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Delhi Why Go? 1 Red Fort. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60 2 Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 C Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 T Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 4 Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 4 Sleeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 5 Eating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 6 Drinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92 3 Entertainment . . . . . . . . .94 7 Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . .94 Greater Delhi . . . . . . . . .102
Best Places to Eat » Saravana Bhavan (p89) » Bukhara (p90)
» Indian Accent (p92) » Monsoon (p90) » Olive (p92)
Medieval mayhem, the New India, stately maiden aunt: give it a chance and this schizophrenic capital could capture your heart. Yes, it’s aggravating, polluted and hectic, but hey – nobody’s perfect. Like a subcontinental Rome, India’s capital is punctuated by vestiges of lost empires: ancient forts freckle the suburbs; Old Delhi was once the capital of Islamic India; the British built New Delhi, with its exaggerated avenues; and even-newer Delhi features utopian malls linked by potholed roads. These disparate, codependent elements are all now gloriously intertwined via the new metro system. There are also magnificent museums, temples, mosques, and a busy cultural scene – and shopaholics, you are home: all the riches of India twinkle in Delhi’s emporiums. Prepare yourself to tuck into some of the subcontinent’s finest food, including the famous Dilli-ka-Chaatt (Delhi street food) – which, rather like the city itself, jumbles up every flavour in one bite.
When to Go Delhi °C/°F Temp
Rainfall inches/mm 32/800
40/104
» Gunpowder (p91) » Rajdhani (p89)
Best Places to Stay » Shanti Home (p85) » Devna (p86)
» Bnineteen (p86)
» Cottage Yes Please (p83)
24/600
20/68
16/400 0/32
8/200 0
-20/-4 J
F
M
Oct–Mar Delhi at its best – the weather is bright and sunny but not too hot.
A
M
J
J
A
May–Aug These are the months to avoid – it’s hot and humid.
S
O
N
D
Jun–Sep Monsoon season (heaviest from July to September) is also worth avoiding if you can.