Travel Answers

New Delhi

I am staying a few days in last week of Nov. I am a business traveller and wont have much time. I am interested in any recommendations as to what I could do/see within walking distance (1-2 miles) of the Shangri La Eros Hotel. I wont have much time a few hours here or there, maybe a half day too. I am travelling alone (female). Interested in temples/gardens/markets/just experiencing something of New Delhi. Would welcome any suggestions as to what to see (besides the India Gate) and also how safe for a woman to walk around along in day light hours. Many thanks, Sam

Hi!! Does anyone know any market in Delhi where I can find Rajasthani mirrored ethnic clothes (skirts and tops), normally wore in Tribal Bellydance? Thanks!!

Is it generally OK to use ATMs in Delhi to get cash? Also, are ATMs, banks or money changers available at Delhi IG International Airport? Where in Delhi can I get the best rate of exchange - GB pounds /Indian rupees? Many thanks

I am travelling to Delhi for a few nights - 23 Nov - 27 Nov on business and need to attend meetings etc in the Shangri La Eros hotel not far from the India Gate. I'd like to stay there too but unfortunately it is a bit expensive (my employer is paying but there are limits!). Can anyone suggest a good (4* hotel) nearby that might be a little less expensive. The rates the Shangri La Eros are over 230 GBP per night. any other tips on the area much appreciated (I am a first time to India/Delhi business traveller, female who wont have much spare time). Thanks, Sam

Hi everyone, I'm looking for the budget hotel in Delhi. I prefer a hotel in quite location, but not very far from India Gate. There are many budget hotels around Connaught Place, Pahar ganj. But I've heard that these places are always crowded and noisy. Could anyone tell me which area in Delhi is a good quite area to stay? How about Karol Bagh? and Lodi colony?

We are a couple with a 9 year old daughter. provide me the information of an exotic place near delhi where we can spend 3 days

Dear freinds, Thanks for all the tips and advice. Has anyone use www.vanlalluti.com before in buying tickets, book hotel etc in New Delhi, Agra or Jaipur tour? Ckpeng

Dear friends, Yes, Ive tried the cleartrip, makemytrip, and irctc, ALL cant go through because Indian Railway does not accept foreign credit crads now. Then , how to book online for reservation?? Ckpeng

Sera freinds, I tried to book through makemytrip but the Indian railway does not accept international credit card. What other alternatives? Ckpeng

Dear friends, Want to book train ticket through makemytrip.com online. But dont know which station to choose from. When I keyed in Delhi, many Delhi stations appear, such as Delhi All Station, NDLS etc came out. The same for Agra and Jaipur station. Can someone please tell me which station to choose? TQ Ckpeng

Dear friends, What's the distance ( in km )and travel time( in hour ) from Delhi --> Agra--> Jaipur --> Delhi Thank you Ckpeng

Thanks especially to pfmalu, Donna in India, MikeySoft, Lynnehamman, hellofomsatadru,anilpra, and ady . I am sure i'll benefit from all your tips and advice and make my India trip a successful one. Regarding my Golden Triangle route. Which is correct? 1. Delhi ===> Agra ===> Jaipur ===> Delhi or 2. Delhi ===> Jaipur ===> Agra ===> Delhi If I do not book my train ticket online before i arrive at Delhi on 6 June, is there a possibility of getting 2 tickets when i go and buy at the train station on the day of travel from Delhi to Agra or Jaipur? Thank you

Dear friends, Thanks again for all the wonderful feedback. I have some further questions here. 1. What's the bearing ( East/ West/ North/ South) of some tourist spots (example Taj Mahal ). I mean where the position of the sun plays an important role in good photography. 2. Can anyone who has stayed and recommend a hotel in Pharganji area centrally located within walking distance to many places? Thank you Ckpeng

Dear friends, A BIG THANY YOU to Lynnehamman, Hellofromsatudru, anilprahaashillong, ady and MilkySoft for your wonderful and very helpful tips. I appreciate your help very much. I am going to Delhi with my wife on 6th June and departing 11 June(pm). We are bring along 3 cameras, 4 interchangeble lenses and a tripod. We will be staying Pharganji area. And besides the places I mentioned in the last post, we will include Fatehpur Sikri and Itmad-ud-dalih as suggested by you. I am a bit confuse as where Jantar Mantar is.Anyway we shall ask when we arrive at India. Here are some questions again. 1.A problem is we have to move to the 3 cities with our luggages and camera bags ( 3 bags for camera and a bigger bag for lenses and a tripod with case.) 2. Is 5 full days and 1 half day enough to cover all the places? 3. Are all places in Delhi around Pharganji within walking distance? Or I have to travel by taxi or Metro 1 place to another? Thank you Ckpeng

Dear travellers, Thank you so much for the previous advice on questions I posted on VT. Special thanks to Lynnehamman, Donna in india, Mikey Soft, Wlodekindia, Mr Singn and Markzuke. I have done some reading on India and decided to travel on my own without a guide. Below are some questions. Hope to get advice again in order to make my trip successful. 1. Arrival at Delhi Airport, how far is it to Paharganji/ Karol Bagh where there are many hotels. Is there any motor richshaw near the airport. What are the taxi fare? 2. Is Karol Bagh and Paharganji the same place? 3. Can someone recommend a clean and safe hotel around US25 to 30 in Paharganji centrally located where I can walk to shops, eateries,public transport etc. 4. What is the best morning train to Agra from Delhi. 5. Is it cheaper by train or by car? 6. Is there a place in Agra and Jaipur like that of Paharganji where a lot of tourists stay? 7. What can and cannot bring into Taj Mahal? 8. Do Indian Banks accept Malaysian currency? 9. Best way to travel fr Agra to Jaiput and fr Jaipur to Delhi. 10. Where id Main Bazaar and Chana market in Delhi? 11. Any discount for senior citizen in buying train ticket? How old is senior citizen? 12. where is inner lanes of HAmmuna road and Gundwan Bangla Sahid? Here are my initial planof places where I’ll visit. ( taking lots of photogragh for a magazine ) New Delhi: Red Fort. Jama Majid. Cannought Place. Humayun tomb. Qutb Minar. Indian gate, Bahai temple. Delhi Haat. Chandni Chowk. Church of redemption. Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra fort. Jantar MAntar Jaipur. Amber Fort. City Palace. Hawa Mahal Can someone please tell me how to go about these places so that I can save time and distance such as where and how to begin my journey and what time is best to go to these places. Do I miss out any place? I know there are too many places to go but due to time constraint I have no choice but to cover as many as I can. However if they are too many what are the places to drop? Thank you. Waiting for your earliest reply. ckpeng

Dear fellow travellers, Thank you so much for the wonderful information and feedback to my questions. Below is the detailed day to day program given by the tour agency. Tour : North India Golden Triangle Tour Duration : 05 Nights/ 06 Days Routing : Delhi - Jaipur- Agra- Delhi. Tour Highlights Delhi Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, President's House, Humayun's Tomb & Qutub Minar Jaipur Elephant ride to Amber Fort Palace , City Palace, Jantar Mantar (Observatory) & Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) Agra Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Sikandara Detailed Itinerary Day 01: Arrive Delhi Arrive by International flight, our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B) Day 02: Delhi Full Day Tour Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan. In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B) Day 03: Delhi - Jaipur (262km - 05hr) Today we drive to Jaipur, popularly known as Pink City, the flamboyant & colourful capital of Rajasthan. Optional: Chokhi Dhani An evening excursion to Chokhi Dhani complex, ethnic village resort located at a distance of 15 km from Jaipur. . Later drive back to hotel. Overnight Hotel - Jaipur (B) Day 04: Jaipur Full Day Tour Today we take an excursion to Amber Fort, the palace complex which stands to this date was commenced under the reign of Raja Man Singh.We take an Elephant ride to reach the Fort situated on the hill, an overwhelming experience like Maharaja and Maharani (Kings & Queen). Later we visit the City Palace, a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. Further we visit Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory), an astronomical treasure house, with solar devices that give accurate predictions till date. We also visit Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), a five-storied structure of pink sandstone. Overnight Hotel - Jaipur Day 05: Jaipur - Agra Via Fatehpur Sikri (260 km - 6 hr) Today we drive to Agra, en route we will visit Fatehpur Sikri (Ghost Capital),the political capital of India's Mughal Empire . We visit Emperor Akbar's Residential complex,Mosque& Tomb of Salim Chisti. Further we continue our drive to Agra, beautifully situated on the banks of river Yamuna. Overnight Hotel - Agra (B) Day 06: Agra - Delhi (225 kms - 5 hr) Half Day Tour Today we visit Taj Mahal (closed on Friday),symbol of eternal love, whichstands on the banks of River Yamuna. Further we visit Agra Fort,taken over from the Lodhis by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century. We will also visit Sikandara, Akbar's tomb. later we drive to Delhi, arrive Delhi and we will transfer you to Delhi International airport to board flight for back to home with memorable experience. Cost of the Tour ( On Twin Sharing basis ) Number of persons Standard /4* hotels Economy /3* hotels Based on 02 persons USD 329/- per person USD 250/- per person Note : Monument charges extra : USD 65 per person for all the monuments can pay directly on the spot. Government service tax: There will be 2.575% service Govt. service tax extra applicable on total package cost. How's the itinery? Any recommendation for changes? Of course we will do without the elephant ride. We don't mind to travel on our own but is a bit worried getting public transport from Delhi to Agra, Jaipur and then back to Delhi. Please give feedback on the detailed programme. Thank you Ckpeng

Dear fellow travellers, My wife and I are going to New Delhi next month. I wonder it is cheaper and better to travel on our own or book through a travel agent in New Delhi. I will be in New Delhi for 6 days and plan to cover the Golden Triangle. Below is a tour package quoted by a travel agent in New Delhi. Is this price reasonable and tour itinery good. Package includes: •05 Nights accommodation on Twin Sharing basis. •Daily Breakfast at all mentioned hotels •Transportation by Air condition Tata Indigo Car with driver •Services of English Speaking Guide during your sight seeing •Driver boarding & lodging •Driver allowance •Tax, Inter State Tax, Toll Tax and Parking •Fuel sercharge •All requisite airport/railway station transfer with assistance. •Elephant Ride at Amer Fort, Jaipur Package does not include: •Any Monument entry fee & camera fee. •All presently applicable taxes. •Any expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry, phone/fax calls, tips etc. •Any other expense not mentioned in the Hotels to be used Destination Standard /4* hotel Economy /3* hotel Number of Nights Delhi The Residence Rockwell Plaza 02 Nights Jaipur Mansingh Wall Street 02 Nights Agra Mansingh Royal Residency 01 Night The price is US 250 / person for 3 Stars hotel and US 329 for 4 Stars hotel Thank you Ckpeng

I'm travelling to India in Sept for 3 weeks. I fly into Delhi and would like to go to Agra, Jaipur and then Mumbai. What's the best and cheapest way to travel?

hi there my hubby has been in india for 1 month serving his office purpose.on26th instant he will be back to Bangladesh.he is staying at nehru place new delhi..hez not xprt at shopping.i hv told him to bring some souveneirs for my younger three sissys,my sasuma,my devarji,n my bhabi..who is xpctin baby..oho..i thing..i hv heard a lot abt indian CHUDIYA..woul u guys plz help me out..what to buy..abt the prices..from where to buy..im looking forward for ur reply..

hi there, i'll be in New Delhi for a business trip next week. i'll have a free day which i can spent with sightseeing. i want to visit Taj Mahal and have to see 1 or 2 most important place in Delhi. first of all can it be possible to do this from 9.30 am till my flight time which is 7 pm? if it is possible where i have to in Delhi? thanks for all information. seref

hank you for all the replies about the way to Rishikesh. We decided to take a taxi (an a/c SUV). We found a very good site www.starlim.co.in - They can also make train booking (US$10 fees), but they accept paypal that makes the transition easy and safety. We are now plannig our way back to Delhi - We want to be there only for a day, and we wanna a good tip : to take one of the "day tours" or to go specifically to one place like Humayn's Tomb, Akshardham or any other site?? The 2nd thing we will arrive to Delhi at 6th of april and will need a hotel (our fligth will be at 8th in early mornig). It's better to take a near airport hotel??? THank for all VT members who help each other. Namaste Read more: VT Forum temporarily unavailable

I have stayed short term in New Delhi, previously, and found the city fascinating. Friends from the U.S. have just moved there and are still feeling homesick. Can anyone suggest stores where either British or U.S. groceries may be bought? Many thanks.

Hi, I read that Metro rail ha started from airport to Rly station.6am to 10pm.But where in railway station it arrives.The distance is walkable from Metro station(rly) to New Delhi Railway station.There is no point using metro if you have to walk a lot with luggage. Thanks Anil

what are the low cost airlines that fly from delhi to Kuala lumpur, bangkok, singapore, manila

Any suggestion for nice homestead or not expensive hotel easy for NDTS train station and not far from domestic airport ? Thanks and ciao

Please check the meetings page for details. We'd love to get some more people there! See you Sunday!

Hi all, I'll be in town for business and have no plans at all for the weekend. I would love to get together with any VTers who live in Delhi or will be there! I'll put a notice on the Meetings page. Hope to see you!

I have finally booked my 7 days trip next month, and will stay in a hotel located in South Delhi (Nehru place). I'd like to know the best technique of bargaining with any autorickshaw or taxi drivers? For example, if one wans to show me around Delhi with waiting and all that, how much is a reasonable rate? How to avoid extra and over charging at the end of one's ride? If I pay upfront at the agreed rate, will he still disregard this and demand more payment? I am not afraid to tackle India as the people are mostly friendly, but the difficulty of using public transport does worry me. If I can get this right, I think my trip to Delhi will be much more smoother and safer, thanks for all your input on this.

I'm going to be in Delhi for a couple of days, and i will be staying in Dwarka. Is it worthwhile getting a tourist metro card? It cost about Rs. 300, and allows unlimited travel on the metro for 3 days. Considering how far and out Dwarka is from all the tourist hot spots, would it help reduce travel cost and time?

Hi VT members, I just visted Delhi for the first time last month with a big tour, only managed to see the Qubt Minar, didn't see other places as the tour was too hectic. I'd like to return to Delhi to see some more. I plan to do that next month when the weather is still pleasantly cool. I'd like some advice on which area to stay is best? (3 or 4 star hotel is ok for me). Is the metro train reliable and easy to use? What should be my main form of transport daily? What do u think about joining a local city tour, or I could this all by myself safely? Or can anyone suggest a good reliable tour company or tour guide for me? Your answers are much appreciated, thx everyone ^^