Coloured with the hues of different momentous turns in history, Delhi and the region around has been the interest of many empires since 6th century. A blend of historic architectural relics and modern rhythms of the city, make this an evocative journey. Day 1: Delhi Get into town Arrive in the Indian capital, settle into your hotel and get set for an introduction to one of the truly great cities in this part of the world. The ancient and the modern, the crowded and the tranquil, exist in perfect harmony here. As in any large city, with more than a few attractions, a hop on-hop off bus tour is the best way to get your bearings and tick off the must-see spots on your list. The Dilli Dekho HoHo service will take you to Jantar Mantar, Rajpath, the National Museum, Safdarjung Tomb, Hauz Khas Village, Dilli Haat and the Qutab Minar. Explore any of the attractions that appeal to you and hop on to the next bus. Its that easy. The buses operate at 30-minute intervals. At the end of a day of sight-seeing, sink deeper into the spirit of Delhi and take in a cultural evening at Hauz Khas Village, dating back to Medieval times and now a busy hub of activity for art and culture. You could spend the evening at Iron Curtain or Kunzum Café, both of which double as cinema clubs and cafés. Or, check out the shows at one of the many art galleries in the village. You could make Hauz Khas your last stop on the HoHo tour. Day 2: Lutyenss Delhi Sightseeing Time: 5-6 hours Start the day exploring Delhis colonial heritage, which has had a remarkable impact on the contemporary city. Walk through the areas referred to as Lutyenss Delhi, created by Sir Edwin Lutyen who was known as the Greatest British Architect of his time. He is the one who shaped New Delhi as we know it now. Begin from the landmark India Gate, the War Memorial said to be inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Enjoy strolling down the wide roads and charming avenues, taking in the bungalows with beautiful gardens, now occupied by the rich and the powerful, and the museums and art galleries that dot this part of town. Also see the Kashmiri Gate. Nicholsons Cemetery and the Mutiny memorial from the same period. Then head for Connaught Place, another colonial edifice that is now a bustling centre of business and shopping. And whats a day in Delhi without a shopping expedition? So, head to one or more of the many markets in Saket, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar and Greater Kailash. These local markets are packed with clothes, accessories and gizmos. Dine at any of the restaurants in these areas to wrap up your day of shopping and experiencing Delhis unique local markets. Day 3: Gurgaon Mall mile/Kingdom of Dreams Time: Entire day This is a day for indulging in all the shopping, dining and entertainment that Gurgaon has to offer to the traveler. The areas malls have some of the best shopping experiences in Delhi, whether you want affordable or top-of-the-line international brands in clothes, accessories, gadgets and gizmos. Mall rats can spend happy hours at the crowded Metropolitan Mall, the DLF City Centre Mall and the Ambience Mall, which is best known for its string of upscale shops stocking luxury products. Hop across to Cyber Hub, one of the more recent additions to the shopping options and dine at Imperfecto, a stylish place that specializes in Spanish and Mediterranean fare. Set the evening aside for Kingdom of Dreams, an over-the-top extravagant destination for live entertainment and theatre. Catch a Bollywood-style performance and then head for the Culture Gully, which is an art, craft and cuisine zone. You can dine on popular dishes from the various Indian states here--whether you want a Gujarati meal or the specials for Rajasthan. This destination is a big hit with the kids. Day 4: Old Delhi Historic walks & food trails Time: Entire day After the high energy of shopping and entertainment in Gurgaon, set aside a day for the quieter pleasures of the past. Delhis old areas such as Chandni Chowk and Nizammudin are a must-do, especially for those who love history. These colourful quarters, criss-crossed by narrow lanes and bustling bazaars, are best explored on foot. Walking through the lanes lined with stories from the past can be a real treat for the senses and sometimes overwhelming as well. We recommend a guided tour conducted by INTACH, which is also doing an excellent job of preserving Delhis past. The heritage walk through Chandni Chowk takes you through the Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Shri Digambara Jain Lal Mandir, Gauri Shankar Temple, Central Baptist Church, Sisganj Gurudwara, Sunheri Masjid, Naughara and ends at the gate of Jama Masjid. After the walk, saunter back to Paranthewali Gali, the streetfood haven that Delhiites whove left town dream about. Tuck into a ghee-lashed paratha or eat at hole-in-the-wall outlets like Babu Ram. Stop by for mithai at Kanwarjis which is at the entrance to Paranthewali Gali. Dahi bhallas are also a must-eat in these parts. This is the quintessential Delhi street food experience and is one that foodies must not miss. Day 5: Noida Speed thrills at F1 circuit Time: 4-5 hours Belt up and prepare for a thrilling ride. From Greater Noida, hit the Yamuna Expressway which allows you to cover the 170-km distance to Agra in no time. No, we you arent going sightseeing around the Taj Mahal. Its time to zip back for some racing fun. Take a tour of the Buddh International Circuit, Indias first and only Formula 1 Racing Track. Theres a once-a-week BIC tour which allows you to get an upclose view of the pit lanes, the garages, medical centre, race control, winners podium and the time-keeping office. You also get an introductory lap of the circuit with an up-close view of the turns. If you are a racing fiend and fancy another lap, it can be arranged in a BIC car for an extra fee. After all that adrenaline-rush, return to Delhi for a relaxed evening. We recommend an elegant French-style meal at Rara Avis, the new addition to the dining out map in Greater Kailash 2. Day 6: Delhi Shopping Time: 4-6 hours Spend the day at leisure, doing any last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Delhi is a shopaholics paradise, with its dazzling variety of local markets and ritzy malls. The rest of the day is to be dedicated to some serious eating and drinking. For lunch, choose the citys best gourmet experience. You could book a table for lunch at Indian Accent, at the Manor Hotel, which makes a mark with its contemporary take on Indian classics. Think panko crusted bharwan mirch with goats cheese mousse and dark and white chocolate kulfi lollipops. There are three-course lunch menus, elaborate tasting menus a la carte options crafted by award-winning chef Manish Mehrotra. Or, head to the Maurya Sheratons Bukhara, another much-loved award-winning restaurant where the kebabs and curries and the signature raan have remained unchanged for years. Rest up, and get set for some more dedicated eating and drinking in the evening. Head to Monkey Bar at Vasant Kunj, a cool, lively gastro pub that shakes up some innovative cocktails and serves delicious small platters of food with quirky twists. You could also end up sharing a table with complete strangers. Its an excellent way to spend an evening out in Delhi. Day 7: Noida Golf & Spa Time: At leisure After the sight-seeing, the walking tours, the retail therapy and indulging in street food, gourmet fare and a rocking night out at MoBar, youll certainly be craving for some me-time and some full-on pampering. We suggest a day at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort. If you are putting freak, by all means hit the golf course. Check into the well-appointed spa, run in association with Six Senses, the international chain, which is housed in this green expanse. The spa itself is a calm oasis, scattered with water features and quiet courtyards. It also prides itself on its sustainable practices and herb garden where they grow several of the leaves and flowers used in the spa treatments. Theres a huge array of holistic, rejuvenating treatments to choose from that are sure to spoil you rotten--whether you want a tired back to be addressed to or put the glow back in your skin. You can have a healthy, organic light lunch at the cafeteria on the premises. Refreshed after your spa indulgence head back to Delhi as you wrap up your time in this captivating city. Stay Theres no dearth of luxury hotels here. Try The Imperial for its elegance and old world charm Eat Delhi is known for its chaat. Try dahi bhalla, gol gappa and papdi chaat at Bengali Sweet, Gol Market Shop Check out Dilli Haat, opposite INA Market, for handicrafts and artefacts Eat Try contemporary creations by Chef Manish Mehrotra at Indian Accent, The Manor, Friends Colony Weekend getaway: Neemrana Fort Palace This is the place to be, if you want to spend some quiet time, away from the city. Sonal Chauhan, Actor WHAT Neemrana Fort Palace, built in 1464 AD, and restored in 1980s, is amongst Indias oldest heritage resorts. WHY Its a great place to spend a weekend. This is the place to be, if you want to spend some quiet time, away from the city. They also have adventure activities around the palace like ziplining in the Aravallis. For those taking a break from the city, this makes for a perfect getaway and whats even better is that you can head back the same day or the next, depending on the time at hand. I also have a particular fondness for the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, on the outskirts of Gurgaon. Its wonderful during winters. MUST DO Its impossible to speak of Delhi and leave the food out. You can enjoy the momos in Chanakya Complex, gol gappas at the Bengali Market and gorge on non-vegetarian food in Nizamuddin and at the same time chill out at any of the lounge-bars in Hauz Khas. Plus says: When to go The sensible visitor avoids Delhi in the high summer months. October to March is the best time to visit. Temperatures can plunge sharply, but winter is when Delhi shows off its best side. Good to know HoHo Bus Service: The Delhi Tourism hop on-hop off bus services begin at 8.30 a.m. and close at around 10.00 p.m. A night tour with a fixed itinerary has been recently introduced. You can also book your ride online at hohodelhi Heritage walks: There is a Rs. 100 charge for joining the heritage walks conducted by INTACH. You can check their schedules and get details of special walks at (intachdelhichapter.org). Buddh International Circuit Tour: The tour of the BIC that visitors can take is available only on Saturdays. There is a charge of Rs. 1,500. Take the metro: The metro is one of the most convenient ways to cover distances in Delhi. One-day and three-day passes are available and come in handy. In the old areas: Its advisable, for women to dress conservatively out of respect. Top picks Eat at Monkey Bar: All the food and drink at Monkey Bar, driven by Chef Manu Chandra is top class. Try the Maanga, cocktail of vodka, aam panna and jeera salt and tuck into hit-the-spot dishes like Goan chorizo-pav. Heritage walk with INTACH: These heritage walks are essential to do in Delhi. The guides on these walking tours are knowledgeable, passionate people who love Delhi. And its great to see the city through their eyes. Spa treatment at Jaypee: One of the top ayurveda treatments to try at the Jaypee Greens Spa is the Udvartana which includes a body scrub, a relaxing massage and an invigorating steam-and-shower.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 06:59:16 +0000
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