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 New Delhi is a thoroughly inscrutable onion of a city: every layer you peel off reveals an even deeper layer of history. Rebuilt eight times by its many conquerors, it has been the seat of the Hindu, Muslim, and British empires. All of them have left their mark on the architecture, customs, food and people of this relentless city; all are undergoing a transformation in the capital of modern India.

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The City

The plain area to the west of the Yamuna River, where Delhi lies today, has been a centre of civilisation for millennia. Indraprastha, the city of the Pandavas, is mentioned in the 3,000-year-old Mahabharata Hindu text, a city on the site where the Old Fort now stands.

Delhi is a city of metamorphosis in terms of physical buildings, people, and culture from the early Hindu rulers to Islam. There was a succession of Islamic dynasties, reaching their zenith with the architectural wonders of the Mughals and, in particular, Shah Jahan, builder of the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. His city, Shahjahanabad, is today’s Old Delhi with its tangled, intoxicating streets and bazaars.

This contrasted with the imperial project of the last rulers of India, the British, who in 1911 built their imperial capital to the south of Old Delhi. The broad boulevards and geometric order of New Delhi give the capital its other distinct half. Designed by Lutyens, the European classical grandeur now has a distinctly Indian flavour, and much of New Delhi is fast gaining the shiny glass-and-steel look of the modern Asian metropolises. You will find all races, faiths and customs of every region of India alongside one another on the streets of Delhi.

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Do & See

New Delhi is a bustling city full of people and beautiful architecture. There are many temples spread over the region, all worth a visit for anyone interested in these architectural wonders. Just walking the streets of New Delhi is a unique experience. You soon notice that this city has many things to fall in love with.

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Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

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National Gandhi Museum

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Akshardham Temple

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Taj Mahal

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Lodhi Gardens

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Sunder Nursery

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Jama Masjid

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Bahai Lotus Temple

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The Red Fort (lal Quila)

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Purana Quila (Old Fort)

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Chandni Chowk

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Qutub Minar

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The National Museum

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National Gallery of Modern Art

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The Garden of Five Senses

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Sulabh International Museum of Toilets

Connaught Place

Traditional spices and dry fruits in local bazaar in India. Curioso/Shutterstock.com

Dining

Indian cuisine is justifiably famous throughout the world. With its use of spices, it conjures up the most subtle and explosive tastes. New Delhi is a feast for food lovers, bringing together not just the best in North Indian cuisine but also offering excellent regional styles, Far Eastern cuisines, and contemporary fusions.

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United Coffee House

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Punjabi By Nature

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Swagath

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Karim’s

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Chor Bizarre

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Bukhara

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Indian Accent

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Orient Express

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The Spice Route

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Thai High

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Pind Balluchi

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The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe

Still life, food and drink concept. Various kinds of tea with a glass of tea on a black chalkboard. Selective focus, copy space background. Antonina Vlasova / Shutterstock.com

Cafés

India has been a nation of tea drinkers for centuries, but in recent decades, coffee has been on the rise. There are cafés all over the place in New Delhi, and big café chains are appearing more and more around the city. However, you will still find small tea shops on every corner where you can grab your daily cup of tea.

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Café Turtle

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The Big Chill Cafe

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Cafe Coffee Day

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Barista Coffee

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Hauz Khas Social

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Farzi Cafe

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Triveni Terrace Cafe

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Café Lota

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The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe

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Summer House Cafe

A wide angle long exposure shot of India Gate (formerly known as the All India War Memorial) with light trails of moving vehicles at Rajpath, New Delhi, India. KS-Art/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

Alcohol is not deeply ingrained in Indian culture, though New Delhi’s bar culture is fast becoming world-renowned. The best bars are found in the more upmarket hotels with ordinary drinking holes, still very much all-male affairs.

Popular areas like Connaught Place, Hauz Khas Village, and Cyber Hub in Gurgaon are known for their trendy venues and lively atmosphere. For a more relaxed evening, there are numerous cafés and rooftop bars that provide stunning city views and a more laid-back vibe.

New Delhi also offers cultural experiences, such as late-night theatre performances, music concerts, and traditional dance shows, giving a taste of the city's rich heritage.

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The Club Bar and Cigar Lounge

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Aura Bar

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Kitty Su Night Club

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Summer House Cafe

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Keya

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Priveé

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Bunta Bar Live

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Shopping

Delhi is a shopper’s paradise with just about anything you can think of available somewhere at some price. One thing that often intimidates visitors from abroad is the art of haggling, though, with a few days practices, it can become an integral part of the shopping experience and puts the hunt for a bargain in your own hands.

The area around Connaught Place has several state-run emporiums where you can buy Indian handicrafts at fixed prices. The Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Janpath has six floors of merchandise, while the regional State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Marg focus on the arts from their particular region. The thoroughfare of Janpath, running south from Connaught Place, is also a top spot for textile shopping.

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North of Delhi

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South of Delhi

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Central Cottage Industries Emporium

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Pacific Mall

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Carpets & Pashmina By Atsar

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Aap Ki Pasand Tea Gallery

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Khari Baoli Market

Connaught Place

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Tourist Information

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

Located 16 km from New Delhi city centre, the Indira Gandhi International Airport offers multiple transportation options for travellers.

The high-speed Delhi Metro Rail connects the airport to the city via the Airport Express Line. The Airport Express Line or the 'Orange' Line links Dwarka Sector 21 to the New Delhi Railway Station, providing a swift and efficient travel time of around 23 minutes.

For those preferring direct access, taxis are readily available just outside the baggage claim area of the terminals.

And for a more cost-effective option, the shuttle bus facility is an excellent choice, with services running every 30 minutes. These buses connect the airport to central locations in Delhi, including Connaught Place and the Interstate Bus Terminal.

Address: Indira Gandhi International Airport

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Phone: +91 124 479 7300

Website: www.newdelhiairport.in

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit New Delhi is around October and November or February and March when the pleasant autumn makes it for a comfortable tour around the city's famous landmarks. This is also the period when festivities like 'Diwali' Festival (in October) and other genres of festivals (ranging from drama to literature to film festivals) are held. Summer is known for being humid, whereas winter is known for being cold. Woollen clothes are highly recommended since temperatures vary from 22°C to 5°C.

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Money in India: Cash or Credit Card

Though many places such as large hotels, shops, and restaurants will accept international credit cards, many small family-run shops and street food vendors still operate on only cash. It might be troublesome for you to find an ATM in your vicinity since they're not evenly distributed. A fee is almost always charged by the Indian bank for withdrawing money. Before departing, check with your bank whether your card is valid in India but bring some cash to avoid unpleasant surprises.

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Passport/Visa

All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document with a valid visa. A visa is required for most nationalities, except for Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives (if not arriving from mainland China).

The visa has to be requested through an online application. Be aware that a visa can only be acquired via this online application, and without any intermediary – do not hire agents who claim speedy/express grant of e-Visa.

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Metro

Navigating the metro in New Delhi is quite straightforward, thanks to its efficient and extensive network that covers major parts of the city. Special tourist cards are available, offering unlimited rides for a set period and simplifying the fare process.

For information on tickets and lines, visit the Delhi Metro official website.

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Website: www.delhimetrorail.com

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Bus

The bus system in New Delhi is an affordable way to navigate the city, offering extensive routes that cover numerous destinations. However, taking a bus in New Delhi can be challenging for visitors due to the city's bustling traffic and the often crowded buses.

The city's buses come in red and green, with the main hub being the Delhi Inter State Bus Terminal, conveniently located north of the Old Delhi train station.

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Rickshaws

In New Delhi, rickshaws are a popular and economical mode of transport, offering a unique and flexible way to navigate the city's busy streets. There are two main types: cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws. Cycle rickshaws are human-powered and ideal for short distances or navigating narrow lanes, while auto rickshaws are motorised and suitable for longer trips or more bustling routes.

Auto rickshaws are typically metered, but it's wise to confirm the meter is running or agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid disputes. Many drivers are also open to negotiation, particularly for longer routes or during heavy traffic.

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Post

Stamps can be purchased from post offices, newsagents, and some travel shops. Local post offices are generally open Mon–Fri from 10am to 5pm and Sat from 10am to noon. The large General Post Offices have longer opening hours, Mon–Fri 9:30am–6pm and Sat 9:30am–1pm.

Address: New Delhi General Post Office - Gol Dak Khana Building, near Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi

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Phone: +91 11 2374 3602

Website: www.indiapost.gov.in

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Taxi

Finding a taxi in New Delhi is relatively easy, with numerous taxis available throughout the city. While many taxis are metered, it is not uncommon to negotiate a fare, especially for longer distances or during peak hours. In addition, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola operate extensively in the city, providing a convenient and often more reliable alternative. These apps offer transparent pricing and the ease of booking a ride directly from your smartphone, making them a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

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Pharmacy

The main pharmacy chains in New Delhi include Apollo Pharmacy, Guardian Pharmacy, 98.4 Chemist, and MedPlus. These chains have multiple outlets across the city, ensuring easy access to medications and health products for visitors.

Address: Apollo Pharmacy - Block G, Connaught Place, New Delhi

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Phone: +91 88269 92200

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Telephone

Country code: +91
Area code: 011

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Electricity

In India, power plugs and sockets are of types C, D, and M, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.

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