New Delhi, our capital city of India; where even the extreme summers and winters do not slow this crazy city down! Despite the summers beating down with temperatures hitting the roof, Delhi has so much to offer for the holidays. So, here goes; a snapshot of Must-Do’s in my favourite place in the world, because when the heat beats you down, the only way is up!
1
Chinese Cooking in Delhi
Chi Ni- means to eat. At the restaurant of this name, the philosophy is that of Chinese cooking from the heart. Actually, forget the philosophy and its tiny puny name; this is simply a must-visit for families who believe that families who eat together stay together! And, guess who seconds the scrumptious food here, none other than Amitabh Bachchan, who visited it recently with his star-filled family. You should skip the ballerinas and adopt the stilettos for this particular evening, though, this restaurant is luxury at a different level. Famous for shrimp toast, Peking duck, Portobello mushrooms, Australian lamb chops and sea bass, Chi Ni in Dusit Devarana, Rajokri, is also a heaven for vegetarians, for whom there is an entire separate section of dishes. A meal for 2 comes up to approximately INR5,000.
2
Be a Sheikh in Delhi
If you are in the mood to party, the new Kohinoor in town for you is Hybrid, serving the best shisha and cocktails in Delhi. Here, you should be ready to simply party through the night. Hybrid is at the old Janpath Hotel in Connaught Place at Tolstoy Place, with a brand new, refreshed, recharged look. Watermelon mojitos, mint and sugarcane and other cocktails help to beat the heat, and without burning a hole in your pocket, too! Offering a worldwide cuisine, a meal for 2 at Hybrid costs INR1,500.
3
Food Coma in Delhi
Food at its best, it is food coma induction at Indian Accent Manor Hotel. This is not a new restaurant, but it offers a new experience every time one visits. Dress up dapper for this place, for you never know which Bollywood celebrity you might end up sitting next to.
Indian Accent, situated in Friends Colony, is a fine dining experience with a neo-cuisine twist to its menu, where Butter Chicken Kulcha and Chicken Tikka Quesadillas sit side by side. I offer full guarantee on satisfaction at Indian Accent. If you don’t like this place, I will reimburse the bill with interest. And, if you like it … well, you will! Vegetarians feast here as well with baingan saalan in a cone. This phenomenal experience is worth every penny. Be sure to make a reservation, though. A meal for 2 costs approximately INR5,000 here.
4
Segway Tour through Delhi at Rastrapati Bhawan
The Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-operated electric vehicle. Its name is derived from the word segue meaning smooth transition. Segway Tours are part of a new concept, developed in Delhi for independent enjoyment of Delhi’s places-to-see. Segway Tours, lasting 45 minutes each, start early at 6.15am, so you get to see the Rajpath like it is at no other time of the day. Segway Tours can be booked online, and take patrons through most of Delhi’s most significant monuments, memorials and historic buildings like the Secretariats, Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Parliament and various scenic places surrounding the Ministry. Each tour costs INR 1,250, and parking is a breeze. The icing on the cake, is the pride of being Indian you feel at the sight of the eternal flame of Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India Gate.
5
Walk in the Delhi Forest
This walk happens behind the busy Vasant Kunj area, where there is a beautiful oasis of trees and flora at its best. It starts at 6am, and lasts approximately 2 hours, giving walkers a fresh view of Delhi we don’t get in the hustle and bustle of daily life. It ends with an awesome organic breakfast, and is a must-do for all. Prices start from INR 2,000 for the walk and breakfast
6
Shopping at its Delhi Best
Om Prakash Jawahar Lal Chandni Chowk (Subhash Katra, Delhi-6) is a trip to heaven, draped in a designer lookalike sari! All our dreams for couture fashion at pret prices come true here. The owner, Baba, is a dear friend, and the way the pieces are showcased at his shop, even a designer outlet can be put to shame. Food is at your service as you try out the pieces – whether Natraj ke Bhalle or Chandni Chowk ki Kachorian, this place is an out-and-out shopping experience. Prices range from INR5,000 to INR 200,000. Metro gets you there straight from any part of Delhi. His staff await you at the station, which is where the experience begins, from picking you up to dropping you off, from eating to shopping, all in a span of 4 hours. If you don’t believe me, do try it out and thank me later!
Leaving you with this much for now, so you have some time to digest it, I sign off, from my own world of New Delhi, the fashion capital of India, with lots of bling and glitter. The sun shines in Delhi for its food and fun, so keep your Tom Ford shades on, because more sunshine is on its way.
Picture source: http://segwaytour.in
