India

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New Delhi

• Indias Capital City

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INTRODUCTION

• New Delhi, the capital and the third largest city
  of India is a fusion of the ancient and the
  modern. Standing along the West End of Gangetic
  Plain, the capital city, Delhi, unwinds a picture
  rich with culture, architecture and human
  diversity, deep in history, monuments, museums,
  galleries, gardens and exotic shows. Comprising
  of two contrasting yet harmonious parts, the Old
  Delhi and New Delhi, the city is a travel hub of
  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 through the labyrinthine streets
  passing through formidable mosques, monuments and
  forts. You will also discover lively and colorful
  bazaars that boast to cater all sorts of good and
  items at mind-blowing prices amidst a barely
  controlled chaotic ambience. The imperial city of
  New Delhi displays the finely curved architecture
  of British Raj.
• It generates a mesmerizing charm reflecting
  well-composed and spacious streets under the
  shade of beautifully lined avenues of trees and
  tall and imposing government buildings.

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MAP
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URBAN LANDSCAPE

• New Delhi is structured around two central
  promenades called the Rajpath and the Janpath.
  The Rajpath, or King's Way, stretches from the
  Rashtrapati Bhavan to the India Gate. The
  Janpath, formerly Queen's Way, begins at
  Connaught Circus and cuts the Shantipath at right
  angles.
• At the heart of the city is the magnificent
  Rashtrapati Bhavan (formerly known as Viceroy's
  House) which sits atop Raisina Hill. The
  Secretariat which houses various ministries of
  the Government of India, flanks out of the
  Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Parliament House,
  designed by Herbert Baker, is located at the
  Sansad Marg, which runs parallel to the Rajpath.

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TRANSPORT

• 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.

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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 of 65 km (40 miles) and 59
stations while several other lines are under
construction.
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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
and the state-permit Taxis.
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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.

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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.

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

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• PLACES OF INTEREST

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PARLIAMENT

• 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

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Jama Masjid

• The largest mosque in India, was built by
  the great
• Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Begun in 1644 and
  completed
• finally in 1658 at a cost of 10 lakh rupees, it
  has 3 gateways, 4 angle towers and two 40 m high
  minarets.
• 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
• structure, its notable features
• are its bold treatment in red
• sandstone inlaid with black and
• white marble, spacious courts,
• massive pillars supporting
• engrailed arches, elegant bulbous domes - all
  well
• proportioned with decorative manipulation.

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• Birla House
• This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi was
  assasinated on January 30,1948. A 3 foot tall
  stone memorial has been erected at the site.
  Scenes from the Mahatma's life are painted on the
  walls and ceilings of the nearby red sandstone
  portion.
• Parliament House
• Designed by Sir Herbert Baker, its foundation was
  laid by
• the Duke of Connaught in 1921. With a diameter of
  125 yards and a height of 75 ft. it was completed
  in just 5
• years. Located near the Central Secretariat, this
  marvellous
• piece of architecture can be admired only from
  outside due
• to security reasons.

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Qutub Minar

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

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Red Fort

• Built in almost 20 years (1639-1648), by the
  Mughal monarch
• Shahjahan, who shifted his capital from Agra to
  Delhi had a great
• significance in historical Delhi.
• 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
  m on the city side.
• Of the 2 gates, Lahore Gate and Delhi Gate, the
  former facing the Chandni Chowk is more imposing.
  The Lahore Gate faces to Lahore (now in Pakistan)
  and gives access to Chhatta Chowk (the vaulted
  arcade).
• Of the prime attractions in the fort are
  Diwan-i-Am (the
• Hall of Public Audiences). It was in the
  Diwan-i-Am,
• wherein a marble dais is said to have
• supported Shahajahans famous Peacock throne
• which was valued at some 6 million pound
• sterling was taken away by Nadir Shah when
• he looted Delhi in 1739.

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India Gate

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

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Jantar Mantar

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

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CURRENCY CREDIT CARDS

• The Rupee is the currency of India. The issuance
  of the currency is controlled by the Reserve Bank
  of India. The most commonly used symbols for the
  rupee are Rs, ? and ??. The ISO 4217 code for the
  Indian rupee is INR. In most parts of India, the
  rupee is known as the rupee, roopayi, rupaye,
  rubai.
• Credit Cards American Express, Master Card, Visa
  and Diners Club credit cards are generally
  accepted by large establishments including
  hotels, shops and airlines.

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CLIMATE

• 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.

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LANGUAGE

• Delhi is very much a mini India, attracting
  people from all parts of the nation. A perfect
  example of cosmopolitan culture. English, Hindi,
  Punjabi and Urdu are most commonly spoken.
• In hotels and restaurants the staff speak English
  while the tourist guides are also well versed
  with the language. Indians being friendly can
  always help tourists who may not understand any
  other language than English.

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FOOD CUISINE

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

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TIPPING

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

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SHOPPING

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

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SMOKING

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

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Dos Donts

• Delhi is a large city that has emerged through
  the confluence of many contrasting cultures and
  traditions. Hence, there is a lot to explore and
  experience. It can be a confusing place for
  newcomers, especially since it is always teeming
  with people from various communities. To make
  their visit a pleasant one, visitors should
  follow few general guidelines.
• It is a good idea to make reservations for
  accommodation and transportation facilities well
  in advance, so that there is no last minute
  hitches when one arrives in the city.

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Dos Donts (contd)

• The best months to visit Delhi are Feb.- March
  and Sept.- Nov. Between April and September the
  extremely hot weather can be very taxing. If one
  is visiting during that time, carrying a bottle
  of mineral water and sunscreen lotion is a very
  good idea.
• The tropical sun is strong during summer months,
  so guard against sunstroke and dehydration. Wear
  a hat and dark glasses when you go out. Drink
  lots of liquids, water and fruit juice. Allow
  sweat to evaporate, wear loose cotton clothes.
  Use sunscreen lotions and talcum powder as a
  precaution against prickly heat rashes.

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Dos Donts (contd)

• One should keep a fair amount of the local
  currency, especially loose change with one while
  travelling through the city. This way one can
  avoid having to pay a bit extra at any point.
• One should trust one's own judgment when it comes
  to shopping and should beware of touts and
  agents. Bargaining is often the norm here (except
  in the up-market areas, of course!), so it is a
  good idea to be aware of the prevailing rates
  before starting the actual shopping.
• If you feel lost or confused approach the traffic
  policemen to guide you.
• Beware of beggars and even mendicants or anybody
  who approaches you for alms or donations. Keep
  your wallets safe, as you would anywhere else.

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Dos Donts (contd)

• Stay away from so called Tourist Information
  Centres which are near New Delhi Railway
  Stations, as they are not tourist offices, but
  tourist agents out to fleece unsuspecting
  visitors.
• Indian's take sport very seriously and especially
  relish cricket victories against the likes of
  England.
• Delhi has a surprising amount of sporting
  facilities for the active traveller including
  cricket pitches and a beautiful golf course at
  the Delhi Golf Club.

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Dos Donts (contd)

• Bring a phrase book or phrase list with you.
  You'll get the most mileage out of a Hindu/Urdu
  phrase book in the north. You won't likely need
  it to get your point across, but it surely shows
  a lot of respect to give the language a try. If
  you have to learn one phrase, go for "Your child
  is beautiful." That will surely get you a lot of
  smiles and warm responses... )
• The key is to keep the most valuable things
  closest to you. You shouldn't remove the security
  belt when you're out and about, so that's where
  you'll keep you money, passport, tickets (unless
  you're about to use them), medical prescriptions,
  and the like.

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Dos Donts (contd)

• For travel health, it is best to use your common
  sense. Take care what you eat or drink. It is
  best to carry your own mineral water. Hot tea and
  coffee are good alternatives. Indian travellers
  do not worry too much about water, because they
  are tuned to local conditions. Even so,
  contaminated drinking water remains the main
  reason for most stomach-related diseases.
• Diarrhea (the English call it 'Delhi-belly') is
  the most common stomach ailment. Take a three or
  five-day course of anti-diarrhea tablets duly
  prescribed by a doctor. Along with medication,
  drink a lot of water with salt and sugar as
  diarrhea leads to dehydration. Alcohol, milk,
  meat, fried and spicy foods should be avoided.
  Porridge, stew and the local khichdi are easy to
  digest and, therefore, recommended.

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At a Glance

• Area 1483 sq. kms
• Altitude 239 m above sea level
• Density 9294 persons per sq. Km.
• Languages Hindi, English, Urdu and Punjabi
• Climate Extreme Hot in Summer and Cold in Winter
• Maximum Temperature 46 Degree Celsius
• Minimum Temperature 04 Degree Celsius
• Winter December February
• Spring March to mid April
• Summer April end to August
• Autumn September to November

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At a Glance (contd)

• Best time to Visit October to March
• River Yamuna
• Time Zone GMT/UTC 5.5
• Daylight Saving Start End not in use
• Currency Indian Rupee (Rs)
• Electricity 230-240V 50HzHz
• Electric Plug Details South African/
  Indian-style plug with two circular metal pins
  above a large circular grounding pin
• European plug with two circular metal pins

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EMERGENCY Nos.

• Police 100
• Fire 101     
• Ambulance 102
• Accident Trauma 1099