Hotels
of Delhi
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Comfort at your price !
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Hotels
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Government Tourist Office: 88 Janpath telephone 3320005. They are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. You will need to ask for info as rarely is it on display. There are also offices at the airports and they can be contacted on 5694229 or 5665296. The other tourist office is the Delhi Tourist Corporation and it can be found on N.Block, Connaught Place or give them a call on 3313637
Adventure
Club
Is only open to Indian nationals above the age of ten years and promotes
adventure activities. The club provides special packages in all adventure
activities - parasailing,
mountain expeditions, trekking,
rock climbing,
adventure camps and water
sports, including river
rafting in the Ganga. Further details are available at the
Delhi Tourism Adventure Tourism Division, 10th Floor, Mayur Bhawan,
Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Art
Galleries
abound and there is much to see. Cruising through the different
art exhibitions and galleries of Delhi, one transcends to a different
world altogether. Delhi can boast to having one of the most prestigious
art galleries, The National Gallery of Modern Art, an institution
in itself. In 1976, The Lalit Kala Academy, with the help of Delhi
Development Authority, set up studios known as Garhi, the artists’
haven. Inspired by the city of art in Paris, where artists are provided
with studios and lodgings, Garhi was built on these lines.
At
Anandgram in Qutab
Mehrauli is the Sanskriti Kendra, a serene sprawling sanctuary for
artists, craftsmen, as well as visitors. Set amidst eight acres of land
dotted with two thousand trees, the Sanskriti Kendra was the brainchild of
Mr. O. P. Jain, a distinguished art collector. Here craftsmen live in mud
huts reminiscent of their village homes while, scholars are provided
complete studio, workshop, library, and residential facilities. The Kendra
has an art gallery for exhibition of work of artists, an auditorium and an
open-air amphitheatre.
Other important art galleries in Delhi include AIFACS Gallery, Art Heritage, Art Today, Azad Bhawan Gallery, Center for Contemporary Art, Delhi Art Gallery, Dhoomimal Art Center, National Gallery of Modern Art, Triveni Kala Sangam, Wadhera Art Gallery, Sahitya Kala Parishad, and many more.
Azad
Hind Gram Tourist Complex
located at National Highway No. 10 at Tikri Kalan is a project
developed by Delhi Tourism to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and to
create quality leisure space with wayside amenities for the citizens.
Located within two km of the Delhi Haryana border on NH-10, it offers
extensive plazas, an amphitheatre, tourist information centre, souvenir
and garden shop, food kiosks, a restaurant and convention facilities. For
further details, please contact 5183102
Bars
Anyone who has been to Delhi returns to tell stories about the Rodeo
Bar, A-Block, Connaught Place, because of the mock saddle seats at the
bar and its Indian waiters dressed, quite preposterously, as cowboys. The
Pegasus Bar, L-Block, Connaught Place, is the most convincing
attempt in Delhi to replicate an English pub. The Maurya Sheraton,
Diplomatic Enclave, has a lively bar behind the lobby of the hotel, with a
golfing theme, while Henri’s at the top of the Meridien
Hotel, Windsor Place, offers a fine panorama of the city. The celebrated
Cavalry Bar, in the Oberoi Maidan Hotel, Civil Lines, is a relic
of the Raj and will appeal to those who like bars to be simple yet smart.
Rick’s, situated in the Taj Mahal Hotel, 1 Mansingh Road
offers live music. In Defence Colony Market there is a new and deafeningly
noisy bar above the restaurant, Gola. Vasant Vihar boasts
a TGI Fridays – very popular with hip young Delhiites – and the
Golden
Dragon,
both situated in C-Block, Market. Expresso bars are increasingly popular
and can be found in many areas of the city. The Barista chain is the most
widely established.
Ballooning
The Balloon Club of India on 8-B, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, telephone 3317977
is a wonderful way to view the surrounding area. Check it out…you won’t
be disappointed. Balloons generally hold from one to ten people
and can rise to heights of over 800 feet. The other place to contact
regarding this sport is Wanderlust located opposite the Hyatt Regency, New
Delhi. Contact them on 6875200 for more information.
Bike
Safaris are an excellent way to
discover Delhi and its surrounds. Call Indian Shepherds located at 491,
Pocket C, Sector A, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi on 6898191 for more
information.
Billiards
(Snooker) If your hotel doesn't
have these facilities and you are ken on a game then pop by one of the
following venues and challenge someone to a game. Vertex, located at G-31
Kalkaji Extension call them on 6487180 or 6487280. Cues,
opposite the Priya cinema, 38 Vasant
Vihar Community Centre. Give them a call on 6140598 or 6140475.
Blade Point located at Jassum House, 44 AY 2 Kalu Sarai. Phone 6861353.
Bird
Watching
in Delhi is a pleasant pastime and can be done at the Ridge and
the green areas surrounding the cities historic monuments. In winter, the
Delhi Zoo
is transformed into a small bird sanctuary with migratory birds halting by
its artificial lakes. Painted Strokes, Pintail Ducks, Bar headed Geese and
spot bill ducks are among the migratory birds which can be seen here.
Delhi's tree - lined avenues are also reach in avian life. So are the
forests of Ridge, which harbour more than 100 species of birds, from
peacocks to predators. The Ridge is accessible through narrow paths that
lead off Sardar Patel Marg.
Boating
Delhi Tourism has provided paddleboats on various bodies of water in the
heart of the city. These include the lakes near India Gate, Purana Qila-
Prasad Nagar Lake and Naini Lake in Model Town. A variety of fiberglass
boats have been acquired by the Corporation and can be hired at reasonable
rates. Special training programs in kayaking and canoeing are organized at
the latter too.
Bowling
can be done at First Bowl located at 32, Milestones Complex,
Delhi-Jaipur Bypass, Gurgaon Phone them on 8-322528 or at Leisure
Bowl which can be found at Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Vasant Kunj. They can be
contacted on (91-11) 6895247 or 6121574 or you can try
Little paradise located at 12/7, Mathura Road, Faridabad. Call them on
8-278469 and another good venue is at Qutabowl located at the
Qutab Hotel, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg. Call them on 6862711 or
(011) 652 1234 for more information. Then there is Bowl
Out located at the Hotel Surya Continental J- Block, Community Centre,
Rajouri Garden, New Delhi. Call them on
5122881/80.
There are others too and your best bet is to ask which, if any are
located close to your hotel on arrival.
Bungee
Jumping Wanderlust Travels has set up a mobile crane for bungee
jumping in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. This is a great activity
for those brave folk out there. If you are not up to it yourself, you can
get some photos of those who are mad enough to give it a go.
Camel
Safari
An ideal trip for those with time to spare and with the desire to
experience the subtle sunset shades of the desert and the solitary magic
of the rolling golden sands. Camel safaris are available in the Thar
desert, and range from one to fifteen days duration. The best safaris are
in the heart of the Thar, in the Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner region,
and will pass tiny villages and remote trading posts. Another popular area
is the Shekhawati region. The safari organisers attempt to recreate the
atmosphere of the old caravan journeys; music, traditional food and
campfire hospitality are all part of this unique experience. Staff are
available for assistance, and all necessary equipment is provided.
Casinos There are no casinos in Delhi as gambling in India – except on the racecourse – is illegal.
Cinemas The following is a list of movie houses (cinemas) and their telephone numbers if you wish to watch Bollywood and other films.
Anupam PVR-IV, Saket : 6865999
Priya
PVR-I, Vasant Vihar : 6140048
Chanakaya, Chanakaya Puri : 4674009, 4670423
Golcha, Deriyaganj : 3265192
Liberty, Karol Bagh : 5722998
Odeon, Connaught Place : 3322167
Plaza, Connaught Place : 3320753
Satyam, Ranjit Nagar : 5797387
Sheila, Paharganj : 7772100
Craft
Go to Matia Mahal’s Pahadi Bhojla and you will find umpteen
jewellers shops where they fashion beautiful bangles and necklaces out
of bone. Their predecessors were ivory craftsmen. However, with the ban on
ivory, they were compelled to change their raw material and switch over to
bones of buffaloes and camels instead.
Zardozi
is the art of embroidery with gold thread. These craftsmen work intricate
designs on silk, velvet, and even tissue materials. Insignias, pulpit
covers, embroidery on the robes of bishops and even the Pope are all
created here.
Silver
The medicinal value of silver paper (varak) is well known. Thin sheets of
silver paper are still wrapped around sweets and even betel leaves. If you
are looking for the authentic one, go to Matia Mahal again. A few of the
craftsmen who beat silver into thin sheets, by hand, still live here. You
might have to do a little asking around to reach some small workshops.
Lacquer
work
bangles are one of the old art forms still living in Shahjahanabad. Bright
shades of yellow, red, and blue are perked up with tiny pieces of mirrors
and gold-coloured borders with beads to add that extra touch.
Pottery Common to many parts of Delhi are the potters. Not only do they fashion pots for the hot summer, which, in spite of refrigerators, are still greatly in demand, they also fashion beautiful clay and paper-mache dolls.
Cricket
In India, cricket reigns supreme and is played everywhere, from smart
cricket clubs to the grassy spaces of New Delhi and street corners. If you
are keen on a game, just ask any of the locals playing on the nearest
patch of open grass, and you’ll be invited to join in. If watching is
more your forte, go and watch a professional game. In Delhi, Test Matches
are played at Ferozshah Kotla Stadium, located on Bahadur Shah Zhafar
Marg, between September and March. Attending a Test Match here is quite an
experience and is not for the faint-hearted. For more info call the Tejpal
Cricket Club on
2051994
or the Sunrise
Cricket Club on:
2484611.
Cycling
can be done at the Yamuna Velodrome, Indraprastha Estate. Phone it on 3731613
for more information. If that doesn't take your fancy then perhaps
renting a bike and peddling your way around New Delhi's outlying areas
might, such aas one of the fascinating Bike Safaris
on offer? Whatever your fancy, it's a wonderful way to keep fit.
Dance
Shows
If its dance and music you are interested in, then you can choose which
kind you prefer watching and concentrate your energies in that direction.
If it’s the classical dance form you want to view, go to the Kamani
Auditorium or Siri Fort. Triveni Kala Sangam has an
auditorium too. Then there’s India International Centre on
Lodhi Road that offers very good programs. In the cooler months, many
dance and music festivals are organized and every corner of the city is
alive with various interpretations of movement and sound.
Fishing
This is a wonderfully relaxing pastime and if you enjoy this sport or want
to try your hand at it, pop down to the Badhkal Lake, Surajkund, Okhla
located on Mathura Road (closed on Mondays)
Fitness
Centres
In Delhi, fitness centres mean status and the well groomed keep in shape
at Arya Vaidya Sala, South Extension telephone (011) 462 1790 and
Nelson Health Club, Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri. Phone (011) 611 0606.
Many of the five-star hotels also provide
exercise facilities for their guests
Flying
Take to the skies and discover Delhi and her surrounds from the air. This
can be done at the Delhi Flying Club, Safdarjung Airport. Give them a call
on 4618931
Gliding
is another skyway to enjoy Delhi and its surrounding landscape and is
certainly a lot quieter than being on terra firma. For information on this
peaceful activity give the Delhi Gliding Club, at Safdarjung Airport a
call on 4436052. They have daily flights departing anytime from 1
pm till sunset except Wednesdays. Excellent western air
disturbances make it possible to glide as far a field as Calcutta from
here, although typically flights are less ambitious. Generally, the best
seasons are September to November and March to June.
Golf
Several golf courses offer visitors temporary memberships, under certain
conditions. For more info ask at your hotel on arrival or give the
Delhi Tourism folk a call. Most local golf
clubs issue temporary memberships to visitors. Clubs to call are the Army
Golf Club, Delhi Cantt. The Delhi Golf Club, call Dr. Zakir Hussain Road
on
4362235 or 4361236,
the DDA Siri Fort Sports Complex phone 6467842 or the Noida Golf
Club phone 8572753 or
914-72753.
The
Arawali Golf Club, Surajkund Tourist
Complex, Hotel Raj Hans, Faridabad Golf Club on 8214810 or 91-214810
Caddies and
ball-spotters are available on the courses.
(Please note
that the above golf course telephone contacts may not be correct as at the
time of writing I received differing information...you are therefore
advised to double check on arrival in Delhi - editor)
Hang
Gliding
is rapidly growing in popularity and it is one which provides an exciting
way of seeing the landscape of India. There are clubs in Pune, New Delhi,
Bombay, Chandigarh, Shimla, Devlali and Bangalore. Many hang-gliding sites
in India (particularly in the Himalaya region) have been highly rated by
experts, and the climate of the country gives particularly good thermal
soaring effects in the summer months; the monsoons are the only bad period
for this sport. For more information or to partake in this type of sport
pop out to Water Banks, the lakeside Swiss camp 42kms from south of Delhi
or give the place a call on any of the following telephone numbers:
4679059, 4679107, 6875200, 6111889, 6881206
Horse
Racing
Delhi
Racecourse, off Safdarjang Road, can be contacted on 301 2943 and
has regular meetings during the racing season, which runs from October
until the end of April. Delhi’s racecourse is an informal, almost
provincial course, in marked contrast to Mumbai’s grand stands and
spacious lawns. There is a large covered shed, which contains the bookies’
pitches.
Horse
Riding
is a wonderful pastime for the whole family and the following
establishments have horses for hire as well as lessons for beginners. The
Delhi Riding Club located on Safdarjung Road can be contacted on 3011891
or if you have kids with you try the Children's Riding Club on 3012265.
The other place to contact for more info is the Delhi Gymkhana Club
Limited 2, Safdarjung Road, ND-11. Phone: 3015533.
Jogging
is popular at
Lodhi Gardens
in South Delhi and Nehru Park in
Chanakyapuri.
Kabbadi
is a team sport combining the characteristics of wrestling and rugby and
is worthwhile watching.
Kho kho is an evolved game of catch and hockey combined, in which India regularly produce sides that challenge the best in the world. Watch a game a learn something new.
Live
music
The Jazz Bar, at the Maurya Sheraton, Sardar Patel Marg, features
a live jazz show every evening, performed by Indian musicians. The
Tavern, at the Hotel Imperial, on Janpath, offers the same in its
restaurant-cum-bar.
Motor
Rallying
The topographical diversity of India makes it ideal for running road
rallies, over anything from desert roads to beach, hill, mountain and
forest tracks. There are many picturesque vintage car rallies, but also
events featuring more modern vehicles, providing a supreme test of a
driver’s mastery of both machine and conditions. Principal among
these are the Monsoon Rally, the Charminar Challenge and – most
demanding of all the Himalayan Car Rally. This rally is usually divided
into four legs totalling of Himachel Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. For more
info call 6835258.
Motor
Sports
If you like the roar of engines and the smell of fuel get in touch with
the Performance Car Racing Trust on 147 Kilokari, Ring Road, or phone them
on 6835258. They have information on rally racing. For other motor
sports such as Vintage Cars contact the Statesman House at 148 Barakhamba
Road or call them on
3315911-17
Mountaineering
contact the Indian Mountaineering Federation, Benito Juarez Road on
4677935 or try 4671211, 6883412
before you set out as here are numerous rules and regulations you will
need to follow as well as your requiring permission before you set out.
Not only that it’s always a good idea to let the authorities know
before you set off on this type of intrepid adventure.
Music
Concerts
Music connoisseurs have a variety of sounds to choose from. The auditoria
where these concerts are held are the same as the dance programs. Whether
Indian classical, Hindustani or Carnatic, or the lighter ghazals, there is
no dearth of choice. When a particularly well-known singer comes to town,
it is usually well covered by the press. The papers also reserve a column
in their daily editions to display a list of programs for the day. These
programs include not only the visual arts but also lectures on a wide
variety of topics by scholars or luminaries in that particular field. To
see the craftsmen of the city and the country make their wares, you must
go to the crafts museum in Pragati Maidan
and Dilli Haat. They try to display this
form of indigenous talent and let the craftsmen benefit from their skill
at the same time.
Musical
Fountain at Ajmal Khan Park
is spread over an area of five acres and provides a refreshing getaway
from the bustle of the city. The musical fountain is in operation
for two hours every day after sunset except on Tuesday. For further
details, please call 3524834
Nightlife Delhi is not exactly famous for its nightlife. Most of the city's discos, nightclubs and bars are in the deluxe hotels, which means they tend to be exclusive and expensive. Other nightlife options include movies, plays and music concerts. Popular evening events of particular interest to foreign visitors are the sound-and-light shows staged nightly at both Red Fort and Purana Qila.
Parasailing
For the truly adventurous, parasailing is available at Kanwar Shikha
near Sohna in Haryana, about 60 km from Delhi. Soar like an eagle under
the watchful eyes of professional instructors. No advanced training or
special skills are required to learn this inexpensive sport, which can be
enjoyed by any one weighing between 40 kg and 80 kg without any element of
risk under the watchful supervision of trained staff. Parasailing is under
an open parachute with the aid of a special rope hooked up to a jeep. As
the jeep moves, the parachute opens and the para-sailor ascends to a
height of about 100m Since the parasailing is limited in number and the
flying hours regulated, bookings will have to be made in advance.
The sport is
also available at the Safdarjung Airport under the guidance of trained
experts. Call them on 4617623.
Polo
is a very popular sport throughout India and you will have the opportunity
to see some brilliant horsemanship at the Polo Club, 61 Cavalry Cariappa
Marg, Delhi Cantt. Call them on
3299444/777
Note: The polo season is from October to March only.
Rock
Climbing
Equipment and training is provided to aspiring rock climbers in and around
Delhi from October to March for more information contact the tourist
authorities. Call them on 3317011, 3321238, 3321242 or fax them on
3321246. There is an artificial wall on Benito Juarez Marg, or the
real thing at Lado Sarai Adventure Park. Delhi Tourism provides
the requisite equipment and training to scale the rocks in the vicinity of
the Qutab Minar. In fact Delhi is the centre for most rock climbing
activity in India, the prime area being Tughlaqabad. Slightly further
a-field, excellent climbing may be had in the Aravalli Hills (particularly
Dumdama, Dhauj and Nuh). Beyond Pune on the Western Ghats the gentle hills
from picturesque rock formations and many places are ideal for climbing.
Further north, the Manali valley and Rohtang Pass regions of Himachal
Pradesh are popular, as are the Chamundi Hills in Karnataka and the
Garhwal Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh. More gentle climbs can be had in the
area of Mount Abu and Sariska (Rajasthan). Excepting the monsoon periods,
rock climbing is virtually a year-round activity, and most equipment can
be hired locally.
Roller
Skating can be done at the Talkatora Skating Rink or in some parks in
the city.
Sailing can be done on a number of lakes within the city or you can watch the real action at the Defence Service Sailing Club (for members only) Okhla, ND-25. Phone: 6910863
Shooting
The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range on Surajkund Road, will more than cater
to your shooting needs. Give them a call on 6986802.
Skiing
is fast becoming a popular sport. Facilities are offered by some resorts
in the north of the country. The two major ones are Gulmarg in Kashmir and
Kufri in Himachel Pradesh, set in some of the most beautiful mountain
landscape in the world. Contact 3322251 or 3325320
for more information.
Squash If your hotel doesn’t have a court visitors are welcome at any DDA Sports Complex or Clubs throughout the city.
Sound
and Light Show at Purana Quila
The historic Purana Qila, which has stood witness to Delhi’s
rejuvenation, periods of anarchy and the rise and fall of empires, is the
venue for the spectacular sound and light show which brings alive the
history of the capital. The viewer is transported back in time to where
Delhi, the great empire rose and fell; where citadels of emperors appeared
and disappeared; a city of mysterious eternity whose old ruins proclaim a
majestic and imperial past and whose present pulsates vibrantly with the
ever flowing life force of India. For details about the show contact 4629365,
4603178
Swimming
If your hotel doesn’t cater to this wet activity, there are others
around the city that do, as follows:
Talkatora Pool phone 3019901
National Stadium Complex opposite India Gate, near Patiala house. Call them on 3389470
NDMC Pool Nehru Park, Laxmi Bai Ngr. School and Sarojini Ngr. Phone: 6110552
Tennis
Again if your hotel doesn’t have courts the following places welcome
guests who are ken on a game:
Delhi Tennis Association on Africa Avenue. Phone 6515899
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Bhishama Pitamah Road. Call them on 4629400
National Sports Club of India opposite Purana Qila, Mathura Road. Phone 3385564
Trekking
India is the ultimate destination for a trekking holiday, offering
everything from short and easy excursions to the long challenges of the
snowy peaks. To take a trek in India is to rediscover the awesome majesty
and beauty of nature around us. Trekkers are reminded that it is forbidden
to enter Restricted and Protected Areas without the correct documentation.
Please consult the Tourist Office before departure or local tourist
offices on arrival in India to ascertain what restrictions may apply and
what documentation may be required. The trekking season varies from region
to region; check with the Tourist Office for
further information. In general, the season runs from April to June and
September to November.
Water
Sports
A multi-sports and leisure complex has been created by Delhi Tourism at
Bhalswa
Lake,
situated at Delhi’s north-eastern edge. This offers facilities for
boating in pedal boats, kayaks, canoes and speed
boats. Keen anglers can also indulge in fishing. Hovercraft
and water scooters are also available here. Pedal boats at
reasonable rates are available at the Hari Nagar, India
Gate, Purana Quila and Naini lakes.
Special training programmes in kayaking and canoeing are organised at all
the lakes. Call the Tourist Department for
more information.
White
Water Rafting or River Running
is a fairly young sport in India. The snow-fed mountain rivers that run
down from the mighty Himalayas make northern India one of the best regions
in the world for this sport. Amateurs and first-timers have their choice
of quieter waters, but with the promise of a passage through some truly
spectacular riverside landscapes. Some rapids hit Colorado 8 (the highest
is 10) on
the scale, but most are on the 4 to 6 grade. The main regions are Ladakh,
Garhwal and the four rivers of Himachal Pradesh. For more information
contact the Indian River Runners Association, 606 Akashdeep, Barakhamba
Road, New Delhi. Phone: 331 3229
Yoga
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Nataraja Centre, Community Centre, East of
Kailash phone 648 0869 offers yoga classes.
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