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What to do with Children in Tow

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!

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Shankar's International Dolls Museum

This fascinating collection of dolls from around the globe was set up by the renowned political cartoonist, K. Shankar Pillai in 1965. The exhibits are divided into two categories. One section has exhibits from European countries, the UK, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. The other section houses dolls from Asian countries, the Middle East, Africa and India. There is a collection of over 150 authentic Indian costume dolls made at the Dolls Workshop attached to the Museum. There is also a Dolls Designing Center. Altogether there are over 6000 dolls representing the social life and culture of over 85 countries. Some of the dolls worth mentioning are a 250 year old doll from Switzerland, the Kabuki Dancer of Japan, and Indonesia's bridal pairs. Special dolls are made on specific themes or to commemorate events in History for example, Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March and Man on the Moon.

While there, one can also visit the Children's Book Trust of India and pick up some quality books on children's literature.

Location:Children's Book Trust Bldg

Nehru House

4, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg

New Delhi 110002

Telephone: 91-11- 3316970 - 74 (5 lines)

Timings: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Admission: Adults Rs 10; Children Rs 5

Ticket counter closes at 05:30 pm

Closed on Mondays, National Holidays and Festivals

Rail Transport Museum

Railways have always held a fascination for children who love to explore trains while traveling and never seem to sit still in their seats. Well, here's the chance for them to explore the bogies as much as they want without danger to their lives or without tension for the parents. The National Railway Museum set up in 1977, showcases the rail heritage of India and has a varied collection of rare and antique steam locomotives, carriages, saloons and other artifacts. The indoor gallery has live exhibits as well as working and non-working models. Its not just the number of locomotives housed here but the history of each that is fascinating and which gives an insight into an era gone by.

Some prominent exhibits include Fairy Queen, the oldest running steam locomotive in the world, built in 1855, Patiala State Monorail, Saloon of Maharaja of Indore and Saloon of Maharaja of Mysore. This saloon was designed using teak, gold and ivory.

Location: Diplomatic Enclave (near Bhutan Embassy)

Chanakyapuri

Visiting hours:

April - Sept 09:30 -19:30 hrs

Oct - March 09:30 - 17:30 hrs

Lunch 13:00 - 13:30 hrs

Closed Every Monday and National Holidays

Admission Adults Rs 10; Children(below 12 yrs) Rs 3

Free for children (below 12 yrs) on Tuesday

Photography charges apply

National Science Center

The National Science Center houses a unique collection of scientific models to arouse the interest of children and help them to understand their functions and workings. The center is divided into various galleries, each with a particular theme having exhibits based on different different scientific laws and theories. Children can learn these laws by watching practical demonstrations of the same. Children can operate the models themselves and get hands-on experience. The numerous exhibits on display help to combine learning with fun and retierate the concept of 'learning by doing'. Some of the intriguing exhibits are the models at the Human Biology Gallery. the most popular gallery is the Dinosaur's Gallery. The Museum complex also has a library, an inflatable planetarium and a souvenir shop.

A visit to this museum will definitely help unravel the mysteries of science and be a valuable and rewarding experience for children of all ages and adults as well.

Location: Gate No 1, Bhairon Marg

Pragati Maidan

New Delhi

Timings: 10:00 am - 05:30 pm (Monday Closed)

Admission: Rs 10

Nehru Memorial Museum and Planetarium

This is located at Teen Murti House, the residence of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The house, which was converted to a museum after his death, has a collection of many of his belongings.Also on display are the many unusual gifts Pandit Nehru received over the years. Housed within the compound is the Nehru Planetarium which gives an overview of the Indian Space Program. Daily shows are screened in a special auditorium. Children are fascinated as the wonders of the outer world unfold in front of them and they find answers to their searching questions. The Space Capsule in which Indian astronaut Rakesh Sharma went into space is also kept here.

Children's Park

Nothing can compare with the joy of being outdoors and one with nature. Of flying high up on a swing and feeling the swoosh of air on your face as you reach the top, or the thrill of crossing a rope bridge, hanging on precariously to the dangling support above not knowing whether you'll reach the other end triumphantly or topple and fall off below in this endeavor, or the feel of sand between your toes as you reach the end of a smooth semi-circular slide, stomach down. Or the smell and touch of the grass as you tumble down in exhaustion after racing your friend till the little hillock and back. Yes, your kids can experience all this and more on a visit to Children's Park, a huge park in the middle of the city. Huge shady trees provide the perfect cover for a picnic and the simple play equipment like the see-saw, merry-go-round, jungle gym, etc. press home the fact that kids can have a whale of a time without having to resort to high-tech games and rides. The large well maintained lawns provide good sitting grounds to visitors who can also stroll or jog on the well paved paths. The park also houses a small aquarium which though is nothing to boast about, is nevertheless an added attraction. Another attraction is the children's reading room within the premises.

Location: Beside India Gate

Time : Sunrise to Sunset

Admission: Free

India Gate Lawns

The verdant expanse on either side of the famed war memorial, India Gate, is the perfect place to be on any evening of your trip. Take your children close to the structure and see the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the eternal flame under the arch in honor of the martyred soldiers, read the names of slain heroes inscribed on the walls, and get yourself photographed against the backdrop of this majestic monument that stands proudly in the center of the road. After that you are free to frolic around this lush expanse and thoroughly enjoy its fair like festive atmosphere. Citizens of Delhi as well as tourists come here in droves for an evening of relaxation and fun. Children especially are attracted to this place as they can run around and play freely and enjoy boating in the water bodies along the lawns. Ice cream vendors of course do brisk business wherever children are around. Hawkers selling all types of edibles and cheap toys dot the place. Favorite with kids is the soap bubble maker and one can see beautiful iridescent bubbles float through the air. Another popular toy is the parachute which is shot into the air and opens up on its descent. It is a pleasure to see children scramble across trying to catch the parachute before it lands on the ground. No children's play area is complete without balloons and this is no exception. Balloon sellers lure little kids with their beautiful balloons in delicate pastel shades. Perhaps a sight most endearing is of a toddler, walking with his arms around a huge balloon which hides him completely!

After sunset, the regal monument is bathed in illumination and is truly a sight to behold. Fountains located nearby are also illuminated with colored lights which adds further resplendence to the environment. Kids are sure to love this place and will definitely ask you to bring them back once more.

Zoological Gardens

Zoos have always held a special attraction for kids of all ages and the Delhi Zoological Park is no exception. Established in 1959, it is spread over 214 acres. It is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia. An almost natural habitat, conducive to their lives, is provided to the 2,000 species of animals and birds housed there. Most of the animals have their own open enclosures. Birds are seen all over the zoo and at the specially created marshlands. The main pathway of the zoo forks off in two directions. On the right side are various animals like the chimpanzee, spider monkey, wild buffalo, the Gir lion and others. There is also a library which has information on animals, birds, plants, rare zoological species, etc in India. The left side leads to the enclosures of water animals.There are also a number of migratory birds housed in the swamps made for water birds. In the center of the zoo lies the underground reptile home and one can see the King Cobra, pythons and other species.

The Delhi Zoo is also the place to learn a little about the flora of the city as here are planted approximately 200 varieties of trees which are displayed with all information regarding their names, species etc.

The zoo can be viewed in an open-roofed mobile van which is available within the complex at affordable charges. With an abundance of greenery, it is an ideal picnic spot especially in winters. Since you're already there, why not let the kids enjoy boating next door at the lake in front of Old Fort.

Location: Adjacent to Old Fort

Mathura Road

New Delhi

Timings: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm (April to September)

9:30 am - 4:30 pm(October to March)

Admission: Rs 10 (Closed Friday)

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North Delhi

Town

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.

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Lal Quila (Red Fort)

Fortress

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.

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Humayun's Tomb

Tomb

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.

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Rajpath and Rashtrapati

road

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.

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Chandni Chowk

Market

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.

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Baha'i Temple

Temple

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.

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Purana Qila

Fortress

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

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Tughluqabad

Fortress

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

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South Delhi

Town

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.

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Qutb Minar

Tower

Built between 1193 and 1369, the Qutb Minar is the largest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO world heritage site.

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Bukhara Restaurant

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.

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Haveli

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.)

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The Taipan

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.

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Masala Art

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.

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The Spice Route

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.

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Fa Yian

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.

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The Rampur Kitchen

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.

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Punjabi by Nature

Family-friendly

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.

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Chor Bizarre

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.

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Flavors

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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Taj Mahal Hotel

Expensive Hotels

Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Lutyen's Delhi, the Taj Mahal hotel is a classy mixture of Mughal architecture and high-tech facilities.

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The Imperial

Ranked as the finest hotels in Delhi, the Imperial Hotel makes its guests sit in the lap of luxury.

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The Claridges

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.

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The Oberoi New Delhi

Expensive Hotels

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.

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Jukaso Inn

Moderate Hotels

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.

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Bajaj Indian Home Stay

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.

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Hotel Vishal Residency

Hotel Vishal Residency is located in the largest shopping arcade of Asia, Karol Bagh. Hotel Vishal Residency in

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Ahuja Residency

Budget Hotels

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.

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Blue Sapphire Hostel

Budget Hotels

The Blue Sapphire Hostel is ideally suited for travelers who are backpacking and staying in