Info for Expats in Delhi

Noida Malls

2008-05-26T13:32:00.001+05:30

Noida is about 30 minutes from south Delhi by Auto (depending on the traffic), you can either take the toll road or there's a longer way without the toll. Noida has a number of prominent shopping malls such as the Great India Place - Sector 38 (opp. Sector-18), the Centre Stage Mall (Sector 18), the Sabb Mall (Sector 27), the Spice World Mall (Sector 25) that have become visitor attractions. We prefer to go to the Great India Place Mall as it's the largest you can almost find eveything under its roof. There is a nice food court on the top, Sab ka Bazaar on the bottom floor - where you will find all household stuff, veg, fruit, canned food, cookery, etc

They have a small bowling place, Pool tables that's about it. Unfortunately Delhi doesn't get any better than that...It's an AC place where you can hangout if you wanna get away from the heat for awhile.

Download Celebrity Big Brother - Watch Shilpa Shetty

2007-01-12T05:51:00.000+05:30

Its quite hilarious to see the Indian Bollywood actress interact with other US & UK celebrities on UK's hit TV series 'Celebrity Big brother'. You can download the entire episodes to watch by using a bit torrent client. Utorrent is probably the best Bit torrent client out there, it is free to download from http://www.utorrent.com/

Once you have installed a Bit-torrent client you can download the episodes of 'Celebrity Big brother' from:

http://www.torrentportal.com/torrents-search.php?search=celebrity+big+brother

Good reliable international couriers from Delhi

2007-01-12T05:48:00.000+05:30

We have used these couriers, they are reliable and have especially good rates for sending to the UK:

http://www.dartairservices.com/

Tradeindia.com

2007-01-12T05:46:00.000+05:30

Useful site for traders:

http://www.tradeindia.com/

Site for Flight & Hotel booking in India

2007-01-12T05:43:00.000+05:30

The following is new site we found which is useful for booking flights or hotels in India:

http://www.cleartrip.com

Good Real Estate site for India

2006-11-20T02:40:00.000+05:30

Check out http://www.magicbricks.com

Is good for buying/selling or renting/leasing properties, including residential.

Women's only Gym in New Delhi

2006-11-01T01:36:00.001+05:30

THIS IS TO INFORM EVERYONE THAT THE GYM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO SOME MCD ISSUE. IF THERE ARE ANY CHANGES I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.

Fitness Circle Gym

This gym is run by an American lady and has all the mod cons, it is an excellent air-conditioned gym for women and a good place to meet fellow expats. It is located in the good colony of Nizamuddin West in South Delhi, not so far from Connought place (approx 20mins by autorickshaw).

It has treadmills, excercise circuit, rowing machine, stepper, floor excercises, hand weights, excercise ball, elliptical cycle and twister.

Fee:
50Rs - per day
200Rs - per week
800Rs - per month
2000Rs - 3 months
3500Rs - 6 months

Address
A-15 Nizamuddin West,
New Delhi
Tel: 011-41827165

Timings
Monday - Saturday: 7am - 1pm, 3pm-9pm

Aerobic Classes
Monday - 5pm
Wednesday & Friday - 8am
Saturday - 10am

Museums in Delhi

2006-10-29T06:57:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-29T06:51:00.000+05:30

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

Packing Tips

2006-10-23T22:21:00.000+05:30

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).

Bargaining as a must in Delhi

2006-10-18T07:48:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T07:45:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T07:39:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T07:23:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T07:18:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T07:16:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T07:07:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T07:04:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T07:00:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T04:00:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T03:50:00.000+05:30

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

2006-10-18T03:46:00.000+05:30

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.

Advice about Taxis in Delhi

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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

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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

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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.