http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33899 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33899 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33335 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33335 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32755 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32755 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32187 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32187 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31169 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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31169 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28143 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28143 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28133 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28133 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27236
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27236 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25856 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25856 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24908 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24908 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21592 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21592 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21580 Some of the food was actually excellent]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21580 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21483
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!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21483 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21474 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21474 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21362 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21362 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13206 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13206 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10902
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10902