The Best Street Markets to Explore in Delhi

It is frequently said that Delhi is a city of contrasts, and its street markets are no different. Both old-fashioned bazaars and new-style flea markets are found in the city. A wide range of food, textiles, and crafts may be found on small streets and at open-air booths. The following markets are recommended for travelers who wish to experience many different things, purchase authentic mementos, and take inexpensive excursions. Helpful tips are also provided to make trips easy and fun.

1) Chandni Chowk: A live market of Old Delhi



Chandni Chowk is counted among the city's oldest marketplaces. Ancient streets and traditional businesses that are still open are found there. Several specialty alleys are present where sarees, spices, silverware, and wedding clothes can be obtained. Renowned street food stalls are frequented by locals and tourists alike. If crowds are to be avoided, it is best to begin exploring shortly after the stores open. The evenings and weekends are generally the busiest times.

2) Dilli Haat: Crafts and regional cuisine under one roof

A tailored experience is offered at Dilli Haat (INA), with booths from all across India that are rotated frequently to display ethnic crafts and delicacies. The lanes are kept clean, and the stalls are consistently arranged. An admission fee is charged to help keep the market clean and organized. The INA Metro station is typically the easiest way to reach the site, and because it is open all day, visits may be made in the middle of the day or in the early evening.

3) Sarojini Nagar: Cut-price fashion and export surplus



Sarojini Nagar is renowned for its cheap, fast-moving fashion. Trendy clothes, accessories, and seasonal overstock are sold by small stores and street sellers. Large discounts may sometimes be obtained if many items are purchased or if effective bargaining is used. A quieter visit is more likely to be experienced on weekdays, while busyness is typically associated with weekends.

4) Janpath & Connaught Place: Eclectic finds for tourists

Janpath and Connaught Place are excellent places for unique finds to be discovered by travelers. Along a lengthy pedestrian street extending from Connaught Place, kiosks are found that offer jewellery, handicrafts, and clothes evoking a bygone era. Unique items are put on display, many of which are aimed at tourists, and fixed-price shops sit next to street booths where prices may be negotiated. Cafés and galleries that complement shopping can be found by following the circular roads that encircle the market.

5) Lajpat Nagar Central Market: Textiles and bridal shopping



Textiles, ready-made clothes, and ethnic clothing can be bought at Lajpat Nagar's Central Market. Bridal trousseaus and celebratory clothes can be obtained there, and the market has a good reputation for variety and accessibility. Shoes, costume jewellery, and home goods are also sold in the market. Visits are best planned when time is available to try things on and make selections, as bespoke work can be requested.    

Planning Your Market Expedition

A little planning is considered a good idea before the fun chaos enters. Delhi is regarded as a key international centre with strong connections to destinations all over the world. Once vacation plans have been set and a good Dubai to Delhi flight ticket price has been found, the real fun can begin. Comfortable shoes must be worn since long hours are likely to be spent on one’s feet. Carrying cash is also considered a good idea since digital payments are not accepted by all smaller vendors.

Safety, negotiation, and timing recommendations

The busiest bazaars are best visited during the day, and belongings are best kept safe. In most open markets, negotiation is anticipated, and starting at approximately half the asking price for inexpensive items is advisable. A reasonable middle ground should then be reached through polite but firm negotiation. Since cards are not accepted by many sellers, it is considered helpful to keep some small change to be kept on hand.

Transportation options

When long-haul trips are planned, several airlines are looked at and ratings are compared. Flights from airlines like Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and others have been taken by many travelers connecting via foreign hubs. Alternatives for pleasant layovers and luggage limits are usually provided by booking systems.

Conclusion

Textiles, spices, handicrafts, costume jewellery, and memories of street cuisine are often brought back by visitors. When large or fragile items are purchased, careful packing and a plan for delivery are recommended. Respect for local traditions is important, and a great time exploring the market will be had if calmness is maintained. A sensory tapestry is offered by Delhi's street markets, and with a little planning, attention to scheduling, learning how to bargain, and taking basic safety measures, a fun and well-stocked excursion is likely to be experienced.

Note: Some pictures in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the creative commons license. Each picture has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

Continue Reading...

The Heart and Soul of India: 6 Tourist Attractions in Delhi No Traveler Should Miss Out On

A trip to India is a journey of a lifetime. There are so many places to see and things to do in Delhi alone that you will need several days to see even a small amount of the beauty this city puts forth.

From flight booking to reserving the hotel, a trip to Delhi is colorful and exciting. There are many airlines that reach Delhi from ports all over the world. You can visit Delhi any time as there are many flights from all the major cities such as Ahmedabad to Delhi, Bangalore to Delhi, Calcutta to Delhi, etc.

Here is a list of 6 tourist attractions in Delhi that no traveler should miss out on.

1. Nehru Park in Chanakyapuri

Nehru Park is a beautiful green space and is the center for recreational activities. This is a must see when visiting Delhi. There are morning and evening concerts to enjoy as well as the annual Bhakti Festival held in September. This festival is centered around yoga and brings in hundreds of thousands of people.

Located on 80 acres, Nehru Park is named for the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. It is located near the center of the city and that means easy access to many shops and restaurants.

2. The Red Fort



The Red Fort is considered the tourist attraction of Delhi. A marvel of Mughal architecture, created from red sandstone, it was built in 1638.

The fort houses the Chhata Bazaar and many special events showcasing light and sound. In 2007, UNESCO declared The Red Fort a World Heritage site. This is considered one of the most famous and popular places to visit in Delhi.

3. Jantar Mantar Observatory



This ancient scientific marvel was erected in 1724 by Jaipur scientist Maharaja Jai Singh. This instrument of astronomy is no longer accurately used due to the tall buildings surrounding the planetarium, but visitors can wonder at the way men brought the stars closer to them near the beginning civilization.

This is one of the most visited attractions in Delhi with the many principal instruments of the observatory like the Ram Yantra, the Samrat Yantra, The Misra Yantra, and the Jai Prakash. Built by the Maharaja Jai Singh II, the temple of Bhairava is also on the premises and should not be missed.

4. Akshardham Temple



Everyone visiting Delhi suggests a stop at the Akshardham Temple. Among the beautiful Hindu temples, this is one of the largest in the world. It was built by the BAPS organization of spiritual leaders and is a spectacular work of architecture. The white marble and pink stone combine to create a beautiful building that shines day and night.

There are many different exhibits that visitors can wander through, including the lovely garden with its theme-based sections. Tourists can also enjoy a boat ride along the beautiful Yamuna river.

5. Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is considered the heart of Delhi. It is the main street through Old Delhi, where anything and everything you could ever want can be found. The shops, closely packed together, have the most number of inexpensive items you will ever find. And don't forget to sample the street food when you are here.

6. Connaught Place



After a long day of sightseeing and shopping, stop by Connaught Place for some of the finest cuisine in Delhi. Foodies from everywhere love to sample the multi-cuisine from street-side cafes, street vendors, fancy dining and casual eateries here.

The list of places to visit in Delhi is long and you may need a few extra days to fit in all you want to see. Guided tours are available or you could simply wander around at your own pace. And when you feel like a change, you can always take a short 2 hour drive and spend a weekend in Agra experiencing the beauty of the Taj Mahal.

Photo Courtesy: All the photos in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia under the wikimedia commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.

Continue Reading...

Ten Things to do in Delhi on your Next Vacation

India boasts of some of the most interesting cities to visit in the world. From the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai that is rightly called the ‘City of Dreams’ and the business hubs in Bangalore that are brimming with IT parks to the capital territory of the country that gives a glimpse of life in the north, one cannot deny the charm this country holds for anyone visiting here. It is, therefore, not surprising to see celebrities heading out here to add a touch of ethnicity to their weddings and vacations.

If you have never left the comfort of your hometown in all these years, it is definitely time for you to explore places in India that are popular enough to lure tourists from all over the world. There are numerous things one can do in a state like Delhi that abounds with rich history and heritage. Here are a few that would certainly tempt you to book Bangalore to Delhi flights in a jiffy:



1) Wander the streets of the city: The thriving streets of Delhi that have much to offer is a sight to behold. The plethora of colors augmenting the streets in a way that is pleasing to the eyes make roaming the streets a must while you are in Delhi.

2) Binge on local delicacies: From crunchy gol gappas to the stuffed kulchas that are served on every major street, finding local delicacies to gorge on should totally be on your list of things to do as you roam around Delhi. You would rarely come across the scrumptious north Indian delicacies served here elsewhere, making it important for you to go food binging while in the capital.



3) Ride the metro: The metro at Delhi has had its share of fame and popularity since it was first launched. Hordes of people made it a point to travel in metros, saving them a lot of time as well. Those visiting Delhi for a holiday too, often, have a day set aside to travel in metros to get a true Delhi feel. One can hardly blame them considering the amazing construction on the metro lines that gives commuters a wonderful view of the city from the metro.

4) Check out historical monuments: Delhi has a number of historical monuments that are worth a visit anytime you visit the state. The beautiful Red Fort, striking Qutb Minar, and architectures that depict ancient India through its beauty and exquisiteness should definitely be visited at least once in your lifetime to get a glimpse of how truly beautiful India is.



5) Witness the light and sound show at Old Fort: Visiting the Old Fort gives you another reason to look forward to with the light and sound show adding to the charm of the monument. Taking place at night between 7 to 8 pm in Hindi, and 8:30 to 9:30 pm in English to give tourists a glimpse into India’s history, you can easily get tickets to the show at affordable prices.

6) Shop at the famous Chandni Chowk: Vacationing anywhere in the world warrants a shopping spree to get memorabilia back home. Checking out the popular Chandni Chowk bazaar can let you come across a number of traditional and classy items that you could use to complement your usual style. Apart from clothes and accessories, there are quite a vast number of things that can be purchased here at prices that are both reasonable and totally worth it.

7) Take a look into the National Gallery of Modern Art: If you are a lover of art and creativity, visiting the National Gallery of Modern Art should definitely be on your agenda while you are holidaying in Delhi.


8) Take a ride on-board the HOHO bus: The Hop on Hop off bus, or HOHO bus as it is widely called, was introduced as a means to give people a glimpse of Delhi in the most convenient way. You can take a tour of Delhi on-board the bus at your convenience and make the most of your time as you take in everything this place offers.

9) Relax at a book café: For those who prefer tranquillity, heading to a café that has a library in tow can be a great way to feed your mind along with your stomach. You can easily kill two birds with one stone with this perfect combination of books and treats.

10) Spend time at Lodhi gardens: You can spend a leisurely time in the Lodhi gardens by taking a stroll in the cool of the day to enjoy the pleasant weather while treating your eyes to the beauty of the surroundings.

So make the most of your time in Delhi by taking in everything the place offers.

Continue Reading...

Luxury Stay In Delhi That Promises World Class Amenities

Luxury hotels make a stay in Delhi, whether it is for business, vacation, or a wedding, memorable and comfortable. They do this by providing amenities that other hotels don’t offer with the best quality available for guests. Here are some of the amenities you can expect from luxury hotels in Delhi like The Imperial:

1. Room Amenities

An article on Gallup.com reveals that all hotel guests, whether luxury or budget travellers, put the room at the top of their list of priorities when choosing a hotel. Luxury hotels differ from brand name, budget, or business hotels where it is common for each room to use the same floor plan and have the same amenities.

Luxury hotels usually have each room specially decorated for a unique appearance and depending on price, will offer different amenities. The Luxury suite at The Imperial, which is listed as one of the best luxury rooms in Delhi, has a Jacuzzi and DVD player and a control panel for the climate, security, and lights. The Royal Suite, generally, has the additional amenities of a sauna, dressing room, dining room for up to eight guests, and a study with 80 books and antique furniture and artwork.

The hotel offers complimentary amenities in all rooms so that each guest still gets the luxury treatment. As well as a marble bathtub and flat screen TV in each room, there is mineral water, a fresh fruit platter, a shoe shine, dental kit, and a daily newspaper among others. Amenities such as a DVD player or high speed internet come as standard in some luxury rooms but in others they are available only on request or for an additional fee. Still much better than the standard tea and coffee offered by other hotels!

2. Dining

When guests venture outside of their rooms, there are many more amenities available for them. First is the all-important restaurant and bar. Even in a budget hotel this will be an important inclusion but in a luxury hotel, guests expect the dining to be at an equally high standard to the rooms and service.

All luxury hotels have at least one restaurant and bar. The Imperial has three of each plus a patisserie and an afternoon tea room, each one representing a different period of India’s history. For instance, The Spice Route is decorated with antiques from across South East Asia while The Nostalgia Room gives the impression of returning to the mid-20^th century with live jazz music and images of Elvis Presley on the walls. It is these small but detailed touches that give Delhi’s hotels the air of luxury.

3. Additional Amenities

Finally, there are the additional amenities which make a difference for guests who need them. You can expect most luxury hotels to have a full service spa and salon, a gym (sometimes including personal trainers), an airport shuttle, and facilities for business conferences, all of which are treated with the same standards of luxury and professionalism as the rest of the hotel. Of course, every hotel will have at least one pool, hopefully surrounded by palm trees with a bar included. Some hotels will have a separate pool for children to play so that adults can relax in peace.

But the hallmark of a luxury hotel is providing amenities that don’t come as standard to set themselves apart from other hotels. They may not be essential but they are a nice addition for guests who need them. The Imperial, for example, has not only a fitness centre but a yoga studio and the expansive gardens make a perfect place for meditation. Guests don’t even need to travel far for shopping as luxury hotels also comprise boutiques and bookshops.

Even the hotel itself could be considered an amenity just by how unique it is. A study by hotel consultants HVS reveal that experiences rather than amenities are becoming more important for tourists and a visit to such hotels is an experience in itself. Everywhere you look in the hotel, from the guest rooms to the public areas, there are antiques, paintings, and other special touches which make you just want to wander around for hours like you would do in an art gallery. One visitor on the review website TripAdvisor said that it was ‘Like travelling back in time’ and other reviews on the website, and across the internet, seem to agree. A trip to the hotel, even just for afternoon tea, becomes part of the visit to Delhi in itself as it forms a part of the city’s history.

Luxury travel means not only the standard amenities such as a mini bar or pool but a hotel which makes every moment of a guest’s stay unique with everything provided for them. It means care and attention to detail, going above and beyond to provide for guests and hotels.

Continue Reading...

Visit the Red Fort in Delhi

The Red Fort is one of the grandest buildings in India and tourists; backpackers, families and honeymooners alike flock to the old imperial palace. Dating back to the Mughal Empire, the fort symbolizes a bridge from today, stretching over colonial India and to the country’s own imperial past.

The entirety of the fort sprawls over 254 acres, with multiple domes, turrets and towers cast in blood-red sandstone. The Red Fort is a foreboding building, provoking a fusion of beauty and wonder. It has sat at the heart of the Mughal Empire in India since it was built in 1648. Originally it was a palace for the Mughal capital city Shahjahanabad, designed by the then emperor Shah Jahan. As well as a palace for the family it was also the political and administrative center of the country until the fall of the Empire in 1857.

The history of the fort and the Mughal Empire is narrated to eager visitors most evenings at the Fort through a charming light and sound show. In the day, most of the fort is open for the public to explore at their own will.

The Diwan-i-Aam is the old meeting hall where the emperor would give audience from an ornate marble balcony. Spread before the balcony is the hall in a dusty sand-red with marble columns and arches.

Outside one can visit the former apartments of what you might call the ‘court.’ These are each on a raised platform that runs along the east side of the Red Fort looking over the Yamuna, the largest tributary river to the Ganges. These elegant apartments are still connected by a canal which is called Nahr-i-Behisht or ‘Stream of Paradise.’ Indeed, the entire fort was designed so to give the impression of paradise as it is described in the Quran.

Unfortunately the water features inside the Red Fort now run dry. The flowers carved out of marble in much of the floor were looted long ago and much of the old building has already succumbed to crumble and cracks. However many visitors to the fort believe that this only adds to the place’s charm and the strong sense of walking within history.

When tired out from walking about the Red Fort, those with a penchant for spicy food can take refuge in one of the many restaurants and tea rooms found inside. There are also museums situated within the fort where you can escape from the heat. In these you can view some of the art salvaged from the Red Fort and other pieces that have been brought in. The art found is extensive and eclectic, spanning not only Indian culture but also that of Persia and Europe.

When travelling to the Red Fort you will need to alight at Chandni Chowk metro station. From here there will be adequate signing guiding you to the old palace. For those wanting to avoid the rush and heat of public transport, this company here offers a chauffeured limousine service around the city, as well as transport to and from the international airport. The Fort is usually open Tuesday to Sunday, but be sure to double-check before you head off.

Continue Reading...