India Gate - National Glory

Fast Facts

Time to Visit: Open on all days, around the clock

Preferred Timings: 7.00 pm-9.30 pm

Admission: Free and open to all

Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station

Nearest Metro Station: Kendriya Terminal

Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Aiport

Time required for sightseeing: Approximately 1 hour

No one who is traveling to Delhi can possibly miss the great India Gate. Usually it comes in the top wish list of a traveler's itinerary. Standing high at the end of Rajpath amidst plush, green manicured lawns, this beautiful edifice was built in honor and memory of the scores of Indian soldiers who died in World War I, the North-West Frontier operations, and the Afghan war in early 1900s.

One of the unique feature of India gate include it has each martyred soldier's name is inscribed in its walls. India gate bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died during the wars. The monument finished in 1931. The eternal flame Amar Jawan Jyoti, runs on gas was lit in 1971 at India Gate. It kept alive since then. This eternal blaze is the memorial of the unknown-soldier’s who fought in WWII.

Edwin Lutyens built it and the Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone in 1921. For the Delhites the large green lawns of India gate provide a soothing green space for relaxing. During the hot summer nights or during the pleasant rainy days, India Gate acts as a gathering point for local residents. If you are imaginative enough you can indulge in various activities. The lawns come alive in the evening with picnicking families and couples taking a stroll.

Special Event / Annual Event:

Republic Day Parade Every year on 26th January, the President of India places a garland at Amar Jawan Jyoti. This ceremony dedicated to the Indian armed forces. A grand parade then takes place along Rajpath. Marching contingents, tanks, weaponry, as well as colorful floats, folk dances and school children from diverse parts of India, take part in this dazzling ceremony.

Swar Utsav This festival is organized by Delhi Tourism every October. The best Indian classical musician’s perform here for music lovers, in the beautiful ambience of the India Gate lawns.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

· Rashtrapati Bhawan- the Presidential mansion

• North and South Block- important government offices are located
• · Parliament House
• · National Museum – Has a extensive collection of historical artifacts
• · National Gallery of Modern Art - famous for its contemporary Indian art collection

Nearby Places to Eat:

Apart from the five star hotels like Hotel Le Meridien, Imperial Hotel, Hotel Inter-Continental, Parikrama Revolving restaurant, nearby Connaught Place offers many culinary options like Gaylord, El Rodeo, Bercos, Zen restaurant, Delhi Darbar, Nizam's Kathi Kebabs and Standard Restaurant. For snacks and fast foods: McDonalds, Nirula's, Wengers, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, Ruby Tuesday, Sona Rupa, Barista and Café Coffee Day, Bengali Market, Kake da hotel etc.

Nearby Shopping Venues:

· Connaught Place

· Central Cottage Industries Emporium

· Baba Kharak Singh Marg

· Janpath

· Palika Bazaar

India Gate - National Glory

No one who is traveling to Delhi can possibly miss the great India Gate. Usually it comes in the top wish list of a traveler's itinerary. Standing high at the end of Rajpath amidst plush, green manicured lawns, this beautiful edifice was built in honor and memory of the scores of Indian soldiers who died in World War I, the North-West Frontier operations, and the Afghan war in early 1900s. One of the unique feature of India gate include it has each martyred soldier's name is inscribed in its walls. India gate bears the names of 85,000 Indian Army soldiers who died during the wars. Edwin Lutyens built it and the Duke of Connaught laid the foundation stone in 1921. The monument finished in 1931. The eternal flame Amar Jawan Jyoti, runs on gas was lit in 1971 at India Gate. It kept alive since then. This eternal blaze is the memorial of the unknown-soldier’s who fought in WWII. For the Delhites the large green lawns of India gate provide a soothing green space for relaxing. During the hot summer nights or during the pleasant rainy days, India Gate acts as a gathering point for local residents. If you are imaginative enough you can indulge in various activities. The lawns come alive in the evening with picnicking families and couples taking a stroll.

Amusement Parks in and around Delhi

One of the coolest capitals in the world, New Delhi boosts some of the most beautiful and well-planned parks. Amusement parks in Delhi are spreaded all across the capital city. Some of the amusement parks at Delhi are maintained by the Delhi Government while others are private owned. The prominent amusement parks in Delhi are as follows:

Appu Ghar
The first amusement park of India, Appu Ghar was inaugurated on 19th November, 1984.It has joy rides for people of all ages.

Place:
Gate 9, Pragati Maidan , Delhi,
Timing:
Weekdays: 1:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Entrée fees: All Rides Adult: Rs 150
Children: Rs. 120
Minimum One Ride Adult: Rs. 50
Children: Rs. 40
Go-Karting Rates Rs. 100 for Six Laps
Aerial Ropeway Rates Rs. 30 Per Person
Ticket Prices (Oysters) Up to 84 cm: Free
Above 84 cm: Rs. 250

Fun 'N' Food Village The amusement park, including a water park and joy rides, Fun 'N' Food Village is situated on Delhi-Gurgaon border.
Place:
Delhi- Gurgaon border, Kapashera, Gurgaon Phone: 0124-5064500
Timing:
Summers: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Winters: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Entrée fees:
Adult: Rs. 300
Child: Rs. 250

Adventure Island “Adventure Island” is a part of the Rohini Amusement Park project.

Place:
Unitech Metro Walk Mall, Sector 10, Rohini, Near Rithala Metro Station, Delhi
Timings :
12:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Entrée fee :
Monday to Friday :
Adult Rs. 220
Children : Rs. 170 per child
Saturday - Sunday (& Holidays ) :
Adult : Rs. 350
Children : Rs. 270 per child

Noida Entertainment Park International Recreation Park ties up with Turner for Noida Entertainment Park.
Place:
Great India Palace, Sector-14, SECTOR-4, NOIDA-201301 (U.P.) INDIA. Ph: 91 120 2558537, 2526695
Timings:
11:00am to 09:00pm. *Timings are subject to vary.
Entrée Fee:
Upto Rs 500 per person (Adults). Fee of children are on concession basis. Fee of the park is subject to chan

Wet n wild
India’s first water park resort
Place:
45-Milestone, Village Naurangpur, N.H.-8, Jaipur Highway, Gurgaon (Haryana)
Tel: +91-124- 2372472, 2372931, 3291483
Mobile: +91-9810045003, 9310045003
www.wetnwildresorts.com
Timings:
10 am to 8 pm
Entrée Fee:
Rs 500 per couple

Discotheques

It’s said that as compare to Bangalore or Mumbai, Delhi has a dead night life. But when it comes to caching the fashion and proving wrong the myth – Can Delhi be far behind. Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaah! New age Delhi, dotted with many discotheques, Delhi is catching up the heat real fast. These discotheques in Delhi are day by day becoming a leading lure among the tourists as well as the city youth. As night grows, the discotheques and pubs become younger. The most happening and secure discotheques in Delhi are mainly found in the five star Hotels. Some of the best known places of grooving are-

Annabelles

Hotel Inter-Continental, 1, Windsor Palace
Phone : 23320101.
Timings : 10 pm onwards
Entry: Rs. 500 per couple, 7 days a week Ladies night -Wednesday and Friday

Boys n Gulls

Vasant Continental Vasant Vihar
Phone : 26148800
Timings : 11.30 am t0 11.30 pm
Happy hours: 12 noon to 7 p.m,
Entry is FREE

CJ's

Hotel Le Meridien
Phone : 23710101.
Timings : 10 pm to 2 am.
Open 7 days a week, Friday Saturday and Sunday open during the day 12.00 noon to 5.00 pm. Charges Rs. 500/- per couple
Entry fee Rs. 300/- per only
Ladies night : Tuesday and Thurday

Djinns

Hotel Hyatt Regency, Bhikaji Cama Place,
Phone : 26791234, 26791026
Timings :6 pm to Midnight,
Happy hours: 6-7 pm

Fireball

32nd Milestone, Delhi-Jaipur Bypass Gurgaon
Phone: 91-26325554/7,
Timings : Wednesday 1-5pm, Friday and Saturday1-5pm and 10pm to 4am.
Entry: Wednesday, Friday Rs. 200/- per couple and Saturday Rs. 400/- per couple

Ghungroo

Welcom group Maurya Sheraton, Sardar Patel Marg
Phone : 26112233
Timings : 10.30 pm onwards, 6 days a week(except Sunday) Monday to Friday Rs. 400/- per couple.
Entry : Rs. 500/- per couple
Ladies night: Monday, Friday and Saturday.

Mirage

The Surya Best Western Hotel
Ph.: 26835070,
Timings : 10.30 pm onwards
Entry : Rs. 450 per couple
Ladies night - Monday and Tuesday Special cocktail - Brain Haemorrhage, Rs. 350

My Kind of Place

Taj Palace
Phone : 26110202,
Timings: 9.30 pm. to 12.30 am. Wed. and Fri.
Entry : Rs. 300 per couple.
Ladies night - Friday and Saturday, Rs. 400 per couple
Closed : Monday and Tuesday

Someplace Else

The Park Hotel, C.P.
Phone : 23733737
Timings : 10 pm to 12.00
Entry: Rs. 300 per couple on Thur, Fri., Sat. Rs. 200 per couple on Sun., Monday, Wednesday.
Closed : Tuesday
Special cocktail : Glasgow Gleam, Rs. 378
Special event : Live Jazz music on Wednesday
Timings : 7.30 pm to 11 pm.

Ozone

Hotel Radisson, NH-8,
Timings : 11am-11.45pm.
Happy hours: 4-8pm

Sports Bar

Hotel Radisson, NH-8,
Timings : 4pm- midnight.
Happy hours: 4-8 pm

The Float

The Park Royal, Nehru Place Community Centre
Phone : 26223344
Timings : 4.30 - 11 pm.

Elevate
L-1, Centre Stage Mall , Sector 18 , Noida- 201301
Near Radisson Hotel
Phone: 0120 4364600 , 0120 4364611
Amenities: DJ, Dance Floor

Timing – 10pm – 4am

Cover charges: Rs. 1500 per person

Odyssey
Sahara Mall
R301/2, 3^rd Floor Sahara Mall, Gurgaon 122002
Phone: General: (0124) 404-8031/32/33/34. Parties: 9810004122
Membership Inquiries: Tel: 011-46536600, Fax: 011-46536601

RPM
47, Defence Colony Market, Lajpat Nagar
Delhi-110024
Phone: (11)24336666,28844028

Velocity 1
Greater Kailash
M 26, 2nd Floor
Delhi-110048
Phone: (11)41634706

Tavern
Hotel Imperial, Janpath
New Delhi-10001
Phone: (11)23341234,4150 1234

Shalom
Greater Kailash, Part -1
Shop no-18
Delhi-110048
Phone: (11)41632280/83

Teaserz
172nd Floor Commercialunity Centre
Saket Delhi17,
Phone No- 011 - 26601510

Some Fast Facts of New Delhi

Area: 1,483 sq km

Languages spoken: Hindi, Urdu, English & Punjabi

Population
City proper 9,817,439

Metro area 15,334,000

Temperature
January 21°/8°C (70°/46°F);
July 35°/27°C (94°/80°F)
Average daily High/Low °C (°F)

Rainfall
January 19 (0.7)
July 237 (9.3)
Average monthly mm (inches)

Best Time to visit: October to March

Excursions: Neemrana fort, Surajkund, Badhkal Lake, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Nainital, Mathura Kesroli, Mud fort, Sultanpur, Tilyar Lake.

Shopping Areas: Dilli Haat, Janpath, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, South Ex. Market, Sarojini Market, Khaan Market

Places to Visit: India Gate, Red fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Jama Masjid, Birla Mandir, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, Chandni Chawk.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

• STD Code - O11
• Police - 100
• Commissioner of Police- 3319661(O) / 3319721(O) / 4100789(R)
• Police Headquarters - 3352678
• DCP Traffic - 6198928(O)
• Fire Service - 101
• Ambulance - 102
• Accident and Trauma -10999

Hospitals

• St, Stephen’s Hospital Phone no- 3966024
• Dr, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Phone no- 3365525
• Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Hospital, Phone no- 3232400, 3233400
• Moolchand Hospital, Phone no- 6920217
• Batra Hospital, Phone no- 6983797
• AIIMS, Phone no- 6561123
• National Chest Institute, Phone no- 6864012
• M.P. Heart Center, Phone no- 6413436

Round the Clock Chemist Shops in Delhi

• Spring Meadows, F-44 East of Kailash, Phone Number - 6441782
• Tirath Ram Hospital, Rajpura Rood, Phone Number - 2522487
• Batra Hospital, I, Tughlaqabad Instt. Area, Phone Number - 6983797
• Mohindera Chemist, C-5 6rein Park, Phone Number - 6852880-7
• Kolmet Chemist, 7-B, Pusa Road New Delhi, Phone Number - 5752055

Travel Assistance

• Railway General Information – 1330
• Railway Reservation- 3348686
• DTC Head Office - 3319075, 3318875
• DTC (ISBT) - 2968709

Universities in Delhi

• University of Delhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Indira Gandhi National Open University
• Jamia Millia Islamia University
• Jamia Hamdard University
• Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastra University

Institutions deemed to be University

• Indian Agricultural Research Institute
• School of Planning & Architecture
• Shri Lal Bahadur Shashtri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth
• National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation & Musicology

Embassy or Consulate

• US Embassy or Consulate: United States Embassy, Phone no: (0)11 2419 8000
• UK Embassy or Consulate: British High Commission, Phone no: (0)11 2687 2161
• Canadian Embassy or Consulate: Canadian High Commission, Phone no: (0)11 4178 2000
• Australian Embassy or Consulate: Australian High Commission, Phone no: (0)11 4139 9900
• South African Embassy or Consulate: South African High Commission, Phone no: (0)11 2614 9411

Delhi transportation inquiry & Reservation

• I.S.B.T., Kashmere Gate, Phone No. 23868836, 23865181
• I.S.B.T. Sarai Kale Khan, Phone No. 24358092
• I.S.B.T. Anand Vihar, Phone No. 22152431

Palika Bazaar

This is one of the oldest markets of Delhi. Palika Bazaar is also famous as underground AC Bazaar. This was the first time in my three years tenure in Delhi when I visited this market. I must say very chaotic and promiscuous. After Nehru place and Gaffar Market, this is the third best place which is known for electrical goods and software. With its healthy stock of video games, pirated movies, smuggled colognes/deodorants and counterfeit Calvin Klein Sunglasses or Omega watches, this age old market is recluse for students, teenagers and young college students.

Apart from them you can find many tourists. Delhi residents also can be seen there but only to show their Delhi touring relatives this underground air-conditioned market. If you can compromise on the quality you probably can have almost every thing on earth here. You can bargain like hell here. If the shopkeeper ask to pay you 600 Rs/- for a purse, easily you can get it for 100. There are a lot of eating corners also inside the market area. It is advisable to take some one along when you will visit Palika Bazaar. Take along somebody who knows about all the ins and outs of the market or there are chances that you may get lost.

Sample Price Guide for Delhi

One of the most fascinating aspects of Delhi is here one can find people of all stratas living quite comfortably. Unlike other metro cities Delhi is quite economic. From transportation to accommodation all you will get in a very reasonable price.

· Small packet of cigarettes - Rs 34.00 (Wills Navy Cut)

· Cup of chai- Rs 4.00

· Soft drink- Rs 10.00

· Loaf of bread- Rs 20.00

· 12 glass bangles- Rs 150.00

· Liter of milk- Rs 20.00

· Prepaid taxi from airport to Parhaganj- Rs 210.00

Auto Rickshaw Fares
From: New Delhi Railway Station to IGI airport
Distance: 19.4 Km
Fare: Rs. 92.8

Extra Charges for Auto Rickshaw

· Night Charges Valid between 11.00PM to 5.00 AM

· Waiting Charges Rs.25 per hour or part thereof (subject to minimum of 15 min stay)

· Luggage Rs.5 per piece except for shopping bags or a small attaché case

Average Room Prices

· Low- Rs130-400

· Mid- Rs400-2000

· High - Rs2000-7000

· Deluxe- Rs7000+

Average Meal Prices

• Low- Rs30-50
• Mid- Rs50-120
• High- Rs120-450
• Deluxe- Rs450+

Tipping
Tipping or Baksheesh is very common in Delhi. It is done here in order to get things done. Astute baksheesh will often open closed doors, find missing items and perform other small miracles. In mid-range and upper-end restaurants or hotels a service charge (usually 10%) is often added to bills, so tipping is very optional. In smaller places, where a service charge has not been added to the bill, anything upwards of 20.00 a tip is warmly appreciated

Dickering in Dilli Haat

Yesterday I was not at all in the mood or rather i should say i didn't even feel like coming to office(As I wanted to sleep few more hours, then shop and meet one of my old friend who came from Bangalore). He was putting up at Connaught Place(some hotel). So I wanted to meet him somewhere where I could both enjoy and shop. It was quite obvious that we both came out with meeting place in ‘Delhi Haat’. Nestled in the famous INA shopping complex area, it is just 5 miles from Connaught Place. A total exclusive shopping experience in the backdrop of Indian folk culture of every region is some thing nobody wants to miss.

For the people who can die for the ethnic memoirs of India, this place is a heaven on earth. As per my knowledge ace this market has been developed by the Tourist Deptt. of Delhi, to enhance the craftsmanship of our country. From the original Andamanese cane products or phulkari from Punjab or kullu shawls or kanchi silk, you will get some thing or the other exclusive specialty from all the parts of India. Products are here are surprisingly reasonably priced perhaps because the place uniquely avoids the middlemen and is government controlled. I bought a beautiful Bandhani Skirt, One cool Cotton Kurti, where as my friend (Doing all justice to his glutton status) wasted all his money in devouring the Indian delicacies. He virtually went nuts after seeing that almost all state cuisines are represented there by rotation.

In any given day for a small family, outing or ethnic shopping while some one wants to have some good time. This place is one of my favorite places while I want to do some shopping in Delhi and at the same time want to spend some quality time with the people I love.

Some Basic Information
Entrée- Rs 10 per adult / Rs 7 per child
The complex is open from 11 A.M to 10 P.M
Credit cards are generally accepted.

Delhi’s Gourmet Secrets

Being a complete foodie, I was blessed to be here. I can’t live my life out of having air. I need good delicious mouth smacking foods. And honestly I prefer Deshi traditional foods over any junk stuff. Some times my friends pull my legs telling me if it could have been possible I will prefer lassi to Cola even in PVR.

But I don’t mind because they are true mindless freaks. As I was telling you get whatever food you like. Delhi cuisine is known for its variety and spice. Starting from the Punjabi 'Chhole-Bhature', sarson ka saag, Makke di roti, ‘Korma’, 'Kababs', and 'Biriyanis' to south Indian Idli Dosa, Uttapam- you name it you will have it in here.

If you are a devoted foodie, then I can tell you some real good places which you won’t wanna miss for anything. For non-veggies, 'Karim's' in Old Delhi, NFC’s Al Beg are the most coveted destinations. If haven't had Al Beg's 'shorma' yet, that means you haven't tested heaven. Don't forget to try the mouth-watering 'Paranthas' of 'Paranthe wali gali' in Chandni Chowk. For Paranthas another popular joint is Tanku’s near IIT. Udupi, Sarvana Bhavan and Sagar Ratna, Haldiram’s and Bikaner Group offers light and tasty veg foods. Even I like roadside 'Dhabas', eateries, snack counters- which offer wide varieties of delectable cuisines. Papri, Bhalle-Papri, Aloo Tikiki, Gol Gappe, etc. are all-time favorites of mine.

For the sweet dish, (of course being a Bengali) I can vouch for Bengali sweets. Especially 'Roshogullahs' and 'Sandesh', are most palatable for me. You can easily get best of these yummiest sweets in Rasharaj in CR Park Market-2.

But in case, even after reading all this I cant take you in my side. And still you are more of my friends’ kind then you can always satisfy your gluttony with KFC, Mc Donalds, Nirulas and Wimpys, which you can find here almost in every knock and corner of the city.

An Evening at Lajpat Nagar

Ofcourse there is nothing like getting away for the weekend to get your dear ones together. It’s fun to spend time with like minded group of people. For me, celebrating my day of freedom (holiday), are simply sharing time and doing things with friends. Especially, when you are way from your home then your friends become your family. Then, a simple walk in the market, having Chaat or even a window shopping, with your friends become a rewarding experience.

For different reasons, I was not being able to catch up with my friends, for quite some times. This Sunday evening, curtsey to Avinash, we all met in Lajpat Nagar market, near the Ashram Chowk. As usual, as the part of my guest appearance I came late. And after reaching there I realize all of most of my friends came there to do some good window shopping. In our college days too, we always relied on Lajpat Nagar market for fashionable cloths and other general items. Be it any occasion we head for this market to get some thing for ourselves.

Not only us I have seen and heard (from my Delhi NCR friends) that this market is always a hot favorite with the middle class and the students sections. Due to its prime location and proximity to the areas like Ashram, Maharani Bagh, East of Kailash and the Friends Colony, this market, is a popular shopping place for Delhiites. Closed on Monday, Lajatpat Nagar central market will offer you shops which have one of the finest bridal and festive collection as a very reasonable rate.

In this one-stop market, you will find a wide range of items staring form ethnic Indian wear to the latest western style clothing. Household items to footwear, all trendy accessories, bags, jewellery, leather, silver ware- Think of anything and you will be able to get it here.. From 35 rupees fixed clothing shop to exclusive premium shops- this place have something for everyone.

Here I usually love to shop till I drop. I can put my bargaining skills to test. Like me if you are too love to wear cotton suits and then buy some great stuff from the shop Sabhyata. For me another prime attraction of this market is the Mehndiwalas I love to see my hands adorn with beautiful henna designs. For one of my dear friends the main attraction is mouth watering delicacies, which the eateries of this market offer. Personally I like the steaming Momos sold by the Tibetan ladies here near the shop Gokul’s.

So after lots of shopping, hogging delicious street foods and having a gala time with friends, when I was returning home I was thinking about only one thing- I will be back soon.

Me, Myself & Delhi

Everybody says first impression is the last impression- For me it was love at very first sight. When I came to this city about three years ago, I fell for this city. The traditional mogul appeal, colonial aura and ultra modern accessories, coupled up with warm hospitality of its dwellers will compel you to love this city with out even trying very hard. Its 3000 years old history has seen much historical and political turmoil. Be it cultural, traditional, spiritual, architectural, contemporary or historical, Delhi have all the colors in its stunning Rainbow. Through out the year, this mini-India wears the attire of a Dulhan. With imperial landmarks, warm people, colorful bazaars, holly shrines etc. while you are here, you won’t be able to get a day, which is not different. This metropolitan city with a cosmopolitan outlook will refreshingly show you almost every facet of Indian life. With a strange mix of the traditional and modern Indian lifestyle, this city welcomes every one with open arms. One thing for sure I have completely lost myself. Its true I am in love with this city.