each showcasing the food of a particular state of India. (Most of them give a mix of Chinese and Indian food, but state delicacies are also included). This section is a must-go for the foodie cum tourist.

Clothing

• Ansal Plaza is a mall and a favorite shopping haunt for the local middle/upper class and it is located in South Delhi. This is a great place to get bargains on international brand clothing and jeans (as these tend to be 30-50% cheaper than in the West depending on the brand and time of year). The mall also houses many Indian and Western eateries (including McDonald's). International brands like Guess, Marks & Spencer, United Colors of Benetton, Lacoste and Apple have retail outlets here.
• South Extension is another shopping mecca in South Delhi but it is not a single mall. It is spread out over a large area and many international brands have stores here. International brands include the likes of Mango, Nautica, United Colors of Benetton, Levis, etc.
• Karol Bagh reputed to be the largest shopping area in Asia with 20,000 shops and traders. There are many tailors experienced in western styles (suits etc). There is also a growing number of hotels here.
• Sarojini Nagar Market reputed to be the largest outdoor, pedestrianized shopping area in Delhi. Huge bargains on all sorts of western and Indian wear. It is known by expatriate teens as THE shopping area for affordable current hip fashion trends. If you are lucky you can also get many reputed western brands here (export surplus) Also a great market for fresh fruits, vegetables and household goods!
  

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

• Khan Market – This is a shopping area for local diplomats. There are many book shops here that have a wide selection at reasonable prices.
• Oxford Bookstore, First floor, Statesman House, Barakhamba Road (near Connaught Place), [17]. One of Delhi's largest and most modern bookstores. It has an emphasis on art and culture. The great Cha Bar allows you to read any book from the shelves and relax with a cup of tea. Available in several dozen varieties from 30 rupees up. Priced at regular prices. Open daily.
• Mid Land Bookshop, South Extension and Aurbindo Place. Very similar to bookshops in Khan Market, but at better prices.
• Galgotia and Sons, Cannaught Place. A more disorganized bookstore, but with an excellent variety of books available at excellent prices.
• The Bookworm, Connaught Place – If you are more adventurous and want a 'localized' experience with the best books published in India you can go to:
• Nai Sarak (near Chawari Bazaar) (use Chawari Bazaar or Chandani Chowk metro stations on yellow line) has narrow gullies where most publishers are based. This is very popular with students, particularly college students as course books are available here. They carry books in nearly all major languages spoken in India. Don't expect bargaining to work here as shopkeepers are too busy to argue. (The shopkeepers do more business than any proper branded shop, selling at least 5,000 books daily.) There are also many whole sellers. Very few books will be on display and you need to ask for a particular type of book as the variety of books sold is huge. Most books are original and the shopkeepers get very irritated if you question the book's genuineness. You can either take a rickshaw or walk. One of Delhi's oldest shopping complexes, you can find any book there after a day of searching. Also good areas for sightseeing.
• Daryaganj and Asaf Ali Road – A little better organized, but otherwise very similar to Nai Sarak. Hindi Book Centre on Asaf Ali road is very famous and one can find practically every Hindi book there and they also have a very good website : [18]
  

Computers

• Nehru Place, [19]. An IT hardware market complex and a perfect place for finding gadgets at very cheap rates. It is also a huge marketplace for both pirated and original software. Any computer-related accessory can be found here, but parking is a monumental problem. Beware of congestion and pickpockets. Open Mon-Sat

Eat

Delhiites complain about many things in their city, but the food will satisfy even the most demanding gourmet. Not only can you find some of the best Indian food on the subcontinent, there is also an increasing number of excellent (if often pricey) international restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. When ordering, do remember that Delhi is about 1000 km from the nearest ocean, so vegetarian, chicken and mutton dishes are the way to go.

Delhi has the best streetfood in India. It's highly recommended even if you can splurge in expensive restaurants. However, be aware that many westerners suffer diarrhea and major stomach upset from eating from street vendors. Some foreign people end up in the hospital from eating meat products, even in fine restaurants.
Do eat the samossa and jalebi here.

Have Indian chai.

The Golgappas (basically fried wheat hollow balls stuffed with potato and chutney and filled with spiced mint water) is very popular and they are almost the best available here. Make sure you have it from a good, well known place. Locals will recommend their favourite places, so ask.

Try the various sweets. There is an amazing variety of sweets that is unparalleled to anything you have seen. Laddoos, barfis, and doda are available in the Winter.
The paranthas are amazing (stuffed Indian breads slightly fried are available with all kinds of stuffings--with potato, cauliflower and radish being the most popular ones).

Budget

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

• Andhra Pradesh Bhavan Canteen, Ashok Road (near Man Singh Road). Open for lunch and dinner this is a favorite of local Delhi foodies who are looking for an authentic Andhra meal. They serve all you can eat veg/non-veg thalis for 60-120 rupees. For carnivores, you have a variety of non-veg options (chicken/fish/mutton) but the mutton fry is recommended. The service is quick and efficient. Another favorite is the Karnataka Bhavan canteen beside Ansal Plaza near Mool Chand offering all possible South India food.

• Haldiram's, 1454/2 Chandni Chowk (just west of the Fountain) and other outlets around town, [20]. This is a famous manufacturer of Indian snacks and sweets that has now gone global. This always-packed, two-story outlet in the heart of Chandni Chowk was its first in Delhi and dates back to 1924. The ground floor houses a vast array of sweet and sticky Indian confections, while the first floor has a popular vegetarian restaurant. This is a great place to try authentic and hygienic Delhi chaat and other Indian snack foods. Try the Raj Kachori (pictured left), a mixture of different types of stuffing with sweetened yogurt and chutneys in an oversized hollow dough shell. All chaat is under 50 rupees, or you can get a full daily thali for 90 rupees.
  
• Tadka, 4986, Ram Dwara Road (side road off of Main Bazaar), Nehru Bazar, Paharganj. A notably clean restaurant by Paharganj standards. Serves only vegetarian food, a full thali for 60 rupees. Their tea is really good and their most popular dish is Paneer B. Masala.

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

Mid-range

You will find McDonalds, KFC, Subway and Pizza Hut scattered at various locations (in malls and otherwise) throughout the city. The Indian menus (no beef, lots of veggie options) can be interesting even if you would otherwise steer clear. 100 rupees for a full serve.

• Club India Cafe, 4797, Second Floor, 6 Tooti Chowk (next to vegetable market), Paharganj. Don't be put off by the cramped stairway up. This is a clean and bright little haven of peace with birds-eye views of the chaos below. The menu spans the gamut but the thing to try is the Japanese food, prepared under the watchful eye of the Japanese owner. 100-200 rupees.
  
• Karim's, Jama Masjid, Gali Kababian, tel. +91-11-23269880, [21]. As you'd expect from a restaurant on Kebab Lane, the name of the game here is Mughal-style meat (mutton and chicken), served up since 1913 and still going strong. Favorites include Badam Pasanda (boneless mutton cooked with yogurt, almonds and spices) and Chicken Noor Jahan, but if you're really hungry, try Tandoori Bakra — an entire stuffed goat (3,500 rupees. Advanced notice and down payment required). Under 200 rupees at the original; more at the branches.
  
• Moti Mahal Deluxe, M-30, Greater Kailash Part I, tel # 6412467 (and other outlets). Famous for their tandoori chicken and North Indian food.
  
• Nirula's, L-Block, Connaught Place, +91-11-23322419, [22]. India's answer to McDonald's, this serves both Indian and Western fare. Has many other branches throughout the country.
  
• Sagar Shop No 24, Defence Colony Market, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 110024 +91 11 2433 3815, +91 11 2155 1097 – Considered by many to be the best place for authentic South Indian food, Sagar does justice to the reputation. The menu features dosas, idlis, vadas, uttapams, rasam and thalis. A/C. There's likely to be a queue for seats during peak hours and definitely on Tuesday nights. The upmarket version (quieter, better laid out and more expensive) is at Sagar Ratna, Ashok Hotel, 50-B Chanakyapuri +91 11 2611 0101 . Both also have many other branches.
  
• Saravana Bhavan, 46 Janpath, +91 11 2331 7755 +91 11 2331 6060, [23]. A good South Indian joint located in Janpath very close to Connaught Place. They are a Chennai chain operating in Delhi. If you go at lunch time, prepare to wait a while. The various dosas are recommended, as well as the thalis (meals) and the sweet dishes.
  
• Sri Balaji Restaurant, 17A/41, W.E.A. Gurudwara Road, Karol Bagh, serves North and South Indian food for good prices, but offers only veg food.On tighter budgets, the Pindi or Havemore are recommended at Pandara Park.
  Khan Chacha, 75, Middle lane, Khan Market – A Roomali Rolls and Kabab stand serving chicken, mutton and paneer (cottage cheese) kebab rolls. Very popular with Delhites

Splurge

• Bukhara, Maurya Sheraton – Regularly tops the charts as India's best restaurant (and certainly among the priciest), the roast lamb and the Bukhara Dal here are legendary. Always make reservations or be ready to stand in a queue (similar to queues at an airport) for about two hours. 2000+ rupees.
  
• Chor Bizarre, Hotel Broadway, 4/15A Asaf Ali Rd, [24]. Now franchised worldwide, the original restaurant serves Kashmiri food in an eclectic surrounding like a chor bazaar (thieves market). The buffet is laid out inside an old car! 300 rupees for a full meal.
  
• Naivedhyam, Hauz Khas Village. Offers quality South Indian meals and service at slightly higher prices.
  
• Punjabi by Nature, 11 Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, tel. 011-5151-6665. One of Delhi's best-known Punjabi restaurants. 500 rupees or so, more if you order seafood.

Italian

• The Big Chill, Khan Market and East of Kailash, is popular with a young crowd for great smoothies, ice creams, cheesecakes and Italian food.
• Flavours of Italy is located near the Moolchand Flyover.
• Little Italy is located in the Defence Colony Market.
• The West View at Maurya Sheraton. Italian food.
• Olive features Italian food and is near the Qutub Minar.
• Diva, at Greater Kailash Pt.2, features Italian food.
• San Gimignano, at Imperial Hotel, features Italian food.
• La Piazza is an Italian restaurant at the Hyatt Regency. Italian food.

Japanese

• Enoki, The Grand, Nelson Mandela Rd, Vasant Kunj-II, [25]. Pseudo-rustic yakitori (Japanese chicken kebab) restaurant offering fairly authentic food, including a limited range of sushi and sake. 1000+ rupees.
• Sakura, Hotel Metropolitan, Bangla Sahib Marg, [www.hotelnikkodelhi.com/sakura.htm]. Ranked as the finest Japanese restaurant in India, this restaurant is very well known for its excellent food. But it also carries the tag of being one of the most expensive restaurants in India, according to many THE most expensive.

Middle Eastern

• Felafel Man, Main Bazaar, Paharganj. About a 10 minunite walk down Main Bazaar from New Delhi train station, this little shop sells excellent falafel rolls and Sabeekh. Made with love and patience by the multilingual Shimon, the rolls come with superb hummus, tahini and mineral water washed vegies. Don't forget to wash it down with the very filling (almost a meal in itself) seasonal fruit lassi, so thick it takes some effort to suck it up the straws.

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

• EGO Thai, Friends Colony Market.
• Culinaire, Greater Kailash 2
• Chilli Seasons, Lodhi Colony market
• Ban Thai, Oberoi.
• Thai Wok, Mehrauli, tel:26644289. Should go at night for a view of the lit up Qutab Minar.
• The Kitchen, Khan Market tel: 011 4175 7960/7961
• Turquoise Cottage, 81/3 Adhchini, Sri Aurobindo Marg, South Delhi, tel. 011-2685-3896, [26]. True to the name, the decor is turquoise and stylishly rustic, but the food is Thai-Chinese and, while somewhat adapted to Indian tastes, quite tasty. Also check out the popular The Other Side bar downstairs. Reservations recommended. 500 rupees.

Tibetan Food – Delicious,finger lickin' good Tibetan food is available at The Tibetan Kitchen, near Shivaji Stadium (which actually is a Bus Stand!) Connaught Place. The joint is run by Tibetan refugees.

Nan King – Chinnese food which is suprisingly different from the West but very good. Nan King is one of the best spots and offers a private lounge. Good for a party or to wind up a holiday.

Drink

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

Coffee/Tea

For coffee go to Barista or Cafe Coffee Day, two of the large Indian coffee chains, have multiple locations around the city. The partly UK-based Costa Coffee has also made a recent foray into the market.

Aap ki Pasand Tea Shop, Sterling House, 15 Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj (Opposite the post office, walking distance from Red Fort), ☎ +91 11 23260373, [27]. . A great place to sample Indian chai and the exotic Darjeeling and Assam teas and purchase the same. Located in an old colonial era building, its teas have been savored by Bill Clinton, Gorbachov, Koizumi and are taken as official state gifts of India. The best tea experience you might have!

Hookah/Sheesha

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

Hookah, Basant Lok (in Priya Cinema complex), Vasant Vihar, tel. +91-11-41663522. Three-level bar-restaurant offering surprisingly good (if pricy) Middle Eastern fare. They offer a wide range of drinks and an even wider range of flavored water pipes. There is no outdoor seating, nor do they offer hot drinks.

Mocha, Greater Kailash I

Ziya- The Morockin Cafe, Ph: +91-9212631306/1/2 – This is a chain of neuvo Middle Eastern cafes that offers a wide range of drinks and food (not to mention the flavored tobacco). The place is really cost effective, at half the cost of the above mentioned.

Bars/Nightclubs

Aqua - At the Park Hotel
Aura - At the Claridges
IndoChine's Forbidden City - International restaurant/lounge located in south delhi.
Ministry of Sound, Vasant Kunj. India's first branch of the international supper club. Closes by midnight and security is dodgy. Entry 2500 rupees per couple.
Orange - This is a nightclub at the Ashoka Hotel.
Elevate - Located in Noida adjoining south delhi. Voted number 35 worldwide by top international Dj's
Fbar and lounge (by FashionTv) – This new hotspot is located in the Hotel Ashok in Chanakyapuri.
The Other Side, 81/3 Adhchini (basement of Turquoise Cottage), Sri Aurobindo Marg, tel. 011-2685-396. This smoky brick-walled basement is covered with Western memorabilia. Eclectic music with an emphasis on rock (expect anything from Beatles to AC/DC). It's a good crowd, particularly on Wednesday's media nights. 500 rupees minimum for drinks and food. Couples only.
Shalom Cool Mediterranean-themed lounge bar/restaurant with chill-out music. In N-block market, GK-1.

Sleep

Paharganj

This street, also referred to as Main Bazaar, is opposite New Delhi railway station and has many cheap hotels. It's very popular with travelers. A double room with attached bathroom is 200-300 rupees (or less). Note that the Delhi Metro exits are on the Ajmeri Gate side of the New Delhi Railway station, so you'll need to cross over the railway station (Platform Ticket may be needed for entering the station.) to go to Paharganj. Main road is very noisy during day time.

Majnu ka Tilla

Majnu ka Tilla is a compact Tibetan settlement and the place of departure and arrival for Dharamsala, the home of the Tibetan Government in Exile and the Dalai Lama. Stay here if you have an interest in Tibetan culture, politics and religion, or if you need something quieter (and just slightly more expensive) than Paharganj.

An auto-rickshaw from New Delhi train station should cost around 50 rupees (use the prepaid stand). The Vidhan Sabha metro station is also nearby and popular. From there cycle-rickshaws charge 15 rupees and take about five minutes.

Stay healthy

Delhi is a dusty city. That and the heat in Delhi does reduce visibility in the summers. In April through June, temperatures regularly top 40°C, meaning that proper hydration is a major concern. In winter there can be seasonal fog and and on particularly foggy days, it can be difficult to see across the street. If you happen to be traveling in or out of Delhi during the winters, be aware of fog related flight delays.

Simple advice - use bottled water and avoid any water-related illness. Keep yourself covered in summers to avoid a heat stroke. Drink a lot of water - 3 litres of water a day -, particularly in the summer. Sticking to freshly, well-cooked vegetarian food will lessen your chances on acquiring the 'delhi belly'.

Stay safe

Many first time travelers to India find themselves falling victim to scams and touts, and unfortunately Delhi has a lot of both. Be on guard for anybody trying to help you by giving you unsolicited directions or travel advice, and take any advice from taxi and auto drivers with a grain of salt, particularly if they tell you the place you want to go to is closed, dangerous, etc. If this is your first time to India do not admit it, as this will make you a mark for the scam artists.

Delhi is an increasingly unsafe place for women. It is not uncommon to receive lewd remarks or even physical touching. If you are coming into Delhi at night, stay in the airport lounge, or well lit areas until daybreak. Try to avoid walking around alone or hiring cabs alone. Dress conservatively (preferably in Indian clothing so as to blend in). Learn to shout and consider carrying mace/pepper spray. Police vehicles (called PCR vans) are parked on almost every major intersection. Dial 100 in case of emergencies.

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

As a general rule, expect anyone handling your cash in Delhi to attempt to short-change you. You may be favorably surprised once or twice during your visit. Learn the currency, count out your payment and change carefully, and be insistent in any dispute

Cope

• Power outages and water shortages happen not just every day, but often several times on the same day, with summers being particularly bad. Better places have water tanks and generators to alleviate the pain, but keep a flashlight handy at night and do your part by not wasting too much water. But again, these will impact you only if you stay somewhere in Paharganj. Easier to stay at a slightly better hotel and let money solve these minor problems.
• Laundry service is offered in most hotels, even budget accommodations. If you would rather save the money and do it yourself, buckets are found in almost all bathrooms - but perhaps wash it out well first.
• Exercising outdoors is not recommended due to the level of pollution and swimming in rivers is also not recommended. You'll want to look for a hotel with a gym or a pool (many offer day passes). Or a evening/morning walk can be taken in the parks.
• Tourist Agency Warning Several tourist agencies (specifically Merrygo Travel in Connaught Place, near H Block) have been known to swindle tourists, change their travel plans, and quietly charge them forty-five percent commission. If you do use the services of a travel agency, try to book train tickets. Do not take a personal car. The agency will most likely charge you ridiculous prices, for example, 7 rupees/km of the trip. The driver will most likely take you to sites that you did not request to see in order to pull more money out of your pockets. Try to navigate through the India Rail website and book your own tickets. Otherwise, prepare to spend a good hour sorting through the charges that the tourist agency will rack up, most likely several hundred dollars in convenience charges, or unspecified taxes.