Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the 'old' and the 'new', each representing delectably different experiences. It is sprinkled with glittering gems like: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinent's yummiest places to eat. Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India. Delhi is not just a name, it is a feeling.
ATTRACTIONS:
The Red Fort: A 17th century fort complex, constructed in the walled city of Old Delhi, it dates from the very peak of Mughal Power. Built by the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan in 1648, it is a grandiose of pomp and power. Designated as the UNESCO World heritage site, the planning and aesthetics of this Fort represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which prevailed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.
The Qutub Minar: A fine example of early Afghan architecture, its construction started immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi in 1193 as a symbol of victory. It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as the Qutub complex.
The Humayun's Tomb: Declared as UNESCO world heritage site, it was commissioned in 1562 AD by the Mughal Ruler, Humayun's grieving widow. It was the first mature example of Mughal architecture and the first structure to use red sand tone at such a scale.
The India Gate: The India Gate is the national monument of India. Situated in the heart of New Delhi, the India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was built in 1931. Originally known as the All India War Memorial, it is a prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives while fighting for the Indian Empire, or more correctly the British Raj, in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
The Lotus Temple : The Bahá'í House of Worship in New Delhi is popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flower-like shape. It was completed in 1986 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent. It has won numerous architectural awards and has been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles.
The Akshardham Temple : Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi is designed in accordance with ancient Vedic text known as the Sthapatya Shastra and is a blend of architectural styles from across India.
MARKETS:
From medieval period, Delhi has always been the most important trading center in Northern India. Many of its localities, like Sheikh Sarai and Yusuf Sarai, derive their names from the ancient trading towns of Delhi. No wonder today it is a shopper's goldmine. The vibrant and exotic atmosphere of Delhi markets can make shopping lots of fun. To know the real culture and traditions of city, the best way is to stroll or wander around through its market places, for it is here that contemporary culture is most visible to the visitors. In fact, Delhi has the best markets in India, with handicrafts from all over the country. These top markets in Delhi are a treasure trove of goods waiting to be discovered.
Chandni Chowk : Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Built in 17th century by Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahan Ara, the market was once divided by canals to reflect moonlight, hence the name Chandni. A pure pandemonium, an exploration of its winding, narrow alleyways is certainly an adventure. It is a must visit, when in Delhi.
Delhi Haat : This huge vivid food and craft bazaar has been deliberately made to feel like a traditional weekly village market, called a haat. It is one of Delhi’s most adored leisure spot beautifully reclaimed on a storm water drain. It offers an exotic blend of delicious regional foods, shopping and events.
Janpath Market : This very popular and bubbling Delhi market has something for everyone. This touristy strip sells the usual trinkets from everywhere in India and Tibet, and it's a great place to shop for things to take back home. Haggle hard.
Connaught Place : Shaped like a horse-shoe this place is meant to be lucky for both the shoppers and shopkeepers. It has been modeled after the Royal Crescent in Bath, England and was made by the Britishers in 1931. No trip to Delhi can be complete without a shopping spree in CP, the heart of Delhi.
Khan Market : The market for the elite, it has been rated as the costliest retail location in India. It is situated in one of the greenest pockets of the city, very close to the famed Lodhi Gardens.
RESTAURANTS:
From age-old eateries in the by lanes of the Walled City to glitzy, specialty restaurants in five-star hotels, Delhi is a definitely the restaurant capital of India. A foodie's paradise, it offers a choice of Indian and International Cuisines in different ambiences to suit varied budgets.For epicures, Delhi is synonymous with Mughlai and Frontier Cuisine. The best of Mughlai cuisine can be enjoyed at Karim, (both in Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin) where the recipes, dating from the times of the Mughals have been the closely guarded secrets of generations of chefs.
Delhi ka Aangan (Hyatt Regency), Darbar (Ashoka Hotel), and Corbetts (Claridges) are among the many options available in the expensive range, while Gulati Restaurant (Pandara Market), Angeethi (Asiad Village) and Degchi (Regal Building) are among those catering to more modest budgets. The finest Frontier cuisine is available at the Bukhara (Maurya Sheraton), Frontier (Ashoka Hotel) and Baluchi (The Hilton).
At the other end of the scale, there are many popular roadside eateries around Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin where kababs, rotis and biryani are the order of the day. For the more intrepid, eateries such as those at Pranthe Wali Gali, or chaat at Bengali Market and Sunder Nagar, bhelpuri at Greater Kailash and sweetmeats from Annapoorna and Ghantewala can be part of the gastronomical tour of Delhi. It is also synonymous with the omnipresent tandoori chicken and tandoori roti, which, when freshly prepared from the tandoor, makes a delicious meal.
TRAVEL TIPS:
Visa : Citizens of all countries require a valid passport and an appropriate visa. Conference organizers will assist you in your visa application. The details will appear on this website shortly.
Climate/Temperature : Due to its vast size, India has a varied climate and it is possible to travel at almost all times of year and find certain areas of the Subcontinent that are at their best. The country has a three season year - summer, monsoon and winter. The rainy season is from June to September.
- Monsoon - Max 35°C, Min 25°C
- Rainfall (Average) - 170 mm
Currency : India's currency unit is the Rupee (rs.), divided into 100 paisa (p).
Electricity : In India electricity supply is at 220 V, 50 Hz. Round pins (2 or 3) can fit in the power sockets. Adapters are generally available at all hotels.
Cabs : Cab services available from the counters of MERU Cabs from the Airport. OLA and UBER Services are also available via app bookings.
Time Zone : India is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT, 4.5 hours behind Australian Eastern Time, and 10.5 hours ahead of American Eastern Standard Time.