New Delhi

Travel to New Delhi

We flew from Manchester to Heathrow the day before our flight to New Delhi with British Airways. It is a very short flight but still it included a meal and a glass of champagne which was very nice.

The night before we flew to New Delhi we stayed at Premier Inn at terminal 4. This was a decent room for the price of £60. On the evening before our flight we decided to have a few pre holiday cocktails at the Hilton which is next hotel. It is a lovely bar where the bar tenders make all the cocktails fresh.

Our flight from Heathrow was very nice as we had business class seats which made the 9 hour journey a lot more pleasurable. The food and the drinks on the plane were also very nice. They had a really good choice on board with spirits, champagne and cocktails. After watching a few movies, having a few drinks and plenty of nice food it seemed that the flight was a lot shorter than it was.

Transfers

We had booked our transfers with booking.com as we did not arrive in New Delhi until 11.30pm and did not know how it would be to get a taxi. The driver was there with a sign with our name on it. He took us to his car which was a small car but fortunately had a luggage rack on the roof. He put the suitcase on the roof and we waited for him to tie them on but this did not happen. Fortunately the case arrived safely at our destination.

Accommodation

Our hotel was the Sky Rich International in Karol Bagh which cost £93 for 3 nights. The rooms were cleaned to a good standard. We had twin beds which had fresh bedding on each day. Clean towels were also replaced daily. The staff were very helpful and on hand 24 hours. Breakfast was basic and served in your room. It consisted of egg, toast, cornflakes, coffee and juice which cost £2.60 each. The location of the hotel is pretty good if you want to be near lots of street food and market stalls. Considering we were in Indian and what we paid for the hotel we were very happy with our stay. Of course there are hotels of a much higher standard but obviously the price reflects this.

New and Old Delhi Tour

On our first full day in New Delhi we had booked a tour of New and Old Delhi. We booked the tour through Get Your Guide which cost £16 each. This included a driver who picks you up from your hotel, a guide, a Tut Tut ride, and entrance fees in to monuments.

The driver arrived at our hotel and took us to meet our guide. He introduced himself Mayanka (not sure about the spelling). His English was ok but we struggled on occasions. We were then taken to a Tut Tut who was take to take us to our first destination.

Jama Masjid

Our first stop was the Jama Masjid Mosque. When walking up to it you can see what a spectacular building it is. When you arrive at the mosque you have to take your shoes off at the door. The entrance fee to the mosque was included in our tour but it isnt a lot to enter. Although I (Debbie) had my shoulders and legs covered I was still advised that I needed to wear what we describe as a gown. The guide provided us with information about the mosque and also about the Red Fort which could be seen in the distance. Apparently both have been built purposely of the same height.

Old Delhi Market

Old Delhi Market is an hive of activity. From the bottom of the stairs of the Jama Majid the market starts and runs down a fair distance. We didn’t walk round the market as it was not in our itinerary but we could clearly see the Hussle and bustle.

Spice Market

Our next stop was the Spice Market which covered street and streets of Old Delhi. When wandering around the smells of the spices were quite strong in some areas which was a nice smell. Delhi is the main trading place of India hence why there are so many streets of stalls selling spices. Our guide then took us to shop which sold spices at a cost which was more expensive than England. The owner of the store gave information about each spice and what it is used for. It was a bit of an hard sell therefore we think the tour guide was given commission if we bought something which we didn’t. This is the only downside to organised tours they take you somewhere where there is a bit of pressure to buy something so they get the commission.

Akshardham

Following the Spice Market the Tut Tut driver and our guide took us to our driver who then took us to Akshardham Hindu Temple. Akshardham means the divine abode of God. As you are not able to take photo’s of the Temple our guide stopped where we could have a photo with the Temple in the background.

When you arrive at the Temple you have to go through security with men in one line and women in the other. In Delhi they don’t see many westerners so you do get a lot of people staring especially if you are blonde and female. You are not able to take any belongings in to the temple therefore we left everything in the car apart from water. When at the temple you have to remove your shoes. The temple is said to be the largest temple in the world. We would say that this is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world that we have seen. The architecture, statues and colours are spectacular. Our guide was very informative about the temple. We were shocked when he told us that it was built in 2005.

Lunch

We were taken to lunch at a very nice restaurant in the Connaught Place area of Delhi. The restaurant was called The Imperial Spice. The surrounding and service at the restaurant was lovely. The food was amazing and reasonable priced for the standard of the restaurant. The meal cost £20 for both of us including soft drinks

Mahatma Ghandi’s Cremation Site

Our next stop was Mahatma Ghandi’s cremation site. This had lovely well kept garden’s as you walked up to the site. You have to also remove your shoes before going through to the site. Our guide explained things to us along the way to the actual site. At the site there are many people paying their respects and praying. The black marble square is inscribed with the words “He Ram” which are alleged to be his final words when he was shot which mean Oh God. There is also an eternal flame burning at the site.

Making of rugs

We thought we were going to see a family business with all the family making rugs as this was what was described to us but this was not the case. When we arrived it is clearly just a shop selling expensive rugs with the smallest selling at £500 and the largest selling at £2000 +. They had a what looked like an hand loom which owner of the shop stated that this is how all the rugs were made by all his family. Although the owner stated we were under no obligation to buy it was uncomfortable saying we wanted to leave at not buy anything. There were other floors to the store and we were encourage to look round which we did not really want to do. We had had booked the tour to site see not go shopping.

Sikh Temple

We were then taken to a Sikh Temple which was very busy. It was compulsory to cover most of our hair therefore a scarf which was tied around our heads was provided. Females have to ensure their legs are completely covered. Trousers are also provided if necessary. The guide explained to us about the times of worship and that food is provided for everyone following worship. He advised that volunteers work 24 hours a day 365 days a year to provide the food. We were then shown to the kitchens where all the food was prepared. It was a constant flow of curries, rice and breads. It is heart warming to see young and old working so hard to provide for the less fortunate.

The India Gate (Formerly known as the All Indian War Memorial)

Our guide explained about the British influence in India and why the memorial was erected. It was dedicated to the troops of British India who died in wars between 1914 and 1919. Our tour was shortly coming to end therefore we did not have much time to walk around the gardens manage to take close up photo’s of the India Gate. It was extremely busy and understandably a popular tourist site.

Parliament Buildings

Our final stop was the Parliament Buildings. It was very difficult to park anywhere near the buildings due to security. Our driver was told to move on on more than one occasion. We did get chance to get out of the car and take some photo’s. The guide advised us that the presidents house is the largest house in the world. Having googled this it does not appear to be true.

Summary of tour

Apart from the times we were taken to buy things we did not want the tour is definitely worth doing. Our guide had a lot of knowledge about the sites we visited. It was interesting listening to some of the facts he informed us of. We would recommend this tour.

Trip to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort

Again we booked this prior to travelling to India through Get Your Guide. The travel to the Taj Mahal cost £20 each. We were picked up at our hotel by the driver at 6am as we were advised it is best to go there in the morning. Our driver explained to us that our guide would meet us in Agra. The journey from Delhi to Agra is approximately 4 hours. On the way there we stopped at the equivalent of our motorway station and had some Indian coffee. This was a lot sweeter and more milky than our coffee which we did like.

When we arrived in Agra we were taken to the office where our guide would meet us. We then headed to the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

The driver dropped us off at the gate to the Taj Mahal which is located on the banks of the river Yamuna. There is a walk up to the main entrance where women have to queue in one line and men in another to go through security. The cost of entering the Taj Mahal is approximately £13. You can wander around the lovely gardens and admire the architecture of the buildings as long as you want. The Taj Mahal is far more spectacular and beautiful then any of the photo’s we have seen and on TV.

The Taj Mahal was built in 1632 to house the tomb of his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. There are many buildings with in the Taj Mahal not just the iconic ivory white building. Our guide was very informative about the Taj Mahal, its grounds and various other buildings. He was also very good at taking photo’s. He tried his best to ensure that nobody else was in our photo’s which was quiet difficult considering the amount of people who were there.

When you enter the main building of the Taj Mahal you will need to put covers over your shoes to protect the floor of the Taj Mahal. These are supplied just before you enter the building. Don’t think you have to pay for these. As far as we are aware the shoe covers are recyclable. Our guide informed that in Agra the government is ensuring that Agra is environmentally friendly and has put a ban on some factories due the carbon emission.

Agra Fort

Our next destination was the Agra Fort which is also quiet spectacular but nothing compared to the Taj Mahal. The Agra Fort which is also known has the Red Fort was just a short drive from the Taj Mahal. In fact you can see the Taj Mahal in the distance from the Fort It is known has the Red Fort due to it being made from red sandstone.It was very busy around the entrance to the Fort with many people trying to sell you things. The cost to enter the fort is £7.

Most of the tourist places we had visited in Delhi/Agra we have had to remove or cover our shoes but we did not have to do this at the Fort. Again our guide was very informative and took many photo’s of us at the Fort. It was far more interesting knowing actual facts when walking round the Fort as apposed to seeing it on our own. There were other groups of people with guides we didn’t feel that they had the personal touch like we did.

We were given as much time as we wanted to look around the Fort. Every room or outside area we went through our guide gave us information about it. He also had some fun techniques when taking photo’s which are great memories.

Lunch

After seeing the Agra Fort it was around 2.30 pm at this time we were feeling quiet hungry. The driver and our guide took us to a small restaurant. We offered to pay for the guides meal but he advised that he got his free. The restaurant wasn’t of the standard of the one in Delhi but was clean and the food was nice. We ordered two mains, rice, Roti and soft drinks which cost £14 which was very good value.

Hand crafted marble inlays

Our guide informed that we would be taken to a place that sells various products of marble inlay which is all done by hand. He stated that we would be able to watch them making table tops, chess tables, place mats etc. This is a regular tourist place who are brought there by the guides. We were advised that the government states that they must bring tourists here but not sure how true this is. They allowed us to have a go at smoothing out a stone on a piece of equipment that looked quiet primitive.

We were then taking in to a room where there were some beautiful items especially the tables. The cost of the tables were £3000 plus but here were smaller items for sale for example a coaster. The work that went in to the items was evident. They showed us how many pieces went in to one flower on the coaster. Although there were beautiful items we were not on the tour to buy anything. It did not appear to be hard sell like on the Delhi tour.

Finally we were driven back to Delhi which took another 4 hours. We arrived back at our hotel at 7.30 in the evening.

Summary of tour

At the end of the tour we were taking to the office of the tour operators and asked how the tour went by the manager. We informed him this was a lovely experience and well worth the money. The guide Ahmed was amazing with his photography skills and his knowledge. Although we booked through Get Your Guide the operator of this tour was a third party. Strongly recommend this tour.

Food and drink in Delhi

The food varies so much in Delhi from street food to lovely restaurants depending where you are staying. A lot of the more up market restaurants are around Connaught Place where as a lot of the street food is around Karol Bagh. We thought that the Imperial Spice at Connaught Place had amazing food and service. There are not many bars in Delhi but there are a few. Most of the bars we went to were of a good standard and also served food. A cocktail was between £5 – £8 and a pint of beer was between £4 – £5’50.

If you are wanting street food there is so much to choose from in Karol Bagh. We dont like food on the bone but our street food came with chicken and lamb on the bone. Due to the language barrier we could not explain this.

Transfer back to airport

We had booked our transfers with Booking.com many weeks in advance. On the day of our return we were getting worried that the transfer had not turned up. Finally we got a call from the driver saying he was lost. The hotel receptionist gave the driver the directions. He turned up 1 1/2 hours late.

When the car arrived it had more dints then we have ever seen on a car. The boot was full with a large water barrel therefore no room for any cases. After the hotel staff disgusted things we the driver he put the cases on the back seat and we were on our way to the airport. We were already late and were worried we may miss our flight to Goa. As you can imagine we were very angry when he decided to stop and have a wash in a water fountain at the side of the road. We did catch our flight but just by the skin of our teeth.

Summary of Delhi

We were pleasantly surprised with New and Old Delhi. Although you do see a lot of poverty there are a lot of lovely places to visit, have a meal or a drink. The driving in Delhi is ever man for himself. Lanes on roads or motorways are pointless as nobody takes any notice of them. Everyone drives around on their mobiles. I would definitely recommend a visit to Delhi and especially the Taj Mahal. Usually we don’t have enough time in the places we have been to in order to see and do everything we want to but 3 nights in Delhi was enough. Although it was none stop fitting everything in it was worth it.

Things to do

• Try the street food
• Visit the Taj Mahal
• Visit Akshardham
• Visit Agra Fort
• Visit Jama Masjid
• Take a Tut Tut ride
• Visit the spice market
• Visit Mahatma Ghandi’s Cremation Site
• Visit a Sikh Temple
• Visit India Gate

Top Tips

• Do not book transfers in the Uk. It is cheaper, easier and more reliable getting the taxi at the airport and getting the hotel to sort it on your return.
• When booking your hotel ensure you look in to the area you are staying and the standard of the hotel. Area’s that are recommended for Western tourists are Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Aerocity
• Both men and women are advised to cover their legs in Delhi. Women are also advised to cover shoulders.
• Be prepared for people asking to have their photo’s taken with you as they do not see many westerners.
• Be prepared to see a lot of poverty and people begging.
• Book tours in advance which will help you to make the most of your stay if staying for short time.
• Take plenty of mosquito spray
• Take plenty of hand sanitizer
• Check out weather below for best time to visit New Delhi
• Following UK government advice when travelling to Delhi https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india
• Check out other places with have visited in India. Click on the following links Mumbai , Goa
• Check out our general travel tips. Click on the following link Travel Tips

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	18	23	28	36	39	37	34	33	33	31	27	21
Low Temp	7	11	15	22	28	27	27	26	24	19	13	8
Rainfall	23	18	13	8	13	74	180	173	117	10	3	10
Number of days	2	2	1	1	2	4	8	8	4	3	0	1