2020-08-09

I stayed in New Delhi for a week. And this article is good to some first-time India Visitor – who wants comfortable trip and also enjoy local culture.

中文版請見此: 初來乍到: 印度新德里遊、食、買、行、宿攻略

1 Is this article good for me?

1.1 First-time visitor

It will be culture-shock when you visit to India first time. And I’ll share with you some simple tips which can make you enjoy the India journey. According to the preparation before going to India, I’ll share my experience later. It includes the vaccine shots and e-visa application.

1.2 Comfy travel

I won’t mention local long-trip buses, or trains for normal price hotels. In other words, I chose more comfy travel style( hotels and transportation) and travel places, restaurants. 90% of time I was staying in New Delhi Downtown. If you want to get some info about village tourist places and backpackers tips, you can check some info in Lonely Planet.

1.3 Clean food

Before India trip, I took many vaccine shots and bought medicine. Luckily I didn’t have any stomach pain. Hence I’ll share with you my restaurants list. If you want to experience local authentic street food, you can check in other websites.

2 Travel

2.1 India Gate

I was so excited to see this tourist spot as this is one of my favorite India movie – Half Girlfriend. You can check the YouTube link as below in 1M,38S.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmlBnmyelHI?start=1.38&w=560&h=315]

Delhi Gate is the southern gate of many in the historic walled city of (Old) Delhi, or Shahjahanabad. The gate links the New Delhi city with the old walled city of Delhi. It stands in the middle of the road, at the end of Netaji Subhash Chandra Road (or Netaji Subhash Marg), at the edge of the Daryaganj.- From Wiki

2.2 Rashtrapati Bhavan

Presidential Residence” previously “Viceroy’s House”) is the official home of the president located at the Western end of Rajpath in New Delhi, India. – From Wiki

2.3 Humayun’s Tomb

I didn’t have chance to visit Taj mahal this time. But I found Taj mahal construction idea was based on Humayun’s tomb. I felt the building and atmosphere are similar. And it’s good to visit in the early morning to avoid the crowd and hot weather.

• Ticket: Foreigner INR500($7.67) , Indian is INR30($0.46) INR and USD translation

Humayun’s tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum (also known as Haji Begum) in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by her.- From Wiki

2.4 Kingdom of dream

This was the only trip destination that was far from New Delhi downtown(City:Gurugram). It takes 50 mins from New Delhi city. They did the good job for the building decoration. I felt like I was visiting Las Vegas Venetian. You will enjoy the Bollywood dance and be remember to rent earphones. I recommend to take Metro back to Downtown to avoid crazy rush hour traffic.

• Ticket is around $77~$115. Ticket booking link: Expedia

2.5 Qutub Minar 

You will be so surprised of this masterpiece from ancestors. This is one of seven miracles in India. It was built in 1193 by Sultan king.

• Ticket: Foreigner INR500($7.67) , Indian is INR30($0.46) INR and USD translation

3 Food

I followed Indian suggestion: only drink bottle water, no cold food( include yogurt and ice cream), clean restaurants. And I was totally fine during these 7 days trip. You can use Zomato which is similar to Yelp and search local authentic and clean food. iOs link, Android link.

3.1 Barbecue Naiton

It’s the chain stores and includes veg and non-veg food. The food is fresh and clean. Here’s the interesting idea you put the flag on and will expect a lot of food will come to serve you.

3.2 Chayoo

It’s comfortable to stay inside. The majority customers are young couples.

3.3 Costa coffee

There are many coffee shops in Delhi such as Starbucks、Cafe Coffee Day . And I like to stay in Costa Coffee. You will feel comfortable as staying in Western Style coffee shop but can do people-watching.

4 Shopping

4.1 DLF

The local premium shopping mall. You will find some good Sari and Western Brand. And the restaurants are clean here.

4.2 Select City Walk 

Another premium shopping mall. It’s close to the hotel: New Delhi Sheraton Hotel. (I’ll explain later). It’s just 5 mins by walking.

4.3 Dilli Haat

It was founded by New Delhi government. Overall it’s clean. 

4.4 Chandni Chowk

You will find many decent prices product. But I don’t recommend the street food for fist time visitors.

5 Transportation

5.1 Uber

It’s not convenient to use Uber in India. As the driver won’t move until you call them. They are wondering to know your destination first and then decide to take you or not. There’s another similar app : Ola

• How to register Uber?

Click me and register ( You can use my code to register to get discount：uberBeckyuber)

5.2 Tuk-Tuk

I feel not comfortable when taking tuk-tuk. All the traffic is crowded and you will feel other cars are almost crushing you. And all the dust and not clean air will go inside your lung. But you can get tuk-tuk everywhere, which is nice flexible transfer solution. And I would say it’s good for short term transfer.

5.3 Prepaid taxi

It’s a trustful taxi agency close to airport. You will prepaid the ticket and go on the taxi.

5.4 Metro

It’s not allowed to eat and drink in Metro. The Metro is very clean and fast with air-conditioned. I felt good when taking that as I had the seat all the time.

5.5 Airline

I took India Airline and Indigo this time. Please check the article: India flight experience – Air India & IndiGo

6 Hotels

I selected Safe Area, good management 5 stars hotel. And I thought it’s good for visitors who 1st time come to India.

6.1 New Delhi Sheraton Hotel

5 Stars hotel. It just take 40 mins from airport to hotel. The hotel is very cozy and clean. I love their restaurant and order a Chinese food(Ma Po Tofu- Vegan) for my 1st time food.

6.1.1 Lobby picture

6.1.2 Room Pictures

6.1.3 Restaurant pictures

6.1.4 Booking link

6.2 The LaLiT New Delhi 

5 Stars hotel. Close to Downtown and several tourist spots such as India Gate、Rashtrapati Bhavan. I love their complimentary breakfast.

6.2.1 Lobby picture

6.2.2 Room Pictures

6.2.3 Restaurant pictures

6.2.4 Booking link

6.3 The Oberoi 新德里歐貝羅伊飯店

I haven’t heard Oberoi hotel before. And finally I know it’s the five stars hotel in India. It took 40 mins from New Delhi airport to hotel. The hotel gate is on the mountain hill.( Should pass through the hidden secret door). The design is very western style and it’s highly recommend to stay there if you would like to experience the high class atmosphere.

6.3.1 Lobby picture

6.3.2 Room pictures

6.3.3 Restaurant pictures

It’s located nearby the human-built lake. It is most high class breakfast/ brunch place I have tried in New Delhi. It offers many International cuisine.

6.3.4 Booking link