Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / India / New Delhi
 |  | Destination Guide : New Delhi |
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| | | Destination Delhi |  | Why go on holiday to Delhi?
The capital and third-largest city in India, Delhi's worth visiting to see the 'old' and 'new' cities (Muslim and Raj respectively), as well as to witness the collision between the 21st century and the traditional ways of life embedded in the city.
There are beautiful buildings, fascinating lanes, interesting museums, colourful markets, excellent restaurants and luxury hotels.
Delhi is also a major travel gateway to the northern regions of the subcontinent so makes a great starting point for further Indian travels.
How much does it cost?
As the main city, there are plenty of flights. Shop around but bargains start around the £300 mark. Hotel rooms range from under £5 to £200 per night. A nine-day package taking in Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur and Amber is from around £900 but you can pay more depending on the degree of luxury you require.
When should I go?
Delhi starts to warm up in February and can be in the high 40s (over 110F) and bone-dry by May. Then comes monsoon, which is still hot but also wet and humid.
Finally, around October, comes the cool, with temperatures from 20-30C (68-86F), dropping to as low as 8C in December and January. From October to March is the best time to visit.
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| | | Vibrant rickshaw ride |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Explore. Amid the atmospheric, bustling lanes of Old Delhi you will find mosques and monuments evoking India's Muslim history. Or marvel at Victorian New Delhi, the imperial capital of wide avenues and grand edifices built by the British.
A tour of Old Delhi in one of the city's cycle-rickshaws is recommended: lounge in the sofa-like seat as your rickshaw-wallah skilfully navigates through the colourful tumult of the historic quarter.
Be generous with the tip - driving a cycle-rickshaw under the Indian sun is hard work. Shopping and eating are also rewarding activities in Delhi.
What sights shouldn't I miss?
The Mughal monuments - the Red Fort or Lal Qila, the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), Humayun's Tomb (a 'red Taj Mahal'), Safdarjang's Tomb, the peaceful Lodi Garden, the Shalimar Bagh (garden) and the madrasa at Hauz Khas Village.
The old city walls and gates are also worth seeing, and you should visit the Digambar Jain Temple and the Gauri Shankar Temple on Chandni Chowk.
In New Delhi stop in at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Built to Lutyen's plans, the building melds Indian elements with classical European design.
The Janta Mantar observatory near Connaught Place, built in 1710, is dominated by the Samrat Yantra - a 'Supreme Instrument', or sundial. The Rajpath is an immense boulevard flanked by ornamental ponds.
What museums are worth visiting?
The National Gallery of Modern Art has an excellent collection, while the National Museum of Natural History has a great 'hands on' room for kids.
The Nehru Memorial Museum and Planetarium is of interest to science fans, and the Tibet House museum has precious items brought out of Tibet when the Dalai Lama fled from Chinese forces.
Shankar's International Dolls Museum has 500 dolls dressed in costumes from all over India. The Crafts Museum is part of a 'village life' complex, where you can experience rural India in Delhi and buy the crafts made in front of you.
The Tail Transport Museum is a delight, with lavish carriages, ancient steam engines and kids' toy train rides.
What about around Delhi?
Agra, home to India's most enduring symbol, the exquisite Taj Mahal, is a must. It's possible to take a day trip to Agra from Delhi, with excellent train services available.
While visiting Agra, also check out the Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-daulah tomb, and the Ram Garden. Just 10km from Agra, the tomb of Akbar lies in the centre of a large, peaceful garden and displays Muslim, Hindu, Jain, Christian and Buddhist motifs.
Jaipur, a city full of Rajasthani colour and packed with history, is 300km to the south-west - you can 'do' it in a day, but it's better to stay a couple of nights and take in the sights.
Badhkal Lake is 32km south of Delhi. Take a pony or camel ride, or cool off on the water with a quick boat trip.
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| | | Spice of life | | Where's good for nightlife?
Cheap restaurants abound in the Matya Mahal Bazaar - try Karim's Restaurant, a Delhi institution. Most performing arts centres are around Mandi House Chowk - get listings in Delhi Diary, First City or the Hindustan Times.
Bars and discos are expensive and often shut early but there are some around Connaught Place. Try the Jazz Bar, the Cavalry Bar, CJ's Nightclub and the rooftop restaurant of the Connaught for live music and dancing.
What's the food like?
From the mouth-watering bhajis, to a fiery little vegetable curry, served with a few puris in its own 'takeaway' container of banana leaf and some twigs, the range of delicious foods whipped up on every street corner is amazing.
Thalis are a meal made of a collection of savouries and a sweet. Try idlis (rice cakes) puris, dosas and other savoury specialities. Round off your meal with a kulfi, some gulub jamuns, then chew on a paan.
The popular Defence Colony Market has some great places to eat among the shops. The Main Bazaar has many dhabas (food stalls) and Connaught Lane has a few snack bars with international food.
What should I buy?
Jewellery is sold by weight at Dariba Kalan. Next door is the Kinari Bazaar, specialising in lavish wedding garb, and the 200-year-old Ghantewala sweet shop. In February visit the Surajkund Crafts Mela in Haryana.
In Khari Baoli, a wholesale spice market, you can buy small amounts of spice or tea from the barrows of exotica. The Sadar Bazaar is for household items - buy thali plates by the kilogram. Chatta Chowk is touristy but worth a visit.
Main Bazaar in Paharganji, Meena Bazaar and Palika Bazaars are good for essential oils (attar), soaps and incense.
Hauz Khas Village has galleries and shops selling miniatures and high-quality crafts. State-run Central Cottage Industries Emporium is good for saris, carpets, fabrics and filigree work.
What is there for children to do?
The Nehru planetarium, the zoo, the doll museum, the natural history museum, the science museum and the rail transport museum will keep most kids busy.
Ajppu Ghar is the local amusement park, while India Gate Children's Park is a popular kids' park with play equipment. Bal Bhawan is a creative centre where workshops for children are regularly held on music, painting and theatre.
Tourist office
Government of India Tourist Office, 7 Cork Street, London W1S 3LH. Tel. 020 7437 3677. 24-hour brochure line: 01233 211999.
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| | Available rental properties in New Delhi |
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