DELHI

Delhi is a city with many faces. Even as a visitor the aggravating differences between the old Delhi and New-Delhi which was built in 1911 can easily be recognized. While the old capital consists of narrow alleys and lively bazaars, New-Delhi shines in the new splendour of modern bungalows which extend along broad streets and parks.

Presumably Dehli was already founded in 1.200 before Christ under the name Indraprastha by the Pandava brothers. No other Indian city experienced so many new establishments and conquests like Delhi. Until its declaration of independence no other city was that strongly characterized by foreign powers like Delhi.

Today Delhi is one of the most important traffic junctions of the country as well as one of the most noted economic centres. Moreover it is a city which is exemplary for Asia's population explosion.

Airport
The Indian Indira Gandhi International Airport is situated about 15km west of the centre. The easiest way to get from the airport to the city is by using either shuttle buses which leave from terminal 2 (INR 50,–) or one of the various taxis. Prices for taxis:
www.aai.aero/igi/transport_facilities.jsp

Taxis, rickshaws and buses
In such a big city like Delhi the best and fastest means of transport is the taxi. Although most of the taxis are equipped with a taximeter they are often turned off when tourits get into the taxi. Remember to fix the price beforehand! Rickshaws still operate in Old-Delhi but not in the city centre. The usage of buses is not recommendable because they are often crowded and a popular territory for pickpockets.

Underground
Since 2002 Delhi owns 3 underground lines which are operating on an area of 66km. Cheap tourist cards are available.
www.delhimetrorail.com

Red Fort
"Lal Qila" - the red fort - is the biggest building in Delhi and is situated in the north-eastern corner of the old Shahjahanabad, in the east of the Old Town. This monumental fortification with its 16 metres high walls was declared a part of the UNESCO World Culture Heritage in 2007.
www.agraindia.org.uk/agra-fort/index.html

Friday Mosque
"Jami Masjid" – the Friday Mosque – is one of the biggest and probably one of the most beautiful mosques in India. It dates from the 17th century and is situated about 500 metres from the Red Fort. With its two 40 metres high minarets it offers an equally stunning view as the fortification.

Humayun's Tomb
The tomb of the second Mughal emperor Humayun is situated in an extended garden close to the Mathura Road. It is the largest garden tomb in India. The area with the 38 metres high double dome is the perfect place for relaxation in the city and it is, besides, less crowded than many other tourist attractions.

Qutb Minar
An iron column inside the minaret Qutb Minar, one of Delhi's oldest historical buildings, entails a secret. An inscription reveals that the minaret was erected in the 4th century in honour of Vishnus – how it came to Delhi, however, remains a secret. According to an old legend the one who succeeds to clasp the tower backwards will be lucky. We hope you will have fun trying.

Handicrafts Museum
Delhi's crafts museum is a prime example of innovative design and banks on timelessness. Here you find everything that has to do with Indian handicrafts, in a handy form, of course. A part of the collection is presented in a recreated village.
Bragtai Maidan, at the corner of Bhairon Marg

Cultural programme
Further information on cultural events can be found in the weekly programme of "Delhi Diary" which is available in nearly all of the bigger hotels and at the newspaper stands in the business district Connaught Place.

Especially the restaurants at the Connaught Place are very popular (also with indigenous people) and cover a broad range of kitchens from all over the world. Most of the restaurants are open until midnight. From the traditional cafes like the United Coffee House to the comfortable South Indian Kovil to the restaurant Rodeo (Tel.: 371 37 80/81) where you are served everything from tortilla to tequila; there is space for everything one can desire at Connaught Place.
Also along Jan Path various good restaurants can be found. Like Le Pierre the best French restaurant in the city which is situated at Windsor Place. Another famous restaurant is The Palace which is located at the upper end of Jan Path and which is specialised in Chinese, European and Moghul kitchen.

The Oberoi
Oberoi was one of the first luxury hotels in Delhi.
Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, Tel.: 24 36 30 30, double rooms from € 130,–, www.oberoidelhi.com

Le Meridien
The centrally located hotel is a luxury hotel. Entertainment is included because close to the hotel various bars can be found.
New-Delhi, Windsor Place, Tel.: 23 71 01 01, double rooms from € 195,–, www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien/index.html

Youth Hostel
"HI Hostels"' youth hostel is situated in the centre of New-Delhi.
5 Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapu, from € 6,–, www.hihostels.com/dba/hostel027001.de.htm

Bajaj Indian Home Stay
A cheap but nicely furnished bed&breakfast hotel in New-Delhi.
Karol Bagh, Tel.: 25 73 65 09, from € 30,–, www.indianhomestay.com

La Sagrita
This nice little hotel is situated in quiet surroundings at Sundar Nagar.
New-Delhi, Sunder Nagar 14, Tel.: 24 35 95 41, double rooms from € 70,–, www.lasagrita.com

For a metropolis of that size Delhi offers a rather poor nightlife. Many of the "normal" bars and pubs already close at 11or 12 p.m. Most of the partying takes place in the rather expensive hotels which have their own bars and clubs. These are,however, often only open for guests. Annabelles in "The Grand Inter Continental" which is located in the Barakhamba is the perfect address for disco lovers. It is open on Thursdays and Saturdays. In the hotel Maurya Sheraton (www.nivalink.com/maurya/index.html)the bar Dublin which is designed like a traditional pub can be found. In the same hotel there is also a moody jazz bar where you can listen to live jazz while you are enjoying delicious cocktails. Fireball in the "Delhi-Jaipur Bypass Gurgaon Hotel" in 32nd Milestone is also one of the most popular clubs in the city. In My Kind Of Place in the hotel "Taj Palace" (www.tajhotels.com) at the Sardar Patel Marg the elderly generation meets and enjoys the evenings in a more relaxed way. Djinns in the "Hyatt Regency" hotel is an interesting mixture of restaurant, bar and club where you can also sometimes listen to live music.

Delhi with its various boutiques and shops is the perfect place for those  who want to spend money. No matter if you want to buy jewellery, handicrafts, clothes or wood carvings you will surely make a find. The state-owned shops (here prices are fixed) are open from9:30am to 7:30 pm. On Sundays most of the shops are closed but you still have the possibility to visit one of the countless markets. Many shops can be found along the following streets or squares: Connaught Place, Chandini Chowk, Jan Path, Sunder Nagar and Satushti Arcade. In the latter various designer and furniture shops are located - they sell trendy, contemporary design for unfortunately fairly expensive prices.At the Sunder Nagar you find specialist shops like antiques shop whereas at Connaught Place the emphasis is on modern fashion.

Typical Indian souvenirs are traditional clothes (like saris) and handicrafts. Other nice presents for your relatives and friends at home include scents, incense sticks and herbs or teas. In the boutique within the Handicrafts Museum you can also buy various small presents. Souvenirs are, however, cheaper in the small shops and boutiques in Old-Delhi. Here especially herbs, scents and everyday goods are available for moderate prices. Other nice memorabilia are small figures which have to do with India's Hindu religion like small white elephants, small statues of one of the various gods of the Hindu religion or small lamps. These souvenirs can be found in many shops whereas high-quality silk robes are available in the great shopping lanes.

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