The Delhi Dynasty

Geography
The national capital territory of Delhi is situated between the Himalayas and Aravalis range in the heart of the Indian sub-continent. It is surrounded on 3 sides by Haryana and to the east, across the river Yamuna by Uttar Pradesh.

History and Culture
Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that spans several centuries. The city has seen numerous dynasties rise and fall. Fortunately the history is documented in the monuments that have withstood the ravages of time and stand as a reminder of the glorious days.  The major languages in Delhi are Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

Accommodations
Accommodation in Delhi ranges from a couple of bucks a night to few hundred a night. The top end is well taken care of by The Oberoi, Taj Mahal, and Taj Palace to name a few. The next rung is occupied by hotels like the centrally located Park, the historical Imperial and Claridges. The 3-4 star category is filled up by lesser known brands and smaller hotels.

Dining
Delhi is a gourmet's delight - some of the finest Indian Restaurants in the world are in the Capital. "Bukhara" and "Dum Pukht" at the Mauyra Sheraton are not to be missed. Delhi also has Italian, French, Asian Mexican, Chinese, and Thai restaurants.  Returning residents know the best places to enjoy a snack - Nathu's in Bengali Market, Sagar in Defence Colony, the Parathe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk, and Madras Hotel in Connaught Circus are amongst the most popular. Another restaurant complex that has excellent ambience and good food is the Village Bistro.

Transportation
Getting around in Delhi is not the easiest thing to do. For those who can afford it, the best way to get around is in a chauffer driven air-conditioned car - it is generally not more than the cost of a car rental in Canada, but the chauffer and gas are included. There are black and yellow metered cabs, that are convenient, but can be very uncomfortable in the sweltering heat.  The metro (subway) is well under construction and currently they are doing dry runs on the tracks that have been completed - should be operational anytime.

Weather
October to March is the best season to visit Delhi. The temperature in May and June can easily be over 40C, while temperatures can also dip close to freezing point in the winter.

Currency
The Indian Rupee. 

What to Do
Principal attractions include the Qutab Minar - a Minaret 230 feet tall,  that has stood for over 8 centuries along with the Iron Pillar dating back to the 4th century BC and Humayun's Tomb both listed by UNESCO in the World Heritage List; Red Fort and Jama Masjid - from the Golden years of the Mughals; and the historical Sikh Gurudwaras, Sis Ganj and Bangla Sahib.

New Delhi, built in the early part of the 20th century has more architectural wonders - Presidential Palace (Rashtrapati Bhawan), Parliament House, India Gate and its surroundings. Other modern day wonders include The Bahai Temple (Lotus Temple) - made of white marble, it has a resemblance to the Sydney Opera House.

Museum lovers can delight at the amazing collections at the National Museum, Rail Transport Museum, The National Gallery of Modern Art, Gandhi Museum, Shanker's International Dolls Museum and many more. Delhi is also a very vibrant art & theatre center. Plays, dance and music of International standards are always an excellent way to fill your evenings.

Courtesy of Exotique Expeditions.
For more information or travel tips visit www.exotique.info.

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