- Delhi
- (96)
-
India
The hotel has decent air-con rooms for a reasonable price (I got 50% off the ratecard so barter hard) - nothing special, but better than many. The reason I am recommending it is the staff, who were absolutely fantastic. I arrived in a bit of a state and they took care of me, and went far above and beyond the call of duty in trying to re-arrange my flight home. They could not have been more kind and that makes a big difference when you're travelling alone so I highly recommend this hotel (at least in the immediate future, presuming that the staff don't change!).
Pahar Ganj, on the left-hand side as you walk away from New Delhi station (about 100m down).
Inn at Delhi is a new luxury bed and breakfast in New Delhi.
We stayed there for three nights and absolutely loved the place. It is nestled in a place called Anand Niketan - right next to the embassy area. It is surrounded by three parks.
We loved it because:
- Rooms were larger than most accommodations which we have stayed in previous travels to Delhi. We import goods from India and therefore travel frequently.
- Surrounded by parks - good to de-stress after a day's work in chaotic Delhi.
- Excellent breakfast
www.innatdelhi.com
C-34 Anand Niketan
NEW DELHI 110 021, India
Tel: 0091-11-24113234,
Fax : 0091-11-24113233
Email : innatdelhi@yahoo.co.in
The best place for cheap budget hotel and good food at budget price. Not far away from the center of Delhi.
It is a road near the railway station.
Very famous for backpackers.
With regard to the warning about Holi, I had a lovely time at Holi in Delhi this March. Yes, stuff costs a bit more and you do have to dodge the odd coloured waterbomb, but isn't that all part of the experience? Plus people were friendly and multicoloured! Brilliant!
Avoid either arriving, departing or simply moving out of your hotel during Holi... (Indian spring festival)
The local lads gather in the streets and have water fights - with coloured water and western tourists are a prime target.
The papers were full of warnings about the chemicals used in the colouring (I wrote off a pair of trousers and T-shirt) They contain some pretty nasty chemicals that can cause skin complaints.
All the taxis and rickshaws (if you can find one) will charge three times the normal rate as "danger and damage" money.
Sit tight (it's only one day) and watch the mayhem from a balcony or rooftop!
Not in Lonely Planet (why?).
Cheap, very safe (staffed reception and safe boxes), clean with hot water 24/7 hotel in downtown Delhi.
Check out the eaterie opposite the hotel for a veg Thali for less than a pound.
Only hassle is taxi drivers may be reluctant to come to the Main Bazaar, Pahar Gange (very narrow and crowded streets). Make sure you tell them that it's in PG and print off the map for directions - the last three times I have been to PG the taxi driver managed to get lost...).
We spent a day split between the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid and the bazaar by Chandni Chowk.
The highlight of the three was the cycle rickshaw ride through the narrow streets. We really felt as if we were touching some of Delhi’s history.
Another day was spent on a city tour which we would definitely recommend. There is never enough time spent at some monuments but it did enable us to travel a long distance with some ease and see quite a lot.
We enjoyed most of all the Qutab Minar and Indira Gandhi’s house, both of which we would like to visit again.
In Delhi we stayed at the Hotel Kashish which was excellent. This was in the middle of Paharganj within easy reach of the metro, New Delhi train station, a variety of restaurants and all the atmosphere of a bazaar that you could want.
We paid R1000 for a double room, ensuite with air conditioning. I am sure we could have found somewhere similar a little cheaper but it was down a side street and slightly less hectic, which helped with overcoming the culture shock.
Hotel Kashish
Laxmi Narain Street
Near Imperial Cinema
Pahar Ganj, New Delhi – 110055
41000359
hotelkashishinternational@hotmail.com
It is like the Barbican/Southbank of Delhi. Excellent architecture, a culturally alive place with art galleries, theatres and some old pictures of Delhi. It is good to check out listings to see what's on.
Next to Khan Market, Lodhi Gardens and India International Centre.
It is a bit of a challenge getting around Delhi. There are some areas now served by the metro. But apart from that, autos (three-wheeled tuk tuks) are an absolute no-no, you end up paying more than what you would pay to a cab (black car with yellow roofs).
There is also a a radio cab service, which is also air-conditoned and reasonably clean. Available on call at 1920, 1929, 123.
www.megacabs.com/radio-taxi.html
www.delhilive.com/radio-cabs-launched-in-delhi
Just behind Qutub Minar and off the beaten track. A bit filthy but an absolute treasure house with old tombstones, forts, water bodies.
If you are hungry, look for the 'Royal Dakshin Restaurant' at one of the edges of the park.
If you decide to brave it until night falls then the djinns come out.
www.igougo.com/travelcontent/journalEntryFreeForm.aspx?reviewID=1216579
Excellent place to spend time in Delhi. The place offers designer stores for Indian handicrafts, restaurants, cafes in the outer and middle lane, some of Delhi's oldest bookshops and Lodhi Gardens are right next door!
Don't miss. Set up by famous Indian designer Rohit Bal with chef Suvir Savan of the Michelin-starred Devi in New York, and chef Hemant Mathur from India.
Stylish, glam decor, great service, but most important, fabulous food specialising in North Indian Tandoor items.
Connaught Place, Delhi
You can see a link to it from Suvir's website: www.suvir.com
Map: tinyurl.com/2hnotr
House of Kapaali, is the most exquisite B&B. Quite apparently, being a first time visitor to Delhi or India as a matter of fact, I was nervous. But, my doubts were dispelled here, meeting the family that runs this place. They have not only done it up so tastefully, but the food is FANTASTIC. They are so very helpful with sight seeing suggestions, basically it's a one stop for all you would need in Delhi. I recommend it highly!!!
G-9, BETA II, Greater Noida 201308, UP, India
Tel: +91 98105 98009
Contact Mansi at houseofkapaali@gmail.com
You have to tip frequently in Delhi but only small amounts like 20 or 10 rupees. But these bills seem to be hard to find, so whenever you get a chance, get hold of these bills because you will need them.
There's an excellent video which talks about a few other travel tips in Delhi: www.geobeats.com/videoclips/india/new-delhi/traveling-tips
When visiting a city like Delhi, I found travel preparation even more important than usual.
All around Delhi
Majnu-ka-Tila is a quiet, relaxing little area in north Delhi totally at odd with the rest of the city. It's quiet, nearly clean and relaxing.
There are several cheap clean guest houses, like the Snowlion. The buses to Dharamasala leave from here.
There is a problem- the local council are attempting to demolish this little Tibet, so I'm not sure if it'll be there when you arrive.
Should only cost 120 R for a rikshaw from the center of town.
We were met as planned at Delhi airport by Maya – one of our hosts – smiling brightly and welcoming us to Delhi.
A short taxi ride later (once Maya finally found our taxi, but that’s another story) we met our other host Betu. Together they run the guesthouse which to the eye is small, modest and comfortable. But Maya and Betu make it so much more than that with their help, advice, good food, ginger tea and warmth.
They arranged taxis for us, helped us to work out what to see and do in Delhi, answered our questions about India and made us laugh until our sides hurt.
In addition to the guesthouse they run a voluntary organization which provides a helpline, counselling and support to women across India who are questioning their sexuality or identify as lesbian. If you consider the usual issues faced by any woman coming out and add to them the cultural expectations faced by women in India you can imagine how important this work is.
Unfortunately it is not currently funded and so by staying at Naari guesthouse you are contributing towards the running costs. Another good reason to visit!
950 INR (approx 11 pounds) per person gets you and en-suite A/C room.
Tel: 0091 – 11 – 26138316 or 26899262
www.sanginii.org
The contact email of Naari is
(naari_india@hotmail.com)
Buying bottled water is a necessary evil while travelling in many countries throughout the world, after seeing almost half a hillside covered in plastic bottles while travelling in India, I would definitely recommend refilling your water bottle instead of buying a new one, where ever possible. It's usually cheaper and creates less waste, also avoid using plastic bags too as they end up with pretty much the same fate.
I stayed here for 6 weeks and it is fab. I think this is the only private women-only guesthouse in Delhi and it is safe accommodation for women traveling solo or in groups in Delhi. Home-cooked Indian meals, own bathroom, laundry and airport transfers mean a hassle free and safe way to begin your trip.
The airport pick up service is great as entering Delhi airport arrivals on your own is an experience!
naari_india@hotmail.com
Haldirams is a household name in India. They have a huge restaurant in Delhi near Chandni Chowk. They serve up good, clean, street snacks. Don't expect your average vindaloos and kormas, the food here is proper Indian fare. If you're unfamiliar with the food, a good dish to try is the "pav bhaji" which is a flavoursome snack of mixed vegetables served up on piping hot fried bread.
I don't know the street name, but I'm sure all the taxi drivers will know it. It's near Chandni Chowk, all the locals know it and it's hard to miss.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Your tips about Delhi