The Inside Scoop

What can you do to get the best tips when traveling? Just ask a local, and get the inside scoop!

We decided to do some work for you and here is what we came up with:

We share with you some great tips from Soma Dutt. Soma is from Kolkata, India (formerly Calcutta) and is an MBA student concentrating in Finance at University of Massachusetts, Boston. Today, Soma brings you some great advice for all you travelers out there interested in visiting New Delhi. Check out some of her fun suggestions, as well as things to watch out for!

TTI: Where should a tourist look to stay in New Delhi when money doesn't matter?

Soma: The Oberoi Hotels, New Delhi


TTI: What are some of the local's favorite hotspots?

Soma: The Lodhi Garden, Cafe Morrison, and Paranthe Wali Gali are places you won't want to miss!
 Check out more here!

TTI: What is one recommendation you would give to a friend traveling India for the first time?

Soma: Do not eat Street Food, Stay Healthy and Be Safe!


TTI: What is one thing most tourists aren’t prepared for when they visit New Delhi?

Soma: Driving there is an extreme sport. It is also very crowded, there are a lot of people!


TTI: Is there a food specific to New Delhi that is a must try?

Soma: 
* Spicy Snacks known as chaats (mixture of potato pieces, crispy fried bread, gram and tangy-salty spices-- garnished with sour home-made Indian chilly and dried ginger and tamarind sauce, fresh green coriander leaves and yoghurt), yummy!
* Chholey Bhature
* Paranthas: Flatbreads sometimes with a stuffing of your choice – potatoes, cauliflower, radish, eggs, keema(minced meat)
* Kebabs: grilled chunks of meat or fish marinated in aromatic Indian spices


TTI: What is one thing that makes India different from other countries?

Soma: Diversity in every aspect of life in India. Modern India presents a picture of unity in diversity to which history provides no parallel India's vibrant democracy, its dynamism, its youth, its religions, its nature, its languages, its origins, its culture, its unparalleled growth, its people, cuisine, makes it very unique.


TTI: If you had 1 day in New Delhi what would you do?

 Soma:
* The Rashtrapati Bhavan.
* National Museum - the largest museum in India
* Lunch and shop at Connaught Place
* Rashtrapati Bhavan
* Jantar Mantar: one of the oldest astronomical observatories
* Visit Chandni Chowk – city’s famous shopping street

Treat Yo' Self right in New Delhi, India!

Live the life of luxury while staying at the beautiful Oberoi Hotel in New Delhi, India!  The Oberoi Hotel was the first luxury hotel in the city's capital built in 1931.

Deluxe and Luxury Suites are available with gorgeous views of the Delhi Golf Course and Humayun's Tomb.  These two-floor suites come with a 24 hour butler service that can accommodate your every need.

Be sure to visit Travertino Restaurant to find a perfect Italian meal or Taipan for amazing Chinese.  Whether it is lunch or a romantic dinner, your experience will be one to remember!

Get a taste of culture by taking a Private Cooking Lesson!  Top chefs from Oberoi will teach you unique Indian recipes with their very own natural spices.

Private Spice Market Tours are also available through the hotel.  Each tour is guided by a local chef to teach you about their special taste.

Treat Yo' Self even more by boarding the Maharajas' Express! This luxurious train offers 5 top destinations throughout India.  Providing elegance and sophistication, this train is a three time World Travel Winner and continues to impress travelers every day.  No better way to travel the rich heritage of India in style!

The Thrifty Traveler: New Delhi Edition

1. The Swaminarayan Akshardham

The Swaminarayan Akshardham is a Hindu temple. At its very center stands an ornate and  delicate masterpiece, known as the Akshardham Monument. The central dome enshrines a statue of Lord Swaminarayan, the founder of the Swaminarayan Faith. In addition, there is a 10 story high monument made entirely of intricately carved, 6000 tons of pink sand-stone from Rajasthan!
 http://www.akshardham.com/

2. Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib was once a bungalo to Indian's ruler, Raja Jai Singh. He ruled in the 17th century when it was named Jaisingphpura Palace. Now, the grounds include the temple, a kitchen, a school and an art gallery. Those who practice in Sikhism believe that all people, regardless of race or religion may eat in the Gurdwara kitchen. The food is prepared by both Gursikhs workers and volunteers. 

3. Delhi By Foot Tour

DelhiByFoot are walking tours offered every week in New Delhi. From forts to mosques, and endless streets filled with colorful foods and fabrics, there is something for everyone. There are up to 12 different walks to choose from, so be sure to check the schedule to see which one sounds best (but beware: you might have a hard time choosing!).

http://delhibyfoot.in/walks/

4. Lodi Gardens
Lodi Gardens is a stunning park with of over 90 acres of land! There are some interesting sites to see here, including various tombs of influential leaders. The earliest tomb was dedicated to  such as Mohammed Shah (the last rule of the Sayyid dynasty) in 1444. So take a stroll through the garden or practice yoga with the locals, you sure will not be bored at this place!

10 Things You Must Know: New Delhi

Lodi Garden, New Delhi | Photo by Kumaravel

New Delhi, India

1. Name of city in its Native Language: नई दिल्ली
2. Official Language: Hindi, English, plus more than 20 officially recognized languages.
3. Currency: Indian Rupee ₹
4. Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (IST)
5. Closest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
6. Getting Around: Delhi Metro Rail, buses (but beware there are many different companies operating in Delhi), tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw), or cycle rickshaws.
7. Climate: humid subtropical; highly influenced by the seasonal monsoon. Long, hot summers and cool, dry winters. (more detail)
8. Tipping: aka "baksheesh": 15% for restaurant waiters (but some spots do automatically include a service charge); taxi/rickshaw drivers don't expect tips but will accept them up to 10%; at hotels 50 rupees per bag for the porter and 250 rupees per night for the housekeeper.
9. Entry Requirements:  A valid passport and tourist visa is required by all for entry to India, unless they hold a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card. (U.S. citizen specifics)
10. Culture Tip: Especially when visiting cultural sights, it is respectful to dress modestly, covering the knees and shoulders.

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Pic of the Week #2: Location Revealed!

photo by Stephan Rebernik, Flickr

And the answer is: New Delhi, India! 

In celebration of Nowruz and the beginning of Spring, we'll be spending the week sharing all of the best highlights and tips about New Delhi.

This week's picture is of New Delhi's Road To Remembrance (photo by Stephan Rebernik, Flickr).

The name of this road is Rajpath, which means "King's Way" and is an important memorial road. Every year on January 26, the national Republic Day Parade takes place on this boulevard.

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