One of the sad parts about visiting a city is that when you're in the city, you realise that many locals havent seen the city though they have lived a lifetime there. In mumbai, for example, I had been to Haji Ali only after 7 years of being in Mumbai. Similarly, in Delhi, not many have visited Jantar mantar which is at its heart. Therefore an outsider might appreciate the place much better.
So here's a quick "What you should do, where/how/why you should go etc" et al when you plan to visit Delhi. The first question is - Is Delhi worth visiting? Absolutely!
What's great about Delhi?
1. History - A city that has a long and rich history and as a result lots of places of historical significance/hertiage are in Delhi.And this is the biggest reason one should visit Delhi
Place you must see and that are easily accessible
a. Red Fort- Near chandi chowk
b. Rajghat- Gandhi's memorial
c. Qutub Minar - The entire Qutub complex is an experience, be it the mosque which was built using the ruins of a temple and the artisans of the hindu community. Beautiful blend of both cultures.
d. Humayun's tomb - This monument can come close to the taj - Fascinating monument where you can spend hours!!! This tomb also has other tomb's attached it to and the entire complex is worth an experience.
e. Purana Quilla - Couldnt spend much time here but whatever little I could see, it was worth
f. India gate and rashtripati bhavan - The entire central secretariat area has several buildings/monuments such as India Gate, North and South Block are places one can visit. Also try and visit India gate at night when it's lit up.
g. Lajpat Nagar/chandni chowk/Saket - For some shopping. Couldn't try any barathtvla's though :(
h. Jama masjid - The largest mosque in India.
Entry fee is part of many monuments except Jama Masjid. Fee would range between Rs 5 to Rs 30. An audio guided tour could cost Rs 100.
2. Roads and Delhi Metro : For anyone coming from Mumbai or Bangalore - This is surely to hit them. MASSIVE roads everywhere and must say good roads. As for the Metro, again coming from Mumbai- This metro is just like an Airport. Escalators everywhere, clear directions of what is to be done, clean, fast, efficient. This Metro is some example of an infrastructure project pulled off brilliantly.
3. Clean and green: Delhi is real clean. Some say its cus of the CWG for which the city had got its act together. And Delhi has plenty of vast expansions of land that gives it a very open feel and never cramped.
4. F1 circuit (when the race is on)- Not visited this place, though had plans, but my friends tell me this was some experience. So do try and catch it. This is in greater noida - Travel by Metro
5. Taj Mahal - this isnt delhi but suggestively, if you're on a visit, do try and take the 4 hour train journey or 3 hr by car, to Agra so that you can visit the Taj Mahal and other monuments.
What you should skip?
Feroz shah kotla palace - This place is of historical significance though doesnt have much in terms of great architecture.
Jantar Mantar - Bang next to Central park or connaught place, this might be ok only for kids
3. karims - heard so much about this place -Was rated several times as India's most popular restaurants by Time, nat geo etc. - This place is just crap. I mean real crap. The food is just average in fact bordering close to being bad given the hype and coverage the place receives. The place might have some good seekh kababs though which are good but nothing like a "world class" experience or an experience which the mughals would have.
Lotus Temple - Unless you're the spirituality seeking kinds, you can skip this place
Noida/gurgaon - Though these are places people dont generally visit but an outsider mabe be tempted to explore it considering that its pretty well known or heard of.
6. Concert - If there is an international best seller coming to delhi then just forget it. .Only go there if its a Daler mehndi show!
How does one travel to Delhi?
Train obviously is the best option. Ticket costs anywhere between Rs 600k to 1.5k(from Mumbai)- Air tickets are the most expensive on this route- But if you book early, the flight cost can be anywhere between Rs 2.5 k to 4 k. Else 8k or 15k if you're doing it a day or two in advance.
Where do I stay in Delhi?
Paharganj- This place is 30 mins from the airport and just 10 mins from the New Delhi Railway station. 20 Min walk from Connaught place so perfect location. Also Paharganj is like a Mini stripped down version of las vegas with budget Hotels, hotels and more hotels everywhere! Room rates would range between Rs 1000 -Rs 1200 per individual per person for A/C room and Rs 500 and above for Non-a/c. This is a no brainer place to just lodge in. Hotel I stayed in was Hotel Sunder- Cheap budget hotel with free airport pick up, clean and well maintained and decent service.
Paharganj is also close to the metro and Rajiv Chowk which is the metro station from where you can travel to any part of delhi be it Noida or Gurgaon.
How do I see the place? Any guided tours?
Yes - There is this HO-HO bus or Hop on and Hop off bus. Very good service I must say that was started during the CWG. The service is baschandru021y an A/C bus which goes to important tourist places and you can get off at a certain place. The next bus would come every 45 mins. The route covers all above mentioned locations and is the best way to see delhi. Also this bus costs only Rs 300 per person and is valid for 2 days. So in case you loved spending time at a certain place, you could visit the rest the next day. A must try
Food in Delhi?
This is where the locals could help you when you're looking for streetside food. Breakfast in Delhi would be the usual Chole Bature which can be found anywhere. If you're looking at a decent lunch/dining experience then other than Connaught place, you should visit Green park or Khaus kaus village. This place feels a little like 'Italy'. Several upmarket restaurants surrounded by cramped buildings but very good food. We had been to golconda restaurant- A Hyderabadi one and it was outstanding. When you're there, do check out Park Balluchi. I heard of the place before and it claims to be among st the best in India. (Couldn't try it though). Gray Grass is recommended as well.
But dont visit Karim's or rather go with the least expectations and not succumb to the hype.
Best Time to Travell Delhi?
Now - or rather just prior to Diwali as the weather was just perfect. I mean just perfect. It was pleasant and you might not need a A/C room at night. Its not cold as well which otherwise Delhi is known for.
Important (Quick) Notes
The metro closes @ about 11.30 and travelling at night unlike Mumbai is bad in Delhi. So ensure if properly prepare your itinerary.
This place just doesn't seem to be safe for women. Even connaught place looks deserted at about 11 pm. The place shuts down quite fast unlike Mumbai.
Carry an address proof. - After the high court blasts, individuals have been asked to also carry their local address proof. Only photo ID wont suffice - This is required by all hotels before you lodge in.
Ensure you ask a Local how much it would cost to travel to a certain place using a Rickshaw. Else, they could take you for a ride literally.
In a nutshell - A place you must visit given the rich history and its world heritage monuments that are made accessible given the faboulous infrastructure that Delhi has.
