Delhi is a diamond in the rough. The most appealing places and insightful experiences are usually intertwined with the most lurid and vulgar of conditions. So, be prepared to experience a place that is so completely complex and layered that it may lead you to either the enlightening depths of human nature or to want to fly home immediately. Delhi boasts many impressive and attractive sites and scenes such as its architecture, food, culture, and history. However, the allure of Delhi is most often aesthetically swept under the rug because such delights usually come with a little bit of dust, smog, diarrhea, poverty, and annoying hustlers and be
There is no dearth of attractions for children in Delhi. With parks aplenty, museums of varied nature and theater for kids where you're bound to find something of their choice, there's never a dull moment for your little ones. Be sure to check out these places for they're as compelling for adults as well!
North Delhi is known as a residential area home to the Delhi University and India's middle class. Unless you are visiting relatives or friends who live here, there is nothing spectacular about North Delhi.
The Red Fort is a massive curtain wall which dominates the skyline of New Delhi. It was built in 1648 and became the living quarters of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who mandated the construction of his other palace the Taj Mahal.
Named as a UNESCO world heritage site, Humayun's tomb has great historical significance because it was the first garden-tomb to be built in India. Humayun's tomb was built in 1570, and after its construction inspired the construction of another very famous structure the Taj Mahal.
Known as “King's Way" Rajpath is the most important road in India because it is littered with governmental buildings including the parliament house of India. The road runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National Stadium and has a lovely floral view with several lawns, trees, and ponds found along the sides.
To truly appreciate India's past, you first must make sure you have a few hours to spare before diving into the National Museum's rich exhibitions. The more interesting displays include the carved pillars and statues from the Maryan empire (250 BC), sandstone figures from Pallava temples, Naga models and masks, excavations from the Indus Valley civilizations, Gupta terracottas dating from AD400, stone and bronze Buddhist statues, silk paintings from Central Asia, Tibetan manuscripts, and Mughal clothing, weapons, tapestries and various other Mughal items.
The bazaars that surround Chandni Chowk, in Old Delhi, offer a colourful, heaving and pungent slice of Delhi life, with shops and stalls displaying a spectacular array of goods, from fish and poultry to second-hand goods, gemstones and gold, garlands, turbans, tinsel and spare car parts. They are an unmissable part of any visit to the city. The covered Gadodial Market is the wholesale spice market with an incredible display of aniseed, turmeric, pomegranate, dried mangoes, ginger, saffron, reetha nuts, lotus seeds, pickles, sugars and chutneys. Chawris Bazaar is packed with shops specialising in copper and brass Buddhas, Vishnus and Krishnas.
Otherwise known as the Lotus Temple, the modern Baha'i Temple has often been compared to the Sydney Opera House. Giant white petals of Rajasthani Macrana marble open out from nine pools and walkways in the shape of an unfolding lotus, symbolising the nine spiritual paths of the Baha'i faith. The crouched yet upright stance and upturned, opening petals hint at the human form in ecstatic prayer. The temple is approached through an attractive formal garden. Inside, the central hall rises to a height of over 30m (98ft), without the visible support of any columns. Visitors should take their shoes off before entering.
Humayun's 16th-century Delhi had at its centre the fortress of Purana Qila, which reputedly stands on the site of Indraprastha, the city of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata. Of the buildings that survive today, the Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid, a successful fusion of the Islamic and Hindu styles, was constructed by Sher Shah in 1541. The Sher Mandal is an octagonal observatory and library. The north gate, Talaqi-Darwaza, has been partially rebuilt and gives an impression of how formidable the fortifications would have been in their heyday. The chattri surmounting the west (entrance) gate commands a fine view of
The immense and brutal fortifications of Tughluqabad are an impressive monument to the militarism of the Tughluqs, an antidote to any idea that the Delhi Sultans were merely effete builders of mosques and palaces. Nowadays, the only living things that visitors are likely to see at the vast, barren, sun-scorched site are goats, donkeys and the occasional archaeologist, although in the 14th century, the citadel, the third city of
Bukharais widely touted as the best place for Mughal and North-West Frontier specialities in Delhi. The food is delicious and everything its reputation suggests - one particularly recommended dish is the kastoori kebab, while the delicious dhal makes a splendid accompaniment to any meal. Diners sit on benches, at elegant low tables. The restaurant is crowded but the service remains attentive.
Besides the fact that Haveli's food is exceptional, it's almost worth a visit just to admire the sumptuous decor. One wall showcases fine floral frescoes and decorative reliefs, while the ceiling is adorned with carved wooden haveli eaves, gilt tiles, and Belgian chandeliers. In the evenings, musical and cultural performances are staged on a raised marble platform under a beautiful canopy. A great way to get a taste for North Indian cuisine is to order a Maharaja thali, a silver platter filled with tandoori prawns, masala chicken, spicy lamb, mixed vegetable curry, and heavenly black dal, a lentil specialty that's cooked for up to 20 hours over hot charcoal. Try the signature murgh dhanya, a mild chicken curry flavored with cilantro. (Note that the Taj Mahal Hotel also has a very good Chinese restaurant, House of Ming; it's not in the same class as Taipan in The Oberoi, but it's definitely easier on your wallet.)
Singaporean chef Thian serves up amazing dim sum at this popular Chinese restaurant, arguably the best in town. Steamed and served in special bamboo baskets, Chinese dim sum are tiny dumplings filled with an assortment of tasty morsels; they draw a dedicated following, and it's quite possible to fill up on these starters without even moving on to the main courses. And, at lunchtime, when you can enjoy the fantastic view over Delhi Golf Course, an assorted platter of dim sum is ideal for a tasty midday meal that won't leave you feeling stuffed for the rest of the day. If you're up for a complete meal, don't miss the fantastic Peking duck or the chef's special, chicken tapering chili (sliced chicken and whole long tapering chilies, flavored with a light soya sauce). The chicken is not half as pungent as it sounds, unless you eat the whole chilies.
Artistic rendering of classic Indian cuisine is all the rage in the country's upscale city restaurants, and Masala Art makes a very conscious attempt to dazzle. The chefs turn cooking into performance art, putting on engaging food demonstrations at mealtimes; spectators eat whatever delicacies are produced. Of the daily a la carte specials, look for achari jhinga (prawns flavored with raw mango), and galouti kebabs prepared with finely minced lamb and 126 different herbs. If you're up for sharing a small feast, order khushk raan, a whole leg of lamb pot-roasted in a secret, heavenly marinade. Order homemade puffy phulka bread, made from ground wheat, on the side, and be sure to have a glass of fresh sugar-cane juice or bhune jeere ki chaas, buttermilk seasoned with roasted cumin. End with cheena payesh, soft cottage cheese dumplings in reduced milk, topped with pistachios.
The Spice Routeis in The Imperial hotel and serves top-quality Thai and South Asian food, in a restaurant decorated with antique, gaudily painted wooden pillars and panels. Even if the food were not excellent (crisp, spicy and fresh), it would be worth eating here for the setting alone. The tangy oriental salads and the piquant vegetable stews are particularly recommended.
Judging by the exterior and the neighborhood, this might at first seem the type of place you don't want to be at night. But grit your teeth and venture inside -- the brainchild of Gregory Kuok, this is the most authentic Chinese restaurant in Delhi, and the well-established menu has been tried and tested by some of the city's fussiest diners for well over a decade. Steamed wheat dumplings, filled with prawns, chicken, or vegetables and served with a garlic soya dip, are what gave Fa Yian its excellent reputation. The dumplings are prepared, along with the homemade noodles, fresh each day. Try these as a starter, followed by honey chicken, pepper-salt jumbo prawns, or the Fa Yian hot pot, which is prepared at the table according to your taste. Fish, brought in from Mumbai and steamed with a delicate hint of ginger, is lovely. Covering two levels, the ambience is relaxed and simple; ask for a table upstairs. Service is friendly and casual.
Named for a former princely capital in Uttar Pradesh, this bright, yellow-walled restaurant is a fantastic place for meat-eaters, and ideal if you've been browsing the Khan Market. It's intimate and extremely clean, with modern artworks depicting scenes from Delhi life. The Muslim food here is rich -- the chefs don't exactly hold back on the ghee. Try seekh kebab Rampuri, tasty mutton kebabs that are generously spiced, mixed with boiled egg whites, and grilled over charcoal. Gosht nahari is a delicious mutton dish prepared in thick, spicy onion gravy and cooked overnight on a slow fire. Another delicacy is haleem, made from a thick mutton paste mixed with spices and pulses and garnished with chilies and ginger; order tasty kulcha bread as an accompaniment. Alcohol is not available.
You'll know from the many Sikh families that eat here that this is one of Delhi's best-regarded Punjabi restaurants, with two floors for diners and a pub upstairs, all a mere 10 minutes' drive west of Haus Khas Village (or 15 min. from Safdarjung's tomb, the Hyatt Regency, or the Santushi Shopping Complex). On the first floor is a display kitchen where you can watch tandoori items and desserts being made; ask for a table here, where it's more atmospheric. Try tandoori trout, flown in from the icy streams of Himachal Pradesh, or masala quail (bataear masaledar). Lobster is brought fresh from Mumbai and cooked to perfection in the tandoor oven. Vegetarians can look forward to tandoori broccoli, prepared in a mustard marinade; or sarson ka saag, fresh mustard greens served with homemade cornmeal bread. Try the house specialty, a "gol gappa" shot: a tiny puri (fried puffed bread) filled with vodka, which you pop into your mouth whole.
A fantasy of kitsch twisted into a unique and wonderful space that is more irreverent museum than diner, this is one restaurant that truly lives up to its name. Its name a pun on chor bazaar, which literally means "thieves' market," Chor Bizarre is packed with fascinating odds and ends, mismatched settings, out-of-place furnishings, and reassembled bits and pieces (matchboxes, coins, chessboards, antique combs, ivory sandals, jewelry, chandeliers, a jukebox... ), innovatively displayed to create one of India's most visually dynamic restaurants (a branch of which is now also open in London). One table was previously a Maharaja's bed, while a 1927 vintage Fiat has become the buffet-carrying "Chaat mobile." Start with deep-fried lotus roots, prepared Kashmiri-style, and move on to kakori kebab, lamb marinated in 36 different spices and grilled in a tandoor. Cardamom-flavored lamb meatballs (goshtaba) are another delicious Kashmiri specialty, slow-cooked over an open flame. Alternatively, if you're up for a feast, try the Kashmiri taramis (thali), filled with treats and served from a traditional royal platter. Ask about walking tours that combine lunch with sights in Old Delhi.
Genuine home-style Italian cooking is the hallmark of Delhi's favorite Italian restaurant. Italian owner-chef Tarsilo Nataloni began this as an ice-cream shop and soon expanded to an extensive menu. Unless it's a blistering summer day and you prefer the air-conditioned section, grab a seat at a pretty wrought-iron table on the veranda. Order a wonderfully refreshing pink ginger fizz to sip on while you decide on what to eat. You could snack on panini made with ciabatta and imported cheese and meats, or get a delicious Greek salad followed by one of the perfect wood-fired oven pizzas (try the unusual pizza peri-peri). Flavors serves consistently good food, so go ahead and order any of the risottos or the fresh homemade pastas -- you won't be disappointed. Pleasant young college students wait tables here (a rarity in India), and are eager to chat if you care for interaction; if not, this is a perfect spot for a relaxed evening after an exhausting day navigating Delhi's streets (about 10 min. drive south from India Gate; 10 min. drive east of Lodi Gardens). Advance booking is recommended on weekend evenings.
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Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Lutyen's Delhi, the Taj Mahal hotel is a classy mixture of Mughal architecture and high-tech facilities.
Ranked as the finest hotels in Delhi, the Imperial Hotel makes its guests sit in the lap of luxury.
A landmark building since the 1950's, the Claridges hotel is a three floor low-rise building set on three acres of land. Its location is rather central to some tourist destinations such as Delhi's business district and shopping and cultural centers.
The Oberoi New Delhi hotel is for the upscale traveler who wants peace and quiet. The hotel overlooks Delhi's serene Golf Club (the best golf course in Delhi) on one side and the tourist site where Humayun's Tomb is located on the other. The hotel has also won several awards for providing excellent services.
The Jukaso hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms for a reasonable price. Its location is also a pleasant setting placed in a serene environment, perfect for when you want to escape Delhi's chaos.
Staying true to its name, the Bajaj Indian Home Stay is really a home away from home. At the Bajaj accommodation you will literally be staying at an Indian home, so expect a homey and hearty environment. The rooms are very clean and quaint. Moreover, the Bajaj offers a complimentary breakfast, airport pick-up, a welcome drink, free in-house library usage, and free local phone calls, internet, fax, and zerox machine.
Hotel Vishal Residency is located in the largest shopping arcade of Asia, Karol Bagh. Hotel Vishal Residency in
The Ahuja Residency is located in Defence Colony, a quiet suburb popular for its market and restaurants. Its rooms are a bit small but have all the basic necessities like a bed, bright light, and clean facilities. Also, there is a houseboy who cleans and prepares breakfast.
The Blue Sapphire Hostel is ideally suited for travelers who are backpacking and staying in
India offers electronic visas to eligible passport holders for specified travel purposes. Eligibility, permitted arrival points, passport requirements and the conditions of the selected visa category are published on the official Indian e-Visa portal.
The ideal time to visit Delhi is between October to the month of March, although the city remains bustling with tourists throughout the year. Check out the schedules for any of the numerous fairs and festivals and plan your tour according to that. If you are planning a trip here not for mere fun but for adventurous excursions, then Delhi is worth visiting throughout the year. Nevertheless, in summers there are chances you might get affected with heat stroke or loo (strong gusts of hot winds) as it is known locally.
Location:: National Capital Territory of Delhi, North India, on the banks of the river Yamuna; Dialling code:: +91 -country 011- local area code for eg, if you are dialling from outside the country you will dial 0091 11 xxxx xxxx; Emergency/useful numbers:: Police - 100 Fire - 101 Ambulance - 102 indian Red Cross Society - 2371 1551, 2371 6441-43 Apollo Blood Bank - 2682 5707 AIIMS ( All India Institute of Medical Sciences) - 2656 1123, 2686 4851-59 Tourist InformationService - 1363 ITDC ( Govt. of India Undertaking) - 2371 9039 DTDC( Delhi Tourism Dev. Corp) - 2336 3607, 2336 5358 Car helpline - 2582 6161, 2576 6718/19 Highway Patrol - Telephone Service - Enquiry - 197 Trunk call booking ( national ) - 180 (international) - 186 Morning alarm - 116 + time Airport enquiry - 2566 1000 Terminal 1 2560 2000 Terminal 2 (International) 2560 1000 International Cargo Terminal Railway enquiry - 131, 2336 6177, 2336 6101 Reservation enquiry - 8787, 2334 8686, 1345 Foreign Post Office - 2323 3304
With a population of about 13.8 million, New Delhi is a conglomeration of human beings in all aspects - be it socially, religiously, racially, or ethnically.
January: Daily Min. 7.3 C° ; Daily Max. 21.1 C° Daily Min. 45.1 F°; Daily Max. 70 F°
Public Holidays:
The currency used is the Indian Rupee (INR). One rupee = 100 paise
Delhi is a diamond in the rough. The most appealing places and insightful experiences are usually intertwined with the most lurid and vulgar of conditions. So, be prepared to experience a place that is so completely complex and layered that it may lead you to either the enlightening depths of human nature or to want to fly home immediately. Delhi boasts many impressive and attractive sites and scenes such as its architecture, food, culture, and history. However, the allure of Delhi is most often aesthetically swept under the rug because such delights usually come with a little bit of dust, smog, diarrhea, poverty, and annoying hustlers and beggars(One should know the art of tackling them).
Delhi is known as one of the oldest cities in the world, with estimations of it being over 5,000 years old.
An exclusive shopping complex in the heart of New Delhi, Santushti is not for those who love to bargain. Located here are 30 upscale boutiques ringed around a small garden creating a cozy, picturesque look to the place making a visit here a delightful experience. Whether you want to shop or just browse through the boutiques, you will not be disappointed for this is the place for high fashion Indian garments. Cosmetics, jewelry, leather accessories and decorative home items are also available here. Also located here is the famous restaurant, Basil and Thyme. This small shopping complex is run by the Air Force Wives Association.
Located in South Delhi, South Extension Market is a posh market, famous for showrooms of Indian and international brands featuring high end quality designer and branded items. It is divided into two parts, I and II, on either side of the Ring Road. It is popularly known as South Ex.
An exclusive shop that stocks Vichitra saris of all kinds, embroidered, Banarsis, printed, plain and shaded.
Kilol is a leading manufacturer of ethnic hand block printed fabrics, salwar suits, readymade garments, scarves, quilts,, saris, home linen and kurtas, all sourced and created in Jaipur. The material used is cotton, tussar silk, crepe, chiffon, georgette, kota doria, etc. Freshness of color has been infused into the traditional art of hand block print to provide a contemporary look. These creations are equally popular with locals as well as foreigners.
Kalpana- where timeless tradition blends with modernity to create exclusive designs in a wide range of ladies garments- saris, salwar kameez, fabric sets, kurtis, shawls and scarves. Every piece is lovingly created here capturing the essence of the past. Once in, you wouldn'y feel like leaving without buying.
Located in the posh south Delhi neighborhood of Greater Kailash, the N block Market drips with style, glamor and gloss. With an array of sophisticated stores selling high end products ranging from ladies garments, footwear and cosmetics to furnishings, leather goods, silver jewelery and much more, this is the place frequented by the rich and famous of Delhi. If shopping tires you out, there are a number of places where you can unwind, drink a cuppa and resume your shopping.
Shaw Brothers established over 150 years ago, is one of the pioneers of Kashmir art and has been serving customers with the same excellence throughout these years. Beautifully embroidered shawls, carpets, furnishings, genuine Pashminas with intricate silk embroideries and jamavar shawls are the items sold by them. Quality and perfection are the by word of this company whose products are manufactured on their own looms spread all over India. Custom embroidery as per the requirement of the buyer is also undertaken.
Hauz Khas is one of South Delhi's elitist areas made popular with the unusual Hauz Khas Village shopping complex. The entire area is dotted with stone monuments, tombs of minor Muslim royalty from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Wander through the winding streets and alleyways and you'll chance upon converted old homes that house art galleries and exclusive boutiques selling everything from designer clothing, footwear, jewelry and handicrafts to old carpets, kilns and furniture.
Located in one of the posh residential areas of Delhi, M Block Market is not just for shopping but is the hang-out place of the wealthy, jet-set crowd of New Delhi. This place boasts some of the most luxurious show rooms of the capital featuring big brand names, both Indian as well as international. Everything conceivable is available here, albeit at a higher price. Books, home decor items, trendy bags, stylish footwear, imported crystal objects, latest range of cosmetics and perfumes, designer wear, luggage, kids garments, lingerie and lots more. Alongside are numerous eating joints, trendy pubs and glitzy discotheques.
One of Delhi's up market shopping arcades frequented by the rich and affluent of Delhi, this market is also immensely popular with expats, diplomats and ambassadors of various countries.
In South Delhi you may be amazed by the grandeur of the houses, for it is where the rich and famous reside. For instance, areas known for their poshness are the Greater Kailash, Sainik Farms, Vasant Vihar, and West End. However, unlike North Delhi, South Delhi offers some great markets and shops. This neighborhood is deifinitely worth a visit.
Built between 1193 and 1369, the Qutb Minar is the largest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.
If you only have time to visit one shopping area in Delhi, then the Dilli Haat must be the shopping locale of choice. This bazaar hosts several craft stalls, with most of them rotating every two weeks. The best part of Dili Haat, however, is that you can buy goods directly from the craftspeople themselves, rather than buying these items at an inflated price from brand name stores.
This area boasts nothing spectacular. Thus, it would only be worth a visit if you want to really see the grit of New Delhi and observe how the average Jane and Joe go about their day.
West Delhi is most famously known for being home to the noveau rich and wealthy business individuas. Yet, this neighborhood gets a bad rep because its residents are stereotyped to be tacky and garish.
Lohri, the harvest festival of north India, is celebrated by farmers before harvesting and gathering their golden crop of wheat. In Delhi, it is basically celebrated by the Punjabi community annually on the 13th of January. It is essentially a celebration of winter and marks the peak of winter. The celebrations are marked by grand bonfire parties wherein people, young and old alike sing and dance all night long. Sweets made from jaggery and sesame seeds are distributed to family and friends. Peanuts are a special favorite and all sorts of goodies are prepared with it and eaten on this day. The most popular form eaten all winter long is of course the roasted peanut which is cracked open while still hot and which serves as an effective means of keeping away the winter chill. Sarson ka saag and makki ki roti is traditionally served as the main course at a Lohri dinner.
Republic Day is one of the National Holidays of India. It celebrates the day India was declared a Sovereign Democratic Republic and the Constitution of the country came into force.
A much awaited event that takes place in Delhi and is eagerly looked forward to by adults and children alike is the Kite Flying Festival that is held annually on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Delhi skies are filled with dazzling colors as kites of different shapes and sizes dot the air, each trying to outdo the other in scaling the sky. A big competition is held at the national as well as international level near Palika Bazar, Connaught Place, Kite flying display is also part of the activities. There are prizes to be won as well and participants enjoy a gala time.
Surajkund Handicraft Mela held in Haryana, on the outskirts of Delhi, is a must visit stop on every tourist's itinerary. This annual Handicrafts fair is the ideal place to see skilled artisans at work. It is a meeting ground for craftsmen, painters, weavers, sculptors and artists from all over India who not only showcase their work but also give live demonstrations of their skills to art lovers who come especially to see and admire their work, and of course buy their creations. Generally, it is organized on a particular state theme and one can see the blend of traditional arts and crafts and the modern trends here. The whole fair ground, which is a profusion of color, is done up like an Indian village replete with thatched platforms and uneven, unpaved paths.
Delhi Tourism Department holds the Garden Tourism Festival at the end of February. This is generally spread over three days and generates much enthusiasm amongst the gardening fraternity. Delhi is ablaze with flowers at this time and the city is a profusion of color. You can get to feast your eyes on the most exotic varieties of roses, dahlias, bonsai, indoor plants, etc. If you are a gardening enthusiast then this is the place for you to be as you're bound to bump into like minded people which will enrich your knowledge as well as provide you with a platform to exchange notes on various aspects of gardening and gardening related issues.There is a lot of fun and frolic for children of all ages as well, including a painting competition. A number of cultural shows keep the visitors entertained.
Nigel Hankin, an Englishman who has lived in Delhi for many years, runs walking tours of Old Delhi. Places on his tours may be booked at the lodge at the Mughal Gate of the British High Commission, Shanti Path, Chanakyapuri (tel: (011) 2687 2161). Other than that, self-guided walking tours of a number of areas are possible. Starting at the Jain Temple at the eastern end of Chandni Chowk, by the Red Fort, a walk through this area weaves through the alleyways and takes in the area's best temples and most colourful markets. Meanwhile, it takes about an hour and a half to tour the main mosques and mansions of Old Delhi, which covers the stretch from Jama Masjid to Ajmeri Gate.
Delhi Tourism Development Corporation
The Jama Masjid is the most famous and most important mosque in all of India. It was built in 1656 AD under the command of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque houses a large and impressive courtyard that can hold up to 25,000 worshippers.
Location: Lodhi Gardens Delhi
Location: Malviya Nagar (near Sarvpriya Vihar Delhi)
Location: Old
Location: Old
Park Masjid, Mangolpuri Railway Crosing,, Udyog Nagar, Mangolpuri, New Delhi, DL, India
Delhi's new metro system has much potential for efficient and comfortable travel, and though in most parts of Delhi this potential has already been met,
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has an enormous network of public buses running on 773 routes including 3106 CNG buses for the city/NCR. The number and route of the buses are written on the front and side of the buses making it easy for the commuters to identify which bus they have to take to reach a certain destination. Though buses are many, most do not follow a strict time table and reaching a place can take longer than anticipated. The plus side is that it is the cheapest way to get around the city and you can consider your trip as a tour of the city, provided you have ample time. Buses are boarded from the rear and you must purchase the ticket from the conductor before proceeding ahead to find a seat. DTC officials do surprise checks and traveling ticketless can cause you a heavy fine plus imprisonment upto 3 months. There are a few seats reserved for ladies and one should not hesitate to have one vacated by a male passenger. A word of caution, buses are allowed to take standing pasengers and some buses are packed like a tin of sardines. If you happen to board any such bus, just be alert as pick pocketing and eve teasing are rampant in such cases. If any problem arises, please contact the bus conductor.
The most comfortable way to get around Delhi is by taxi. Thousands of taxis ply in Delhi. Taxis in Delhi are yellow and black Ambassadors or Maruti vans which are easily grabbed at one of the local taxi stands or called over the phone. Usually your hotel can arrange a cab for you as well.Tourist taxis ply interstate while yellow and black taxis can be used to commute anywhere within the city. When stepping into a cab, be sure to negotiate a price before departing to your destination. Then again, you can also ask for a metered ride, but be aware that this will most likely be more expensive than if you negotiate. Small tips are expected from foreigners.There are several pre-paid booths at important locations all over the city. It is advisable to hire from here as these booths are under direct control of the Delhi Traffic Police and can avert refusal, over charging or misbehaviour by taxi drivers.
If you don't want to test your nerves, it is best you avoid driving in New Delhi. The wider avenues in Central Delhi and the diplomatic area may be fine to drive around but for the rest of Delhi, the unregulated traffic and reckless drivers can lend a sense of panic to the most experienced drivers. In addition, the roads are not only cluttered with vehicles of sorts but also with stray dogs and in extreme cases, wandering cows! Finding parking space is an additional hassle that is best avoided by not driving yourself around.
The age old method of transportation, the cycle rickshaw, is still prevalent in many parts of Delhi. Though a great hindrance to moving traffic, they continue to be popular as they are a very good option for distances that are too far to walk, yet too short for an auto or taxi ride. They can be found in abundance at the Nizamuddin Railway Station and can be taken to reach the main road from where you can opt for other more appropriate means of transport. They are also convenient if you wish to go the nearby colonies within a radius of 2-3 kilometers. They can also be found in abundance in Daryaganj, Paharganj and Sadar Bazar areas.The streets and bylanes of Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk are easily reachable by rickshaw and you can find them in dozens in that area. One has to be very careful while mounting and dismounting as a rickshaw is pretty high. Also it is not very suitable for extreme climatic conditions and absolutely useless if it raining hard. If however you are in an adventurous mood and wish to take a ride just for fun, go ahead, we guarantee you will love it !
Although there are no vaccination requirements when traveling to India, it is recommended that you get vaccinated for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, rabies, tetanus, measles, and polio.
