Destination Features

From the arches and domes of historical monuments to modern commercial centres, New Delhi has evolved into a city-of-the-future while still preserving its unique flavour and style. Breaking away from the shackles of being just a bureaucratic base, the city is in the process of a steady makeover, inching its way to becoming a business hotspot.

With development policies and plan implementation programmes well in place, this transformation, which is rather distinct and noticeable, is not expected to take long. Augmentation of commercial centres, infrastructure development, surface transport, connectivity and communication facilities has led to Delhi becoming more and more an ideal destination for business and investment.

As a promising business destination of the future, Delhi has some inherent natural advantages attached to it. Today, Delhi along with the national capital region is a fast growing industrial town. As the seat of government, it attracts a large number of multinationals, manpower and brainpower. An increasing number of technology-savvy industries are setting up shop here. Opportunities in every field are on the rise too. To the residents, Delhi is all embracing. A place which has witnessed every hue and colour that history has had to offer.

Inder Sharma, chairman emeritus, Sita World Travel (India) Ltd, has been an inhabitant of Lutyen’s Delhi since 1938. He says, “Describing Delhi can be rather simple; the city is a mother. A mother who embraces all the good, bad and ugly with equal affection. Delhi has been a city of hope and promise. It retains the same nature even today. Physically, over the years, Delhi has transformed itself beyond recognition. Till 1947, the residents were self-divided into two classes - Delhites and Dilliwallas - according to the region they lived in. Delhites lived in Lutyen’s garden city and Dilliwallas within the boundary wall of the Mughals - Shahjahanabad. Dilliwallas have been basically small traders, wholesalers and distributors for the rest of north India. Delhites were mostly Babus. After 1947, with the influx of refugees and transmigration of population, the very character of Delhi has undergone a change. With the refugee influx, Delhi transformed itself into a free-for-all entrepreneurial city. It has led to new shops, new businesses, new initiatives, new incentives, new strategies, even new confusions and an almost all pervasive society, which is today becoming not only a mini India, but a hotspot on the Indian business map.”

Capital Edge
Delhi, as a tourist destination, has come a full circle. It has an edge over other metro cities. Apart from being a political centre, housing each and every ministry, Delhi is also the residence of diplomatic missions of the rest of the world. As compared to other metropolitan cities, Delhi also enjoys super-infrastructure. With approximately 50 new flyovers to be made operational shortly and the City Metro Rail project underway, the city will have a new face in the coming years. With most of the international airlines based in the city, Delhi is well connected within and outside the country. The city gets the credit for having the largest media base. All the top newspapers and TV channels are operating from this majestic city.

Shopping
From Delhi Haat to duty-free shops, from ethnic dress material to designer wear, from handicrafts to imported goods, the city has it all. Delhi Haat is the city’s pride housing authentic arts and crafts. Central Cottage Industries Emporium stationed at Janpath has a spectacular display of Indian handicrafts and handlooms. Don’t miss an experience at Janpath - a destination in itself! Hauz Khas Village has a special shopping flavour attached to it. The mammoth Ansal Plaza is the latest addition to Delhi’s shopping circuit. The city boasts a number of designer labels too. Last but not the least, Connaught Place is a not-to-be-missed mega shopping spot. If you have the time, check out the shopping areas of Old Delhi for a dash of the local flavour.

Nightlife
You can let down your hair at various discotheques and stand-alone pubs. Apart from these discotheques, there are a few more exciting options one can try. A long drive (towards any direction) can prove to be that ‘nothing like it’ experience if you are looking for some ‘quiet’ option. Or if you just do not feel for that private kind of an affair, simply pack your dinner and make India Gate your destination, it’s simply enchanting. However if you want fun, food and frolic, all rolled up in one, just check out these exciting options. Djinns at the Hyatt Regency offers an eclectic mix of exotic cuisine and the latest in entertainment. CJ’S Discotheque at Le Meridien, is known for its theme evenings. Other favourite nightspots are Floats at the Inter-Continental-Park Royal, Some Place Else at The Park, Mirage at the Crown Plaza Surya, Annabelle’s at the Grand Inter-Continental, and My Kind of Place at the Taj Palace. The Whisky Bar at Grand Hyatt is also a perfect place to unwind after a hard day’s work.

Food in Delhi is as diverse as its culture, leading to the appellation ‘food capital of India’. Check out Pandara Road market, CP and Karol Bagh for Punjabi-Mughlai food. With a series of fast food joints, including the popular local brand Nirula’s in every area, the business of quick takeaways is highly popular in the city. From the oldest mithai shop Ghantewala in Chandni Chowk, to the array of sweet-temples such Annapoorna, Keleva, Nattu’s, Haldirams and Bengali market, the city is also a haven for the sweet-toothed. Other must-visits are Parathawali Gali, Colonel’s Kababz and Roshan Di Kulfi in Karol Bagh. Some popular restaurants are as follows:

Bukhara, Hotel Maurya Sheraton, Tel: (011) 6112233
Former American president Bill Clinton will vouch for Bukhara ‘taste’. This is Delhi’s best known restaurant for Northwest Frontier cuisine.
Coconut Groove, Ashok Yatri Niwas, Tel: (011) 3344511
This restaurant was one of the pioneers in introducing non-vegetarian South Indian cuisine to Delhites.
Chore Bizarre, Broadway Hotel
The decor of this restaurant is as wacky as its name and serves a large variety of Kashmiri and tandoori food.
Baan Thai, The Oberoi, Tel: (011) 4363030
Baan Thai offers quality Thai cuisine with a wide array of meat and seafood recipes and also vegetarian delights. A number of ingredients are specially flown in every week.
La Piazza, Hyatt Regency, Tel: (011) 6791234
La Piazza is a casual and trendy restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine in rustic surroundings taking you back to the meeting squares of Italy.
Le Belvedere, Le Meridien, Tel: (011) 3710101
Dining at this nouveau rooftop nightclub is an experience totally different and memorable with its uncompromising standards of class and elegance. The restaurant offers both Continental and Indian specialties with a live band and a dance floor.
Pan Asian Restaurant, Marriott WelcomHotel, Tel: (011) 6526888
This unique speciality restaurant offers cuisine from across Asia, be it Chinese, Mongolian, Thai, Japanese, Indonesian or Malaysian.

Reaching Delhi & Best time to visit

By Air: The capital city of India, Delhi is easily accessible from different parts of the country and is also well connected from major cities in South Asia, with over 65 airlines linking it to most major destinations across the world as well as India. The Indira Gandhi Airport is 15 km away from the city centre. The airport has two terminals – international and domestic, 8 km apart by road and with separate access routes.

By Train: Delhi is very well connected with rest of India by trains. The city has three major railway stations – New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station or Purani Dilli Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin. You can take a train to any part of India from Delhi.

By Road: Delhi is very well connected to the rest of the country by regular bus services that run from the Inter State Bus Terminals. The major ones are the Maharana Pratap ISBT in the north, Sarai Kale Khan ISBT in the south and Anand Vihar ISBT in the east of the city.

Best time to visit Delhi is from October to March