GE – SPINE20

General Information

Attractions:

Delhi takes pride in being the capital of the country for many dynasties. It is in fact a city wrapped in legend, where time flows differently, and where every moment becomes a moment of history. A vibrant melting pot, it encapsulates two very different worlds, the ‘old’ and the ‘new’, each representing delectably different experiences. It is sprinkled with glittering gems like: captivating ancient monuments, magnificent museums, a vivacious performing-arts scene and some of the subcontinent’s yummiest places to eat. Delhi blends within its folds the great cultural variety of India. Delhi is not just a name, it is a feeling.

The Red Fort: A 17th century fort complex, constructed in the walled city of Old Delhi, it dates from the very peak of Mughal Power. Built by the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan in 1648, it is a grandiose of pomp and power. Designated as the UNESCO World heritage site, the planning and aesthetics of this Fort represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which prevailed during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.

The Qutub Minar: A fine example of early Afghan architecture, its construction started immediately after the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi in 1193 as a symbol of victory. It is surrounded by several other ancient and medieval structures and ruins, collectively known as the Qutub complex

The Humayun’s Tomb: Declared as UNESCO world heritage site, it was commissioned in 1562 AD by the Mughal Ruler, Humayun’s grieving widow. It was the first mature example of Mughal architecture and the first structure to use red sand tone at such a scale.

The India Gate: The India Gate is the national monument of India. Situated in the heart of New Delhi, the India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was built in 1931. Originally known as the All India War Memorial, it is a prominent landmark in Delhi and commemorates the 90,000 soldiers of the Indian Army who lost their lives while fighting for the Indian Empire, or more correctly the British Raj, in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War.

The Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi is popularly known as the Lotus Temple due to its flower-like shape. It was completed in 1986 and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent. It has won numerous architectural awards and has been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles.

The Akshardham Temple: Also referred to as Delhi Akshardham or Swaminarayan Akshardham, the complex displays millennia of traditional Indian and Hindu culture, spirituality, and architecture. The temple, which attracts approximately 70 percent of all tourists who visit Delhi is designed in accordance with ancient Vedic text known as the Sthapatya Shastra and is a blend of architectural styles from across India.

Markets:

From medieval period, Delhi has always been the most important trading center in Northern India. Many of its localities, like Sheikh Sarai and Yusuf Sarai, derive their names from the ancient trading towns of Delhi. No wonder today it is a shopper’s goldmine. The vibrant and exotic atmosphere of Delhi markets can make shopping lots of fun. To know the real culture and traditions of city, the best way is to stroll or wander around through its market places, for it is here that contemporary culture is most visible to the visitors. In fact, Delhi has the best markets in India, with handicrafts from all over the country. These top markets in Delhi are a treasure trove of goods waiting to be discovered.

Chandni Chowk: Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi. Built in 17th century by Shah Jahan and designed by his daughter Jahan Ara, the market was once divided by canals to reflect moonlight, hence the name Chandni. A pure pandemonium, an exploration of its winding, narrow alleyways is certainly an adventure. It is a must visit, when in Delhi.

The Lotus Temple: This huge vivid food and craft bazaar has been deliberately made to feel like a traditional weekly village market, called a haat. It is one of Delhi’s most adored leisure spot beautifully reclaimed on a storm water drain. It offers an exotic blend of delicious regional foods, shopping and events

Janpath Market: This very popular and bubbling Delhi market has something for everyone. This touristy strip sells the usual trinkets from everywhere in India and Tibet, and it’s a great place to shop for things to take back home. Haggle hard.

Connaught Place: Shaped like a horse-shoe this place is meant to be lucky for both the shoppers and shopkeepers. It has been modeled after the Royal Crescent in Bath, England and was made by the Britishers in 1931. No trip to Delhi can be complete without a shopping spree in CP, the heart of Delhi.

Khan Market: The market for the elite, it has been rated as the costliest retail location in India. It is situated in one of the greenest pockets of the city, very close to the famed Lodhi Gardens.

From age-old eateries in the by lanes of the Walled City to glitzy, specialty restaurants in five-star hotels, Delhi is a definitely the restaurant capital of India. A foodie’s paradise, it offers a choice of Indian and International Cuisines in different ambiences to suit varied budgets.

For epicures, Delhi is synonymous with Mughlai and Frontier Cuisine. The best of Mughlai cuisine can be enjoyed at Karim, (both in Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin) where the recipes, dating from the times of the Mughals have been the closely guarded secrets of generations of chefs

Delhi ka Aangan (Hyatt Regency), Darbar (Ashoka Hotel), and Corbetts (Claridges) are among the many options available in the expensive range, while Gulati Restaurant (Pandara Market), Angeethi (Asiad Village) and Degchi (Regal Building) are among those catering to more modest budgets. The finest Frontier cuisine is available at the Bukhara (Maurya Sheraton), Frontier (Ashoka Hotel) and Baluchi (The Hilton).

At the other end of the scale, there are many popular roadside eateries around Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin where kababs, rotis and biryani are the order of the day. For the more intrepid, eateries such as those at Pranthe Wali Gali, or chaat at Bengali Market and Sunder Nagar, bhelpuri at Greater Kailash and sweetmeats from Annapoorna and Ghantewala can be part of the gastronomical tour of Delhi. It is also synonymous with the omnipresent tandoori chicken and tandoori roti, which, when freshly prepared from the tandoor, makes a delicious meal.

Travel Tips:

Health regulation

A.1. Planning for Travel
i. All travellers should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against COVID-19 in their Country.

A.2. During Travel
ii. In-flight announcement about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic including precautionary measures to be followed (preferable use of masks and following physical distancing) shall be made in flights/travel and at all points of entry. iii. Any passenger having symptoms of COVID-19 during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol i.e. the said passenger should be wearing mask, isolated and segregated from other passengers in flight/travel and shifted to an isolation facility subsequently for follow up treatment.

A.3. On arrival
    iv. De-boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing.
    v. Thermal screening should be done in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry.
    vi. The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated, taken to a designated medical facility as per health protocol (as above).
    vii. The following protocol post arrival shall also be followed:
    a) A sub-section (2% of the total passengers* in the flight) shall undergo random post arrival testing at the
        airport on arrival.
    b) Such travellers in each flight shall be identified by the concerned airlines (preferably from different countries). They will submit the samples and shall be allowed to leave the
        airport thereafter.
    c) If such travellers’ samples are tested positive, their samples should be further sent for genomic testing at INSACOG laboratory network.
    d) They shall be treated/isolated as per laid down standard protocol.
    viii. All travellers should self-monitor their health post arrival also shall report to their nearest health facility or call National helpline number (1075)/ State Helpline Number in
           case they have any symptoms suggestive.
    * Children under 12 years of age are exempted from post-arrival random testing. However, if found symptomatic for COVID-19 on arrival or during the period of self-monitoring
       period, they shall undergo testing and treated as per laid down protocol.

Customs

Visitors are generally required to make a verbal identification of their baggage and declare foreign currency in excess of $10,000.

Climate/Temperature

Due to its vast size, India has a varied climate and it is possible to travel at almost all times of year and find certain areas of the Subcontinent that are at their best. The country has a three season year – summer, monsoon and winter. Generally the best time to visit is during winter (November to February), although there are regional variations. The rainy season is from June to September. And the post-monsoon season, which is the north-east monsoon in South India, is from October-November. Summer (March to May) is hot everywhere, except in the hills.

Recommended Clothing: During the winter months of November to February, light woolen clothes are appropriate for travel in the plains of North India and heavy woolens for travel in the hills of North India. For the rest of the year, it can be very hot, so light, tropical clothing is advised. Raincoat or waterproof clothing is advisable throughout the monsoon season.

Summer – Max.45°C, Min.27°C
Winter – Max.25.5°C, Min.4°C
Monsoon – Max 35°C, Min 25°C
Rainfall (Average) – 170 mm

Summer in Delhi is harsh – from April to June, the temperature climbs to more than 45°C and the heat continues in monsoon until October.

Currency

India’s currency unit is the rupee (rs.), divided into 100 paisa (p). Delegates can convert foreign exchange into Indian rupees or vice versa at the travel desk at the conference venue.

Electricity

In India electricity supply is at 220 V, 50 Hz. Round pins (2 or 3) can fit in the power sockets. Adapters are generally available at all hotels.

Taxi

New Delhi is a huge and busy city, but when you choose a New Delhi taxi service for your transfer, getting to your destination couldn’t be easier. Auto Rickshaw (Three wheelers) is a common mode of local city transport and available throughout the city. They rarely go by meter and rates need to be negotiated, App based Uber Cabs are available anytime of the day. Or you can contact your Hotel for their own Taxi service. Delhi has an excellent Metro Network but remains crowded during office peak hours.

Time Zone

India is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of GMT, 3 hours 30 minutes behind Tokyo, Japan Time ahead of India.