Going to India

[jolinar of malkshor]

I will be going to New Delhi at the end of the month. Any suggestions on what to see and do for the day? I will be staying in the diplomatic enclave area of the city in New Delhi.

Thanks in advance.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by jolinar of malkshor

I will be going to New Delhi at the end of the month. Any suggestions on what to see and do for the day? I will be staying in the diplomatic enclave area of the city in New Delhi.

Thanks in advance.

Leave the enclave and go walking around.

[Bigtime]

A couple of quick things off the top of my head:

-Red Fort
-Connaught Place area



Man I had an epic beard after 26 days!

I would suggest hitting the streets and just checking it out. Do you only have one day? Or do you have time to make the trip over to Agra to see the Taj Mahal?

[prarieboy]

Go to old Delhi. I think the Red Fort is there iirc. Quite the eye opener for us western folk. LOTS of people.

[Bigtime]

Very close to the Red Fort is a giant Mosque as well, the name escapes me though. It was probably a 15 minute walk from the Red Fort.

[Ben Dover]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

Very close to the Red Fort is a giant Mosque as well, the name escapes me though. It was probably a 15 minute walk from the Red Fort.

Its called Jama Masjid & its the largest mosque in India. You may also want to check out the Akshardham Temple.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

A couple of quick things off the top of my head:

-Red Fort
-Connaught Place area



Man I had an epic beard after 26 days!

I would suggest hitting the streets and just checking it out. Do you only have one day? Or do you have time to make the trip over to Agra to see the Taj Mahal?

Hey, thanks for the pic. Ya I only have one day. I would really like to see the Taj but I just don't have the time. I will definately check out the red fort and post a few pics.

[prarieboy]

If you go shopping for anything make sure you barter. If you look like your from out of town (white) expect to pay way more than you need to.

My Driver wouldn't let me go shopping on my own cause I got ripped off too bad.

Also be careful of people that sidle up to you and want to tell you the history of the place you are visiting. After their done they want money.

When you get swarmed by 30 people wanting to sell you postcards and other touristy items it's best to simply ignore them. They'll go away soon enough. Don't even say no thanks. I had a guy in Conaught Place follow me for 45 minutes trying to sell me sunglasses and I was wearing sunglasses at the time.

Eat at the embassy. Some of my co workers ended up in the hospital when they decided to check out the local restaurants.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by prarieboy

Eat at the embassy. Some of my co workers ended up in the hospital when they decided to check out the local restaurants.

I would disagree with this. Why shelter yourself completely? My wife and I spent 26 days backpacking India, and we only got sick once. You want to know where? McDonalds, yeah.

Stick to veggie dishes and eat at places with high traffic and you should be fine. I remember countless restaurants and Starbucks like shops all over Connaught Place, had many nice meals there.

Go to your doctor and get a prescription for Dukoral (http://www.crucell.com/Products/Dukoral) to help minimize any trouble that could be caused by the food over there.

Barter, barter, barter. It is a lot of fun and you can usually get the price down pretty far on something you want. Or just walk away and watch how the price drops even further!

[Pastiche]

Eat the food.

[ClubFlames]

Eat at a decent looking restaurant and not at a shack and you will be fine. I would agree that Connaught Place is definitely something to check out and buy a few things from there.

Also be careful with beggars, its best not to give them anything because if you give something to one of them then every single beggar on that street will come swarm you. I know sometimes its hard not to but trust me it will be for your own good.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Hire a government tour guide to drive you around and show you all of the best sites. It's the only real way to see everything in 1 day. I would highly recommend setting this up in advance, because getting a ride from anyone else, they will try hard to rip you off.

Trust no one!

[Stranger]

And don't use the bathroom....

[jolinar of malkshor]

Thanks for all the info guys. I will post some pics when I get back. I might have to go hungry when I am there because I am not a big fan of Indian food. I am sure there are lots of choices without all the spices though.

[prarieboy]

You won't go hungry.

Eat at the Embassy. They have great food and Australian Beer as well.

All the diplomats from other coutries go there. It's the best Embassy around. At least it was in 2003.

You'll have a great time. It's quite an eye opening place. Everything from the really Rich to the poorest of the poor.

Whatever you do don't drink a Lassi (SP?) It's some sort of yogurt drink. I've never seen someone look as green in the face as my buddy the day after that.

We did have some good food at some sketchy places but if it goes wrong it goes really wrong.

One day in Delhi, I advise palying it safe. It's a LONG trip home to be in the bathroom on a plane.

Just my opinion.

[Winsor_Pilates]

avoid salads and lettuce too. You can always eat somewhere like Mcdonalds or Subway if you don't like Indian food. Just don't expect the same exact items you would get here. There is also Chinese food everywhere.

[ClubFlames]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

avoid salads and lettuce too. You can always eat somewhere like Mcdonalds or Subway if you don't like Indian food. Just don't expect the same exact items you would get here. There is also Chinese food everywhere.

But most of the places have Indian style Chinese food. Its a little different and quite spicy so I'm not sure if you will be a fan of that. I love it though!!

[Joborule]

Originally Posted by ClubFlames

But most of the places have Indian style Chinese food. Its a little different and quite spicy so I'm not sure if you will be a fan of that. I love it though!!

Chinese food that's spicier?

Awesome.

[ClubFlames]

Originally Posted by Joborule

Chinese food that's spicier?

Awesome.

Yeah it tastes different as well, not like typical Chinese food. If you ever want to try it then the only place I know of in Calgary is Taketomi Village in NE by Marlborough Station. My favorites are Chili Chicken and Indian Style Chicken Hakka Noodles.

136-920 36 Street NE. 403-207-8608.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

avoid salads and lettuce too. You can always eat somewhere like Mcdonalds or Subway if you don't like Indian food. Just don't expect the same exact items you would get here. There is also Chinese food everywhere.

It doesn't matter where you eat, the possibility is there to get sick. McDonalds was the ONLY place that got both my wife and I sick during our time in India. I would rather eat the local cuisine and take my chances while trying something new then walk into McDonalds on my one free day in India.

I feel like some of you are all for the "watered down" version of India. Why would you drink an Australian beer instead of trying an Indian brew (Kingfisher)? You might as well go down to Disney World and visit the India pavillion Epcot.

For the love of god try a Lassi, they are delicious!

Edit: Yes I know the OP will only be there for a short trip, and could face a couple of long flights home in the bathroom. Think of what a story that would be! Live a little! My wife and I look back and laugh about us "tagging" each other into the bathroom when the other one was finished after our encounter with McDonalds. I sure as hell wasn't laughing then but I do now!