Sunday, October 29, 2006

Museums in Delhi

National Rail Museum - National Rail Museum is located In Chanakya Puri. It is unique in its collection of rail engines and locomotives. India was among the countries which had railway lines since 19th century. The locomotives in the museums are displayed in open. But they also have a small in house museum which gives the details of the progress and development in the history of railway in India.

National Museum - Located on Janpath, National museum is one of the treasure houses of the our glorious past. The museum has a large collection of excavated items many of which date back to 2nd and 3rd century B.C. The museum has separate section for the Harrapa (Indus valley civilisation) collection. Recently the museum added a very interesting section of Jewellery collection. Apart from the regular sections the museum has regular exhibition on different themes. Information about any such exhibition can be obtained from the museum itself or from the tourist offices. A daily film show is organised in the auditorium of the museum and it is closed on Monday.

Museum of Natural History - The museum gives an over all look of the evolution of Earth and its natural history. The museum is located on the Barakhamba Road and is closed on Mondays.

Nehru Museum & Planetorium - The Teen Murti house was the residence of India's first Prime minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. After his death the house was converted into a memorial. The Nehru memorial has a collection of gifts and many other items which he possessed. Nehru Planetorium is within the compound of Teen Murti. This planetorium gives a overview of the Indian Space program. There are daily film shows which are screened in a specially designed auditorium. These films are meant to give information about the Universe or any other topic related to that. The Capsule in which Rakesh Sharma went into space is also kept here.
Crafts museums is at Pragati Maidan Grounds. Open from 10am-5pm daily. Gandhi Darshan & Gandhi National Museum is across Rajghat and Gandhi smriti is on Tees January Marg Dara Shikoh Library Dara Shikoh Library is an archaeological museum in Civil Lines and is open from 10am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Dolls Museum - A unique museum of Dolls is located near the ITO crossing on the Bahadur Shah Jafar Marg . These dolls are collected from different parts of India as well as from other countries of the world. These dolls reflect the tradition and culture of the region from where they come. Children Book Trust of India is In the same building. This is an organisation which is committed to provide quality books for the little ones.

National Science Centre - National Science center is located near Pragati Maidan. This center is famous for the models which can be operated by the visitor himself. Children are particularly fascinated by the mysteries of science. Open through out the week except on Mondays.

Source: Delhi site

FORTS & MONUMENTS

Humayun's Tomb - Built by the wife of Humayun, Haji Begum in the mid 16th century, this red sand stone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best example of Mughal Architecture. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red and white sandstone, black and yellow marble tomb. The entry in the complex is free on Fridays.

Old Fort -
It is believed that the Pandavas had built their capital, Indraprastha at the place where the old fort stands today. This fort, now in ruins, was the seat for administration for many emperors. The legendary Prithviraj Chauhan ruled from here till he was defeated by Abdali in the battle of Panipat. A new light & sound show is held by the Department of Delhi Tourism every evening. Timings and Tickets are available from the tourist office.
tomb is besides the of Safdarjang airport. This tomb was built by the Nawab of Avadh for his father. The structure is one of the finest example of architecture of its time and tells a saga of the last remnants of a dying empire.

Jantar Mantar - Few minutes walk from Connaught Place is is a strange collection of solomon coloured structures. These were built by Maharaja Jai Singh and is actually an observatory. Though not as large as its compatriot in Jaipur Jantar Mantar at Delhi also an attraction for the tourists. The astonishing part of these observatories is that they can calculate many astronomical movements very accurately.

Red Fort - Built in Red Sand stone this imposing fort is 3 kms in perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters at places. When the Red fort was being built Yamuna used to flow on its one sides and there were deep moats on the other. Today Yamuna flows almost a kilometer away from the fort and the moats have dried up. In the evening the Delhi Tourism organises a light and sound show which narrates the history of Delhi in context of the Red Fort.

The Lahore gate, the main entrance, has some emotions and sentiments attached with the Indian independence as the Tricolour flutters on the top of this gate. On 15th August the Indian Prime minister addresses the nation from here. As soon one enters in the fort from the Lahore gate There is a small Bazzar, here all kinds of items are available. This Shopping arcade was known as the Mina Bazzar and was open only to women on Thursdays's during the Mughal era.
The arcade leads to the Naubat Khana or the drum house where the Musicians used to play drums on the arrival of Emperors or princes. Just above the Naubat Khana is the Indian war memorial museum which has a rich collection of armours, guns, swords, and other items related to war.

The Dewan-i-Am or the place of public hearing had a wall paneled with marble in laid with precious stone which were removed during the mutiny of 1857. The Dewan-i-Khas or the place for special hearing was the area where the emperor used to hold meetings with his ministers. Next to Dewan-i-Khas are the royal baths or the Hammams and Shahi Burj which are closed for public viewing. The white marbled Moti Masjid or the pearl mosque was the private mosque for Aurangzeb.

Qutab Minar - In 1199, Qutbuddin raised the Qutab Minar either as a victory tower or as a minaret to the adjacent mosque. From a base of 14.32 mtrs. it tapers to 2.75 mtrs. at a height of 72.5 mtrs. It is still the highest stone tower in India, one of the finest stone tower in India, one of the finest Islamic structures ever raised and Delhi's recognised landmark. It was completed by the Sultan's successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish. The tomb of Iltutmish, which he himself built in 1235, is nearby, Its interiors are profusely decorated with calligraphy, though the dome has collapsed. Old Delhi - The City of Shahjahanabad was the capital of Shah Jahan but little remains of that old city. The Old Delhi or the walled city served as the capital for many emperors. Today, remains of the historical city are the gates like - Kashmiri Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate, Delhi gate. Near Delhi Gate is Feroz Shah Kotla, close to this is kept the Ashokan Pillar which was brought from Meerut by Feroz Shah Tughlaq.

The Ghats - Along the banks of Jamuna are located the places were the leaders and freedom fighters of India were cremated. The Raj Ghat is one of the most visited ghats. A simple square platform of black marble marks the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948. To North of Raj Ghat is the cremation ground of Jawaharlal Nehru named as Shanti Van. The cremation ground of Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi are also in the vicinity. The cremation ground of Lal Bahadur Shastri is nearby.

Rajpath & India Gate - Flanked by ornamental ponds and lawns, Rajpath is host to the Republic Day Parade. The two secretariat buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan on the Raisina hills are located on the two sides of this immensely broad road. Previously the Boat Club, besides the Rajpath, was host to many demonstrations and Rallies. India Gate is towards the eastern end of Rajpath .

India Gate is a 42m high stone arch of triumph. It bears the name of the 85,000 Indian Army Soldiers who died in the campaigns of WW1, the North-West Frontiers operations and the 1919 Afghan Fiasco. Below the arch is the memorial to the unknown soldier. India Gate is surrounded by green grass lawns and trees.

The Parliament House- Sansad Bhawan or the Parliament house is the supreme law making body in the country. It is the center of power and politicians decide the fate of the Indian Democracy here. Visitors are not allowed inside the house but when the house is in session, visitors may take permission to go inside and watch the proceedings of the house. The parliament consists of three halls- Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and the central hall. For the foreign visitors permits are given only after they obtain an introductory letter from the respective embassy.

Source: Delhisite

Monday, October 23, 2006

Packing Tips

Travel as light as you can. Don’t pack too many clothes as you can buy them very cheaply over there.

Pack comfortable light clothes... it's really hot and humid most of the year - very humid in August. If you are going to visit a mosque, bring something other than thank tops and shorts/miniskirts. Bring a scarf or something to cover your head in case you visit mosque. When visiting a temple or other venerated places, it is obligatory to leave your shoes outside.

Clothing should ideally be light - cotton is ideal for most of the year - and shorts and sandals are the order of the day for the summer. If you're female, your shorts better be long enough (at least to just above the knee). Shoes - obviously comfortable ones are best. Summer - light clothes that let your skin breathe Monsoon - gets very strong in some parts of India, and appropriate clothing may be required.

If you cannot carry your own bags due to weight, there will be someone who can do it for you! They are called ‘coolies’ As with most developing countries, labour in India is cheap. Most bus stations and railway stations have porters to help you with your luggage. Decide beforehand what the price should be, as (like most poor countries) these guys tend to mark up the price when they see a foreigner.

Three pins for battery charger, so added with adaptor to whose using two pins for electricity

For those of you with fair skin, please bring along boxes of sunscreen. The Indian sun harsh and merciless for most of the year. Leave your swimsuits at home! India is just the place to get that all-over tan! :-)

Ask your doctor about health risks. Vaccination could be necessary. It is very wise to bring along toilet paper. Sometimes it is not there when you need it! Medicines for malaria, stomach disorder, diarrhoea and anti-mosquito spray (or cream) are a necessity. Bring sunscreen, lip moisturizer, shampoo, and toothpaste. A small first aid kit could be priceless. Also bring along Imodium: chances are high that you are going to need it - no matter how careful you are about what you eat

Everything is available here from the trendy cameras to repair shops for the same. Use only Duracell or Energiser batteries, especially if your camera soaks up battery power. Bring plenty of films and extra batteries for your camera(s).

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Bargaining as a must in Delhi

Being insistant, somewhat tough and having bargaining skills will help a lot in Delhi. If you are offered a price at a bazaar, at a rickshaw-couch, or particularly on the street, do not even think about accepting it immediately, as the fun is to go down as much as they let you (and they will). This harms no one and bargaining is not a sign of stinginess, but an everyday practice

Especially beware of the Auto-Rickshaw drivers - these guys are out to fleece - esp if they know that you are a tourist & new to the city etc. never go by agreed fares for commuting within the city - always insist that the driver take u by the meter-reading or always insist that he show you the fare chart (they are all liable to carry one) - in case the guy starts to rant & rave after taking you to your destination. if nothing helps - there are two ways out :
1. look for the nearest cop & ask for assistance
2. aviod these hassles & go for pre-paid taxi/rickshaw services - there is always a pre-paid taxi service outside all major bus stations & railways stations enjoy your trip to Delhi .

Beware of beggars in Delhi

Kids, beggars, old people, rickshaw-wallahs, shoe-cleaners - they're all there to make you feel uncomfortable, pitiful & above all embarrassed.

It is hard not to give money to starving people with infany children in their arms. But do NOT do it. These beggars do not get to keep the money. It all goes to some small time thug who is 'running' the beggars in the area. The children are often kidnapped from small villages. Instead, buy a piece of fruit and let the beggar and child have it. Another reason is, soon as you give out money, hordes of other beggars will surround you. This is a perfect opportunity for a pickpocket. Keep your wallet in your front pocket. Ladies, sling your bag across your shoulder on it.

After a while you'll get to distinguish the people who are in real need. You can help them in so many ways...

Delhi National Museum

Located on Janpath

The museum has a large collection of excavated items many of which date back to 2nd and 3rd century B.C. The museum has separate section for the Harrapa (Indus valley civilisation) collection. Recently the museum added a very interesting section of Jewellery collection. Apart from the regular sections the museum has regular exhibition on different themes. Information about any such exhibition can be obtained from the museum itself or from the tourist offices. A daily film show is organised in the auditorium of the museum and it is closed on Monday.

National Rail Museum - is located In Chanakya Puri. It is unique in its collection of rail engines and locomotives. India was among the countries which had railway lines since 19th century. The locomotives in the museums are displayed in open. But they also have a small in house museum which gives the details of the progress and development in the history of railway in India.

Website: www.nationalmuseumindia.org/
Other Contact: www.railmuseum.org/

Delhi - National Zoological Park

Timing: 0800 to 1800 hours( summer)
0900 to 1700 hours (winter) except Friday.
Best Time to visit: Throughout the year
Main Attraction: 22,000 varieties of Animals and Birds
Covered Area :214 acres
Designed by :Major Weinman of Sri Lanka and Carl Hagenbeck of West Germany.

Location:
National Zoological Park or the zoo of Delhi is one of the finest zoos in Asia and is situated close to Purana Qila or Old Fort.

About the Zoo
National Zoological Park is one of the finest and largest zoos in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and birds herein New Delhi.

Established in 1959 and is spread over a massive area of 214 acres. Delhi Zoo is home to more than 2000 species of animals and birds from Africa, America, Australia and Asia. The Zoo was set up in 1959. It is regarded as one of the finest zoos in Asia and efforts have been made to provide an almost natural habitat to the animals and the birds. It is a good spot for picnics. It has an early 17th century Kos Minar, which was one of the many, put up by Jehangir, son of the emperor, Akbar. As you climb up the red sandstone gate, you get a chance to admire the vast expanse of the Zoological Park. The winding pathways here are laid with the red Badarpur gravel, and the green shrubs demarcate the red with the undulating brown-green vast stretches of grass.

An idyllic picnic spot in winters, the serenity of the greens here is pleasing and offers a delightful respite from the humdrum of the city. The winding pathways lead to the administrative building with a library on the right side where you can get all the information on animals, birds and plants of both and rare zoological species in India.

This place is particularly popular among the children, they love to see Chimpanzee, Hippopotamus, Spider monkey, African Wild Buffalo, the Gir Lion and Zebras, thee water animals and birds such as Macaque, Banteng, Emu, Hyenas, Axis deer, Fallow deer, Peafowl, Hog Dear and the Jaguar. The underground Reptile Home complex displays a wide array of snakes such as King Cobra and Pythons. Besides these, there are more than 200 varieties of trees here including the hanging deep yellow Alamtas hedges, the drought resistant Lahura trees and the native Delhi bistendu.

Facilities in the zoo
There are open-roofed mobile vans available at affordable charges within the zoo and is the best option for tourists to avoid the exertion and heat of Delhi's summer season. This place is also a good picnic spot as there are a number of parks in the complex. There are ample numbers of water points and drinking water facility, still its better to carry your own water bottle. A cafeteria is also available outside the zoo.

Lodhi Garden

Location: About 3 kms. to the west of Humayun's tomb and adjoining the India International Center are the Lodi Gardens, where the tombs of Sayyaid and Lodi rulers are built.

About the garden
Established in the 15th and the 16th centuries by the Sayyids and Lodis, the vast grounds of Lodi Garden are famous among the joggers of the nearby areas. Carefully kept gardens and the medieval monuments lend a charm to these gardens. In 1968, J A Stein and Garrett Eckbo re-landscaped these gardens giving them their present beautified forms. The several tombs situated in the garden belong to the Lodi and Sayyid era and include Muhammad Shah's Tomb and Sikander Lodi's tomb. Muhammad Shah (1434-44) was the third ruler of Sayyid dynasty. His tomb has been built in a typical octagonal pattern with a central octagonal chamber, verandahs, three arched openings on each side and a sloping buttress at each angle of the structure. Inspired by Mubarak Shah's tomb, this tomb has a more compact plan, high dome, matching chhatris and better proportions.

In the middle of the gardens is the Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad. The Bara Gambad (Big Dome) consists of a large rubble-construct dome, a three domed masjid (mosque) and a residence surrounding a central courtyard, where the remains of a water tank can be seen. Opposite the Bara Gambad is the Sheesh Gambad, which contains the remains of some unknown family.

Today Lodhi Garden is a favourite haunt of joggers, fitness enthusiasts and morning walkers. The garden is equally popular among young couples and old age people.

Lodhi Garden is a fine picnic spot. You can travel to Lodhi Garden for a leisurely stroll or just to bask in the winter sun. The garden offers peaceful and tranquil environs away from the hustle bustle of the city life.

Rose Garden

Location: Situated in Chankya Puri

As the name suggest, Rose garden host a number of rose flowers. The garden has some of the rarest and imported rose variety. The best time to visit this garden is during December / January when the flowers are in full bloom.

Mughal Garden in Delhi

Timings : 9.30am to 2.30pm. Except Monday
Visit: February to March every year
Designed by: Sir Edwin Lutynes

Location
Mughal gardens are amongst the popular gardens in Delhi. Situated within Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, these gardens forms a major part of tourist attractions in Delhi.

About the garden
Designed by Sir Edwin Lutynes for Lady Harding, the garden occupies an area of 13 acres and is divided into three sections (rectangular, long and circular gardens) and is a blend of the formal Mughal style with the design of a British Garden. The garden is beautified with Mughal style canals, fountains and terraces. The garden is retreat to eyes as it is adorned beautifully with hedges and flowers. The garden have variety of trees and flowers like roses, marigold, bougainvillea, sweet william, viscaria etc among many others.

The garden has four waterways with uniquely crafted fountains at their intersections that consists of 3 tiered huge red sandstone discs that resemble lotus leaves. The chequered flowerbeds lend an enchanting look to this wonderfully landscaped garden. With in the campus, there are many small and big lawns, like Pearl garden, butterfly garden and circular garden. The circular garden is the place which is beautified with massed segmental and tiered flower beds and is considered the best place to see butterflies.

Endorsing some of the best varieties of roses in the country, these gardens are beautified worth artificial ponds where you will have the opportunity to watch fishes. The garden also endorses romantically designed fountains with multicolored lights that forms the major attractions.

Do's and Dont's when visiting Delhi

Every tourist who visits Delhi should take into account certain points that can prove to be extremely vital.

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.

The main type of food available in New Delhi is Indian, with regional specialities including Tandooris and Biryani. It is possible as in most large cities to get food from all over the world if Indian is not to your taste.

Guides, waiters and taxi drivers, where service is not included, will expect around 10% of the total bill as a tip. Porters and bellboys will only expect around five to ten Rupees per bag.

Do not go out alone at night! If a knowledgeable person whom you trust tells you it's okay, then go ahead. This is good advice for an unknown neighborhood anywhere.
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, but try to get one for the local language of the place you're visiting. 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 learn one phrase, go for "Your child is beautiful." That will surely get you a lot of smiles and warm responses... :)

It is simply not possible to take too many photos! Take plenty of film with you. If you run out, buy from a store, not from someone outside the Red Fort. At the very least, ensure the box has its original seal and is not out of date. Do not indulge into it , if doing so removes you from the experience and turns you into a human recorder, you'll miss out on a lot.
Remember to confirm all flights. All flights originating within India should be confirmed.
Firm patience is your greatest strength. If you aren't getting what you feel you need, take a moment to think. Is your request truly reasonable in the context you're in? If so, quietly and firmly state your position. Expect that things will take longer than you'd like, and be delighted if they don't.

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 ..

The important travel tips:
Apply several months in advance , for a new passport as it may take up to six weeks to receive it(though expedited services are available in emergencies).

Your current passport must have been issued within the last 12 years and you must have been at least 16 years old when passport was issued.

Before booking that “best fare”, read the fine print (if you can find it!). Look for “terms and conditions”, frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) or “customer service”. What may appear to be the “lowest fare” could cost you in the long run.

Most tickets cannot be cancelled, are non-refundable and non-changeable, which means if you make a mistake entering your dates or destination, get stuck in traffic, have a medical illness, or simply over sleep, you forfeit your ticket. Purchasing a new ticket at the last minute can triple the cost of your original fare.

Note your credit card number and customer service phone number in a separate location in case you lose your card and need to cancel it.
Inform your credit card customer service department in advance of your trip. Advise them as to when you will be traveling and in which countries so that they don't freeze your account as a security measure against theft when their computer notes several transactions in various countries.

Auditoriums in Delhi

Connaught Place
India Habitat Centre
Lodhi Road, Lodhi Institutional Area,
Phone: 2468-2001/2.
Timing: 9 am-11.30pm.


Kamani Auditoriums
Copernicus Marg,
Phone: 2338-9713.


Max Muller Bhawan
3 K.G. Marg,
Phone: 2332-9506.

South Extension
Siri Fort Auditoriums
Asiad Village Complex,
Phone: 2649-3370.

Sport - Stadiums in Delhi

Atheletics
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
Lodhi Colony, Near C.G.O. Complex
Lodhi Road
New Delhi 110003


Cricket
Ferozshah Kotla Stadium
Bahadurshah Zafar Marg
New Delhi 110002.


Football
Ambedkar Stadium
Delhi Gate
New Delhi 110002.


Hockey
National Stadium
India Gate
New Delhi


Shivaji Stadium
Bhagat Singh Marg, Near Gole Market
New Delhi 110001


Indoor Stadium
Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
IP Estate
New Delhi 110002.


Talkatora Indoor Stadium
Willingdon Crescent Road
New Delhi 110001

Traffic jam in Delhi

Delhi is a huge traffic jam!!! if you are intending to go somewhere leave early. Also the air pollusion, dust, high temperature - all at the same time... It may end up with loosing nerves or you just fell down unconscious. Have your wet wipes, water, refresher and all this kind of stuff. meanwhile you have to prepare that it is impossible to breath at all! It is really as crazy as I describe here, believe me! I suggest to visit Delhi's sightseeings as early morning, as possible.

Fun 'N' Food Village delhi amusement park

Famous As: Amusement Park
Established In:1993
Attractions: Mono Rail, Flying Carpet And Aqua Pool
Ticket: Adult:300/-
Child:250/-
Timing: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm (in summer)
10.00 am to 8.00 pm.(in winter)

Location
Fun N Food Village is located on the Old Delhi - Gurgaon Highway 3 kilometers from the international airport.

About the Park
The amusement park for people of all ages including a water park and joy rides, Fun 'N' Food Village is situated near Gurgaon. The serene and tranquil atmosphere of the place, the lush greenery and panoramic views that it offers, makes it the best retreat. Launched in 1993, it was inaugurated by former President of India Giani Zail Singh and showcases past traditions along with modern and futuristic recreations. This amusement park aims to promote Indian culture and traditional arts and crafts of India. Along with the joy rides, one can also see the performances and creations of artisans and craftsmen at work.

The rides are suitable for different age groups and special attraction is the wave pool, which is the largest wave pool in all the water parks around Delhi. The water park also boasts of the largest indoor Snow park over an area of 2500 sq. m. The park offers 21 amusement rides, 22 water slides, rain dance, kids water play area and much more. Special food arrangement available for groups. The water park here known as 'Village Club' has the longest water slide in the country and 400 ft long water channel known as 'Lazy River'.

Children's Park
Location: Near India Gate

This is an amusement park which is first of its kind in Delhi. Located near India gate, the park host number of swings and is a special attractions amongst children. It has large well maintained lawns that provides good sitting grounds to visitors. You must visit Children's park during night when it gets illuminated and becomes one of the scenic zones of Delhi. Most of the Delhite's visit this place just to enjoy the evening. The park also houses an aquarium. Though it is not in good condition yet it comes under added attraction of the park.

Appu Ghar amusement park in Delhi

Note: We have heard Apu Ghar was closed. They dismantled it and some of the rides are being reconstructed at the new theme park in Noida (which has not opened yet). The company which ran Apu Ghar is a partner in the new Noida theme park. We are not 100% about this info yet.


Timing: Weekdays:1.30 pm to 9.30 pm
On Sunday: Noon to 9.30 pm

Ticket: Appu Ghar All Rides:adult 150-/
Children:120/-
Min one Rides: adult 50-/
Children:40/-
Go-Karting: Rs. 100/- for Six Laps
Aerial Ropeway: Rs. 30/- Per Person
Oysters Ticket : Up to 84 cm ht.Free
Above to 84 cm ht.250/-

Location
The first amusement park of India, Appu Ghar is located in Pragati Maidan.

About Appu Ghar
Inaugurated on 19th November, 1984, by the then Prime Minister, Late Sh. Rajiv Gandhi, on the occasion of the birthday of Late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi, Appu Ghar has come a long way and has created a niche for itself. It is the almost happening place in the city. The dreamchild of the Late Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi was formally opened under the aegis of International Amusement Limited, with it's registered office at Gate No.4, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Spread over 15.5 acres of land, it houses 22 immensely popular rides in its premises, along with a recently opened Water Park - O.Y.S.T.E.R.S. spread over 3.5 acres of land. Apart from the rides, Appu Ghar has fast food centres which serve all kinds of Indian food and a variety of shops selling gift items and wares.

The couples love to dance and romance in the Rain Dance or the Ice Dance that are introduced according to the season. This water park is especially preferred by people to beat off the scorching heat of the summers.

The Attraction of Appu Ghar

A Mini-Disneyland
Appu Ghar in New Delhi is a crowd puller for the residents of the capital as well as those of neighbouring towns. Children will have a time of their life over here, while the enjoying the various rides.

The Swinging Sensations
Appu Ghar has the usual fare of exciting games like Roller Coaster, the Big Splash, Dodgem Cars, the Eerie Tunnel, Giant Wheel, Columbus Jhoola - a ship high up in the sky, the Speeding Cup, a Cable Car, a Saucer that works on centrifugal force and lots more.

Ice Games
Appu Ghar has now introduced Ice Games at OYSTERS, where four acres of the Water Park have been blanketed with ice for winter sports. These include sledding, skiing, ice boating, where one can row through a river full of icebergs and bowling on ice.

Other Attraction
Other enchanting attraction of Appu Ghar are The Majic River, Hi waves, Tower of Thrills, Swimming Pool.

The entry to the park is from Gate No. 4 at Pragati Maidan and remains open on all days of the week.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Advice about Taxis in Delhi

Taxi is what you should take for long distances, for example to go to the airport or to the other side of Delhi. They are more expensive than rickshaws, but they are not very expensive, they will wait for you and bring you back if you need it for very little. As other transports you have to speak about the price before taking it. At the airport you take prepaid taxies at a window you will find at the outside the Arrivals area. Beware of the mob of other drivers and touts calling you at the airport and railway station.

Taxis are metered but even knowing this you need to make sure that the meter is working and has been reset before you take off. You will mostly encounter an extra fee for baggage and also if you are taking a taxi between 11.00pm and 5.00am.

Delhi Weather

Delhi may not exactly conjure up visions of winter. There is however, a period that lasts anything between two to four weeks between end december and the first half of january, when the temperatures take a nosedive. Flights are often delayed, and visibility is poor for much of the time. The days temperatures in celsius, range between 15 degrees maximum and 3 degrees minimum.

The summer months- May to July, can be very hot and dry. July and Jugust see the Moonsoon rains set in and cool down things a bit, however, this brings with it much humidity. The best season to visit Delhi is During the spring seasons of February to April and August to November. The bloom season of February and March make Delhi colourful. This time of the year brings greenery on the face of Delhi.

India, especially in the Summer months, can be extremely hot. The sun can be very strong so put on plenty of sun screen. Drink lots of water and try to stay in the shade when there is any. It gets so hot that the locals walk around with Umbrellas for shade.

Beware of Tap water

Tap water in India is horrible. It contains both bacteria and parasites. Under no circumstance should you drink this water. Always drink bottled water or properly filtered water. Its better to use filter water even to wash your mouth out and for brushing your teeth.

Avoid drinking tap water. Bottled mineral water is ok but ALWAYS check the seal. Avoid eating ice cream. Avoid also ice cubes in your drink. Freshly cooked or boiled food can be considered as safe. Avoid eating raw vegetables or fruit, unless you can peel them yourself.

If you think that just buying a bottle of mineral water is sufficient, think again. Never, I mean NEVER, touch a bottle that is not properly sealed with the plastic coating still wrapped around the cap. And NEVER leave your finished/unfinished bottle of water behind without detroying it first. Chances are that someone will collect it and refill it. They even sell this stuff in hotel restaurants like Ajanta's.

Delhi's notorious Auto-rickshaws

One of my biggest frustrations are the anarchic auto-rickshaw drivers in Delhi, they are very rude almost never have change, moan alot and most of the time try to scam you.

Beware of the fare meters that 'dont work' in auto rickshaws- one of Delhi's popular modes of getting around. The rates to be charged have been revised many a time to keep up with the cost of petrol, and the meters have been switched to electronic ones now, but there still is some confusion about it all... Auto drivers have been taking advantage of the situation and will often tell you that their meter dosent work, and charge you a steep fare The best way to deal with this- before you get into an auto, ask someone about the likely/ usual fare for a specific distance. The Delhi government is looking into the matter and will have it sorted soon i think, but till such time.

Jantar Mantar - Delhi

Location: Parliament Street (Sansad Marg), near Connaught Place (Rajeev Chowk)
Time to Visit: Open on all days of the week from Sunrise to Sunset
Entry Fees: INR 5 for Indian citizens / INR 100 for foreigners
Preferred Timings: Morning and Evening, when shadows can be seen on the astronomical instruments.
Video filming charges: INR 25.
How to Reach: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this monument, which is located in Connaught Place (CP), the heart of the city, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail. From CP one can take a stroll to this monument.
Parking: Free and open to all, 200 m away.
Latitude: 28 degree 37' 35" N.
Longitude: 77 degree 13' 5" E of Greenwich.
Height above sea level: 695 feet.
Local Time: 21 minutes 7.7 seconds after Indian Standard Time
Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station
Nearest Metro Station: Connaught Place
Functional Metro Station: Connaught Place
Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
Time required for sightseeing: 1½ hours


Located about 250 meters south of Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar is one of the world's oldest astronomical observatories. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur (1699-1743) built this collection of salmon-colored structures after studying Hindu, and Muslim astronomical works. The observatory gives a good insight into the technological innovations of the time and is an integral part of India's scientific heritage. According to Sayyid Ahmad Khan, the author of Athar-us-Sanadid, the construction was completed in 1724. Since Jai Singh himself mentioned that he built the instruments by the order of the emperor Muhammad Shah, who ascended the throne only in 1719, the date of Sayyid Ahmad Khan appears to be authentic.


The Jantar Mantar Observatory contains six instruments. The most important or the 'Supreme Instrument' in Jantar Mantar is the Samrat-Yantra, the huge sundial. It is an 'equinoctial dial' or 'equal hour' sundial, consisting of a triangular gnomon with the hypotenuse parallel to the earth's axis. On the either side of the gnomon is a quadrant of a circle parallel to the plane of the equator.

South of this is the Jai Prakash yantra, an instrument which consists of two concave hemispherical structures, used to ascertain the position of the Sun and other heavenly bodies. Jai Singh himself designed this instrument and hence the name, which means 'Invention of Jai'. The Ram-Yantra is south of the Jai Prakash and was used for reading azimuth (horizontal) and altitude (vertical) angles. It consists of two circular buildings with a pillar at its center.

Northwest of this is Misra Yantra, which combines five instruments in one and hence its name. It looks like a stylized 'namaste', the Indian form of greeting, folded hands and palms pressed together. The Niyta-Chakra indicates the meridians of Greenwich, Zurich, Notkey (Japan), and Serichew (Pacific Ocean).

Dakshinottarabhitti-Yantra was used for obtaining meridian altitudes and Karka-rasi-valaya indicated the entry of the Sun in the constellation Cancer. The Agra Yantra (or amplitude instrument) is the second quadrant on the west side of the building and the exact purpose of this structure is not definitely known. The Samrat Yantra, based on the same principles as the large Samrat Yantra, was used to give time and declination before and after noon. Built with brick rubble and plastered with lime, similar observatories were also made at Jaipur, Ujjain, Varanasi and Mathura.

To the east of these instruments, there is a Temple of Lord Bhairava, which was also probably built by Maharaja Jai Singh. The observatory is well maintained by the Archeological Survey of India and is a protected monument under the ASI Act. The gardens that surround the instruments have seasonal flowers and lush grass, where visitors can sit at ease. Jantar Mantar was the logo of the 1982 Asian Games, and the road leading to it is also famous as a favorite site for political protest rallies.

Though these instruments are not functional, as the markings and the floor measurements have blurred with time, there is a proposal to make them operational in the near future. Jantar Mantar is an interesting place to visit, as the geometric structures are fascinating to look at. Jantar Mantar also provides a calm and soothing environment, in the midst of the regular hullabaloo of the city. Spread in a good open area, the protected monument has all basic facilities such as drinking water and toilet facilities. For eatables it is advisable to eat the packed food available outside the main entrance. There is no parking facility at the monument but tourists can park their vehicles in the nearby parking area, which is 200 meters away.


Annual Event:
Astronomical shows are organized yearly (for details check with the local authorities)

Nearby Tourist Attractions:
Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and Hanuman Mandir

Nearby Places to Eat:
Hotel The Park, Hotel Le Meridien, Imperial Hotel, Hotel Inter-Continental, Parikrama Revolving restaurant, Gaylord, El Rodeo, Bercos, Zen restaurant, Delhi Darbar, Nizam's Kathi Kebabs and Standard Restaurant. For snacks and fast foods: Bengali Market (sweets and chaat), Kake da hotel (Indian food), Wengers, Mc Donalds, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, Nirula's, Ruby Tuesday, Sona Rupa, Starbeans, Barista, Café Coffee Day and innumerable roadside food stalls for the adventurous traveler.

Nearby Shopping Venues:
Connaught Place offers everything from jewellery, books, art, leather goods and a wide choice of Indian and international clothes stores. Central Cottage Industries Emporium has Indian handicrafts and curios. Baba Kharak Singh Marg houses the emporia of all the states of India, dedicated to each state's unique art and craft created by traditional and skilled artisans. Janpath offers clothes, low priced gifts and souvenirs and Palika Bazaar offers a wide range of electronic items.

India For You offers Tours to Delhi, the capital of India. For more information or to book a tour, please enter your query in the form below.

India Gate in Delhi

Location: Less than a mile from Connaught Place, (Rajeev Chowk) at the eastern end of Rajpath.


Time to Visit: Open on all days, around the clock


Preferred Timings: 7.00 pm-9.30 pm


Admission: Free and open to all


How to Reach: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach the monument, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or take the metro rail. From CP one can even take a stroll till India Gate


Video charges: Nil


Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station


Nearest Metro Station: Kendriya Terminal


Functional Metro Station: Kendriya Terminal


Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Aiport


Time required for sightseeing: Approximately 1 hour



India Gate:
Built in 1931 and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, this 42 m high stone arch of victory, universally known as India Gate, stands at the eastern end of Rajpath. It was previously officially known as the All India War Memorial. The names of the 90,000 Indian Army soldiers who died in the First World War, Afghan campaign of 1919 and the North-West Frontier operations are inscribed on the walls of this grand structure.

In the year 1971, an eternal flame or Amar Jawan Jyoti, was lit under the arch of India Gate to honor the brave unknown, soldier. The flame is flanked by uniformed soldiers, who stand guard over the flame. Near the flame, a shining rifle with a helmet on it, is placed on a high pedestal, as a tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in battle. The best time to visit India Gate is after sunset, when the structure is floodlit and the atmosphere becomes pleasant. In the evening people come here for perambulation and children can be seen playing on the beautiful green lawns and around the trees that surround the structure. Visitors can enjoy boating in the water bodies alongside the lawns. Fountains located nearby are also illuminated with colored lights to add further resplendence to the ambience. The fair-like festive environment, is enhanced by numerous hawkers selling ice cream, street food, toys and balloons.

Just a few meters away from India Gate, there is a beautiful canopy or domed kiosk, with a roof of red sandstone, under which the marble statue of George V once stood. The canopy was also designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and was built in 1936. The statue has been removed from beneath the canopy to the Coronation Memorial Park in North Delhi. The emptiness of the canopy is symbolic of the British retreat from India. The visitor can stand on the other side of the canopy and can view the entire Rajpath Avenue at a stretch, which is indeed a wonderful sight.


Special Event / Annual Event:
Republic Day Parade. Every year on 26th January, the President of India places a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti to pay his respects to the Indian armed forces. A grand parade then takes place along Rajpath. Marching contingents, tanks and weaponry, as well as colorful floats, folk dances and school children from different parts of India, take part in this resplendent ceremony that celebrate's India's Republic Day.

Swar Utsav: Organized by Delhi Tourism every October, the best Indian classical musicians perfom for music lovers, in the beautiful ambience of the India Gate lawns.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:
Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Presidential mansion; North and South Block, where important government offices are located; Parliament House where Indian leaders meet, the National Museum with its extensive collection of historical artifacts and the National Gallery of Modern Art famous for its contemporary Indian art collection.


Nearby Places to Eat:
Ice cream vendors on the India gate lawns offer a wide choice of ice cream. There are many hotels and restaurants nearby. Some of these are - Hotel Le Meridien, Imperial Hotel, Hotel Inter-Continental, Parikrama Revolving restaurant, Connaught Place nearby offers many culinary options. Some of these are Gaylord, El Rodeo, Bercos, Zen restaurant, Delhi Darbar, Nizam's Kathi Kebabs and Standard Restaurant. For snacks and fast foods: McDonalds, Nirula's, Wengers, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza, Ruby Tuesday, Sona Rupa, Barista and Café Coffee Day. Bengali Market (for traditional Indian sweets), Kake da hotel (Indian food), and innumerable roadside foodstalls for the adventurous street-food eater.

Nearby Shopping Venues:
Connaught Place offers everything from jewellery, books, art, leather goods and a wide choice of Indian and international clothes stores. Central Cottage Industries Emporium has Indian handicrafts and curios. Baba Kharak Singh Marg houses the emporia of all the states of India dedicated to each state's unique art and craft created by traditional and skilled artisans. Janpath offers clothes, low priced gifts and souvenirs and Palika Bazaar offers a wide range of electronic items.

Indfy.com offers tours to Delhi and its tourist attractions. For more information please enter your query in the form below.

British Council in Delhi

Is a useful place to know about, can provide various info and has a decent library

http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-regional-new-delhi.htm

ADDRESS
British Council DivisionBritish High Commission17 Kasturba Gandhi MargNew Delhi 110 001

OPENING TIMES
New Delhi Library: Monday to Saturday 10:00-18:00
British Council Office: Open Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00Telephone: (00) (91) (11) 23711401, 23710111 and 23710555Fax: (00) (91) (11) 23710717 and 23719616

Shoppers Stop in Ansal Plaza

Ansal Plaza is the only real mall located in South Delhi. Although it is a bit small, especially compared to the large malls in Gurgoan, it is better than nothing and has some decent shops.

The best shop by far for us expats is Shoopers Stop, it is something like Debenhams (you UK lot will understand that), it is multi-floored large shop which has good quality branded products at reasonable prices.

Check out their website: http://www.shoppersstop.com/

Monday, October 09, 2006

Beware of scams in Palika Bazar

In the early '90's, Palika Bazar was the place in Delhi to find original brand electronics like Sony, Panasonic, Nikon, etc. Import duties were too high for legitimate business to import electronics, so smuggled goods were the only way to obtain them. Cut to 2006. All major brands like Sony, Olympus, Philips, Canon, Panasonic have dedicated outlets in or authorized distributors Connaught Place itself. In fact, originals are now available at any reputable electronics shop like Dass Studios in F block, Mahatta Studio in A, Bercos in E, etc. And their prices turn out to be less than company-listed prices! On the other hand, prices in Palika Bazar have actually gone up compared to the authorized shops. Here's what I found on my latest visit to Delhi: Sony Handycam DCR-H21: Listed price: IN Rs.21,000 Sony World (Janpath): IN Rs.19,900 (official, with invoice) Shop no. 7 Palika Bazar: IN Rs.22,500 (smuggled, cash-only, no invoice) Shop no. 264 Palika Bazar: IN Rs.21,000 (official, with invoice) Memory Stick Pro 1GB: Listed price: IN Rs.2,800 Sony World: IN Rs.2,190 (official, invoice) Shop no. 7: IN Rs.3,250 (smuggled, cash-only, no invoice) Shop no. 264: IN Rs.2,500 (official, invoice) Canon Powershot SD450 (called Ixus 55 here): Listed price: IN 23,995 Dass Studios (F block): IN Rs. 22,000 (official, invoice) Shop no. 7: IN Rs.24,000 (smuggled, cash-only, no invoice) Shop no. 264: IN Rs.23,000 (official, invoice) The worst rip-off is Shop no. 7, Palika Bazar, but they merely represent the problems plaguing Palika Bazar: get-rich-quick outfits coming up overnight and mooching off the fast-fading reputation of Palika Bazar. Poor sods, apparently from villages around Delhi in Haryana or UP, still think it's the final destination for electronics. They're probably unfamiliar or intimidated by the official outlets that they don't even look outside Palika. If you ever need extra memory for your camera or a miniDV for your camcorder or anything electronic, don't go to Palika Bazar. There's only one reason to go to Palika and that's for the pirated DVDs. Don't pay more than 65 bucks for those either! For Sony products, see Sony World on Janpath. For digital memory, see Dass Studios in F block or Mahatta in A block. For cellphone chargers and batteries, see Nokia in K block or Beecham's Press in M block (for other phones).

By torontolocal on July 15, 2006

Lodi Gardens

(All data as of October 2005)

Location:On the main Lodi Road, about a kilometer east of Safdarjang's tomb

Time to Visit:Open on all days

Admission Fee:Free and open to all

How to Reach:Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach the gardens, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail.

Preferred Timings:Sunrise - to late evening. Avoid public holidays when the park is full of picnickers

Photography charges: nil

Nearest Railway Station:New Delhi Railway Station

Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat

Functional Metro Station: Central Secretariat

Nearest International Airport:Indira Gandhi International Airport

Time required for sightseeing:From 1 hour to a whole day

Earlier known as Lady Willington Park, Lodi Gardens is located on the main Lodi Road, about a kilometer east of Safdarjang's tomb. Beautifully landscaped and well laid out with small water bodies, fountains and a jogging track, the gardens are very popular with people of all ages in the capital. Re-landscaped by JA Stein and Garrett Eckbo in 1968, the gardens also house the National Bonsai Park that has a fine selection of bonsais. However, the main attractions are the ancient monuments belonging to the Sayyid and Lodi periods around which the garden was laid out in 1936 by relocating the then existing village.

The Lodi Gardens has many species of trees, a Rose Garden, and a Green House, where plants are stored. The garden is at its best during the months of February and March, when winter flowers are in full bloom. Many species of birds can be seen in Lodi Gardens throughout the year. These include babblers, parakeets, mynahs, kites, owls, kingfishers near the lake and a family of Hornbills. Previously many vultures could be seen perched on the domes of the tombs, but their numbers have declined in recent years. The playful squirrels in the park are used to people and often approach visitors sitting on benches in the hope of being fed.

The Lodi Gardens are a popular picnic spot in winter and the park can get very crowded during winter afternoons. Yoga classes are held every morning in the park and regular walkers exercise early in the morning and late at night. Street lamps along the paths and jogging track ensure the route is well lit.

The Lodi Gardens are a beautiful example of history preserved in the heart of modern south Delhi. A walk around the serene oasis of the Lodi Gardens is sure to prove a refreshing break from the urban rush of bustling Delhi.

Structures within Lodi Gardens

Muhammad Shah's Tomb
The tomb of Muhammad Shah (1434-44), the third ruler of the Sayyid dynasty is located in the southwestern part of the garden. It is a typical octagonal tomb with the central chamber surrounded by a verandah having three arched openings on each side. There are stone lintels (chhajjas) along the arches of the verandah with the sloping buttresses at the corner and a chhatri on the roof over the center of each side. The tomb definitely shares its prominent features with the previous octagonal tombs but the beauty of this tomb lies in its proportions, the crowning lotus and decoration on the domes. There are eight graves inside the tomb of which the central one is said to be the grave of Muhammad Shah.

Bara Gumbad and Masjid
Bara Gumbad is a square tomb surmounted by a large dome, situated 300 meters northeast of Muhammad Shah's tomb. Though often considered as a gateway of Bara Mosque, which it is not, the tomb has facades and turrets and was supposedly built during the reign of Sultan Sikandar Lodi (1489-1517). According to the records, the interior of the tomb was beautified with stuccowork and paintings. Since the tomb had no graves so the person buried inside is till date unidentified. It is assumed that he must be an officer of high rank for whom such a magnificent structure was constructed.
Bara Gumbad Masjid is situated on the western side of the tomb just next to it. Built in 1494 AD as inscribed on its southern mihrab, the mosque occupies an important place

Sheesh Gumbad
Few meters north of Bara-Gumbad Mosque lies another Lodi period tomb, the Sheesh Gumbad also known as 'glazed dome' because of the beautiful blue tiled decoration of the tomb, which now only traces remain. Very similar to Bara Gumbad in appearance, the western wall of the tomb has the mihrab that served as a mosque. The tomb is surmounted by a dome, which was originally decorated with blue tiles. Some of the similar decoration can be seen today but only above the main façade. The interior of the tomb was also decorated with incised plasterwork containing floral designs and Quranic inscriptions.

Sikandar Lodi's Tomb
This octagonal tomb lies about 250 meters north of the Sheesh Gumbad and has features very similar to that of Mubarak Shah's tomb and Muhammad Shah's tomb. Located in the northwestern corner of Lodi Gardens, the tomb has a central octagonal chamber with each side opening in three arches with sloping buttresses at the corner. Unlike the above the mentioned tombs, the chhatris of this tomb are missing. The tomb is enclosed within a square garden and has a wall-mosque on the west.

Athpula
Athpula is further located east of Sikandar Lodi's tomb. As the name suggests (Ath-eight, Pula-piers), the stone bridge has eight piers and seven arches and crosses the small waterway running through the garden. The bridge is said to have been built during Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign by Nawab Bahadur.

Nearby Tourist Attractions
India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Ugrasen-ki-Baoli, Moth-ki-Masjid, Lotus Temple, Nizamuddin's Shrine and Chirag Dehlvi's Dargah

Nearby Places to Eat
Eatopia at India Habitat Centre, India International Centre for members only, Barista and other restaurants at Khan Market. There are many good eating joints are there in Ansal Plaza shopping mall on Khel Gaon Marg as well as in South Extension Part I & II modern markets. Since the gardens are near to Connaught Place, one can also many options to choose from the popular restaurants of CP.

Nearby Shopping Venues
Ansal Plaza, one of the best malls of Delhi on Khel Gaon Marg, South Extension Part I & II modern markets, Khan Market, Janpath and Connaught Place.

Hospitals in Delhi

Aashlok Hospital
25-A/AB Block, Safdarjang Enclave
26165901/02/03/04

All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Ansari Nagar
26588500, 26588700, 26589900
26588663, 26588641

Anand Hospital
B-52, Main Najafgarh Road
25506688

Anand Hospital
21, Community Centre, Preet Vihar
22228617/22220480/22226870

Balak Ram Hospital
Timarpur
23914315, 23984204

Bara Hindu Rao Hospital
Malka Ganj
2919706, 2919562

Base Hospital
Delhi Cantonment
25691997

Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre
1, Tughlakabad Institutional Area
26983747, 26986855,

Central Hospital, Northern Railway
Basant Lane, Connaught Place
23734009

Chikitsa Hospital
B/4, Saket
26850033/0044, 26568191

Chopra Hospital
DDA Community Centre, Yusuf Sarai
26868645, 26866396

Dharamshila Cancer Hospital & Research Hospital
Vasundhara Enclave
22617771,72,73,74,75

Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
Baba Kharag Singh Marg, Near Gole Dakkhana
23365525

Dr. Shroffs Charity Eye Hospital
Kedar Nath Road, Daryaganj
23251564/1581
23251589
sceh@sceh.net

East West Medical Centre
B-28, Greater Kailash
24690429/24623738
24692696

Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre
Okhla Road
91-11-26825000, 91-11-26825001
91-11-26825013
contact@ehirc.com

Fortis Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital
Sector B, Pocket I,Aruna Asif Ali Road,Vasant Kunj
91-11-42776222
www.fortishealthcare.com

Fortis Jessa Ram Hospital
WEA, Karol Bagh
91-11-257-45265
51503221
www.fortishealthcare.com

Fortis La Femme Hospital
S-549 GK-II,
91-11-510-45104
51436103

Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital
Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg
3234242

Gujarmal Modi Hospital & Research Centre
Mandir Marg, Saket-17
91-11-26852112, 26852116, 26854611

Guru Nanak Eye Centre
Maharaja Ranjit Singh Marg
23234612, 23235145

Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital
Dilshad Garden, Shahdara
2586262

Hindu Rao Hospital
Bara Hindu Rao
3919476, 3919613

Holy Angels Hospital
Plot B, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar
26142832 26141119

Holy Family Hospital
Okhla Road, Jamia Nagar
011 - 26845900 to 09

Indian Spinal Injuries Centre
Vasant Kunj
91-11-26896642, 26894884, 26898448

Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
Mathura Road, Sarita Vihar
011-26925858 / 26925801
91-11-26823629
helpdesk@apollohospdelhi.com

Infectious Diseases Hospital
Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar
27250126

Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences
Dilshad Garden, Shahdara
011-22112136
22599227, 22114066
ihbas@nda.vsnl.net.in

Jain Eye Hospital
AG-152, Shalimar Bagh
011-27479272, 27477399

Jaipur Golden Hospital
2-Institutional Area, Sector 3, Rohini
011-27260935 to 37

Jeevan Hospital
1, New Rohtak Road
011-23676403, 23528350

Jeevan Nursing Home & Hospital
2-B, Pusa Road, Karol Bagh
22250380, 22255917, 22255993

Jessa Ram Hospital
Karol Bagh
011- 25781626, 25745264, 25745265, 25716781

Jivodaya
Ashok Vihar-1
011-27253204, 27418672

Kalavati Saran Children's Hospital
Bangla Sahib Marg
3363396, 3363609

Kalra Hospital & SRHIRC
A-6, Kirti Nagar
25123117, 25434600, 25430370
25108119

Kasturba Hospital
Near Jama Masjid
3274376

Khetrapal Hospital
F-95, Najafgarh Road, Bali Nagar
25451955, 25423444, 25935488

Kolmet Hospital
7-B, Sadhu Vaswani Marg
25752055, 25752056, 25752057

Lion's Hospital & Research Centre
Opposite B Block, New Friends Colony
6831265, 6833879

Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital
Jawaharlal Nehru Marg
2323 3400, 2323 2400

M.P. Heart Centre
W-33, GK-1
26413436, 26489830

Maharaja Agarsain Hospital
D-Block, Ashok Vihar Phase 1
91-11-2711 9243, 2721 7991, 2724 9743

Malhotra Heart Institute & Research Centre
14, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lajpat Nagar
2648-1355/3462, 2646-1157

Mann Hospital (P) Ltd.
3, Roop Nagar
91-11-23967169

Mata Chanan Devi Hospital
C-1, Janakpuri
25554702, 25554487

Max Balaji Hospital, Patparganj
108A, Indraprastha, Opp Saanchar Apartments, Patparganj
22235555
22235563

Max Devki Devi Heart and Vascular Institute
2, Press Enclave Road, Saket
26515050
26510050

Max Hospital, Noida
A-364, Sector-19, NOIDA
95120-2549999/2535500
95120-2535557

Max Hospital, Pitampura
HB twin Towers, Near TV Tower, Pitampura
27351844
27357229

Max Medcentre, Panchsheel Park
N-110 Panchsheel Park
26499870
26499860

Max Super Speciality Hospital
2, Press Enclave Road, Saket
66115050
66115077

Mohinder Hospital
C-5, Green Park Extension
26852880

Mother and Child Maternity and IVF Centre
Defence Colony
6809568, 6809574

National Heart Institute
49, Commercial Centre, East of Kailash
26414156 / 7 / 4075

Nehru Homeopathic Medical College & Hospital
B-Block Defence Colony
24623803, 24621193

New Delhi Tuberculosis Centre
Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg
23236923

North Delhi Nursing Home
3, Community Centre-II, Ph-II, Ashok Vihar
011 27422131, 27133787, 27452450

Northend Medicare Centre
Lusa Tower, Azadpur
27232323

Nulife Hospital & Maternity Centre
1616, Outram Lines, Kingsway Camp
011 27232646, 27650066, 27650084

Orthonova Hospital
23, Community Centre, Pushp Vihar
011 26987048

Patnaik Laser Institute
M-1, Lajpat Nagar-III
011 26831176, 26823276

Pushpavati Singhania Research Institute
Press Enclave Marg, Sheikh Sarai-II
011 - 29250042

R.G. Stone Clinic
F-7, East Of Kailash
011-26473599 /26230641, 26230643, 51621000-04
011-26218743

Rajan Babu Tuberculosis Hospital
Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar
7218673

Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute
Sector-5, Rohini
7051011-20
www.rgci.com

Research and Referral Hospital
Delhi Cantonment
5693561, 5693564

Roop Nagar Hospital
3/13, Roop Nagar
3915897, 3927851

Roshanlal Bajaj Memorial Hospital and Research Institute
C/3, Guru GS Marg
5737473

Safdarjang Hospital
Safdarjang
6165060, 6165032

Sahi Hospital
Mathura Road, Jangpura
4314086, 4319802

Sama Nursing Home
8, Siri Fort Road
6256198, 6255473

Sanjeevan Medical Research Centre
24, Ansari Road, Daryaganj
3257143, 3257144

Saroj Hospital
Madhuban Chowk, Rohini
7877201, 7877202

Sehgal Nursing Home
B-29, Kailash Colony
6441913

Shanti Mukand Hospital
2, Institutional Area, Vikas Marg Extension, Karkardooma
2157575, 2159022

Shri Mool Chand K. R. Hospital
Lajpat Nagar-III
6920217, 6822675

Shroff Eye Centre
A-9, Kailash Colony

Shyam Lal Nursing Home
19, Ansari Road, Daryaganj
3268310, 3271328

Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
Ganga Ram Hospital MargRajinder Nagar
25851463, 25735205
gangaram@sgrh.com; www.sgrh.com

Sita Ram Bhartiya Institute of Science & Research
B-16, Mehrauli Institutional Area, Near Qutub Hotel
6968902, 6968905

Skin Institute & School of Dermatology
N Block, GK-1
6414349, 6412350

Smt. Sucheta Kriplani Hospital
3363728, 3362754

South Point Hospital
G-48, Masjid Moth, Greater Kailash-II
6438932, 6410048

Spring Meadows Hospital
F-44, East Of Kailash
6410347

Sri Balaji Nursing Home
195, Deepali, Pitam Pura
7013204, 7011146

St. Stephen's Hospital
Tis Hazari
3966024

Sujan Mohinder Hospital
1, Community Centre, New Friends Colony
6934105, 6835676

Sukhda Hospital
R-Block, GK-1, Opposite Pamposh Enclave
5423073, 6416475

Summit Hospital
9, Palam Marg, Vasant Vihar
6142653, 6144621

Sunder Lal Jain Hospital
Ashok Vihar, Phase III
7240484, 7235022

Tirath Ram Shah Hospital
2, Battery Lane, Rajpur Road
3972425, 3956336

Vasant Lok Hospital
Vasant Vihar
6149423, 6144661

Vashishtha Orthopaedic Hospital
B-35, Shivalik, Malviya Nagar
6465361

VIMHANS
1, Institutional Area, Nehru Nagar
6924300, 6310510-20
Fax: 6919916
helpline@vimhans.org; www.vimhans.org

Saturday, October 07, 2006

Getting the right broadband connection in India

For most of us expats a broadband internet connection has become a neccessity that we can't live without. There are lots of different broadband packages to choose from in Delhi, the following site is very useful in helping you to decide which one is best for you.

Broadband in India : India Broadband and Telecom Blog

Frustrations

We all need to winge from time to time, this section will contain posts about our common frustrations about life in Delhi.

Delhi's notorious Auto-rickshaws

Beware of Tap water

Tips

Posts giving useful tips for expat life in Delhi will appear here.

Beware of Tap water

Delhi Weather

Beware of scams in Palika Bazar

Getting the right broadband connection in India

Friday, October 06, 2006

TGI Friday's Restaraunt in Delhi

If your craving for some good burgers, BBQ food and a taste of home then TGI Friday's is one of the best places in town. They over 80 items on the food menu, from Far East to All American.

There is one in Connought place, one in Vasant Vihar and another in Gurgaon.

Check out their website for further info http://www.tgifindia.com

In Vasant Vihar
62, Basant LokVasant ViharNew Delhi - 110057 For reservations call: 2614 0964 or 2614 0761E-mail: t1524@fridaysindia.com

In Connaught Place
F-16, Connaught Place, Inner CircleNew Delhi - 110001For reservations call :2371 1991E-mail: t1525@fridaysindia.com

In Gurgaon
Metropolitan Mall, Gurgaon Mehrauli Road.Tel: 0124-4018681/82E-mail: t1526@fridaysindia.com

Service Apartments in Delhi

If you have just moved to Delhi and need some time before you decide upon a place to stay or if you have guests who are coming over it is useful to know about service apartments. The following are some links to service apartments we have found in Delhi so far:

http://www.delhiescape.net/
Location - Vasant Vihar

http://www.pay4staydelhi.tk/
Location - East of Kailash

http://www.caravanseraiapartments.com/
Locations - Vasant Kunj, Vasant Vihar & Mayfair Gardens

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Taj Hotel's spa facilities

Guests can rejuvenate themselves and keep in shape with our wide variety of soothing and invigorating spa services and facilities.

Swimming Pool: Ideal for a refreshing dip or an invigorating exercise session. Light refreshments and drinks are served at the poolside from 5 am to 10 pm.

Gymnasium: Open 24 hours, the gymnasium is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art fitness equipment from TechnoGym and LifeFitness and has six treadmills, two cross trainer, individual workout stations for leg extension, lower back and shoulder press, a stepper, three exercise cycles, a rowing machine, a multi-gym, free weights, latpulley, Swiss balls and exercise mats.

Wet Spa: The wet areas are equipped with a Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Sauna and chilled shower. Separate facilities are available for men and women with an changing room and locker facility. Open from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm.

The Salon: Separate facilities are available for men and women. The Salon offers a range of hair, nail and skin treatments. Open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

For more details, visit http://www.tajhotels.com/TajSpa/default.htm

Entertainment & Leisure

Posts relating to entertainment in Delhi will appear here.

Good cinemas in and around Delhi

Sports & Recreation in Delhi

Taj Hotel's spa facilities

Mughal Garden in Delhi

Auditoriums in Delhi

Sport - Stadiums in Delhi

Sports & Recreation in Delhi

Expat Jobs

Posts relavent to Expat Jobs in Delhi will appear here.

Agency which recruits for Top Jobs in India

Shopping in Delhi

Posts relavent to shopping in Delhi appear here

Good Delhi Classifieds site

Shopping Guide - Khan Market - a guided tour

Shoppers Stop in Ansal Plaza

Beware of scams in Palika Bazar

Eating out

Posts relavent to eating out in Delhi appear here.
- TGI Friday's Restaraunt in Delhi
- KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Subway in Connaught Place

Accomodation

Posts relavent to accomodation in Delhi appear here.

Service Apartments in Delhi

Travel

Posts relavent to travel appear here.

Reliable Travel booking sites in India

Advice about Taxis in Delhi

Delhi's notorious Auto-rickshaws




Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Sports & Recreation in Delhi

We have got this information from some websites, please note some of the phone numbers may not be working, for some of them add a '2' at the beginning of the number - this may make it work as that convention was added after some of these numbers were published. If you still can't get the numbers to work, don't worry in future we are going to do research on all of the numbers so we can provide you with the latest working numbers.

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 (Pool & 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.

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.

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.

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).

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 TouristComplex, 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: It 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.

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.

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.

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.

Good cinemas in and around Delhi

It is strange but true that it is difficult to find the websites for the good cinemas which are to expats liking in one place. That's why we thought to give you the results of our many frustrating online searches - to save you the hassle.

The following are the websites of some of the good cinemas in and around Delhi - they are modern according to Western standards and show English movies. As in the West good snacks are also available like popcorn, nachos, etc. The listings for movies are published daily in all main english newspapers such as The Times of India.

We will be reviewing some them in future. We will also add to this list as and when more are opened.

PVR Cinemas
There are many of these at various locations in Delhi, check the website for details.

Wave Cinemas - Noida
Located at the CentreStage mall in Noida

Satyam Cineplexes - One of these will be coming to Nehru place soon, all of us in South Delhi have been waiting for this.

DT Cinemas
Located at City Centre mall & Mega mall in Gurgoan.

Adlabs - IMAX
Located at Pacific Mall,Plot No. 1, Dr Burman RoadSahibabad, Ghaziabad. Tel : 0120-3012053/54

IMAX 3D theatres feature advanced twin-lens projection systems that enable images to leap from the giant flat silver screen and into the seats. At an IMAX 3D presentation you are provided with custom designed polarized glasses or a cordless electronic headset precisely aligned with the projection system. The effect is truly amazing and not available anywhere else. Almost half of all IMAX theatres can also show 3D presentations.

Agency which recruits for Top Jobs in India

We know it is difficult for expats to find good alternatives to their current jobs within India. It is worth submitting your resume to the most common jobsites like monster.com and naukri.com, however we have discovered the following recruitment agency which specialises in top jobs which are suitable for expats.

http://www.edgeindia.com/

EDGE is a premier, professionally managed Executive Search firm established in 1990. It specialises in the search and recruitment of top-notch professionals at middle and senior management levels across a broad range of industries. We work with blue-chip world leaders to fill positions across India and at several international locations.

Shopping Guide - Khan Market - a guided tour

(Eicher page 97, grid reference C4)

Khan Market - much used by the expat and diplomatic community. Excellent book shops, some upmarket clothing, a good dental practice, opticians, grocers, photographers, tailors, computer shops, and a couple of upmarket household furnishing stores. There is also a liquor shop selling imported beer, spirits and wine.

Khan is a large U-shaped market with two parallel "U"s and a couple of extra bits. (If anyone has a better description - I'll buy you a beer.) The front is full of photographers, stationery shops, a computer software shop, and some excellent book shops. Books are cheap in India and it's hard not to buy bags of them at a time.

Cutting through to the back of the market - there is very little on the inside of the parallel Us although it might be worth a stroll down if you have the time to spare - you come to the inside part, facing a small park. Along this street, you'll find good mini-market type shops selling imported veg and other goods. For a foreigner the choice is better (if more expensive) than at, say, Sarojini. There are also a couple of boutiques selling upmarket household furnishings, a good florist and a variety of other shops.

Turning right, from the cut-through, and then left at the corner, walk a little way up for Grover Tailors. Each family has their own favourite tailor, and we have so far always been pleased with Grover. Please write in with your own recommendations.

Dr Siddharta's dental surgery is almost directly behind this, on the outside of the outer U, where you can get good treatment.

Right over on the opposite arm of the "U" from Grovers et al, and crossing the main road from there, most of the block consists of car repair workshops. However, you'll find Narula's stationery shop, which is near the park and quite easy to find. Narula's can usually get whatever you need, be it filing cabinet suspension files, pens and paper, if they don't already have it. Recommended. There is also a handy little hardware store tucked away in the street behind Narula's.

Across the other side of the road mainly specialises in lighting. Look out for Crystal Palace which has some nice modern ones at reasonable prices. The Liquor Shop is also here, where you can buy beers and spirits. Bottles of local Fosters currently retail at Rs20 which isn't bad at all. There's also a "Body Shop" type of place called Khadi which sells a small range of Ayurvedic food and cosmetics. Nice stuff.

There are, of course, several places to eat or to recover from shopping with a cup of coffee - for instance, the Full Circle bookshop has a nice cafe. Plus there are a couple of restaurants.

Good Delhi Classifieds site

The following is a good classifieds site for Delhi where you can find all sorts of stuff like furniture, electronics, househould appliances, office equipment, etc. You can also post your own items to sell on there which is useful:

Classifieds Ads for Delhi

Reliable Travel booking sites in India

The following are good reliable sites to book air tickets & hotels in India, some good discounts and deals are also available on them from time to time:

http://www.makemytrip.com

http://www.travelguru.com