New Delhi is India’s administrative, bureaucratic and manufacturing capital. Sprawling industrial parks ring the capital as they continue to encroach on rich farmland. Though old Delhi is an ancient city, New Delhi acquired supreme national importance when it became the republic’s capital in 1947. The seat of government for the world’s largest democracy, New Delhi reflects the country’s growing importance on the international scene. The blend of historic Delhi’s forts, palaces and Moghul heritage with New Delhi’s sweeping avenues, embassies and business headquarters is astonishing to many visitors. With over ten million inhabitants, it is the country’s third largest city.


Distance:

Indira Gandhi International Airport is 16 kilometres from the city centre. A new terminal (Terminal 3) is scheduled for completion in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games which will be linked with the city’s metro system. Pre-paid taxis are the quickest way into the city until the metro link is finished.

Orientation:

Old Delhi’s centrally located Red Fort and largest mosque, the Jama Masjid, are good reference points. Near the Red Fort is Chandni Chowk, one of South Asia’s largest markets. Most business hotels are in New Delhi where Rajiv Chowk (formerly Connaught Place) remains the new city’s social scene and retail heart. Metro lines link Old and New Delhi and taxis are plentiful.

Sleep:

The Hotel Imperial is New Delhi’s most famous hotel. Its historic interior was renovated a few years ago to 5-star standard. The location is superb. Everyone who is anyone dines, drinks or stays here, though competition from other boutique 5-star hotels is fierce.

Hotel Imperial Delhi
Janpath, New Delhi 110001
Tel: +91 11 2334 1234
Fax: +91 11 2334 2255
www.theimperialindia.com

Eat:

For traditional Italian house made pasta and a buzzing international restaurant full of Indian ex-pats keen on Italian favourites try the:

La Piazza Italian Restaurant
Hyatt Regency Hotel Delhi
Bhikaiji Cama Place, Ring Road, New Delhi
Tel: +91 11 2679 1234

For excellent Delhi Mughlai food, The Taj Mahal hotel’s Haveli restaurant combines authenticity with deluxe surroundings. Don’t miss the tandoor meats.

Haveli Restaurant
The Taj Mahal Hotel
1 Mansingh Road, New Delhi
Tel: +91 11 2302 6162

Drink and Play:

Trendy nightspot Olive is the place to be seen: Elite Modeling Agency ingénues, Delhi’s richest kids, cool Hindi to trip-hop music and excellent cocktails. It’s not close to Connaught Place’s tourist zone but it’s worth the trip for the LA style valet parking alone. Dress in your latest designer rags or you won’t fit in.

Olive
Haveli N6-8, One Style Mile, Kalka Das Marg, New Delhi (off the main Merhuli-Gurgaon Road, Ring Road CP to DLF)
Tel: +91 11 3097 7701

Spa:

Spas are now in every 5-star hotel. One of the best is in the Oberoi Hotel. The hotel overlooks the World Heritage Listed Moghul Emperor Hamuyan’s Tomb and the spa is run by Banyan Tree spas out of Thailand:

The Oberoi Hotel New Delhi
Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg
New Delhi 110003
Tel: +91 11 2436 3030


Shop:
Shopping in New Delhi is a delight. One of the best places for guaranteed authentic crafts, clothing, jewelry and textiles is the centrally located:

Central Cottage Industries Emporium
Off Jawahar Vyapan Bhavan near the Janpath
New Delhi
(Closed Sundays)

Day Trip:

The best day trip from New Delhi is an organised tour to Agra to see the unforgettable Taj Mahal.

Local Info:

For general information about Delhi contact www.exploredelhi.com
It provides the latest information on Delhi’s many attractions.

Concierge Tips:

The Red Fort is the heart and soul of Delhi. Don’t miss it.

Evenings at the Delhi Gate are relaxed and fun. Sit and watch Delhi families come out to play. It’s free and a welcome sight of Indian life at its most natural.

Let's not forget:

Gurgaon—India’s newest city.

Approximately 30 kilometres southwest from New Delhi’s centre (30 minutes travel time), Gurgaon’s burgeoning importance to international travellers is linked to its development as a business hub. Here modern architecture, reliable power supply, contemporary shopping malls, cinemas, western hotels and schools, restaurants and cafes seem to be as much middle American/European as they are Indian. Though it may be described as lacking charm compared to Old Delhi, it is where 21st century India is most obviously evolving.

Latest and most popular recommendations are:

Bar:

Hotspot Mojo bans customers under 18, does great cocktails, cool music and is a happening place.

Mojo
CS 211, 2nd floor, DLF City Centre, MG Road Gurgaon 122002
Tel: +91 124 257 5693

Restaurant:

For a mix of terrific Indian and some international dishes, this is a sophisticated trendy diner that caters for adults.

Dana Choga Restaurant
F6 Qutab Plaza, DLF City, I-Gurgaon 122001
Tel: +91 98 1889 3330

Hotel:

The Trident Hilton hotel is a business hotel with a difference: unbeatable central Gurgaon location, seven acres of landscaped gardens with stunning pool, 136 boutique rooms, all facilities and only a 30 minute drive from the airport.

443 Udyog Vihar
Phase 5
Gurgaon, 122016
Tel: +91 124 245 0505
gurgaon@trident-hilton.com