Mahindra Homestays » Delhi

Indian Grand Prix in Delhi

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 20:00:04 +0000

If you love cars and are a speed addict to boot, then you’d probably want to be in Delhi this October when the Indian Grand Prix 2012 will be held. Spectators can enjoy the event from October 28, when the practice rounds begin on the 5.14-km Buddha International Circuit at Greater Noida.

The Grand Prix season this year started in Australia on March 18th and will end in Brazil on November 25th. The 2012 Indian GP will be the 17th of the 20-leg championship.

This year the Grand Prix is being contested over twenty races – the most races in a season in the sport’s history. The 2012 season has broken several records – six current and former World Drivers’ Champions — Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Räikkönen, Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher — started the season, breaking the record of five established in 1970.

Here are some facts about the circuit and suggestions for what else to do in Delhi during your stay.

The Buddh International Grand Prix Circuit

The Buddh International Circuit was the venue for the annual Formula One Indian Grand Prix, hosted in 2011.
The 5.14 km track has been designed by world-renowned German architect and racetrack designer, Herman Tilke, who has also designed other world-class race circuits in Malaysia, Bahrain, China, Turkey, the UAE, South Korea and the US.
The circuit is spread over an area of 874 acres.
It is expected to have the second fastest average speed of any circuit on the calendar behind Monza.
It can accommodate about 110,000 spectators.
The pitlane is also one of the longest in F1, at more than 600 metres.
The name ‘Buddh International Circuit’ was chosen as the area where the track is situated is called Gautam Budh Nagar.

Getting to the circuit
Greater Noida is strategically located at a distance of 25 kms from New Delhi to which it is connected by a flyover and a newly developed 6-lane express way. The New Delhi main station is just under an hour’s drive from Greater Noida.

While you are in Delhi

While you are in Delhi, here are a few things you can take in:
Visit the Red Fort, a 17th century fort complex built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Check out the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residence of the Indian President. It was built by the British, just before they left India.
Pick up trinkets and curios at the pavement shops of Janpath Market.
Check out the Qutab Minar. At 72.5 m, it was supposed to be the tallest skyscraper in the world when built. It took three generations to complete the tower (1193-1368).
Climb the minaret at the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
Enjoy the succulent kebabs at legendary Karim’s restaurant in Chandni Chowk or try some fiery Kerala cuisine at Gunpower.
Explore the labyrinthine bylanes of Hauz Khas with its eclectic ambience of crumbling monuments and hip boutiques, book stores, art and antique shops and restaurants.
Browse Yodakin, a bookshop that stocks independent publishers.
Pick up a veg-dye t-shirt or laptop sleeve at People Tree.
Visit Agra and the Taj Mahal. It takes less than two hours by India’s fastest train, the Bhopal Shatabdi.

Where to stay
There are a number of great homestay options in Delhi. Banyan Tree Homestay has acquired an enviable reputation amongst discerning travellers and corporate clients with a great swimming pool for relaxing in after a busy day. Casa Homestay gets rave reviews from visitors who love the comfortable and spacious rooms in central Delhi. Darshan Homestay is located in one of the affluent areas of the capital. It’s a well-maintained and safe neighbourhood with a popular local market. View all Delhi homestays.

Delhi Mango Festival

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 23:30:27 +0000

INTERNATIONAL MANGO FESTIVAL 2012
CITY: NEW DELHI
DATES: JULY 6 to 8
VENUE: DILLI HAAT PITAMPURA
ENTRY FEE: Rs. 20 for adults; Rs. 10 for children
TIME: 11 am to 9 pm

There are few things going in favour of Delhi when it comes to summers. After a pleasant yet testing winter and a blink-and-miss spring, the city goes on to experience four to five months of intense summers. The mercury hovers around 42 degrees Centigrade and the sun beats down on the capital. And yet summer is when Delhi is a riot of colours, fragrances and moods. It brings with it the heady aromas of khus and motiya; a deluge of shades of yellow when the amaltas blooms in the leafy neighbourhoods of South Delhi; the sight of happy youngsters diving into the shallow pools of India Gate, the city’s iconic monument, and, last but certainly not the least, the taste of the king of fruits, mangoes!

The relish with which the city savours mangoes is a sight to behold. Braving the scorching sun, the young and the old flock to the thousands of markets peppered across Delhi’s length and breadth, haggling with vendors and going home happy with a supply of mangoes. Restaurants are quick to cash in on this mango mania: turn the pages of any newspaper supplement and you will find announcements of food festivals and promotions centred around the mango. The fruit becomes the baker’s favourite as most confectioneries dole out mango desserts; cafes churn out beverages with generous portions of the fruit, and even meals at home usually end with a platter of cut mangoes. The modest vanilla ice-cream is almost always sold out in summers, given its phenomenal compatibility with the succulent fruit.

Being in proximity with some of the country’s highest producers of mangoes, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, is a boon for the mango-loving populace of Delhi. This is not to say that mangoes from deep down South, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Bengal don’t make it to Delhi. Just the variety of mangoes calls for a trip to Delhi this season. The culmination of Delhi’s love affair with the fruit comes in the form of an exclusive festival, organised every year in July by Delhi Tourism. Eagerly awaited, the International Mango Festival is now in its 24th year. The benchmark of its popularity is the footfall it gets from Delhi residents, not just tourists. Attractive billboards go up all over the city weeks before the start of the festival, luring everyone with the prospect of this calorie-laden indulgence.

Once inside the venue, the attractively laid out open-air Dilli Haat in Pitampura, a medley of sights and sounds greet you. It’s like walking into a mango market. Look in any direction and you will see piles and heaps of the fruit, in different hues, shapes and sizes. Decorated with mango motifs and colourful balloons, the atmosphere at the Festival is like that of a carnival. Walk ahead and you will hear rounds of thundering applause. The ovation is usually directed at a contestant with his/her face buried in the skin of a mango while trying to eat the pulp at lightning speed. Groups of enthusiasts are also found crowding stalls where you can learn a recipe or two with mango as the main ingredient. From the humble mango lassi to the more exotic mango salsa, there is a lot to learn about.

If you believe you know your fruit well, it’s time you test your ‘mango quotient’ at this year’s festival. The three-day mango bonanza also includes a spellbinding display of over 500 varieties of the fruit, as well as a slogan writing contest and a quiz.

Sampling the fruit as you wend your way through the maze of stalls and eager visitors is an experience that only this exclusive festival can offer you. This, however, may come for a small price but there are also many vendors who put out platters of freshly cut fruit for free sampling. And if you think you can grow your own mango, then there are saplings on sale for your kitchen garden. Until the first fruit appears, you can always feast on the delicious pickles, jams, chutneys and spreads on sale at the Festival.

Apart from the popular commercial varieties of dussehri, fazli, langda, sindhuri, kesar, chausa, banganpalli, totapuri, Neelam, safeda, Amrapali, Husnara and so on, there are several unheard of types on display. Some to make it to the last festival include sadabahaar, dakwala, elaichidana, angoori tapka and even Sheila, a fruit dedicated to Sheila Dikshit, the chief minister of Delhi.

If you still have room for more mango-related stories (this, after doing the rounds of the mind-boggling display), strike a conversation with veterans like Padmashri Haji Kaleemullah Khan of Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh. He is the man who is credited with growing more than 300 varieties on a single tree! Hailing from a family that is almost synonymous with growing the dussehri, Kaleemullah’s experimentations in grafting began in his early teens. Needless to say, it’s not just the fruit that is the essence of the Festival. Tales, trivia and legends go a long way in adding flavour to the overall picture.

So if you want to earn your stripes as a mango lover, the International Mango Festival of Delhi is where you should be headed. If you are staying in a homestay in Delhi as your hosts to arrange transport to the venue. Your host may be able to accompany you to the Festival, helping you choose the best variety of fruits on sale and even striking a good bargain. Back at the homestay, you can also request for a cooking demonstration of recipes using mangoes or even a meal with only mango delicacies.

Shopping in Delhi – top 5 shopping spots

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 29 May 2012 22:06:09 +0000

The national capital of India, New Delhi,is also the country’s shopping capital as well. There are numerous shopping destinations within the city making every shopper’s dream come true. From bohemian un-branded traveller clothes, to export rejects, designer-wear and the biggest international brands, you’ll find them all sharing the same space, catering to different tastes and budgets.

Here are our five favourite shopping hubs of the city. Be prepared to buy an extra bag to carry all your new purchases home!

1. Connought Place

The centre of the city is marked by the famous Connought Place, which is also the metro hub to all lines. Apart from glitzy showrooms and plenty of restaurants, explore the state Emporiums, Khaadi Bhandaar and a unique pick called People Tree. People Tree has been showcasing clothes, earrings and bric-a-brac made by NGO, ‘Jugaad’ for a long time. Everything is delightfully tasteful but pricey! Palika Bazaar, the basement electronics hot spot, is also a favourite with travellers for fakes and grey market goods.
The market is partially closed on Sundays.

2. Hauz Khas Village

Little designer-wear boutiques in the backdrop of run down houses and a lake makes for a great window shopping area even if you don’t plan on any actual shopping. Browse the creations of upcoming Indian designers. While you are here, stop-over at the renown Kunzum travel cafe (pictured above) for a quick round of tea and cookies, here you choose to pay what your pocket allows. Meet other travellers or just chat with the owners for some tips. You can also hop into some art galleries or pick up some antiques.
Hauz Khas opening times are 11.00 a.m to 7.00 p.m, closed on Sundays.

3. Sarojini Nagar

You are sure to run into over energetic haggling college girls in this market for sure. The products on sale are seconds or factory rejects of coveted western brands at dirt cheap prices. You need to rummage through heaps of clothes to find what you want, but the exercise is worth it as you won’t have to shell out even a third of the original brand price. Hone your haggling skills here!
Sarojini Nagar Market is closed on Mondays.

4. Select City Walk

A glitzy sprawling mall in the heart of south Delhi, the Select City Mall is nothing like any other Indian market. With all the trappings of international brands, food courts, large space for concerts and speedy escalators, you would imagine you are perhaps in Singapore. If you are looking for a multiple big name brands and an air conditioned shopping area, this is the place to visit.
Select City Walk is open on all days.

5. Janpath Market

Janpath is one of the best know market spots in Delhi, where shoppers converge to pick up curios, handicrafts and clothing and to sample the numerous Indian-style fast-food places. This is a great place to get a bargain on fashionable clothes; export rejects or seconds in great condition. As a particular fashion hits India, you can see the shops here teeming with the very same clothes! Work on your bargaining powers in this chaotic lovely jungle of shops. Clothes, shoes, accessories, scarves and books are the highlight of this street.
Janpath is closed on Sundays.

Visiting Delhi? Take a look at our other guides
Picnic Spots in Delhi
A dreamy day at the Kingdom of Dreams in Delhi
Transport in Delhi – Getting Around on the Metro
Things to do in Delhi and the National Capital Region
Delhi Homestay Collection

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Picnic Spots in Delhi

Mahindra Homestays — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 02:19:08 +0000

A jazz festival in Nehru Park, a football game in the Mahatma Gandhi Park and a long walk with your dog in Lodhi gardens – the parks and gardens of Delhi have finally got their sheen back and ‘Delhi-walahs’ are enjoying them to the max! Once you have exhausted yourself with all the historical monuments, museums and galleries, what could be a better place to relax, pack your picnic baskets and dust your Frisbees and head out to any of these parks.

1. Lodhi Gardens – A set of weathered yet timeless monuments make a wonderful backdrop to the well manicured Lodhi gardens. A walker’s paradise, you can also spread your fare and enjoy a day with the family in a nice shady spot! Children and pets enjoy the maximum as there is plenty space to run freely. Don’t forget to clean up after the picnic! Lodhi Gardens is accessible by auto rickshaws from any part of Delhi. Use the meter fare for getting here. The closest metro station is Jor Bagh from where it is minimum fare in an auto.

2. Nehru Park – If you have a soft spot for pets and love making new furry friends, you will find many like mined people with their pets here. It’s also a great venue for outdoor festivals and concerts which usually allow people to bring their dogs. Centrally located, many buses play on the route. Auto rickshaws are also available easily.

3. Deer Park – A convenient distance from three residential hubs (Hauz Khas, Green Park and Safdarjung Enclave), the Deer Park is a huge expanse of forest like topography with walking paths made for convenience. Small grassy patches or shades can be used as picnic spots. It’s great for kids as you can often spot deer and birds in this lush expanse. Green Park station is the closes metro point from Deer Park. From there you can get an auto at minimum fare.

4. Garden of Five Senses – Close to the Mehrauli Heritage Area in Delhi, the Garden of Five Senses is built on 20 acres of land and subtly merges natural and architectural expression. It’s a botanical extravaganza with an array of plants. The park also has some more sections like the amphitheatre, solar energy park and an artists’ corner. One can spend the whole day here with plenty of activities or just relaxing in a grassy patch. Free buses ply from Qutub Minar to the Garden of Five Senses.

5. Shalimar Garden – Given the history of Delhi was closely woven with the Mughals, we see the percolation of this perspective in the gardens as well. The Shalimar Garden is located in Central Delhi and serves as a historical place, as Aurangzeb was crowned the emperor of Delhi here. The Shalimar garden lies in the northern part of the city which is connected by metro and buses at ISBT. From there it is a short ride. If you are visiting the Delhi University area, the gardens can be visited in a man driven rickshaw as well.

Discover our selection of Delhi sights and attractions.

If you are looking to stay in Delhi, either for a city break or as a stopping point on your travels then our selection of Delhi homestays offer great value accommodation.

Many thanks to the photographers who share their images under the Creative Commons licence. All images link back to the original source.

The Mighty Old Fort in Delhi

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:57:25 +0000

Delhi can well be called the city of ‘monumental landmarks’ – quite literally! Out of the plenty that are sprinkled in the city, there are few that have stood the test of time and have witnessed the country’s growth over several decades, including the mighty Old Fort. Sitting in the heart of city, the Old Fort has an impressive backdrop. Directly translated from its Indian name, ‘Purana Qila’, it was founded by the Mughal King, Humayun in the middle of the 14th century.

The Structure and it’s History:
The mighty walls of the fort are about 18 meters high and run for 1.5 kilometres peripherally. It has three entrances – Bara Darwaza, Humayun’s Gate and the Talaqi Gate. The structure is primarily made of sandstone representative of the material used in other structures built under the regime of Humayun. White and coloured marble inlays have been used in places to give it deign interest. Parts of the fort reek of Mughal grandeur where architecture is concerned. This is seen in the elaborate balconies and pavilions.

It is said that Humayun built the qila as a refuge for the learned men for all Islamic sects. It was also known as the city of Dinpanah or ‘Refuge of the Faithful’! It is said that eminent thinkers used the venue for discussions on theology under the patronage of the emperor.

Purana Qila and the Modern Topography of Delhi:
During the Commonwealth Games, the Old Fort was one of the few monuments that were illuminated in the evenings to make the cityscape look impressive. If one went down Mathura Road during the games, the qila was brightly lit, making a resplendent setting.

Given that the fort is open to public all days, do not be surprised to see this monument double up as a venue for young couples and families to spend time.

Opening Times:
The summer timings of the Qila are 12.00 p.m to 7.00 p.m. In the winters, the timings change to 11.00 p.m to 6.00 p.m. Do check the timings before entry. The Purana Qila is open on all days

Entry Fee:
The fees for Indian citizens is Rs 5/- and for foreign nationals it is Rs 100/-. (These might be subject to change so please check at the counter).

What to See:
The light and sound show at the Purana Qila is choreographed to tell the story of the empire of seven cities within Delhi and the highlights the important features of the fort. This is a great way to add context to your trip instead of just seeing the structure. The show is held daily after sunset.

Find out more about Delhi and check out our list of attractions and sights to see in Delhi

Best places to enjoy India nightlife

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:45:40 +0000

After battling whole new stimuli of smells, sounds and sights of India, one can do with a break at the end of travelling to temples and monuments. Most visitors pass through or enter India through the major metros, where most of the night life exists. India is not counted as one of the top party destinations, but its colonial past has left some remnants of clubs and nightlife. We pick out the top seven spots for a fun urban evening where you can enjoy India nightlife!

1. Mumbai
The vibrant city of Mumbai is certainly one of the few destinations in India, which can claim to have nightlife at all. Safe for women to travel even late at night, Mumbai has a burgeoning pub and live gigs culture. Some of the places that one must visit are Totos in Bandra for an old school feel of grabbing a beer with a friend, amidst loud thumping music from the 70s and 80s. Bandra has a bustling nightlife with a few pubs strewn in the area. This is probably where one can hop from one place to another; else the distances in Mumbai are long to traverse in the middle of the night. Blue Frog and Jazz by the Bay are some other options for live gigs and karaoke nights. Stand up Comedy is high on the list of things to do for the younger generation. Catch some fresh Indian talent at the Comedy Store and Cafe Goa, and some alcohol to go along with.

2. Goa
Goa has always been the destination of deliverance where nightlife spots are concerned. Usually when the season in bustling with foreign internationals, so are the party spots of Goa. This is between October to March. For the rest of the year, it is not worth your while to go looking for a spectacular nightlife here. While Titos and Mambos were the stalwarts of nightlife for many years, now newer names like Butter Lounge and Shiros rule the roost. On Saturday night, join the party goers at Anjuna Beach to catch some trance and psychedelic music. Image credit by Berno

3. Delhi
Apart from the mainstream drink and dance places in Delhi, there is a whole new breed of underground music artistes who are bringing a fresh dimension for people who always want to be surprised. Catch B.L.O.T, Sifar and others who are hitting some new genres in Delhi. Shalom, Djinns, Mirage, Sahara, Mezz and Ministry of Sound are some places where you can catch some action on the music and dance scene in Delhi. Be careful as to be escorted by known people only and book your cab ahead if everyone in the group is drinking.

4. Bangalore
With a legacy of being the ‘beer and pub’ city of the country, Bangalore might have lost some lustre where the nightlife is concerned, but its easy paced fun is contagious. Still a great place to get a beer and enjoy the weather, Bangalore has a number of places to enjoy the evenings, except that one must wrap up by 11.30 p.m Jayamahal Palace for a slice of royalty, 13^th floor for the old timers and Toit, the latest addition, are all great places to catch up with friends. Places like Dewers, the first pub of Bangalore, are sorely missed by the locals. Another great pub for which many eulogies have been written but it still appeals to many, is Pecos. Known for its esoteric choice of music with jazz and blues, people still like Pecos for its impressive collection of cassettes. Try another classic place called Styx for some heavy metal. Though dancing is not allowed in Bangalore, Mynt is the only reasonable place where one can shake a leg. The central M.G Road area is known to have over 40 pubs in a radius of 1 kilometre.

5. Chennai
Unlike its image of a largely middle-class lifestyle, Chennai’s nightlife has been on an upswing for the last 5 years or so. Names like Dublin, Zara (an old time favourite), Hell Freezes Over, Bikes and Barrels and Geoffrey’s are names the young lot reckon with. Be at any of these for a fun filled evening.

6. Hyderabad
10 Downing Street, Bottles and Chimneys, Touch, Liquids, N, Ahala, Excess and Torque are some of the places which are worth your while in the ever growing pub scene of Hyderabad. The music sometimes can be a disappointment, but the number and variety of places in Hyderabad that make the nightlife more exciting, are in plenty. Try some ‘Famous’ ice-cream after you are done for the night.

7. Varkala
A surprise entry on the nightlife sector, but Varkala certainly owns a special spot here! The calm beaches on the edge of a cliff are the perfect backdrop for a couple of drinks in the months of October to March.

If you would like your next trip to include some of our top picks for India nightlife then get in touch and we can help you plan a fantastic itinerary.

For accommodation in India take a look at our homestay collection. Your hosts will be happy to help you find the best places locally for a good night out!

A dreamy day at the Kingdom of Dreams in Delhi

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:37:40 +0000

The latest addition to list of attraction around the capital is one that outshines its counterparts across the world. It’s a fantasy themed region inspired by traditional Indian architecture, costumes, music, gypsies and mysticism. This larger than life place is called Kingdom of Dreams and here’s what you need to know about it.

ZANGOORA
The star of Kingdom of Dreams is the spectacular Bollywood musical, Zangoora. The show is based on the life of a prince who was lost as a child and grows up amongst gypsies. The show’s pyrotechincs, acrobats, music, dance, colour and spirit have compelled people to place it above most Broadway productions. Absolutely stunning. Steve Wynn is amongst the shows admirers and it has been reported that he’s taking Zangoora to his hotels in Las Vegas.

FOOD
Almost all Indian states are represented at the Kingdom of Dreams’ Culture Gully. Extravagant havelis represent Rahasthan and Lucknow, a massive kettuvalam houses the Keralite restaurant and a small manmade beach sits pretty next to little Goa. Shopping for the products that are iconic of each region is popular amongst guests albeit they are priced steeply.

DANCES
While you’re enjoying your lunch or dinner you can enjoy periodic dances which are performed outside ‘Lucknow’. Various Indian folk dances are performed after every 30 minutes or so.

IIFA Buzz Cafe
For Hindi movie buffs the Bollywood centric IIFA Buzz Cafe is a good place to sit back and enjoy a few drinks. The competitive pricing and unique theme keeps the people coming in after sunset.
PRICING: On weekdays the entry ticket for an adult is INR 500, 70% of which is redeemable in the form of food. On weekends the entry ticket goes up to INR 750 per adult. Prices for Zangoora start at INR 750 and are not included in the entry charges. The doors of Kingdom of Dreams open at 1pm.

LOCATION
Kingdom of Dreams is located in Gurgaon. Once near the IFFCO Chowk Metro station, well placed boards direct people easily to the destination. One can take a metro to this station and then reach by rickshaw otherwise taxis can be hired from Delhi itself.

STAY
Browse our homestay collection in Delhi

Images supplied with kind permission from Kingdom of Dreams

Transport in Delhi – Getting Around on the Metro

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 06:48:37 +0000

TRANSPORT IN DELHI – MEET THE METRO
The Delhi Metro has changed commuting across Delhi and NCR. It’s made travelling for the locals and visitors cheaper, faster, safer and easier. For the first time, people in Delhi are not at the mercy of an auto-rickshaw driver’s whims. Here are the reasons why the Delhi Metro is the capital’s new best friend.

CONNECTED
The Metro network covers most parts of Delhi and the NCR. The Central Secretariat Station is the main station from where metros in all directions can be taken. Think of it as the Penn station or the Waterloo station of Delhi, the hub of transport in Delhi.

CLEAN
The word ‘immaculate’ is more appropriate when describing the trains as well as the stations. No corners are cut in their maintenance and littering is not tolerated at all.

SAFE
The Metro can boast of a great safety record. To date the network has been free from accidents. The first compartment of every train is reserved for women. Men should not board these even by mistake.

CHEAP
A metro ticket costs merely Rs. 15. For the Metros which will soon serve the airport the ticket is expected to be higher. Yet, in either case your basic fare will be significantly cheaper than any other mode of transport.

FAST AND PUNCTUAL
Metros are highly punctual and serve every station very frequently. The exact time of the next metro’s arrival is displayed clearly at every station. Journeys from South Delhi to Gurgaon which by car can take up to 90 minutes are covered in 15 minutes by the Metro.

CONS
The Metro is cheap, fast and safe. So no wonder it is crowded beyond belief during peak hours. This is especially true of the Central Secratariat Station. It’s best to avoid peak hours – around 9.30 am and 5.30 pm.

Find a homestay in Delhi

Other articles of interest:
Things to do in Delhi and the National Capital Region
Homestays in Delhi offer a warm welcome to visitors
10 great destinations to combine with Delhi

Things to do in Delhi and the National Capital Region

Mahindra Homestays — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 09:43:20 +0000

Delhi is a vibrant melting pot of all things India. First time visitors can easily find themselves overwhelmed by the chaotic city packed full of ancient monuments, vibrant colours and buzzing activity. We discover some of the best things to do in Delhi and the National Capital Region to help you plan your visit.

1. Monuments in Delhi
The capital of India has innumerable monuments, most of which were built by the Mughals. Some of the most prominent monuments in Delhi are the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.

The Red Fort is a huge and almost an entire day needs to be dedicated to it.
India Gate is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Capital. It is open to all and gets packed with families and tourists in the evening.
Don’t miss the lavish President’s House (The Rashtrapati Bhavan).
Rajghat where Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi is seen is another historically important monument.

2. Places of worship In Delhi
There are many revered holy places in Delhi. Some of the most famous amongst them are the Bangla Saheb, Akshardham temple, Bahai’i temple (also known as the Lotus Temple) and Jama Mazjid.

Jama Mazjid is one of the biggest mosques in the world.
The Bahai’i temple is a very serene Buddhist temple famous for meditation and prayer.
Bangla Saheb is a highly revered Sikh temple.
The grand Akshardham temple, which is fairly new, is very popular amongst families.

3. Shopping in Delhi and NCR

Shopping for handicrafts is high on most visitors lists of things to do in Delhi. The ideal places for ethnic products are Janpath and Dilli Haat but for high-end indulgence people can head for the opulent Emporio Mall.

Dilli Haat is known as mini-India because all Indian states are represented at this open air complex. Artists from every part of the country showcase their talent in the form of handicrafts, furniture, apparel and even dying skills. It’s not just a shopping complex as food stalls dedicated to each Indian state also serve up an endless plethora of cuisines.
Locally known as C.P. is Connaught Place where one finds the notorious Palika Bazar, an underground market where knock-off gadgets and pirated goods are sold.
Very close to CP’s main area is Janpath, a favourite amongst trendsetters for its ethnic items.
Gurgaon is known for its malls and the biggest amongst them is Ambience Mall. At this mall there are rides, endless stores and a multiplex.
Big Bazaar is where crowds head for major bargains.

4. Golfing in Gurgaon
Enjoying a game of golf is a popular thing to do in Delhi. There is an important Golf club in Delhi but the one in Gurgaon is considered more prestigious. The DLF Golf Club is a great place to enjoy a relaxing game of golf or just unwind watching others play.

5. Surajkund
This is the site of the famous annual festival. It is usually held in February, in Faridabad. It’s a favourite not just amongst shoppers but also photographers.

6. Golden Triangle
The trinity of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur is called the Golden Triangle. Most operators in these cities provide dedicated tours that cover all three. Tours to suit all budgets and which cover the main parts of these cities are easily available.

Explore the Golden Triangle with our seven day package

7. Neemrana Fort
Two and a half hours drive from Delhi and en-route to Jaipur is Neemrana fort. This fort is a leading heritage resort, a glamorous place where people come to enjoy lunches and even weekend getaways. Day tours from Delhi can easily be arranged.

Tourists can learn about the fort’s history, flora and fauna while at the same time enjoying a unique heritage aerial adventure experience with the Flying Fox zipwire.

Practical Information

Where to stay: take a look at some of our Delhi homestays which are all located in prime locations.
October-March are the best months to visit Delhi. December and January can get quite cold and foggy at night, monsoon lasts from the end of June to mid-September, May and June are very hot and dry.
Delhi is served by the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). The International Terminal is 23km from the centre and the Domestic Terminal is 15km from the centre. To get to the town it is possible to take a taxi or airport coach.
There are three main railway stations: The New Delhi Station near Connaught Place, the Hazrat Nizamuddin 5km south of Connaught Place and the Old Delhi (Main Station), 2km north of Connaught Place.
Most historical sights are open from sunrise to sunset, but many attractions are closed on Mondays
Discover more about Delhi and the National Capital Region.

Feature of the month October: Celebrate the Diwali festival

Mahindra Homestays — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 04:42:09 +0000

One of the most famous festivals in India is Diwali, known as The Festival of Lights. In different ways and forms it is celebrated in many parts of the country but is celebrated in it’s best known way in regions that are populated by Hindus, for example you will find big celebrations in Delhi. We take a look at everything you need to know about the Diwali festival and how to best enjoy it.

1. WHAT IS IT?: Diwali is widely and aptly known as ‘the festival of lights’. In its most popular form it is celebrated amongst Hindus to celebrate the homecoming of Lord Rama after slaying Ravana. In essence, it the celebration of good over evil. Historically, the people of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome Lord Rama and Lakshmana after their victory and this tradition is carried on by Hindus. Over centuries some changes have come about in the rituals. Oil lamps have been replaced to some extent by candles and lights, particularly in urban area. Firecrackers, which used to be a big part of the festival as recently as 15 years ago, have now become mostly obsolete. This was largely due to initiatives taken to boycott them due to their adverse environmental impact and practices of their manufacturers in employing child labour. But still, the simple and integral prayer ceremony is performed in every single Hindu home on Diwali.

2. WHEN IS IT?: The Diwali festival falls every year in November or sometimes in late October. Diwali is a two day festival. The first day, called ‘Chhoti Diwali’, is when a small prayer is performed at home. The following day is when all the festivities happen. Diwali is celebrated exactly 20 days after Dussehra and coincides with Amavasya (a no moon night). In 2010 Diwali falls on the 5th November and on the 26th October in 2011.

3. WHERE IS IT?: A Hindu family whether located in Delhi or Denver will celebrate Diwali in the best way possible. Markets, homes, hotels are all lit up beautifully. Diwali fetes of varying sizes spring up in every colony of Delhi, offering games, food, and amusement of many kinds. The fete of Old Delhi is particularly famous and a great experience for those who don’t mind crowds. The celebrations can be loud and noisy, but there are plenty of good places to watch the fireworks and join in.

4. SPECIAL TIP FOR VISITORS: Diwali, save visiting the fetes, is mostly a family festival. One of the best ways for outsiders to enjoy it, is by staying with relatives, friends or in a homestay. This allows guests to enjoy all the festivities first hand and even participate in their own little traditions. A visit to a temple with the family is also a moving experience.

5. THE LESSER KNOWN DIWALI: While the Diwali known commonly is the one celebrated by Hindus, the Jains also celebrate Diwali. Their celebration is to honour the day when their Saint Mahavir attained moksha. Most of the rituals are similar to Hindus. Home are lit up by families and a prayer is performed in the evening followed by a feast with relatives and sometimes friends. The only major difference is that the family goes to a local Jain temple in the morning and offers a ‘laddoo’ made entirely of sugar.

6. GAMBLING AND DIWALI: Gambling is illegal in most of India but in the weeks following up to Diwali everyone tries their luck at least a little. This is because Diwali is also the festival of Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, and it is said that she is generous with her followers at this time. In fact, many homes don’t even lock their doors on Diwali as they believe Laxmi visits the house of her devout followers and should not find it locked. To take advantage of her generosity, game nights are very popular.

If you want to celebrate Diwali in a family homestay get in touch with us or leave us a comment and our reservations team will be happy to help you plan your celebrations.