Urban Crayon
Page 23
Jukaso Inn
50 rooms, 24-hour room service, restaurant, same-day laundry, AC, telephone, TV, rooms with attached bath.
>49–50 Sunder Nagar
Tel: 011 2435 0308
Rates: Rs 3,000 superior single; Rs 4,000 double; Rs 3,000 club executive single; Rs 3,100 double
Kailash Inn
16 rooms; 24-hour room service, laundry, car hire, AC, rooms with attached bath, TV, telephone.
>10 Sunder Nagar
Tel: 011 2435 3634
Rates: Rs 1,800 single; Rs 2,000 double; Rs 2,500 deluxe double
La Sagrita
19 rooms, 24-hour room service, laundry, safe, sightseeing tours, car hire, AC, rooms with attached bath, TV and telephone.
>14 Sunder Nagar
Tel: 011 2435 9541
Rates: Rs 1,700 single standard room; Rs 2,290 double; Rs 2,000 deluxe single; Rs 2,390 deluxe double; Rs 2,590 regal single; Rs 2,790 regal double
Maharani Guest House
Suburban guest houses always seem to provide a hidden treat. One, you get the feel of a real neighbourhood with people going about their everyday lives, and housekeeping is not breaking down the door to replenish the little shampoo bottles. With 19 AC rooms, 24-hour room service, same-day laundry, book shop, in-room TVs and an open terrace garden, a stay at the Maharani Guest House is like a stay with family members you actually like and get along with. Children under 12 stay free. It is about a 20-minute drive from the main tourist hub.
>3 Sunder Nagar
Tel: 011 2435 9521/3
Rates: Suites from Rs 6,600
Web: www.mymaharani.com
The Manor
Developed as a small country hotel in the 1950s in one of Delhi’s now posh suburbs, Friends Colony, The Manor has evolved into a 2-storey, 16-room contemporary boutique hotel that is set in landscaped gardens. There’s a rooftop terrace bar and yoga classes are held daily on the lawns. Feel free to customize orders for the picky eaters in the brunch at the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Seventy Seven, which serves Mediterranean and traditional Indian fare. The chef will be more than happy to oblige. It is 15 minutes drive from Humayun’s Tomb.
>77 Friends Colony West (Near Friends Club)
Tel: 011 2692 5151 / 7510
Rates: Rs 9,000 per night
Web: www.themanordelhi.com
Nirula’s Hotel
Guests at the 29-room Nirula’s Hotel can have their cake and ice cream and eat it too. Located at Noida Sector 2, it’s located near the Delhi-Noida toll gates and about 30 minutes by car from Connaught Place. Close proximity to malls, shopping, cinemas, the Akshardham Temple and restaurants. Though dining at the in-house restaurant, Potpourri, is a great option. There’s a breakfast buffet, live pasta station and continental cuisine. There’s also a play area at the restaurant. Of course don’t forget about the ice creams and oodles of pastries and cakes from the pastry shop. Guests of the hotel get preferential access to the golf course at Sector 17, Noida.
>C-135, Sector 2, Noida
Tel: 0120 244 5260 to 67; 0120 432 3444, 0120 432 3445
Rates: From Rs 4,500 standard double to Rs 8,500 superior deluxe
Web: www.nirulas.com/noida-hotel.html
Sai Villa
The 4 rooms include AC, TV, free unlimited broadband wi-fi connection, personal butler, complimentary breakfast and fresh fruit basket daily; airport pickup Rs 850, but free transportation to airport or rail station from the villa. It is one of the best furnished as many B&B tend to be a bit overdone with elaborate brocades and the like.
>E-578, Greater Kailash II
Tel: 98110 69943
Rates: Rs 2,750
Web: www.saivilla.com
Sherwani Fort View
16 rooms, room service, AC, travel services, TV, telephone, attached bath.
>11 Sunder Nagar
Tel: 011 2435 9670; 011 2435 5831
Rates: Rs 1,850 single; Rs 2,500 double; Rs 2,800 deluxe suite
Shyama International
22 rooms; 24-hour room service, fax, laundry, car hire, TV, telephone, rooms with attached baths.
>C5/32 Safdarjung Development Area
Tel: 011 2656 2306
Rates: Rs 1,450 single; Rs 1,800 double; Rs 2,200 suite
Shalimar House
What a treat to find a guest house with a roof top swimming pool! With 6 bedrooms and one suite spread over 3 floors of a private home, there are balconies galore, well-appointed bedrooms, wi-fi Internet, tasteful art and yummy meals. There’s an elevator so strollers won’t be a problem on the stairs. Located in Green Park, the South Delhi residence is surrounded by shopping markets.
>H-43, Green Park Extension
Tel: 98992 28164
Rates: Rs 5,500 for double; Rs 7,000 for suite; Rs 9,000 for a one- or 3-bedroom apartment in high season; Rs 4,950 for double; Rs 6,300 for suite; Rs 8,100 for apartment in low season Meals: Rs 200 breakfast; Rs 250 snacks; Rs 450 dinner
Web: www.shalimarhouse.com/
Tej Abode Home stay
Sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism under the Gold category for Bed & Breakfast establishments, the Tej Abode can stand on its own without any awards. Opened since 2007, the property, located in GK II in South Delhi, is steps away from one of the best shopping districts and really good restaurants. The rooms range in size from 250 to 350 square feet and are appointed with refrigerators, TVs with cable, DVD players and writing desks. Most likely, families will have to book 2 adjoining rooms or the superior deluxe room. An extra bed can be placed in the room for a charge of Rs 500. The guest house stocks books and movies; a music library and board games for children and wireless broadband are available. Airport pick up and drop off and a car on hire can be arranged. The rates include the room, tea and breakfast. Other meals can be had at the Tej Abode from Rs 250 per person.
>S-309 Ground Flr, GK II
Tel: 011 4052 0173; 98181 89771
Rates: From Rs 5,000 per day for Superior deluxe room; Rs 500 per day for an extra bed
The Estate
There are 7 rooms (including one family suite) and all have private balconies and face the lawn. The rooms are spacious with modern touches. The guest house is separate from the owner’s house so it does allow for more privacy. It is located 20 minutes from the airport and most major tourist attractions. Complimentary breakfast, wi-fi and really nice toiletries.
>House No. 29, Sultanpur Estate, Mandi Road, Mehrauli
Tel: 011 2680 2828
Rate: From Rs 4,800 low season for a double; Rs 5,800 high season
Web: www.theestatebnb.com
Thikana
Opened in 2008 by a young couple, the bed & breakfast reflects their youth as it has vibrant colours, modern fittings, tasteful art and a warm welcoming atmosphere. Thikana, which in Hindi means the place to which you belong, is an 8-room property, has very comfortable rooms and a common sitting area with a large-screen TV and a free-to-use computer with Internet. The balconies are inviting if you don’t mind the facing traffic. Free wi-fi means guests can use their laptops anywhere at the bed & breakfast. The owners can arrange for daily access to the Gulmohar Club, Niti Bagh Club and Siri Fort Complex, all of which have pools. Massages and yoga instruction can also be scheduled through them. Central Delhi with India Gate, Parliament House and Lodhi Garden can be reached within 20 minutes.
>A-7 Gulmohar Park
Tel: 011 3256 3458; 98181 49019
Rates: Doubles start at Rs 4,500 per night
Web: www.thikandelhi.com
Budget
The Ginger Rail Yatri Niwas at the New Delhi Railway Station is a recently renovated property that offers hotel rooms from Rs 999 to Rs 1,999 and rooms of 4 beds for Rs 250 each. The budget hotel has a 24-hour restaurant, TVs in every room, coffee and tea pots, gym, book store and travel desk.
>Ginger Rail Yatri Niwas New Delhi Railway Station (Ajmeri Gate side) Bhav Bhutti Marg
Tel: 011 6663 3333
Rates: From Rs 999
Em
ail: reservations.delhi@gingerhotels.com
Web: www.gingerhotels.com
READY RECKONER
Vacation packages are a great way to see Delhi and neighbouring cities as they offer attractive discounts for budget-conscious families and the packages eliminate the need to book hotels, cars, flights and excursions separately. Some of the leading hotels offer room, breakfast and transfers to and from the airport and hotel. Beware of bogus agents. It is best to book travel through the Delhi Tourism office. Official guides trained by the Ministry of Tourism usually charge Rs 600 for 1 to 5 hours for a party of 5 and Rs 750 for a full day (4 to 8 hours); Rs 750 for a party of 6 to 14 (half day)/Rs 975 full; Rs 1,050 for a party of 15–35 (half day)/Rs 1,350 for a full day. Fix the price beforehand. Do not pay until the tour is over and feel free to tip for exceptional service. One reliable tour operator, recognized by the Ministry of Tourism is Southern Travels Pvt Ltd. The company specializes in Delhi tours and the Golden Triangle Tour via air-conditioned coaches.
Southern Travels Pvt Ltd
>18/2 Arya Samaj Road, Karol Bagh
Tel: 011 2875 8728; 011 2572 2210; 011 2875 3466; 4353 2805
Web: www.southerntravelsindia.com
Touring
Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation operates sightseeing tours in air-conditioned coaches, covering New and Old Delhi. The New Delhi tour takes in Jantar Mantar, Birla Mandir, Qutab Minar, the Lotus Temple and Safdarjung’s Tomb. The Old Delhi tour stops at Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Rajghat and Humayun’s Tomb. All tickets must be purchased in advance at the booking office. Most sights have a different admission fee for Indians and foreigners and may also have separate charges for the use of cameras or video cameras. The easiest way to travel between attractions is by taxi or auto rickshaw.
Delhi Tourism
N-36 Bombay Life Building, Middle Circle, Connaught Place
Tel: 011 2331 5322; 011 2373 0416
Web: http://delhitourism.nic.in
The staff at the government tourist office is very helpful and the office has a lot of free information. Please note that there are various private ‘tourist information’ offices around Connaught Place claiming to be the official government tourist office. These offices sell their own travel packages and have nothing to do with the government.
The Government of India Tourist Office
>88 Janpath
Tel: 011 2332 0342
Timings: Mon to Fri 9:30 am to 6:00 pm; Sat 9 am to 2 pm
Web: www.incredibleindia.org
Delhi at Night
A unique way to see Delhi is taking a tour by night. The ride is about 5 hours and goes through Akshardam Temple, Lutyen’s Delhi, Rashtrapati Bhavan (the presidential palace); the Parliament House, Lodhi Garden and Safdarjung’s Tomb. Dinner at Lodhi, the Garden Restaurant, or Parikrama, the revolving restaurant, is included in the price.
>Tel: 011 6000 6255
Timings: From 7 pm
Cost: Rs 3,075 for 2 people (Indigo car)
Email: rentacar@sixt.co.in
Transportation
By air
The Indira Gandhi International Airport of Delhi has both domestic as well as international terminals. It is well connected to almost all the cities of the world as well as every city in India. Nearly all the major international airlines operate out of this airport. There is also the Palam Domestic Airport that connects Delhi with almost all major cities in the country. The airport has a free shuttle bus service for passengers every 20 minutes between the domestic terminals and every 30 minutes between domestic and international terminals at IGI Airport. There is a children’s play area in the security hold area of Terminal 1A of the airport. Admission to the area is free and the room has swings, climbing structures, soft toys and balls. Airport themes are displayed on the vinyl mats and the walls are decorated with colourful cartoon characters. A changing table and sleeping cot is also available.
There are plenty of food options at the International Airport. The domestic arrival terminal 1A has Café Coffee Day that serves sandwiches, muffins, cookies, shakes, juices and of course, tea and coffee; Hot and Juicy serves hot and juicy corn, hot dogs, momos and soft drinks. At Terminal 1B, about 150 metres away, one can have idlis and vadas at Balaji Express. Both passengers and visitors can dine here. The menu is exhaustive with noodles, full meals, snacks and dessert if you are just craving something sweet. You’ll find Nirula’s located near the departure gates which serves burgers, snacks, wraps and ice cream; Yo! China serves up decent Chinese food, and you can head to Subway for sandwiches and chips.
The International Airport is undergoing major renovations that have seen terminals upgraded, demolished, expanded and built. The airport will be in flux with the changes for the foreseeable future. Check and double check where the flight is departing from before heading to the airport. Currently, Terminal 1 handles all domestic operations. Terminal 1A caters to all domestic flights operated by Kingfisher Airlines, Air India and its subsidiaries Air India Regional and Indian Airlines. The terminal has undergone significant upgrades including a new modern look and clean Western style toilets. Terminal 1B serves all other domestic carriers including Kingfisher Red, IndiGo Airlines, Jet Airways and JetLite, Jagson Airlines, MDLR Airlines, GoAir and SpiceJet. This terminal added a number of fast food outlets in its upgrade. Terminal 1D is the brand new interim domestic terminal that was inaugurated on February 26, 2009. It can handle 10 million customers a year. All domestic flights operate through this terminal. Plans are afoot for Terminal 3, to be constructed in 2010. This terminal will solely handle low cost carriers. Full fare airlines plan to move to Terminal 3, along with the international flights. Terminal 2 is the current international terminal. Food outlets can be found in the departure area. This terminal is slated for demolition once Terminal 3 is operational.
Flight inquiries
>Tel: International 011 2565 2011; Domestic 011 2567 5126
Web: www.delhiairport.com
International and domestic air ticketing
>Delhi Tourism
N-36, Bombay Life Building Middle Circle, Connaught Place
Timings: Mon to Fri 9.30 am to 6 pm; Sat 9 am to 2 pm
At the airport
>Udaan Bhavan, Terminal 1B, Indira Gandhi International Airport
Tel: 011 2566 1000
Web: www.newdelhiairport.in
Airport telephone numbers
Airport call centre
011 2566 1080
Automated inquiry
011 2560 2999
011 2566 2275
Terminal 1 (1A, 1B and domestic arrivals)
011 2566 1000
Terminal 2 (International departure and arrivals)
011 2560 2000
Cargo Terminal
011 2560 1000
Airport Manager
Terminal 1A 011 2569 6150
Terminal 1B 011 2567 5315
Terminal 2 011 2565 5790
Airport Police 011 2567 5291
Terminal 1 011 2560 2116
Terminal 2 011 2565 4217
Airport Security
Terminal 1 011 2567 5289
Terminal 2 011 2560 2121
First Aid
Terminal 1 011 2567 2778
Terminal 2 011 2560 2465
By rail
There are a number of railway stations in Delhi that connect it to almost each and every city in the country, major or minor. The 2 main stations in Delhi are the Old Delhi train station in Old Delhi, and New Delhi train station at Paharganj. Make sure you know which station serves your destination (the New Delhi station is closer to Connaught Place). If you’re departing from the Delhi train station you should allow adequate time to make it there, as the traffic becomes a big bottleneck the c
loser you get to the station.
There’s also the Nizamuddin train station, south of Sunder Nagar, where various trains (usually for southbound destinations) start or end. Many trains between Delhi and Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and Udaipur operate to and from Sarai Rohilla train station, about 4 km northwest of Connaught Place. Railway porters should charge between Rs 20 and Rs 30 per bag. Buy a copy of Trains at a Glance (Rs 45), available at most newsstands, or ask tourist office staff for more information on schedules.
The New Delhi Cantonment railway station that caters to luxury trains like the Palace on Wheels, Fairy Queen and Royal Orient Express. Apart from these, there are a number of other small stations in Delhi for local travel purposes.
Railway Assistance
(For train reservations and Indrail passes)
>International Tourist Bureau, 1st Flr, New Delhi Railway Station, Paharganj side
Tel: 011 2340 5156; 011 2370 1100
Timings: 9:30 am to 6 pm
Inquiry
General Inquiry 131
Reservation Inquiry
Hindi 1330
Reservation status
arrivals and departures 1335
Seat availability 125050
Online reservation
Web: www.indianrail.gov.in; www.irctc.co.in
By road
All the main cities of India are linked with Delhi by a network of highways and roads. The main 3 bus terminals in Delhi are the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminus and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus. Various statemanaged and privately run air-conditioned, deluxe and ordinary coaches operate in and out of Delhi on a daily basis. Taxis are also easily available for long distance travel from Delhi.
>Kashmere Gate
Tel: 011 2386 8836