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India
India is strange when it comes to nightlife. It swings between the horrid to the obnoxiously expensive. Food is a bit of hit n miss [erm not sure we'd agree with this - Ed] There are very few places which serve authentic recipes with original and fresh ingredients outside the star hotels [Ibid]. With this fear in mind I ventured into Xes Cafe. Located in a desolate portion of a mall. I was quite apprehensive initially. But boy was I surprised! Their food is truly great. Very continental menu. Burgers with melted cheese oozing out the meat patty. Bliss:) Interiors would transport you to the 90s. A huge Pink Floyd canvas sets the mood and their DJ is bit of a maverick! So you would have rock interspersed with local pop. A gastronomically satisfying experience with nice n friendly crowd. Their chef is from UK and thankfully has carried with him the right recipes. Great place to hang out with wholesome food and foot tapping music:)
round Floor, DLF South Court Mall, Next to Select Citywalk, New Delhi
+91(0)9810057406
Google map: bit.ly/sSOmWw
A retreat from the vibrant chaos of Delhi, Lutyen's Bed and Breakfast is located among mature gardens, in the grounds of a beautiful colonial bungalow. Family run, with elegant rooms, free afternoon tea and home-cooked Indian dinners on request, this is a welcome change to the city's overpriced five-stars or dingy budget hostel accommodation. The rooms have wonderfully silent a/c, flatscreen tv, wifi, ayurvedic toiletries and spare towels for the pool. Many attractions within walking distance, or a short taxi/metro ride, the airport is easily accessible too. A luxurious home away from home, a real find! Doubles from £70 per night.
www.lutyensbungalow.co.in
39, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi - 110003 (India)
+91-11-24611341
Google map: bit.ly/uMnI6d
City of Djinns is an historical account of the city of Delhi as told from the author's personal experience of living and traveling through the different areas and enclaves of the metropolis. It is neither a history book nor a travel log, but instead fuses the two genres together to create a compelling portrayal of the city that takes you past the surface layer to an intimate exploration of the crumbling glory and decadence of India's capital.
India excels at so many things - carpets, textiles, jewellery, inlaid marble, lacquer-ware, miniature painting, pashminas ...
Chandni Chowk was once the finest market in India. It forms a maze of busy lanes and noisy alleyways surrounding the main street of the walled city of Old Delhi. It is one of the best places to buy just about everything, and to do so while experiencing the authentic chaos and colour of India.
Avoid the heat of the day and visit in the evening, when the electrical shops flash brightly with strings of garish lights, and the streets become a swirl of bangles, sandals and spices. Visit silversmiths, textile emporia crammed with jewel-coloured fabrics, and tiny shops selling handmade marbled paper.
Google map: bit.ly/jO3iJk
It is a Hotel in New Delhi a great place to stay.
www.hotelnanak.com
2222 Hardhian Singh Road,
Karol Bagh, New Delhi - 110005
+(91)-(11)-49330000
Google map: bit.ly/csuWPs
Blue Ginger is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants I know. It boasts modern interiors and absolutely delicious food. If you are tired of Italian, Chinese or Indian food in India (the three most popular cuisines), try this one. Besides, it is actually not expensive even though it is in the Taj Palace Hotel
bit.ly/aNcHJw
(91-11) 2611 0202
Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi 110 021
Google map: bit.ly/aYArz7
I did the Golden Triangle myself back in March of this year, pretty much the best time to visit India I'm told, and had an absolutely wonderful time. As an ex-backpacker I'm now appreciating the luxury of a fuss-free properly planned tour so much more!
I had been told so much about India, good and bad, and wanted to make sure I got it right, so I did the Triangle reasoning that with so many destinations there was bound to be something I liked. I wasn't wrong. I spent two nights at Delhi, two at the Ramada in Jaipur and two at the Mughal at Agra.
As an Englishman and a first-time visitor to India I wasn't quite sure if I was going to be harassed down the street by crowds of hustlers, but it turns out I had nothing to worry about - there are probably too many white faces to even notice any more. What was even better was that the majority of people speak fairly good English. I remember getting a cab from the Viceroy's Palace and telling the cabbie I wanted to go to Humayun's Tomb. He didn't understand the destination the first three times I repeated it, and so out of desperation I said it again with a ridiculously put-on Indian accent. "Ah, Humayun's Tomb! Of course!" he replied.
India is, of course, rather hot, but dress properly and drink plenty of water and you should acclimatise fairly quickly. Bear in mind, of course, that England will feel even colder when you return.
So in summary I did lots of sightseeing, lots of shopping, and yes I couldn't resists a visit to the Taj Mahal. It really is quite fantastic; I didn't realise that the inside is as breathtaking as the famous outside. Walking on the marble floor made me feel like a raja. The hotels were great and the staff friendly, all the transfers were handled without fuss and about the only complaint I had was with my partner who suddenly developed a love of expensive rugs. (Really, how are you going to get a rug home? Fold it sixty-five times and put it in a suitcase?)
My own traveller's tip is to consider getting yourself a tailored suit whilst in Delhi. You will not find one of better quality for a lower price. Just hold firm on haggling.
I would thoroughly recommend Travelpack, who organised my own holiday faultlessly.
www.travelpack.co.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/3336v3h
It's a boutique bed and breakfast located in a posh neighborhood with well trained staff, clean and hygienic surroundings.
Urban Ashram D-12 Hauz Khas New Delhi -110016.
+91-11-46151818, +91-9999977377 www.myurbanashram.com
Google map: tinyurl.com/ycyepm2
This is a booking site run by a hotel owners, made my trip a doddle!
If you're looking for a super cheap but clean place which has little character but is next to the train station in Delhi then this budget chain should do. It's a sort of an Indian Travelodge but concentrates on being cheap as far as I can see. The Metro is within a minutes walk as is the train station and if you can live with the small windows and the depressing view then it's just fine. I paid about £14 a night for a double bed on the fourth floor.
I have done over 4000 km in Indian trains over the last six weeks. I have not had one single problem with the food bought from the official IRCTC stands or guys going around. Look out for people with uniform shirts.
Some of the food was actually excellent
Any station
Based on the reader's suggestions here, we stayed at Inn at Delhi.
It was exactly as someone else had said before "Home away from Home".
The owners a retired couple; a history professor and a doctor that are full of energy and bustle and treated us like one of their family.
I would highly recommend staying with them and enjoying the Indian hospitality!
Inn at Delhi
Bed and Breakfast in New Delhi, India
C-34 Anand NIketan
NEW Delhi 110 021, India
site - www.innatdelhi.com
If you are travelling around India, do not book an air con train, they are far too cold. I have done over 2000km on the train system ad I recommend the no air con. Also the in the air con you keep the windows closed, and they are filthy so you don't see anything
The Indian Railways online ticket system. Don't even think about queueing to buy a ticket, just go online and buy it there. It only has one major problem, you either need a local card or a AMEX... Otherwise it is a godsend, no endless Indian queues
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
www.houseofkapaali.com
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
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