India’s Capital City. INTRODUCTION New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along.

India’s Capital CityIndia’s Capital City

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city of India is a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along a fusion of the ancient and the modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, the West End of Gangetic Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and unwinds a picture rich with culture, architecture and human diversity, deep in history, monuments, human diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. museums, galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, Comprising of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of the Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of Northern India.Northern India.

The city that has served as the political, financial and cultural centre for generations. And to the several empires of ancient India, most notably that of the Mughals.

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New Delhi lies in northern India, almost entirely in the Gangetic plains. Both Old and New Delhi exert a beguiling charm on visitors.

Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you Narrating the city's Mughal past, Old Delhi, takes you through the labyrinthine streets passing through through the labyrinthine streets passing through formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will also formidable mosques, monuments and forts. You will also discover lively and colorful bazaars that boast to cater all discover lively and colorful bazaars that boast to cater all sorts of good and items at mind-blowing prices amidst a sorts of good and items at mind-blowing prices amidst a barely controlled chaotic ambience. The imperial city of barely controlled chaotic ambience. The imperial city of New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture of British Raj.Raj.

It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting well-composed and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined and spacious streets under the shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and tall and imposing government avenues of trees and tall and imposing government buildings. buildings.

MAPMAP

URBAN LANDSCAPEURBAN LANDSCAPE New Delhi is structured around two central New Delhi is structured around two central

promenades called the called the Rajpath and the and the Janpath. . The Rajpath, or King's Way, stretches from the The Rajpath, or King's Way, stretches from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the to the India Gate. The . The Janpath, , formerly Queen's Way, begins at formerly Queen's Way, begins at Connaught Circus and cuts the Shantipath at right angles.and cuts the Shantipath at right angles.

At the heart of the city is the magnificent At the heart of the city is the magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly known as Viceroy's Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly known as Viceroy's House) which sits atop House) which sits atop Raisina Hill. The Secretariat . The Secretariat which houses various ministries of the Government which houses various ministries of the Government of India, flanks out of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The of India, flanks out of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Parliament House, designed by Herbert Baker, is Parliament House, designed by Herbert Baker, is located at the Sansad Marg, which runs parallel to located at the Sansad Marg, which runs parallel to the Rajpath.the Rajpath.

TRANSPORTTRANSPORT Public transport is an important feature in New Delhi. There

are buses, auto rickshaws, a mass rapid transit system (otherwise called Delhi Metro), taxis and suburban railways.

Buses Buses are the most popular means of transport catering to

about 60% of the total demand. The state-owned Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is a major bus service provider for the city. Delhi Transport Corporation operates many routes not-only in Delhi, but also many inter-states routes. The mofussil buses operate around 34 depots, and the inter-state buses operate from the Three Inter State Bus Terminals in Kashmir Gate, Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar.

Metro

Delhi Metro, operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited. A world class metro system has been instituted in New Delhi. In order to meet the transport demand in Delhi, the State and Union government started the construction of a mass rapid transit system, including the Delhi Metro. As of 2007, the metro operates three lines with a total length of65 km (40 miles) and 59 stations while several other lines are under construction.

Auto Rickshaws & Taxis

Auto rickshaws are one of the most popular means of public transportation in Delhi. Auto Rickshaws are popular in New Delhi, and are popularly known as scooters. Since they run on CNG, they are environmentally-friendly and a quick way to get around. They are usually green and yellow.

A cost of a ride is in the range of Rs.20 to Rs.75.Taxis are not as prevalent in New Delhi as rickshaws, and tend to be more expensive. However, both private taxis andthe state-permit Taxis.

FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS New Delhi's capital status has amplified the importance of national events and holidays. National events such as Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti (Gandhi's birthday) are celebrated with great enthusiasm in New Delhi and the rest of India.

On India's Independence Day (15 August) the Prime Minister of India addresses the nation from the Red Fort. Most Delhiites celebrate the day by flying kites, which are considered a

symbol of freedom.

Festivals & Holidays

The Republic Day Parade is a large cultural and military parade showcasing India's cultural diversity and military might. Religious festivals include Diwali (the festival of

light), Durga Puja, Holi, Lohri, Maha Shivaratri, Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha and Buddha Jayanti.

The Qutub Festival is a cultural event during which performances of musicians and dancers from all over India are showcased at night with the Qutub Minar as the chosen backdrop of the event.

Other events include the Kite Flying Festival, the International Mango Festival and Vasant Panchami (the Spring Festival) are held every year in Delhi.

PLACES OF INTERESTPLACES OF INTEREST

PARLIAMENTPARLIAMENT

Parliament, the supreme legislative body of the country, comprises of the President and the 2 Houses – the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and Raja Sabha (Council of States). The President has the power to summon and prorogue either House of Parliament or to dissolve the Lok Sabha.

The Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950. The first general elections under the new Constitution were held during the year 1951-52 and the first elected Parliament came into being in April, 1952

Jama MasjidJama Masjid The largest mosque in India, was built by the great The largest mosque in India, was built by the great Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644 and completed Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644 and completed finally in 1658 at a cost of 10 lakh rupees, it has 3 gateways, 4 finally in 1658 at a cost of 10 lakh rupees, it has 3 gateways, 4

angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. angle towers and two 40 m high minarets. Situated on a rocky eminence in Old Delhi on the other side of Situated on a rocky eminence in Old Delhi on the other side of road to the Red Fort. One of the finest Specimen of Mughal road to the Red Fort. One of the finest Specimen of Mughal structure, its notable featuresstructure, its notable features are its bold treatment in red are its bold treatment in red sandstone inlaid with black and sandstone inlaid with black and white marble, spacious courts, white marble, spacious courts, massive pillars supporting massive pillars supporting engrailed arches, elegant bulbous domes - all well engrailed arches, elegant bulbous domes - all well proportioned with decorative manipulation.proportioned with decorative manipulation.

Birla HouseBirla HouseThis is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was assasinated This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was assasinated

on January 30,1948. A 3 foot tall stone memorial has on January 30,1948. A 3 foot tall stone memorial has been erected at the site. Scenes from the Mahatma's life been erected at the site. Scenes from the Mahatma's life are painted on the walls and ceilings of the nearby red are painted on the walls and ceilings of the nearby red sandstone portion. sandstone portion.

Parliament HouseParliament HouseDesigned by Sir Herbert Baker, its foundation was laid by Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, its foundation was laid by

the Duke of Connaught in 1921. With a diameter of 125 the Duke of Connaught in 1921. With a diameter of 125 yards and a height of 75 ft. it was completed in just 5 yards and a height of 75 ft. it was completed in just 5

years. Located near the Central Secretariat, this marvellous years. Located near the Central Secretariat, this marvellous piece of architecture can be admired only from outside due piece of architecture can be admired only from outside due to security reasons. to security reasons.

Qutub MinarQutub MinarAbout 15 km south of Delhi, in Mehrauli, this 238 feet and About 15 km south of Delhi, in Mehrauli, this 238 feet and 1 inch high Minar has been referred to as "one of the 1 inch high Minar has been referred to as "one of the wonders of world". wonders of world". This soaring tower of victory was built This soaring tower of victory was built immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu Kingdom in Delhi. Qutb-ud-din Aibak laid its foundation in 1200 A.D. Delhi. Qutb-ud-din Aibak laid its foundation in 1200 A.D. Iltutmish added 3 more storeys. After damaged by Iltutmish added 3 more storeys. After damaged by lightning in 1368 A.D. Firuz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the 4lightning in 1368 A.D. Firuz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the 4thth story, added the 5story, added the 5thth and a harp and a harp shaped cupola. As of now, uppershaped cupola. As of now, upperstoreys are closed for visitors,storeys are closed for visitors,yet its a treat to watch this yet its a treat to watch this Magnificent monument. Magnificent monument.

Red FortRed Fort Built in almost 20 years (1639-1648), by the Mughal monarch Built in almost 20 years (1639-1648), by the Mughal monarch Shahjahan, who shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi had a great Shahjahan, who shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi had a great significance in historical Delhi. significance in historical Delhi. Built at a cost of Rs 100 lakhs, this imposing building in redstone has Built at a cost of Rs 100 lakhs, this imposing building in redstone has

its walls that vary in height from 18 m on the river (Yamuna) side to 33 its walls that vary in height from 18 m on the river (Yamuna) side to 33 m on the city side. m on the city side.

Of the 2 Of the 2 gates, Lahore Gate and Delhi Gate, the former facing the gates, Lahore Gate and Delhi Gate, the former facing the Chandni Chowk is more imposing. The Lahore Gate faces to Lahore Chandni Chowk is more imposing. The Lahore Gate faces to Lahore (now in Pakistan) and gives access to Chhatta Chowk (the vaulted (now in Pakistan) and gives access to Chhatta Chowk (the vaulted arcade). arcade).

Of the prime attractions in the fort are Diwan-i-Am (the Of the prime attractions in the fort are Diwan-i-Am (the Hall of Public Audiences). It was in the Diwan-i-Am,Hall of Public Audiences). It was in the Diwan-i-Am,wherein a marble dais is said to have wherein a marble dais is said to have supported Shahajahan’s famous Peacock thronesupported Shahajahan’s famous Peacock thronewhich was valued at some 6 million pound which was valued at some 6 million pound sterling was taken away by Nadir Shah whensterling was taken away by Nadir Shah whenhe looted Delhi in 1739.he looted Delhi in 1739.

India GateIndia Gate

This 42-metre high free standing arch, designed This 42-metre high free standing arch, designed by Lutyens was founded on February 10 1921 by by Lutyens was founded on February 10 1921 by the Duke of Connaught. It commemorates the the Duke of Connaught. It commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I. 70,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I. Amar Jawan Jyoti, another memorial, added Amar Jawan Jyoti, another memorial, added under the arch in 1971 is the nation's under the arch in 1971 is the nation's tribute to Indian Jawans, who laid tribute to Indian Jawans, who laid their lives during Indo-Pak War of their lives during Indo-Pak War of 1971. The names of the soldiers 1971. The names of the soldiers are inscribed all along the walls are inscribed all along the walls of the arch.of the arch.

Jantar MantarJantar MantarOf the 5 astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Of the 5 astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), Jantar Mantar, at Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743), Jantar Mantar, at Delhi is one of them (others were erected at Ujjain, Delhi is one of them (others were erected at Ujjain, Varanasi, Jaipur and Mathura). Varanasi, Jaipur and Mathura). Built in 1724, it contains 6 Built in 1724, it contains 6 masonry instruments, the largest one masonry instruments, the largest one Samrat Yantra (Supreme Instrument)Samrat Yantra (Supreme Instrument)is like a sun dial. Built for observing is like a sun dial. Built for observing the movements of the stars and the the movements of the stars and the planets, through these planets, through these YantrasYantras one one can learn about the shortest and the longest can learn about the shortest and the longest day of the year, days of the week, months, time and other day of the year, days of the week, months, time and other astronomical data.astronomical data.

CURRENCY & CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDSCREDIT CARDS

The The RupeeRupee is the currency of India. The issuance of the is the currency of India. The issuance of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India. The currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank of India. The most commonly used symbols for the rupee are Rs, ₨ and most commonly used symbols for the rupee are Rs, ₨ and रूरू. The ISO 4217 code for the Indian rupee is INR. In most . The ISO 4217 code for the Indian rupee is INR. In most parts of India, the rupee is known as the rupee, roopayi, parts of India, the rupee is known as the rupee, roopayi, rupaye, rubai.rupaye, rubai.

Credit Cards: American Express, Master Card, Visa Credit Cards: American Express, Master Card, Visa and Diners Club credit cards are generally accepted and Diners Club credit cards are generally accepted by large establishments including hotels, shops and by large establishments including hotels, shops and airlines.airlines.

CLIMATECLIMATE Summers are very hot, though the humidity levels

are not much as in Calcutta and Bombay. Temperatures in the summer months can touch 45 degrees Celsius with May and June being the hottest months.

Rains are spread over a month from early July and humidity levels at this time can cause uneasiness. The winter months October-end to February-end are cold and dry and the minimum temperatures can go as low as 3 degrees Celsius in late December and January.

Heavy woolens are ideal during this time and can give a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment. Weather bulletins and forecasts are given regularly over the television and in the newspapers and are normally accurate as they are based on satellite information.

LANGUAGELANGUAGE

Delhi is very much a mini India, attracting people from all Delhi is very much a mini India, attracting people from all parts of the nation. A perfect example of cosmopolitan parts of the nation. A perfect example of cosmopolitan culture. culture. English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu are most English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu are most commonly spoken. commonly spoken.

In hotels and restaurants the staff speak English In hotels and restaurants the staff speak English while the tourist guides are also well versed with while the tourist guides are also well versed with the language. Indians being friendly can always the language. Indians being friendly can always help tourists who may not understand any other help tourists who may not understand any other language than English. language than English.

FOOD & CUISINEFOOD & CUISINE

You will find the choicest variety of Indian food in You will find the choicest variety of Indian food in Delhi, a melting pot of the country’s myriad Delhi, a melting pot of the country’s myriad cuisine. From the many restaurants offering world cuisine. From the many restaurants offering world cuisine to the delectable street cuisine, Delhi has cuisine to the delectable street cuisine, Delhi has something to satiate any palate. Most hotels something to satiate any palate. Most hotels serve continental food and the city offers a serve continental food and the city offers a variety of fast food outlets as well. variety of fast food outlets as well.

TIPPINGTIPPING

Tipping is common for porters in hotels as also Tipping is common for porters in hotels as also the stewards and bearers and tourist guides, the stewards and bearers and tourist guides, though it is not the practice with taxi and auto though it is not the practice with taxi and auto drivers and other means of transport within the drivers and other means of transport within the city. The standard tipping amount in hotels and city. The standard tipping amount in hotels and restaurants is 10% of the total bill. restaurants is 10% of the total bill.

SHOPPINGSHOPPING

There is almost nothing that is not available in There is almost nothing that is not available in Delhi and within the very recent past outlets of Delhi and within the very recent past outlets of big international names in fashion and retail have big international names in fashion and retail have sprung up all over the city. And for one wanting sprung up all over the city. And for one wanting to shop only for Indian goods the variety is almost to shop only for Indian goods the variety is almost mind-boggling. In fact as far as shopping is mind-boggling. In fact as far as shopping is concerned, Delhi could well be termed the world concerned, Delhi could well be termed the world within a city. within a city.

SMOKINGSMOKING

Smoking is banned in public places, public Smoking is banned in public places, public transport and government offices, inside cinema transport and government offices, inside cinema halls and theatres located in the state of Delhi. In halls and theatres located in the state of Delhi. In several other places, boards prominently display several other places, boards prominently display the ban on smoking. Most hotels and restaurants the ban on smoking. Most hotels and restaurants have separate smoking zones. have separate smoking zones.

Dos & Don’tsDos & Don’ts

Delhi is a large city that has emerged through the Delhi is a large city that has emerged through the confluence of many contrasting cultures and confluence of many contrasting cultures and traditions. Hence, there is a lot to explore and traditions. Hence, there is a lot to explore and experience. It can be a confusing place for experience. It can be a confusing place for newcomers, especially since it is always teeming newcomers, especially since it is always teeming with people from various communities. To make with people from various communities. To make their visit a pleasant one, visitors should follow their visit a pleasant one, visitors should follow few general guidelines.few general guidelines.

It is a good idea to make reservations for It is a good idea to make reservations for accommodation and transportation facilities well accommodation and transportation facilities well in advance, so that there is no last minute hitches in advance, so that there is no last minute hitches when one arrives in the city. when one arrives in the city.

Dos & Don’ts (cont’d)Dos & Don’ts (cont’d) The best months to visit Delhi are Feb.- March The best months to visit Delhi are Feb.- March

and Sept.- Nov. Between April and September the and Sept.- Nov. Between April and September the extremely hot weather can be very taxing. If one extremely hot weather can be very taxing. If one is visiting during that time, carrying a bottle of is visiting during that time, carrying a bottle of mineral water and sunscreen lotion is a very good mineral water and sunscreen lotion is a very good idea. idea.

The tropical sun is strong during summer months, The tropical sun is strong during summer months, so guard against sunstroke and dehydration. so guard against sunstroke and dehydration. Wear a hat and dark glasses when you go out. Wear a hat and dark glasses when you go out. Drink lots of liquids, water and fruit juice. Allow Drink lots of liquids, water and fruit juice. Allow sweat to evaporate, wear loose cotton clothes. sweat to evaporate, wear loose cotton clothes. Use sunscreen lotions and talcum powder as a Use sunscreen lotions and talcum powder as a precaution against prickly heat rashes. precaution against prickly heat rashes.

Dos & Don’ts (cont’d)Dos & Don’ts (cont’d) One should keep a fair amount of the local currency, One should keep a fair amount of the local currency,

especially loose change with one while travelling especially loose change with one while travelling through the city. This way one can avoid having to through the city. This way one can avoid having to pay a bit extra at any point. pay a bit extra at any point.

One should trust one's own judgment when it comes One should trust one's own judgment when it comes to shopping and should beware of touts and agents. to shopping and should beware of touts and agents. Bargaining is often the norm here (except in the up-Bargaining is often the norm here (except in the up-market areas, of course!), so it is a good idea to be market areas, of course!), so it is a good idea to be aware of the prevailing rates before starting the aware of the prevailing rates before starting the actual shopping. actual shopping.

If you feel lost or confused approach the traffic If you feel lost or confused approach the traffic policemen to guide you. policemen to guide you.

Beware of beggars and even mendicants or Beware of beggars and even mendicants or anybody who approaches you for alms or donations. anybody who approaches you for alms or donations. Keep your wallets safe, as you would anywhere else. Keep your wallets safe, as you would anywhere else.

Dos & Don’ts (cont’d)Dos & Don’ts (cont’d) Stay away from so called ‘Tourist Stay away from so called ‘Tourist

Information Centres’ which are near New Information Centres’ which are near New Delhi Railway Stations, as they are not Delhi Railway Stations, as they are not tourist offices, but tourist agents out to tourist offices, but tourist agents out to fleece unsuspecting visitors. fleece unsuspecting visitors.

Indian's take sport very seriously and Indian's take sport very seriously and especially relish cricket victories against especially relish cricket victories against the likes of England. the likes of England.

Delhi has a surprising amount of sporting Delhi has a surprising amount of sporting facilities for the active traveller including facilities for the active traveller including cricket pitches and a beautiful golf course cricket pitches and a beautiful golf course at the Delhi Golf Club. at the Delhi Golf Club.

Dos & Don’ts (cont’d)Dos & Don’ts (cont’d) Bring a phrase book or phrase list with you. You'll Bring a phrase book or phrase list with you. You'll

get the most mileage out of a Hindu/Urdu phrase get the most mileage out of a Hindu/Urdu phrase book in the north. You won't likely need it to get book in the north. You won't likely need it to get your point across, but it surely shows a lot of your point across, but it surely shows a lot of respect to give the language a try. If you have to respect to give the language a try. If you have to learn one phrase, go for "Your child is beautiful." learn one phrase, go for "Your child is beautiful." That will surely get you a lot of smiles and warm That will surely get you a lot of smiles and warm responses... :) responses... :)

The key is to keep the most valuable things The key is to keep the most valuable things closest to you. You shouldn't remove the security closest to you. You shouldn't remove the security belt when you're out and about, so that's where belt when you're out and about, so that's where you'll keep you money, passport, tickets (unless you'll keep you money, passport, tickets (unless you're about to use them), medical prescriptions, you're about to use them), medical prescriptions, and the like. and the like.

Dos & Don’ts (cont’d)Dos & Don’ts (cont’d)

For travel health, it is best to use your common sense. For travel health, it is best to use your common sense. Take care what you eat or drink. It is best to carry your Take care what you eat or drink. It is best to carry your own mineral water. Hot tea and coffee are good own mineral water. Hot tea and coffee are good alternatives. Indian travellers do not worry too much alternatives. Indian travellers do not worry too much about water, because they are tuned to local conditions. about water, because they are tuned to local conditions. Even so, contaminated drinking water remains the main Even so, contaminated drinking water remains the main reason for most stomach-related diseases. reason for most stomach-related diseases.

Diarrhea (the English call it 'Delhi-belly') is the most Diarrhea (the English call it 'Delhi-belly') is the most common stomach ailment. Take a three or five-day common stomach ailment. Take a three or five-day course of anti-diarrhea tablets duly prescribed by a course of anti-diarrhea tablets duly prescribed by a doctor. Along with medication, drink a lot of water with doctor. Along with medication, drink a lot of water with salt and sugar as diarrhea leads to dehydration. Alcohol, salt and sugar as diarrhea leads to dehydration. Alcohol, milk, meat, fried and spicy foods should be avoided. milk, meat, fried and spicy foods should be avoided. Porridge, stew and the local Porridge, stew and the local khichdikhichdi are easy to digest are easy to digest and, therefore, recommended.and, therefore, recommended.

At a GlanceAt a Glance Area: 1483 sq. kmsArea: 1483 sq. kms Altitude: 239 m above sea levelAltitude: 239 m above sea level Density: 9294 persons per sq. Km.Density: 9294 persons per sq. Km. Languages: Hindi, English, Urdu and PunjabiLanguages: Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi Climate: Extreme Hot in Summer and Cold in Climate: Extreme Hot in Summer and Cold in

WinterWinter Maximum Temperature: 46 Degree CelsiusMaximum Temperature: 46 Degree Celsius Minimum Temperature: 04 Degree CelsiusMinimum Temperature: 04 Degree Celsius Winter: December – FebruaryWinter: December – February Spring: March to mid AprilSpring: March to mid April Summer: April end to AugustSummer: April end to August Autumn: September to NovemberAutumn: September to November

At a Glance (cont’d)At a Glance (cont’d) Best time to Visit: October to MarchBest time to Visit: October to March River: Yamuna River: Yamuna Time Zone: GMT/UTC +5.5 Time Zone: GMT/UTC +5.5 Daylight Saving Start & End: not in useDaylight Saving Start & End: not in use Currency: Indian Rupee (Rs)Currency: Indian Rupee (Rs) Electricity: 230-240V 50HzHzElectricity: 230-240V 50HzHz Electric Plug Details: South African/ Indian-style Electric Plug Details: South African/ Indian-style

plug with two circular metal pins above a large plug with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin:circular grounding pin:

European plug with two circular metal pins: European plug with two circular metal pins:

EMERGENCY Nos.EMERGENCY Nos. Police:Police: 100 100 Fire:Fire: 101       101      Ambulance: Ambulance: 102102 Accident & Trauma:Accident & Trauma: 1099 1099